Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. This landlocked country is a gem for tourists seeking a unique and immersive experience. From the misty peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the sprawling savannas of its national parks, Uganda offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.
Uganda’s natural beauty is epitomized by its numerous national parks and wildlife reserves. The country is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additionally, the expansive Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park offer spectacular game drives where visitors can witness the Big Five and other magnificent wildlife.
TOP UGANDA SAFARI DESTINATIONS
ENTEBBE
On the coast of Uganda rises Entebbe, a colonial gem that captivates with its tranquil elegance. Bordered by the serene waters of Lake Victoria, this lakeside city unfolds a unique synthesis of history, nature, and culture. Its Botanical Gardens, with their lush greenery and rich botanical variety, offer a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. On Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for chimpanzees, an intimate encounter with these primates in their natural habitat unfolds. Meanwhile, the beaches of Lake Victoria invite for repose and reflection, completing the unique experience that Entebbe offers to travelers venturing into its domains. In Entebbe, amidst the whispers of the waves and the gentle breeze, lies a peaceful haven amidst the bustle of the world.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi, located in southwestern Uganda, is a world-renowned destination for gorilla trekking. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts over 320 square kilometers of dense tropical forest and is home to over 400 mountain gorillas – nearly half of the world’s population. Join a guided trek for an unforgettable experience observing gorillas in their natural habitat. The lush forest, rich with diverse flora and fauna, is an adventure. Visitors can witness gorillas going about their daily activities, like feeding, playing, and nurturing their young
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Nestled in the clouds of the Virunga Range, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a stunning wilderness that covers 33.7km2. This small park in Uganda is a protected habitat for rare mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkey. The park also holds immense cultural significance for the indigenous Batwa pygmies, who have an unrivaled understanding of the forest.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. Witness the powerful, roaring cascade of the park’s namesake waterfall, where the mighty Nile River surges through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters into the peaceful waters below. Experience game drives across sprawling savannahs, home to lions, giraffes, elephants, and countless antelope species. Embark on a safari cruise along the Nile, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, or trek into the lush Budongo Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Step into the enchanting realm of Kibale National Park, a lush, tropical haven situated in western Uganda. Renowned for its biodiversity, the park is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, including the playful, intelligent chimpanzee. Embark on guided treks through the dense rainforest, where the air resonates with the calls of 13 primate species, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating experience of tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You can even spend a night in a chimpanzee habituation experience for an even more immersive experience. Discover the park’s rich birdlife, with over 375 species recorded, and wander through the verdant Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Set in the remote northeast corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is an isolated wilderness destination. Adventurous travellers can immerse themselves in the true wilderness to enjoy exceptional wildlife sightings on thrilling game drives. This off-the-beaten-track destination is home to various wildlife, such as greater and lesser kudu, eland, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, and a variety of plains game. Kidepo is a birdwatcher’s paradise featuring over 500 magnificent bird species, including Africa’s birds of prey: pygmy falcon, Verreaux’s eagle, and Egyptian vulture
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
From game drives to birdwatching, nature walks to chimpanzee tracking, cultural tours to boat rides, Queen Elizabeth National Park has something for everyone. Enjoy an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful escape from city life
MABAMBA SWAMP
Mabamba Bay Swamp in Uganda is a prime wetland birding site famous for the Shoebill which is Uganda’s most sought after bird by Uganda birding tourists as well as by nature lovers. Mabamba Swamp is located west of Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, covering 2424 ha with thick marshes of papyrus, water lilies and other wetland grasses. Mabamba swamp is a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area (IBA). The wetland hosts over 300 bird species that include many globally threatened species, 7 of Uganda’s 12 Lake Victoria biome restricted species (notable is the Papyrys Gonolek) and plenty of wetland specialties. The wetland also hosts huge flocks of Paleartic migrants every year from October to March
Tour Packages
Uganda FAQs
Among the best places to visit in Uganda are undoubtedly its national parks. From the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the majestic mountain gorillas, to the diverse Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, Uganda has a wealth of natural wonders and wildlife to discover. Additionally, journey to the source of the Nile in Jinja, explore the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park and enjoy an awe-inspiring game drive along the Rwenzori Mountains to soak up views of the glaciated peaks.
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, meaning it’s a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which typically fall between June to September and December to February. These months offer clear skies, less rainfall and better chances of spotting wildlife. It’s important to note that gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year, but the rainy seasons (April to May and October to November) can make the trekking trails more challenging. However, rain can also occur during the dry season so it’s always best to be prepared whenever you travel.
To see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, you must obtain a permit, which allows you to trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to go in search of these majestic primates. These permits are limited and often need to be booked well in advance. On our gorilla tours in Uganda, we veer off the trails of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and trek through the undergrowth and up some steep ascents. The ground can often be muddy and slippery, and it can take anything from one to six hours to track down
a family of gorillas, so you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness.
Uganda is a natural paradise for wildlife lovers and is home to a wide range of species. Besides the iconic mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can encounter chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo Forest Reserve. If you want to witness the iconic Big Five, which includes elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, and buffalos, head to Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Species such as the rare shoebill stork and the papyrus yellow warbler are just two of the 190,000 birds that are native to Mabamba Swamp, which can be found to the west of Entebbe, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria.
When preparing for a Uganda tour, it is essential to pack appropriate clothing and gear but most importantly, take comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. You’ll need to prepare for rain because even if you’re travelling during the dry season, there’s always a chance of a downpour. Lightweight and breathable layers of clothing, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are all essentials, and don’t forget to pack your camera! It is also advisable to bring a waterproof jacket and extra layers for the cooler evenings and early mornings, as temperatures can vary, especially in the mountainous regions.
You will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever when travelling to Uganda and you’ll also need to bring a vaccination certificate with you. Although not essential, we do recommend vaccinations for typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera and tetanus. To reduce the risk of malaria from mosquito bites, you will
need Malaria prophylaxis and in addition to this, please take the usual precautions to protect yourself from bites. Always speak to your medical professional before you travel.
The duration of your stay in Uganda will depend on various factors such as your interests and itinerary. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers a wealth of experiences, ranging from wildlife safaris in national parks to exploring the source of the Nile River. To immerse yourself fully in the beauty and wildlife of this diverse country, it is recommended to spend between 10 and 15 days here. This allows ample time to explore popular destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and Murchison Falls National Park for scenic boat cruises.
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