Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage? Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a novice adventurer, Uganda is a must-visit destination. Native Africa Tours is your gateway to Uganda’s best wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking tours. From traversing the longest roads to sailing its pristine waters, Uganda promises a holiday.
Uganda safaris offer amazing opportunities for solo travelers, honeymooners, group tours, and family trips. A trip to Uganda is more than just hitting the road. It combines wildlife and birds with amazing cultural tours. Whether you dream of exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or Murchison Falls National Park, our amazing Uganda safaris are designed to make your safari dreams come true.
Choosing the right destination is a big deal when it comes to holiday time, time to go on an extended safari, unwind in the wilderness, rejuvenate, eat, chill, and explore nature. Looking through the Map, drag your fingertip to the East of the continent of Africa, and if on Google, type the six-letter word “UGANDA”, make a booking, and get your safari itinerary right away. Uganda is a tiny landlocked country in the east of the continent of Africa, neighbored by the Republic of Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Sudan.
It is a country with incredible natural diversity, ranging from mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and unmatched savannah cover. It is understandable why Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as “the Pearl of Africa” in his book “My African Journey.” Take part in excursions like hiking, birdwatching, gorilla trekking, game viewing, cultural encounters, and chimpanzee expeditions with your family and friends, by yourself, in a group, or as newlyweds. While on your Uganda safari, you can communicate with the natives in English, the official language, Swahili, Luganda, French, and other regional languages if you are fluent in any of them. While you can use any currency during your trip, it is simple to carry out transactions in the local currency, Uganda shillings.
Uganda has 10 national parks, each offering a unique and diverse wildlife experience. These include Mount. Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semliki National Park, and Mount Rwenzori National Park. With well-maintained roads and clear signposts, accessing these parks is a breeze, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable safari experience.
Accessing each national park requires paying entrance fees, except for gorilla and chimpanzee parks, where the trekking permit covers entrance fees. For sunrise activities, the parks open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. All visitors are expected to follow set rules, which include not exceeding the posted speed limit of 40km/hour, not leaving trash in the park, not driving off-track, and more. The violators usually pay a price to save the environment and its residents.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is undoubtedly Uganda’s most popular safari destination in the western parts of the country. The park was named after the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. This was shortly after she had paid a visit to the park. Since then, the park has welcomed thousands of travelers yearly for Uganda safaris. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular safari destination in Africa. The park is home to the rare tree-climbing lions. These lions can be spotted roaming the Ishasha and Kasenyi sectors of the park.
A typical game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park allows travelers on Uganda Gorilla Safaris to see multiple animal and bird species. Some of the animals seen in this park include, among others, but are not limited to, the following: antelopes, warthogs, buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, mongoose, hyenas, bushbucks, waterbucks, and Uganda kobs. On the other hand, the park is home to several bird species, including the pink-backed pelican, papyrus gonolek, African skimmer, African fishing eagle, yellow-billed wattle-eye, and many more.
Besides taking a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one can take an exceptional boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel on their Uganda safaris. Kazinga Channel is the water body that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. The two lakes are the primary water sources for the ecosystems in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Boat cruise safaris on the Kazinga Channel start from either Katunguru or Mweya. Taking a boat cruise excursion in this park allows you to meet large schools of hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
Nestled in the northwestern region of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s best destinations for wildlife and adventure safaris. This is in addition to being Uganda’s largest and oldest National Park. A trip to Murchison Falls National Park allows tourists to go off the beaten path and adventure in the wild. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo). An exclusive wildlife safari game drive in Murchison Falls National Park allows you to spot at least one, if not all, of these animals. More so, the park is home to many other wild animals. Some of these include: giraffes, warthogs, and hyenas.
Besides the wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park is a reliable safari destination for birding tours. A Uganda birding safari to Murchison Falls National Park introduces you to some elusive and Rift Valley endemic species. Prepare to spot birds like the papyrus gonolek, Abyssinian ground hornbill, hammer kops, and the bare-faced go-away bird. Lastly, a boat cruise on the Nile River introduces you to many water birds, hippos, and crocodiles. The boat cruise usually takes you to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Did you know that Murchison Falls is the world’s strongest waterfall? From the bottom of the falls, tourists climb to the top. At this point, you witness the waters plunge into the 7-meter gorge.
