5 Days Uganda Primates Safari
5 Days Uganda Primates Safari This 5 days Uganda safari takes you to Uganda’s prominent safari destinations such as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary , Kibale ,
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Uganda Safaris | Uganda Wildlife Safaris
Uganda safaris, also known as the ”Pearl of Africa,” are an outstanding safari destination with abundant biodiversity, profusion, serene beauty, and beautiful weather, among other things. Uganda is endowed with numerous national parks and reserves, which tourists can visit to create unforgettable safari memories. Uganda has stunning and wonderful landscapes, tropical rainforests, clear lakes, the source of the continent’s longest river, the Nile, magnificent waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, primates such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and others, bird species, and many more. The name “Pearl of Africa” comes from Winston Churchill, who described Uganda as a fairy tale because of its fascinating environment, climate, and weather, as well as its welcoming people. There are no words to describe Uganda; the best way to get to know it is to explore and discover the beautiful attractions that Uganda has to offer with Discover Africa.
10 Days Uganda luxury primates and wildlife safari
10 Days Uganda luxury primates and wildlife safari This 10 days Uganda luxury primates and wildlife safari is an amazing safari that starts and ends
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Uganda safaris are such a wonderful experience that will give you the most excitement of your life to meet the fascinating mountain gorillas by trekking them in their natural habitats and spending an hour with them, and these giants share 98% DNA genes with humans in terms of traits, characters, and so on. On a Uganda safari, mountain gorillas are the most attractive and exciting creatures to see, and they can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Other stunning national parks in Uganda include Kibale Forest National Park, which is famous for chimpanzees, the sisters of mountain gorillas, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and many more. On an African safari, only Uganda safari offers you beyond the big five mammals; you will see all of the big five mammals with the addition of Ziwa rhino sanctuary on your itinerary, as well as trekking mountain gorillas, chimp trekking, and golden monkey trekking, which will make your safari fully complete with everlasting safari memories.
Wildlife safaris : Uganda has a wealth of wildlife when compared to other African safari destinations; Uganda’s wildlife thrives in natural habitats such as savannah grassland. Uganda is home to numerous animal species, including a large number of primates ranging from mountain gorillas to chimps, making Uganda the only safari destination where gorilla and chimp trekking is widely practiced. On a Uganda safari, you can also see the unique tree climbing lions that live in Ishasha, which is in the southern area of Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara. On a Uganda safari, you can experience exceptional wildlife safaris through game drives, particularly from open roof open vehicles, with experienced and skilled safari guides from Discover Africa in Murchison Falls National Park, then Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the addition of rhino tracking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary, which allows you to see all five of the big mammals. You can explore Uganda’s primates through gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and golden monkey trekking, which require trackers to move on foot in the company of experienced park guides and rangers to explore the rainforest parks in search of these beautiful primates, and once found, you will have one hour in their presence, making Uganda’s wildlife safaris unique and rewarding.
Birding safaris: Birding safaris is an outstanding birding safari destination with approximately 1100 bird species, accounting for more than half of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s bird species count. A large percentage of bird species are endemic. On a Uganda safari in western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is an excellent birding safari destination with over 400 bird species, making it the ideal birdwatching safari with the famous shoebill stork. Grey-crowned cranes, Great blue turacos, African Fish eagles, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Hartlaub’s Bustards, Black and white casqued hornbills, regal sunbirds, African Jacanas, Bar-tailed trogons, Green-breasted pittas, Grauer’s broadbills, Shelly’s Crimsonwings, Handsome spur fowls, Elgon Francolins, and many other bird species can be spotted on a Uganda safari. On your safari to various national parks and reserves, Discover Africa skilled birding guides can lead you through unforgettable safari memories by spotting diverse, beautiful, and colorful bird species.
Nature walks and hiking safaris: Guided nature walks and hiking safaris provide an immersive safari experience that allows travelers to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from the lush forests of Kibale Forest National Park, where guided walks reveal tropical rainforest ecosystems and the chance to spot chimpanzees, monkeys, and various bird species, to the majestic Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where hikers can go on multi-day treks to the highest peak.
