Uganda Safari Tours, Uganda Safaris Africa & Vacation Trips
Our Uganda safaris/safari in Uganda tours enable you to safari to Uganda, one of the top African wildlife safari destinations. Safaris in Uganda enable you to discover the amazing attractions in the best Uganda safari parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and places – the hidden gems of this extraordinary country Uganda – ‘the pearl of Africa’.
Uganda safari tours will expose you to an amazing natural beauty not seen anywhere in the world and East Africa that’s why Churchill Winston named it the “Pearl of Africa.”
It is within Africa’s Great Lakes region with the Victoria Nile coursing through its center northwards. Uganda receives a tropical climate as it is crossed by the equator and also has an average altitude of 1,000 meters.
Those wishing to come for safaris in Uganda, this country is a wildlife gem with 331 mammal species making it a top destination for African wildlife tours. It is a prime destination with diverse safari attractions and culture.
Uganda’s national parks offer excellent top attractions and activities you can always enjoy. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park hold half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas making it a spectacular area for Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda safari.
You will enjoy a private tour and track chimpanzees when you visit Kibale National Park. Uganda safaris tours will take you for a wild adventure in the best Savannah national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Park.
Also, you will see the big 5 Savannah animals on your private tour to Uganda. You will enjoy Uganda birding as you catch a glimpse of the rarest bird species within Uganda including the Shoebill.
On your tours to Uganda, you can as well explore the Rwenzori Mountains for Mountain hiking tours and Uganda culture tours.
Furthermore, Uganda safaris tours take you to the splendid Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa.
Types of Uganda Safaris – Categories of Safaris in Uganda
Uganda offers various safaris that you can enjoy and below are the different categories.
1. Gorilla Trekking Uganda Tours | Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours are one of the amazing top highlights one can engage during Uganda tours. Mountain Gorilla safaris are on every traveler’s bucket list and they wish to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Encountering the Mountain Gorillas in is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you unforgettable memories.
Where To Go For Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris?
There are 2 national parks to go to for Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris and these are;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is the best place to go for Uganda Gorilla Safaris in East Africa as it has 459 Mountain Gorillas making it almost half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas (1063). It has 19 habituated Gorilla families making it ideal for a Mountain Gorilla safari in East Africa.
Bwindi National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it has outstanding biodiversity and several endangered species that call the forest home and you can see these during a walking tour.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Apart from, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga is another excellent destination for those seeking to go on a Uganda Gorilla safari and also for seeing the Golden Monkeys.
Mgahinga National Park has one habituated transboundary Mountain Gorilla group which is known as “Nyakagezi”.
2. Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris
Gorilla habituation experience safaris in Uganda private tour take you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience the 4 hour guided tour of a lifetime with the Mountain Gorillas.
The Gorilla habituation experience safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park were introduced in 2014 by Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is ideal for researchers on primate safaris in Uganda.
This experience gives tourists more time to be with the wild Mountain Gorillas which is 4 hours, unlike the normal Mountain Gorilla trekking which is restricted to 1 hour.
Remember that the Mountain Gorilla habituation experience private tour is only enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.
3. Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris
Uganda Chimpanzee safaris take you in the tropical rain forests of Uganda e.g Kibale Forest National Park in search of the habituated Chimpanzees.
You will engage in Uganda Chimpanzee trekking guided tour and meet our closest relatives the Chimps with 99.9% DNA similarity. Seeing the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat when on Chimpanzee tours is an everlasting memorable moment.
Where Are Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris Done? | Where To Go for Uganda Chimpanzee Tours?
Chimpanzees are present in the tropical rain forests of Uganda though in different areas of the country and these are;
- Kibale Forest National Park
Those who visit Kibale National Park find it the best place for Chimpanzee tours in East Africa. This national park is situated in the southwest of Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National Park and it has over 1,500 Chimpanzees the chances of seeing the apes are at 90%.
- Murchison Falls National Park in Budongo Forest
Chimpanzees are specifically found in Budongo Forest at the Kaniyo-Pabidi Eco-tourism site in the Murchison Falls National Park Conservation Area. This site has well-developed trails for Chimpanzee tracking guided tour/private tour and the chances of spotting them here are at 80%.
- Kyambura Gorge In Queen Elizabeth National Park
It is a popular destination for those on the Uganda Chimpanzee tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gorge inhabits about 17 Chimpanzees and the chances of sighting them are at 60% lower than those of Kibale Forest National Park.
- Kalinzu Forest
This is the second best destination for seeing the Chimpanzees after Kibale Forest National Park. This forest is estimated to have 320 Chimpanzees with over 70 individuals being habituated and 2 troops are available for visitors. The forest is near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Ngamba Island
It is located on Lake Victoria and it is only accessed by boat from Entebbe. This Island is currently home to 52 orphaned and rescued Chimpanzees and there are guarantees of seeing the apes.
4. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safaris In Uganda
Chimpanzee habituation experience safaris in Uganda are memorable safaris that you cannot miss when on your Uganda trip holiday/private tour.
One would like to know what Chimpanzee habituation is. Well, Chimpanzee habituation guided tour is the slow introduction of wild Chimpanzees to humans so that they recognize their presence.
The activity is the better way of learning Chimpanzee behaviors and it takes around 2 years until the Chimpanzees are fully habituated.
Chimpanzee habituation experience is experienced in Kibale Forest National Park and in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. It is not possible in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This experience is a full-day activity. In this safari/ private tour, you can see the Chimpanzees as they awake from their nests, grabbing food and caring for each other. And, you get to see them late in the evening as they build new nests.
Chimpanzee habituation experience safaris in Kibale Forest National Park end when the Chimpanzees head for their nests for the night.
5. Uganda Wildlife Safaris/Wildlife Viewing Safaris in Uganda
Uganda wildlife safaris will take you to several parks and Uganda game reserves for Uganda wildlife viewing the best of which is Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, etc.
Wildlife watching tours in Uganda are the best way of exploring the big 5 Savannah animals in their natural setting within wildlife safari parks in Uganda.
One can engage in short or long Uganda wildlife safaris so that they get the full experience of the African wilderness seeing almost all the wildlife in the country.
Where Can I See Wildlife In Uganda? | Where Can I See Wildlife In Uganda?
Below are the best places where you can go for wildlife tours in Uganda.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the top places to go for a wildlife safari. It has over 144 Uganda mammals having 4 of the big 5 savannah animals. You can find Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Hippos, Uganda Kobs, etc. within Murchison Falls National Park.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited park located near the border of DR Congo. Travelers can find tree climbing Lions here in the Ishasha sector as they prey on Uganda Kobs.
You can find over 95 animal species in Queen Elizabeth National Park including 4 of the big 5 savannah animals.
- Kidepo National Park
The amazing Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in far northern Uganda. All the wildlife in this park is unique as it has 77 Uganda mammal species good for a wildlife safari and a walking tour for cultural holidays.
Kidepo National Park is one of the few places in Uganda where you can find Cheetahs and Wild Dogs.
- Lake Mburo National Park
This park has the highest number of Zebras, Leopards and it is the only park with Impalas. Visitors can always engage in walking adventures, game drives, bicycle safaris, horseback riding, and boat tours to spot wildlife species.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where one can see the Southern White Rhinos in the wild. This sanctuary is on the way to Murchison Falls National Park.
Other places good for wildlife safaris are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Mountain Gorillas, Kibale Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, etc.
6. Uganda Birding Safaris | Uganda Birding Tours
Uganda is a top destination for birding safaris in Africa and the world at large. This country is home to over 1,090 bird species making it a preferred destination for birding. This has made it a top destination to observe birds in their natural habitat.
It is also home to 24 of the Albertine rift endemics found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park & Semuliki National Park as the rest are found in other East African destinations of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Bird lovers can visit Uganda and enjoy birding safaris in the different areas of the country and these include;
Mabamba Bay Wetland
Mabamba Bay Wetland is located just on the edges of Entebbe on Lake Victoria. It is an important area for birding safaris in Uganda as it is one of the best places for sighting the Shoebill, African Fish Eagles, and water-associated birds next to Murchison Falls National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the best places for birding African tours as it has over 600 bird species. Birders can encounter birds by going on a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel as most birds are on the river banks.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is a top birding destination with over 556 birds. You can see African Fish Eagles near the Nile Albert Delta.
Bird watching safaris in Murchison Falls can be combined with Uganda wildlife safari trips to give you full excitement.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is not only for Mountain Gorilla tracking private tour but it is a great birding site in Uganda for birdwatching safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has about 350 species including 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Apart from having Mountain Gorillas, Mgahinga National Park also has 180 bird species and some are rarely spotted in other areas.
Some of the birds in Mgahinga National Park include; Cape Robin, White-starred Robin, Brown Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, etc.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places for bird watching tours when you visit Uganda.
It is an outstanding area for Uganda birding safaris having over 375 species. Kibale National Park has the Green Breasted Pitta which is one of the sought-after birds.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is located in Western Uganda on the Albertine rift valley floor and it is one of the best birding areas with over 441 species. This national park has Congo-biome species and Albertine rift endemics.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest lies at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley floor extending to Murchison Falls National Park. Visitors can always trek Chimpanzees in this area but it is a great place for birdwatching safaris as well.