One of the best safaris in Uganda is gorilla trekking. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see gorillas in their natural environment. Only the African continent, specifically the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to endangered gorillas. This activity is carried out in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Only those who are 15 years old and have a valid gorilla trekking permit will participate in this activity.
Every day, a group of up to eight individuals may visit a specific gorilla family under the leadership of a knowledgeable ranger guide who describes the life and traits of these apes. All trekkers must purchase a gorilla trekking permit, which costs 800 USD per person per day, 700 USD for foreign residents, and 300,000 Ugx for East African nationals. Gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Uganda usually start from Kampala – Entebbe International Airport. From here, travelers drive for approximately 8 hours to reach any of these gorilla safari destinations in Uganda. Alternatively, with the reopening of the Rwanda-Uganda borders, one can easily drive for 3 hours to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga parks from Kigali International Airport. Here is an example of a Uganda gorilla trekking safari starting from Kigali.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park occurs in four sectors: the Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma sectors. Each of these sectors is home to several mountain gorilla families. Once you have booked your Uganda gorilla trekking permit with us, we will find the available industry and the one that best suits you. We usually book your Uganda gorilla trekking safari accommodation in such a sector. Book a Uganda gorilla safari now and create a signature of memories.
On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers travelers a different trekking experience on Uganda Gorilla safaris. The park’s terrain is steeper and more challenging than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Additionally, the park has only one habituated mountain gorilla family (Nyakagezi group) available for trekking. This family is transboundary and can sometimes cross into Rwanda and Congo. This combination makes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more challenging walk into the forests. However, this does not mean one cannot see mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park. With the help of our safari experts, you will be able to meet gorillas in the park.
Lake Mburo National Park is the closest to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. The park can also be accessed from Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Lake Mburo National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kiruhura district. The park is one of Uganda’s best and most reliable safari destinations. It has scenic landscapes and a mix of vegetation regions dominated by savannah plains. This park is famous for being home to many grazers. It is the only place with many zebras, antelopes, and Uganda kobs. Lake Mburo National Park is usually known as “Whispers of the Wild”. This is because of the many wildlife species – plants, animals, and birds.
Several safari activities are done on a trip to Lake Mburo National Park. These include: game drives, horse riding safaris, birding tours, cultural experiences, guided nature walks, and many more. Lake Mburo National Park also offers fantastic boat cruise trips. A boat ride on Lake Mburo allows travelers to see many aquatic species, including hippos, birds, crocodiles, and fish. More so, the park offers outstanding nature walk adventures that will enable travelers to interact with the local members of the communities. Imagine a visit to the local Munyankole’s farm on an Uganda safari. You will witness and participate in their day-to-day life chores. Milk the long-horned cows and enjoy the stories about these historical cows in Uganda.
Safaris for chimpanzee trekking take you to Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and Murchison Falls National Park’s Budongo Forest. Humans and chimpanzees are closely related, having around 98% similar DNA. Depending on your hiking pace and how far the chimps have traveled, it will take you between one and five hours to trek them on foot. You are given an hour to snap pictures and be amongst them.
A chimpanzee trekking safari or trip in Uganda usually begins with an early breakfast at your lodge or accommodation facility. Later, you gather at the park headquarters (Kanyanchu for Kibale National Park). Later, you will walk into the lush green forests searching for these human-like apes. This walk is characterized by walking through thorny and slippery trails, especially during the rainy seasons (October to November and March to May). The walk is worth enduring as it comes with views of many forest dwellers, including birds and primates. Once you meet the chimpanzees, you can spend one hour in their presence. You can spot them as they dine, play, and mate.
A walk usually follows chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale National Park in the Bigodi Village. It all starts with walking through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, also known as Magombe Swamp. You will spot many birds here, including the rare blue Rwenzori turaco. Additionally, you will spot many primates, including red-tailed monkeys. After this guided nature walk, you visit the Banana Man in Bigodi Village. Get entertained by local traditional women dancers as you taste locally brewed banana beer. This is one of the best cultural experiences on an Uganda safari.