Cultural safaris : Cultural safaris in Uganda provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s rich and diverse heritage, allowing travelers to engage with local communities, learn about their traditional customs and ways of life, and experience the vibrant melodies of Ugandan local music and dance, with stunning examples including visits to the ancient kingdom of Buganda, where visitors learn about the Baganda people’s history and traditions. After the gorilla safari, tourists interact with the famous Batwa people in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, combining the safari experience with the Batwa cultural experience.
Boat cruise Tours: Boat cruise safaris provide a unique perspective on the country’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems, allowing travelers to explore the waterways and lakes of the various national parks and areas, such as the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where boat cruises provide opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species like African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and others, or the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, which Boat cruises can also be done in Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, which provides a wonderful safari experience with perfect views of the surrounding terraced hills and islands, as well as opportunities to spot various water birds, or on Lake Victoria, where tourists can explore Ssese islands, learn about local fishing communities, and enjoy stunning sunsets with expert guides, making the experience massive.
Uganda Safari Activities
Chimpanzee trekking in the Kibale Forest National Park:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is the most exciting and outstanding safari activity available in Uganda and throughout Africa. The park is well-known for its stunning views of these magnificent primates. Kibale Forest National Park is famously ranked as the ”primate capital” due to its diverse population of primates, which number over 13 species. Chimpanzees are the second most exciting species, following mountain gorillas, which can be tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. In Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is the best safari destination for chimpanzee trekking, but there are other diverse safari destinations where tourists can explore and see chimps, such as Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and others. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park involves tourists moving through the tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee families. Chimpanzee trekking in the park begins early in the morning at the Kanyanchu visitors center, with experienced guides and rangers providing a briefing on the rules and regulations to be followed during chimp trekking. Following the briefing, you will be divided into groups of six people, with each group assigned to a habituated chimpanzee family to trek and a park guide who is familiar with the various trails in the forest where you can find the chimps. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park takes between 30 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the location of the chimps, because these creatures prefer to move from one location to another in search of food and shade, especially during the dry season. While looking for chimps, you will be fascinated by the diverse park’s biodiversity, which includes primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, Mantled guerezas, baboons, and many others, as well as bird species such as the Great blue turaco, Purple-breasted sunbird, African grey parrot, black and white hornbills, African paradise flycatcher, and many others. Along with spotting and admiring colorful tree species, plant species, and so on, the experience is both intriguing and rewarding. And once the chimps are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the chimps in their natural habitats, and this gives you the chance to watch and learn about the chimps’ behaviors, including watching the chimps feeding, watching the mother chimps grooming their young ones, and among other daily activities including watching the chimps, breastfeeding, mating, playing, and many others, minus forgetting to take pictures. After the experience, you will be transferred back to the starting point, where you will be given a chimpanzee trekking certificate for taking part and then participating in chimpanzee trekking.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
To participate in chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, tourists should purchase chimpanzee trekking permits, which are legal cards issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to all visitors over the age of 12 years and allow them to visit any habituated chimpanzee family and spend one hour in the presence of the chimps. The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale Forest National Park varies according to your nationality: 250 USD per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, 200 USD per person per trek for foreign residents, and 180,000 UGX for East African citizens.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Undoubtedly, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world’s most popular gorilla trekking destination, as well as Uganda’s most popular national park. Gorilla trekking is the primary reason why millions of tourists from all over the world visit Uganda, and it is the most popular safari activity in the country; however, encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare opportunity that only a few people have. Gorilla trekking is also regarded as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world, making Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the most popular and sought-after destination for tourists on a Uganda safari. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is regarded as one of Africa’s best all-around gorilla tracking destinations. Its densely forested slopes are home to 45% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and a total of 23 habituated groups, resulting in over 180 gorilla permits available daily.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established as a national park in 1991, and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its biological diversity and significance. The park protects 160 tree species, the most diverse in East Africa, as well as more than 100 fern species, 347 forest bird species, and over 200 butterfly species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda’s “Gorilla Highlands,” a region known for its lush green slopes of Kigezi. The park covers three districts: Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro. Mountain gorillas are the main draw for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Uganda as a whole; these endangered species can only be found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas live in two populations: one in the Virunga Mountains (the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda) and one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining gorilla population, and Uganda has the highest percentage of these surviving endangered apes in the world, with Bwindi accounting for more than half of them. Did you know? Gorillas share 98% of our DNA, making them our closest living relatives, and spending time with them is an incredibly humbling experience. During your gorilla trekking experience, you will observe their complex social interactions and behaviors, which appear to be very similar to our own.