This tropical rainforest boosts over 350 species some of which are only endemic to the forest.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park
This national park is located in western Uganda and it is home to over 177 Uganda species. Most birds can be spotted by hiking to the top of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a natural wonder for birding tours in Uganda as it has over 351 species making it a great place for birdwatching and you can see African Fish Eagles.
You can engage in game drives, walks, and horseback safaris as you look for the different birds in Lake Mburo National Park.
7. Uganda Culture Safaris | Uganda Cultural Tours
Uganda culture safaris/Uganda cultural tours will take you to different places and meet people of different cultures and norms.
The country has over 56 tribes with each tribe speaking a different language and all with unique lifestyles. Several Ugandan tribes like Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, and the Tooro have kingdoms that have been in place for a long time.
On these Uganda cultural tours, you will get a chance to engage in cultural activities in Uganda like music, dance, drama, and folktales. These safaris are also possible in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga Park.
Uganda cultural tours can be combined with a Uganda safari/private tour so that you get full excitement on your safari tour.
Below is where you can go and experience Uganda culture safaris;
Visiting The Batwa Trail
The Batwa people are forest gatherers who inhabit the foot skips of the Virunga Mountains and they have been there for centuries. They used to stay inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park before they were evicted.
These people will showcase their culture to you through dancing, songs, and storytelling.
Visiting The Nomadic Pastoralists
The common nomadic pastoralists in Uganda are the Karamojongs and these are similar to the Masai of Kenya. Well, they have a preserved cultural good for exploring as well as the Iks tribe.
Also, Uganda culture safaris take you to kingdoms of different tribes and chiefdoms and you can as well visit the Uganda Museum, cultivators who are surrounding the parks like Mount Elgon National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tourists can as well visit Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru to get the full history of this amazing cultural site and they are near Fort Portal town.
8. Mountain Climbing and Hiking Tours in Uganda
Mountain hiking tours in Uganda will take you to the different mountain ranges in Uganda and experience the hikes. These tours are adventurous and they enable you to hike to the different peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, Mountain Elgon, and the Virunga Mountains for volcano hiking.
The Rwenzori Mountains are one the highest Mountains in Africa and are famous for being snowcapped.
Mountain Elgon has the second biggest volcanic caldera in Africa and the biggest volcanic base and one can witness this during their Mountain hiking tours.
Also, you get to climb the 3 Virunga volcano Mountains, Mountain Morungule in Kidepo National Park, Mountain Moroto, etc.
9. Fishing Safaris In Uganda
Fishing safaris in Uganda are exceptional as they have you go to the best fishing areas and hook for the biggest fish. These fishing trips offer the best sport fishing in Uganda in freshwater sources that can’t be imagined.
Among the 350 fish species, you get to catch the amazing Nile Perch which grows up to 200kg, Tilapia, Tigerfish, Catfish, Mudfish, Rainbow Trout fish, etc.
During fishing tours in Uganda, tourists can always use various methods of catching fish in Uganda. The most commonly used method of catching fish is through the bait.
The best places in Uganda to go for Uganda fishing tours include;
- Lake Victoria
- Ssesse Islands
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Karuma Falls
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Source of River Nile Jinja
- Sipi Falls
10. Boat Cruise Safaris In Uganda
Boat cruise safaris in Uganda are an extreme adventure to enjoy during your tours in Uganda. Boat trip safaris are among the sports activities in the freshwater bodies of Uganda like Lake Victoria.
Tourists on Uganda tours go for boat trip safaris to get a chance to see different aquatic animals especially Hippos, Crocodiles, and other animals that come on the river banks as well as birds.
Where To Enjoy Boat Safaris In Uganda?
There are several water bodies for one to enjoy a boat cruise safari in Uganda but there are the best places to go to. These places offer the best boat cruise safaris which will leave you amazed.
- Lake Victoria
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat safari along Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park
- Jinja source of River Nile
- Lake Bunyonyi
11. Uganda Adventure Safaris and Tours
Uganda Adventure safaris and tours are the best way to experience and explore Uganda as a tourist destination for wild adventure journeys.
These safaris are worth undertaking as they will show you all the hidden gems of the country and will take you to most safari destinations in Uganda.
Every traveler can engage in Uganda adventure safaris and get the full experience of a real Uganda safari. They take you to the Mountain gorilla parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, wildlife parks like Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda game reserves, and adventure cities or towns of Uganda.
Below are some of the best Adventure safaris in Uganda;
- White water rafting on the source of the River Nile
- Horseback riding in Jinja and Lake Mburo National Park
- Bungee jumping on River Nile in Jinja
- Zip lining on Lake Bunyonyi and in Jinja
- Quad biking
- Tubing on Victoria Nile
- Kayaking on Victoria Nile
- Cycling mostly in Mpanga tea estates in Fort Portal
12. Agro Tourism Uganda Tours
Agro tourism Uganda tours take you to small-scale and large-scale farms where you get the opportunity to learn about the agriculture of Uganda.