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda, close to the border of Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. Uganda’s most isolated park suits travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Secluded from the rest of Uganda’s safari destinations, Kidepo Valley National Park is an undiscovered gem in Africa. The park has many hunters, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, hyenas, etc. Additionally, the park is home to many grazers like buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and elephants.
A guided game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park allows travelers to explore the Narus Valley. This extensive animal hub is one of the best safari destinations in Uganda. Game drives in the Narus Valley introduce tourists to many animals and birds. Besides the game drives, Kidepo Valley National Park is a perfect place for cultural tours and community safaris in Uganda. Travelers visit the Karimajong people and the Ik living in the Morungole Mountains. Both air and transport can access Kidepo Valley National Park. Chartered flights to Kidepo Valley are usually available at Kajjansi Airfield in Entebbe.
Get the Rhythms that keep you jumping, smiling, and wanting more. An encounter with any of the 56 cultures in Uganda leads to a very thrilling safari experience regarding authenticity and cultural diversity. Ugandans are proud of their cultures, and at any given point, they will display them to visitors. They dance, sing, take you around the Village, and tell stories. It is a unique, unforgettable experience in a rural setup; a reminder to you, the urban dwellers, that culture is vital and needs to be upheld.
Among the tribes to look for are Batwa pygmies living around Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, the IK and Karamojong in the north near Kidepo Valley National Park, and Buganda, not the Isunga cultural community, living around Kibale Forest National Park.
Are you passionate about birding tours in Africa? Adding Uganda to your bucket list is an ideal venture. Almost all national parks in Uganda are reliable birding destinations. The ones that stand out as Uganda’s best birding spots include: Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are home to some endangered species and Rift Valley Endemics. Meet some endemic species in the Mabamba Wetland, Mabira Forest, Mount Rwenzori, Bigodi Wetland, and Mount Elgon National Park.
Rhinos are one of the members of the Big Five family and can only be tracked in the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in the Nakasongola district, south of Murchison Falls National Park; their only habitat in the country. They are the white Rhinos. Rhino tracking lasts for approximately an hour, with Ranger guides leading you to where they graze. Visiting this sanctuary on a safari to Murchison Falls National Park allows you to complete your Big Five animal list. Learning about wildlife conservation stories at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is fascinating.
Not to the weak-hearted, yet to all who look out for unforgettable safari ventures in Uganda. Adventure activities are not for the weak-hearted but for those who love them. Get to Uganda for the rewarding white water rafting on the Nile rapids, Mountain Hiking, Bungee jumping, camping experience, and more. These activities are every day at the source of the Nile in Jinja. They can easily be combined with other activities on a day Jinja city tour. These include: hiking Ssezibwa waterfalls, boat cruises on the Nile, quad biking, guided nature walks, birding in Mabira Forest, plantation tours, and many more.
Big five safaris in Uganda take you to unspoiled savannah parks to encounter the Big Five mammals, notably lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffalo, and Rhinoceros. Even though these animals are present in the country, it takes a lucky day to encounter them. The safari takes you to Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda hiking safari adventures take you to the highlands and mountains of Africa, from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the world’s largest volcanic caldera of Mount Elgon. Mount Muhabura of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park allows you to burn off all the calories. Whether you are looking for a challenging experience or just a beginner, Uganda hiking safari adventures await. Hiking Mount Rwenzori introduces you to montane vegetation, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, and views of the snow-capped peak, Margherita.
Reward yourself with fantastic boat cruises on the Nile, the longest river on earth, and Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Boat cruises are done in the different national parks and beaches in the morning and afternoon. You get to sail on water on a canoe or motorized boat, and enjoy the freshwater breeze, as you watch the birds, animals, and more.
Uganda is open to visitors all year round, with exciting activities in different destinations starting at daybreak. The best months to visit without fear of much rain that can interrupt the experience are from December to March, and from June to September. March to May and October to November have rains, but visitors enjoy great discounts on accommodation and other offers. Uganda is one of the premier safari destinations in the world. Enjoy the best untouched nature, top-class accommodation facilities, a serene environment, a variety of flora and fauna, culture, and more during your safari holiday vacation.