Mountain gorillas are naturally found in high altitudes and bamboo forests.
Gorilla Families in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mountain gorillas, like humans, are social animals that live in families, each led by a dominant male known as The Silverback.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each of these gorilla trekking sectors has its own habituated gorilla family, as shown below.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 18 habituated gorilla families that are open for gorilla trekking adventures. These gorilla families were put through a habituation process that lasted 2-3 years to get them used to human presence.
Buhoma Sector Gorilla Groups
Buhoma Sector is located in the northern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is home to four habituated gorilla groups, including the park’s oldest gorilla group, Mubara, and its newest gorilla group, the Katwe Gorilla Family.
Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Groups
The Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has three habituated gorilla groups that are available for gorilla trekking.
Rushaga Sector Gorilla Groups
Rushaga Sector, located in the Southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is home to the majority of the gorilla families in Bwindi.
Ruhija Sector Gorilla Groups.
Ruhija Sector is located in the Eastern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, at an elevation of 2,350 meters above sea level. It is home to three gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking in the Mgahinga National Park:
Mgahinga National Park is located in Kisoro district, south-western Uganda, and is Uganda’s smallest park, bordering Rwanda and Congo. The park was established in 1991 and covers a total area of 33.7 acres. It is famous for golden monkey trucking and gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park begins at 7 a.m. and includes a visit to the headquarters in Ntebeko Visitors Center, where visitors receive information from guides before embarking on gorilla trekking in the forest. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park differs from that in Bwindi National Park in that Mgahinga has only one habituated group of gorillas, whereas Bwindi has many in various sectors, and the only habituated family in Mgahinga is the nyakagezi family, and this activity lasts 2 to 3 hours.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the park is generally dry, all trekking trails are dry, and the vegetation is always short, from June to September and December to February. However, gorilla trekking can be done at any time of year.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is not easy, but it is not difficult. To go gorilla trekking, you must be physically fit and mentally stable because it involves passing through dense forests and thick vegetation where you will meet other close relatives of the gorillas. Therefore, gorilla trekking requires someone who is free of disease or illness. Regardless of the challenges you may face, mountain gorilla trekking is the ultimate wildlife experience in Uganda.
Why does Mgahinga only have one gorilla family?
Mgahinga National Park has only one gorilla family because of its location near Uganda’s border with Rwanda and Congo, as well as the Virunga volcanoes, which cause gorillas to cross into other countries. So, only the Nyagagezi family lives in Uganda, and the Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated family. And the nyagezi family is made up of nine members. The family was named after the nyakagezi area, where the first members of the family were seen, because nyakagezi has a lot of food that attracts gorillas.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Parking right for mgahinga national gorilla safari tour is important as any other safari because some of the items are so important and needed during your primate safari mgahinga national park, and these include clothes, comfortable hiking shoes that should be water proof, binoculars for bird lovers, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeved shirts and trousers.
Bird watching :
Birding in Uganda provides an excellent opportunity for bird lovers to discover the country’s remarkable birdlife in a variety of environments. With over 1080 bird species spread across Uganda and various destinations, birders on Uganda birding tours have a better chance of seeing their favorite birds. Uganda’s birding destinations include swamps, savanna grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Maranatha Tours and Travel, your trusted partner for birding and wildlife adventures in Uganda, has compiled a list of the best places to go birding in Uganda.