It is a better way of learning the different ways how farmers in Uganda practice their farming. You will see the different methods either traditional or modern agricultural practices.
Most agricultural tours are experienced in rural areas as that’s where most farms are and this will show you the beautiful scenery and landscapes of many areas.
You get the opportunity to get to tea estates in Fort Portal, Coffee farms around Queen Elizabeth National Park, Banana plantations in western Uganda, Cotton farms, Agricultural research institutes, livestock/cattle farms near Lake Mburo National Park, Cocoa farms, Fish farms, and fruit farms.
13. Kampala City Tour In Uganda
The Kampala city tour is the best way of exploring the city and discovering its hidden gems. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda since the country got its independence in 1962.
It is a city for administration town, business, and other commercial purposes. Kampala city consists of 7 hills covered with red-tile villas as trees surround the urban center with contemporary skyscrapers.
During the Kampala walking tour you can visit the following places or areas;
- Different center markets (Nakasero and Owino Markets)
- Uganda Museum
- Kasubi tombs
- Kabaka’s palace
- Rubaga Hill with the Roman Catholic Church (Rubaga Cathedral)
- Namirembe Cathedral
- Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
- Gadaffi Mosque
- Baha’i Temple
- Ndere Cultural Center
Uganda Tourism Attractions To See On Safaris In Uganda?
Uganda is one of the unique tourist destinations on the African continent. There are several Uganda attractions tourists can always see when they visit Uganda on a private tour.
The top attractions in Uganda are in different areas of the country and visitors can access these safari attractions at any time of the year like in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.
Some of the top attractions in Uganda include;
a. Uganda Animals/Animals of Uganda
Uganda has over 342 animal species and these range from carnivores, herbivores, primates, and reptiles. Most of these wild animals in Uganda are found within the game parks of Uganda and wildlife reserves.
The endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park, Chimpanzees, and Bush baby are found within the tropical rainforests of Uganda. Also during your African holiday, you can see the big 5 savannah animals (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes).
Other wild animals that you can see are Hyenas, Hippos, Cheetahs, Monkeys species and several antelope species. You can find these in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, etc.
b. Uganda Birds | Birds In Uganda
When on tours in Uganda, you will see several birds as Uganda boasts 1090 bird species that have been recorded. Of the total number of birds, 150 birds are only in Uganda and not anywhere else in East Africa.
You can find these birds in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.
The birds you will see during nature walks are endemics and others are migratory birds.
Some of the notable birds in Uganda include;
- Shoebill –most common in Murchison Falls National Park
- Grey Crowned Cranes
- African Broadbill
- Green Breasted Pitta
- Common Ostrich
- Long crested Eagle
- Secretary Bird
- African Eagle
- Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill
- Great Blue Turaco –common in Kibale Forest National Park, and many more
c. Uganda Mountains
There is no doubt that Uganda is a land of Mountains. When on your safari in Uganda, you will get a big opportunity of seeing some of these outstanding Mountains.
Uganda boasts over 2854 Mountains, but a few are touristic and the most common are the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
These Mountains of Uganda offer panoramic views across the savannah lands, lakes, lakes, and forests with amazing scenery and landscape.
Below are some of the Mountains in Uganda;
Rwenzori Mountains; are also known as “Mountains of the Moon” located in Western Uganda and Makeup Rwenzori Mountain National Park. They are a block of 28 mountains and are snowcapped and form a shadow to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mountain Elgon; is located on the Uganda-Kenya border in the far East of Uganda and it is an extinct shield Volcano.
Virunga Mountains; are located in the Southwest of Uganda on the border of Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda.
They are Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo and are part of the 8 Virunga Mountain chain, you can enjoy volcano hiking on these mountains.
Other Mountains in Uganda include; Mountain Moroto, Mountain Morungule, Mountain Kadam, Mountain Napak, etc.
d. Lakes and Rivers In Uganda
Uganda is situated in Africa’s great lakes region and almost a fifth of the country’s surface area is covered by open water. For those on Uganda tours, this is the opportunity to explore some of the 165 lakes of Uganda.
Most of the lakes and rivers in Uganda are freshwater lakes and crater lakes.
Lakes include;
- Lake Victoria; it is the biggest freshwater lake in Africa
- Lake Bunyonyi near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Albert
- Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park
- Lake Kyoga
- Lake Mutanda –near the shadows of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Bisina
- Lake Opeta
Rivers include;
- River Nile -the longest river
- River Semuliki
- River Katonga
- River Kagera
- River Sipi
- River Pager
- River Ishasha
- River Kafu
