Uganda is the meeting place of the East African savanna and the West African rainforest. This union makes for an incredibly lush and fertile country that offers great variety to travelers — from snowcapped mountains to open plains and Africa’s largest lake (and the second largest freshwater lake in the world). Guests visiting the ‘Pearl of Africa’ can enjoy some of the best primate viewing in Africa – with the chance to trek to see endangered mountain gorillas, energetic chimpanzees and other primates including golden monkeys. Birdlife is prolific and wildly diverse with more than 1,000 species – including the much sought-after shoebill. When it comes to mammals — including lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes and more — Uganda provides a thrilling game viewing experience for visitors.
Uganda’s location – situated on the equator – makes for lush, verdant landscapes. From its serene crater lakes and rolling hillsides to its rushing rivers, massive Great Lakes and towering mountains, its beauty enchants visitors. Landlocked Uganda is comparable to Oregon in size. More than 10% of the country is protected in national parks, national forests and game reserves. Seventy percent of Uganda is covered by forests, woodlands and grasslands, while nearly 25% is covered by rivers, lakes and wetlands, making for wonderful bird and wildlife habitat. Those waters also include the source of the White Nile.
The country is also home to dramatic mountains including the Rwenzori range – home to the third highest peak in Africa, the Virungas and Mt Elgon. These mountains are habitat for unique flora and fauna in their unusual microclimates and also attract mountaineers from around the world.
From the country’s incredible and wide-ranging options for trekking to see its 20 primate species to the productive game found in Uganda’s beautiful parks, guests have much to discover. Lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, otters, buffalo and more interesting species can be found, as well as the Ugandan kob antelope – one of the country’s unique endemic species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s star attractions as it is home to the endangered mountain gorilla, the largest living primate. Trekking to see these gentle giants who share 95% of their genes with humans is one of the top nature experiences in the world. Travelers can also choose to trek to see the gorillas in the smaller Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga Mountains.
Visitors to Uganda can also trek to see chimpanzees in Kibale National Park (our top choice in the country) or Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
For game viewing, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are easily accessible, scenic and fantastic choices for travelers. Murchison Falls’ palm-studded grassland supports dense populations of lion, buffalo, elephant and the endemic Uganda kob, together with the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Immense concentrations of hippos and birds can be observed from morning and afternoon launch trips along the Nile, and the eponymous Falls can be seen from the water below or from the land above. Cruising to the Lake Albert Delta is another waterborne activity in the park and a must for birders. This cruise offers travelers the best opportunity to see the shoebill stork.
Queen Elizabeth National Park sits in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains and is flanked by Rift Valley lakes Edward and George and cut through by the beautiful Kazinga Channel. The park’s lush savanna offers prime grazing for buffalo, elephant and various antelope species, while its water features showcase species such as hippo and crocodile. Visitors thrill at the park’s tree-climbing lions and enjoy observing 600-plus bird species.
For adventure lovers, we recommend a visit to Jinja for whitewater excitement with rafting or kayaking, heart-thumping overwater bungee jumping and ziplining, or a more relaxed stand up paddleboard (SUP) on a special section of the Nile. Riverside horseback riding and ATV safaris are other great options.
These are some of Uganda’s highlights, though there are many more off-the-beaten-path and unique destinations to explore in the country. Contact a Journey Specialist to discuss which areas are right for your customized safari.
Uganda is a fantastic destination for an active safari. Guests can get out of the vehicle to trek primates, enjoy walking safaris, view the country’s natural wonders and wildlife from the water, enjoy adrenaline sports like whitewater rafting and climb some of the continent’s most challenging peaks. The country’s friendly people are the icing on the cake, greeting visitors with traditional African hospitality and offering diverse cultural experiences.
We encourage travelers who have the time to trek both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas on their safari. It is fascinating to see the differences in behavior and cultures between the two species. Trekking can be as easy as a short walk or as challenging as an all-day hike.
Game drives and boating safaris are rewarding – making for a diverse safari experience. Other activities in and around the national parks include forest hikes, climbing volcanic peaks, visiting a local Batwa community, touring a tea plantation, birding and visiting community programs. These activities are dependent on where you are based, so be sure to ask a Journey Specialist if you are interested in incorporating any into your Uganda safari.
Let us know your interests so that we can customize a safari that’s just right for you.
The types of accommodations available on a Uganda safari range from boutique city hotels to tented camps and luxurious lodges. Some of our favorite properties include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in a remote and lofty spot in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, cozy and stylish Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Gorilla Forest Lodge in Bwindi (where the occasional gorilla sighting has been reported in camp!) and No.5 Boutique Hotel, secreted away in a leafy suburb of Entebbe.
Talk with your Journey Specialist about the right fit for your Uganda adventures and visit our Uganda page for inspiration.
Uganda’s equatorial climate is fairly consistent, making a visit good any time of year. The rains tend to be seasonal with the wettest months typically being April, May, October and November. The rains can make gorilla and chimpanzee trekking more challenging, and wildlife may be more dispersed within the national parks. The rains do provide for good photography, with skies free of haze and beautiful light.
Be sure to talk with your Journey Specialist about your interests so you can determine the best time of year for you to visit Uganda.
Safaris in Uganda can be undertaken in private, closed vehicles or in a combination of flying and driving. For most fly-in destinations, you will fly to an airstrip near your accommodation or within the region you are staying. One of our partners will be waiting for you when you arrive and will take you to your accommodation. While on safari, you might be in a closed game viewing vehicle, on a boat or on foot. Let us know what you would like to do!
Reach out to one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your customized Uganda safari and subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information, stories and trip inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC Journey Specialist Nell Pollak, AAC Marketing Director Beth McCabe, AAC Senior Journey Specialist Angie Voigt, Wildwaters Lodge, AAC President Kent Redding, AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark, Gorilla Forest Lodge and AAC Livingstone Club member Erin S.