Top Birding Destinations in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Aside from its abundant wildlife, which includes the African elephant, African buffalo, Ugandan Kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard, spotted hyena, chimpanzee, lion, and tree climbing lions. The park is also one of the best birding safari destinations in Uganda, with over 600 species of birds. The park’s diverse habitat, which includes savanna, forests, swamps, and lakes, is home to birds like the African emerald cuckoo. Black coucal, black-bee eater, barbets, red-throated wryneck, little grebe, yellow bill, blue-throated roller The Brown-eared Woodpecker, HoneyGuide Greenbul, The Dark-capped Warbler, Red-shouldered Robin Chat, Green Crombec, African paradise Flycatcher, Brown IIIadopsis, Sulphur-breasted Bush shrike, Western Black headed Oriole, Marsh Tchagra, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch, Brubru, Bateleur ,Long-created Eagle ,Martial Eagle ,Rupp ell’s Griffon vulture ,Grey Kestrel ,Black-bellied Bustard ,Temminck’s Courser ,African wattled plover ,Senegal plover ,Crowned plover ,Kittlitz’s plover ,Rufous napped Lark ,African Crake ,Flappet Lark ,White-tailed lark . Queen Elizabeth National Park’s iconic birding sites include Katwe, Maramagambo Forest, Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsula, Lake Kikorongo, Ishasha, and Katuguru Bridge.
Mabamba Bay Swamp
Mabamba Bay swamp and wetland is home to over 300 recorded bird species, including globally threatened species, 7 of the 12 Lake Victoria biome restricted species, and wetland species, making it one of Uganda’s best birding destinations. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Entebbe. The swamp was designated a Ramsar Site and wetland of international importance in 2006 due to its rare and attractive bird species, including the Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex), Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea), and Sitatunga (swamp antelope), among others. You can also expect to see Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Pallid Harrier, and White-Winged Warbler. Other species found in the swamp include the Yellow-throated Greenbul, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Ducks, Yellow-backed Weaver, Yellow warble, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-billed Stork, Yellow-billed Duck, Yellow-billed Kite, Grey-Headed Sparrow, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Grey-headed Gulls, Grey-crowned Crane, Grey Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Grey Parrot, Grey Heron, Green Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher, Wood Sandpiper, Winding Cistocola, White-winged Warbler, White-winged Black Terns, White-throated Bee-eater, and White-shouldered Tit, among other birds.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 bird species, and it also has the unique Sempaya hot springs, making it a popular destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Bird watching in Semuliki National Park is done on various trails, particularly near the forest reserves of Bundibugyo, the Kirumia River Trail, and Sempaya. During your birding safari, an expert will help you spot birds like chocolate-backed, chestnut-flanked goshawks, forest thrushes, and red-chested owlets. The ground hornbill, Nkulengu rail, yellow-throated cuckoo, piping hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, and Swamp Palm Bulbul are among the species.
Kibale National Park.
Aside from primates, Kibale National Park is well-known as a birding destination in Uganda. The park is home to over 375 bird species, including forest, Albertine rift endemic, and resident birds. Kibale is home to a variety of bird species, including the Yellow-spotted Nictor, Yellow-ramped Tinker bird, Speckled Tinker bird, Little Greenbul, Superb Sunbird, African Pitta, White-thighed Hornbill, and Grey-winged Robin. Blue-shouldered Robin Chat, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black-billed Turaco, White-naped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, and Purple-headed Starling are among the birds to look out for. The Bigodi wetland sanctuary is the best place to watch birds; it is a community project where experienced guides lead visitors on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are usually present between November and April.
Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga is well-known not only for its rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, but also for its abundance of bird species, which number over 180. The majority of Mgahinga birds are Albertine rift endemics and resident species. Mgahinga bird species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Black Kite, and Crowned Crane, as well as the Handsome Francolin, Dusky Turtle Dove, Alpine Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, and Montane Double-collared Sunbird. Other birds include the Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, numerous Black-headed Waxbills, and the Streaky Seedeater, among others.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is well-known for having the world’s most powerful waterfalls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous roar and a permanent mist, as well as for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The park is also home to 451 bird species, making it one of Uganda’s top birding destinations. During your bird watching tour, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including giant Kingfishers, giant Herons, shoebill storks, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou storks, Black-headed lapwings, Back-bellied Bustards, Gray-crowned cranes, Goliath herons, and black-headed lapwings.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, protects more than 350 bird species, both terrestrial and aquatic. Among the park’s diverse birds are the Africa finfoot, red-faced barbet, Tabora cisticola, black bellied bustard, brown chested wattled plover, emerald spotted wood, Carruther’s cisticola, grey crown crane, papyrus yellow warbler, bare-faced go away bird, and coqui francolin.
When to visit Uganda for birding tours?
If you want to go bird watching in Uganda, you can do so at any time of year. The best months to visit are March, April, May, and November. During these times, many migratory birds settle in various parts of Uganda, providing an excellent opportunity to observe them alongside local birds.
Game drives:
Uganda’s most popular safari activity is game drives, which allow tourists to explore the savannah plains in a comfortable 4WD pop-up safari vehicle for unobstructed wildlife viewing with a knowledgeable driving guide who is familiar with the various game paths. When taking a Uganda Safaris Tour, game drives can be taken in Uganda very early in the morning, around 6:00am, when animals are most active, or in the afternoon, around 2:00pm, as well as at night after dinner. In Uganda, game drives are conducted in a variety of savannah national parks.
Where to go on game drives in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
The largest national park in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park, located in the country’s northwest. In addition to the big four mammals (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes), the national park is home to 76 different species of mammals, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, waterbucks, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and Uganda kobs. There are also over 450 species of birds. Murchison Falls, one of Uganda’s savannah national parks, offers an exciting game drive safari in which you can travel across the savannah plains in a safari vehicle guided by a knowledgeable driver. During the game drive, you will follow various game tracks such as Buligi, Victoria, and Albert, which can be completed early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or at night. Various animals can be seen here, including buffalo, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giraffes, oribi, warthogs, lions, leopards, hippos, and more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, a savannah national park, is located in Uganda’s western districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Kamwenge. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to approximately 95 mammal species, including the well-known tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, waterbucks, and primates such as chimps, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, as well as over 600 birds. Game drives are frequently conducted in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsula, and Ishasha Sector, where tree-climbing lions can be seen. During a game drive safari, you will be able to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, bushbucks, hippos, and giant forest hogs, among other animals. The safari can be done early in the morning or in the afternoon. You will also see predators such as lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas hunting in the morning, as well as a variety of bird species.
Kidepo Valley National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in Uganda’s northeastern region, is a remote savannah national park. The most well-known safari activity at Kidepo Valley National Park is a game drive, which takes place in two different areas: Kidepo Valley and Narus Valley, where you can see large herds of animals congregating to drink water during the dry season. During the game drive, you will be able to view a wide range of wildlife species including buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, hippos, elands, kudus, oribi, Bohor reedbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, caracal and different bird species such as ostrich, Karamoja apalis, Kori bustard, chanting goshawk, fox kestrel among others.
Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo, Uganda’s smallest national park, is located along the Masaka-Mbarara highway in western Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park, one of the savannah sites, provides a fantastic game drive safari where you can see a variety of animals such as buffalo, giraffes, impalas, zebras, elands, waterbucks, warthogs, topis, leopards, and hippos, among others, during morning, afternoon, and night game drives.
Pianupe Wildlife Reserve.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda’s largest conservation areas and best-kept secret, is located in the country’s northeastern Karamoja region. Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve can be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon after different game tracks, and you will be able to see animals such as buffaloes, elephants, roan antelopes, elands, greater kudu, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, gazelle, topi, reedbucks, Dik-dik, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, civet, black backed and side stripped jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, and others.
To clearly see nocturnal species that become active at night, Uganda also offers night game drives safaris, which allow you to tour savannah national parks at night with spot light torches. Night game drives are conducted in four Ugandan national parks: Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley. You will be accompanied on the night game drive by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger who will assist you in spotting nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, civet, porcupines, genets, bush babies, nightjars, serval cats, banded mongoose, side striped jackal, bush pigs, honey badger, aardvark, black galago, and other creatures.
Best time to go on a game drive in Uganda.
The best time to go on a game drive safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to February. Other popular game-drive destinations include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. National park access roads and game tracks will be dry and passable during the dry season, as opposed to muddy and slippery during the wet season. This allows you to see animals clearly because vegetation is sparse and animals congregate around water bodies to drink.
Why Visit Uganda?
Known as the pearl of Africa, Uganda is probably Africa’s best-kept secret offering a fantastic variety of experiences and stunning landscapes while maintaining its serene beauty. Uganda is truly gifted by nature, the country supports a diversity of habitats from snow-capped mountains to lakes, winding rivers, forested reserves and jungles.
Uganda is a thriving destination with various opportunities for more adventurous travel, the country is part of an East African community with Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda borders the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the South and Sudan to the north.
Uganda’s misty forests of Bwindi is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers trekking expeditions through local villages and canopies of rainforests. Here you can get a rare opportunity to see a gorilla family nesting among the bamboo.
If you are more adventurous, you can stand at the foot of Rwenzori Mountains – the tallest mountain range on the continent and see the source of the White Nile.
In addition to meeting the majestic gorillas and chimpanzees, you can also enjoy a traditional East African safari in one of the savannah game parks dotted around the country. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular Uganda game park famous for its unique tree-climbing lions that are often seen resting in the giant fig tree branches.
Safari Tours to Explore Uganda
Safari itineraries
Get to Know Uganda
In size, Uganda is relatively small by African standards, but it is about the size of Great Britain and is home to a diverse range of nature’s gift.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – is the most iconic national park in Uganda, the misty forest covers 33,100 ha of improbably steep mountain rainforest and houses almost half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas. The forest is also home to more than 350 bird species, bushbucks, chimpanzees, African golden cats, the rare giant forest hog and the gentle forest elephants.
The Rwenzori Mountains – “Mountains of the Moon” in the west are spectacular as is Mount Elegon in the east.
For adrenaline junkies – head to the source of the Nile in Jinja, go white water rafting down the world’s longest river and relax on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Where to Stay in Uganda
Watch the spectacular sunset from a private balcony of your room overlooking the lush forest and be close to the African wildlife. Here are some of our favorite lodges in Uganda for a perfect holiday.
Buhoma Lodge
Trackers Safari Lodge
Crater Safari Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Safari Lodge
Bwindi Lodge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Apoka Safari Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled and answered everything you may need to know about visiting Uganda.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda is a year round destination, however the best time to visit is generally considered to be between June to September and December to March. This is mainly because Uganda has two distinct seasons, namely the dry and rainy seasons. The long dry seasons is best for gorilla trekking because the terrain is easier to hike on, at the same time, conditions for Big 5 Safaris are also ideal during these months because the vegetation cover is less and there are fewer water sources, this makes it easier to spot wildlife.
During the shorter rainy season from October to December, Uganda is lush and migrant birds arrive in the country. March to May is the country’s long rainy season, meaning fewer crowds, so you might secure yourself great deals. Furthermore, this time of year is actually great for chimpanzee trekking because these primates move lower down the slopes looking for more warmth and fruit, so it is a shorter walk to find them.
How can I visit the gorillas in Uganda?
A gorilla safari in Uganda is one of those bucket-list experiences that many people only dream about. It is highly exclusive and you need to obtain a gorilla permit to be allowed gorilla trekking. This contributes to protection and conservation of these endangered primates for future generations.
Everything is done to ensure the gorillas are not disturbed, limiting the number of people and time spent with the gorilla families at a time. Therefore, to ensure booking your gorilla safari is a seamless experience. It is always best to book with experienced travel experience.
What is There to Do in Uganda?
Uganda is a thriving Africa destination with diverse offerings for the more adventurous travelers. Here is our list of the best things to do in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular national park in Uganda and is home to almost one-half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population. This makes it perfect for your safari because gorilla trekking is one of the best things to do in Uganda.
Bwindi is situated southwest on the edge of the Great Rift Valley and is considered the most diverse forest in the country, the park is an extremely valuable conservation site and one of the top places to visit.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is one of the top destinations in the world to go chimpanzee trekking with about 500 chimpanzees calling this area home, chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale leave twice a day with an expert guide who will lead you through the verdant rainforests to meet them.
The Kibale Forest is rich in wildlife, making it a perfect destination for your Uganda Safari, but it is best known for its primate population. Besides chimpanzees, you can see red-tailed monkeys, diademed monkeys, olive baboons and black and white colobus monkeys.
Game Viewing Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda is more than just gorillas and chimpanzees, you can also enjoy traditional Africa safari in one of the national parks around the country. The Queen Elizabeth National Park located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, and the views from of the lodges and camps are simply spectacular.
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts an array of wildlife such as lions, leopards and antelopes. The park is also home to over 600 bird species, making up a quarter of Africa’s total birdlife.
Climbing The Mountains of the Moon
In the ancient times, it was reported that the much –debated source of the Nile was a group of massive mountains in East Africa. It was said that the Nile flowed from the mountains into a series of large lakes, the natives called this range “the Mountains of the Moon” because of their snow-capped whiteness. Today, you can admire these mountains from a far or for the more adventurous visitors, you can tackle them on challenging multi-day hikes.
On the range’s foothills lie the crater lakes which are extinct volcanoes. These picturesque crater lakes with some over 400m deep are ringed with improbably steep hills. It is a great spot to settle in for a few days to explore the footpaths or cycle the seldom-used roads.
Safari in Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest National Park in Uganda with Murchison Falls – the most powerful falls on earth as its most significant drawcard. Here you can find hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes as they gather on the river banks. Other wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park include lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeest, oribi, Uganda kob, chimpanzees, and many bird species.
How Do We Travel to and Within Uganda?
Most airlines can be used to get to Entebbe International Airport, whether via Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam or Doha. All visitors are required to get a Uganda Visa prior to their visit and for those planning to visit other East Africa countries, an East African Visa is the perfect choice,
The East African Tourist Visa is a collaboration between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya designed to make traveling in the region easy and more attractive as a tourist destination through the purchase of a single visa.
However, because visa requirements are constantly changing, our Travel Experts can provide you with the latest requirements to make your dream trip possible.
Traveling within Uganda, it is recommended to use a reliable taxi service for transportation to and from the airport.
What is Uganda’s Culture Like?
Uganda has various cultural groups speaking over 30 different languages with English and Swahili as the official languages: Bantu, Nilotics, Madi-Okiri or the Sudanic speak people and the pygmies who lived mainly isolated in the rainforests of western Uganda.
One third of the Ugandan population is comprised of Roman Catholic, one third is Protestant, 16% is Muslim and 18% believe in local religions.
In the countryside, a variety of festivals, ritual celebrations and familial gatherings demonstrate the culturally rich experience a travel could enjoy.
The Uganda Museum in Kampala is the largest museum in Uganda and worthy visiting. Others include museums at Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. The Uganda’s national parks and reserve are the reason to why most travelers visit Uganda.
Vaccinations and Malaria
For all the travelers, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against the following before your trip to Uganda.
- Diphtheria, Malaria (there is a considerable risk), Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, HIV in Africa, Meningitis and Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Typhoid and Rabies.
You are advised to have your Yellow Fever Vaccination card with you at all times, as well as all other vaccinations administered, when traveling between countries. It is best to seek advice from a specialist travel doctor when planning your East Africa Trip.
What is Ugandan Food Like?
Uganda Cuisine consists of traditional and modern cooking styles, practices, foods and dishes, with English, Arab, Asian and Indian influences. Most tribes in Uganda have their own specialty dishes or delicacy. Many dishes include vegetables and fruits such as potatoes, yams, bananas and other tropical fruits. Chicken, fish, beef, goat and mutton are commong eaten, although among the rural poor meat is less consumed than in other areas.
Tea and Coffee are popular beverages and important cash crops, served English style or spiced. Soft drinks such as Coca-cola, Pepsi and Fanta as well as traditional and western beers are widely available. Fermented banana wine is popular as well as Waragi (Distilled Spirits).
What is the Weather Like in Uganda?
The Equator runs through Uganda, although the average altitude of 1,000 meters provides some relief from the heat and humidity. The average temperature is 26°C and high summer is from December to February.
The rains occur from April to May in the South and again from October to November, we recommend not traveling during these months as navigating through the some areas can be difficult. The north region of the country is humid from April to October, but it is largely off the tourist trail.
Destinations to Add to Your Uganda Safari
Complete your ideal Africa Safari by adding the following countries to your Uganda Safari Itinerary.
Masai Mara
Serengeti
Volcanoes National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park
