Uganda Wildlife safaris: Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” because of its breathtaking scenery and diverse plant and animal life. Because of her proximity to the equator, the climate is ideal for the ecosystem. Uganda has 56 ethic tribes, all of which are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Uganda’s tourism industry has faced challenges since the country’s independence. The rebellion in Northern Uganda led by Joseph Kony reduced the number of safari tourists visiting certain parts of the country. The country’s peace has been restored, and the tourism industry is thriving, with an increasing number of visitors opting for Uganda Wildlife safaris.
Despite being landlocked, Uganda is endowed with numerous national parks, mountains, lakes, and rivers that are home to a diverse range of birds, animals, and plants. Uganda has the largest number of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world, making it one of the best travel destinations. Uganda has the largest Chimpanzee population in East Africa, and visitors can easily see the big five (leopards, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and elephants) – Uganda is the best place to spot tree climbing lions while on Uganda Wildlife safaris.
Uganda Wildlife safaris attractions
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the incredible mountain gorillas of the Virunga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. This is one of the Uganda Wildlife safaris that comes highly recommended by previous visitors. No other wildlife encounter in Africa, according to some, compares to the unforgettable thrill of getting up close and personal with Uganda’s wild gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas cannot thrive outside of their natural habitat. They are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are two isolated rainforest jungles in east and central Africa. Like a medieval king’s fortress, these nations are fiercely guarding these last few enormous apes.
Game viewing in Uganda.
It’s no secret that Africa is best known for its wilderness wonders, and Uganda has a sizable share of the wild pie thanks to an incredible array of wild animals. Uganda’s untamed wilderness is home to a diverse range of savannah and forest wildlife. Mountain gorillas and chimps get the most attention, but Uganda has more than 13 primate species and some of the best primate viewing opportunities in Africa. The safari’s Big are present in Uganda’s untamed wilderness. The official list of animals found in Uganda includes 342 species of mammals from both west and east Africa. Large mammals account for 132 of the species found in Uganda, with the remaining species being small mammals. There are 94 bat species, 70 rats and mice, 33 shrews and otter shrews, eight gerbils, four elephant shrews, and a single golden mole among the small mammals.
Uganda Wildlife safaris destinations
Murchison Falls National Park:
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda, located in Northwestern Uganda (Masindi District). The park, which spans over 3,800 square kilometers, is named after one of its most popular attractions, the Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls are formed when the Nile River flows through a narrow gorge before plunging 42 meters in a mighty roar. The park is not what it used to be due to past insecurity in the country and unrestricted poaching. However, the park has recovered as a result of more recent conservation efforts.
The waterfall is a popular attraction, but the park is also rich in wildlife. The park is home to the largest population of the now-endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa, with over 1.550 animals. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, and birds as they cruise up and down the Nile. As you can see in our 4 day Murchison Falls safari package, the park’s Budongo forest is famous for chimp trekking.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda covers 2,056 square kilometers and is located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is Uganda’s most visited park, famous for its tree climbing lions in Ishasha and the Uganda Kob. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari enjoy the park’s lush green scenery and diverse collection of plant, animal, and bird species. The park is home to over 660 recorded bird species, including the Kingfisher, flamingos, eagles, and storks. The park also contains the endangered Shoebill Stork. The park includes a variety of tree species, craters, savanna grasslands, swamps, lakes, and other volcanic features. A three-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park provides the best opportunity to see 4 of the big five while on a Uganda wildlife tour. The park is home to buffaloes, hippos, baboons, elephants, and various antelope species. Nile crocodiles can be seen in Lake Edward and Lake George, birding and game viewing at the Kazinga Channel, and chimp tracking in the Kyambura gorge. The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda tour is during the dry season.
Kidepo valley national park
The spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote north eastern corner of Uganda and covers approximately 1,440 km2. Because of its remote location, the park receives fewer visitors but it is second to none in terms of variety and sheer abundance of flora and fauna. This hidden gem is a great representation of how Africa used to be before greater human intervention. CN Travel ranked it as one of the top three parks in Africa. The Kidepo Valley National Park is a stunning collection of mountains and unspoiled Savannah. A safari in Uganda allows visitors to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, oryx, buffalo and many more. The park also has bush babies, elephants, ostriches, baboons, and approximately 220 bird species. The kanangorok hot springs can also be found in the park’s northern section. The animals coexist with nomadic pastoralists such as the Karamajong and Ik people who live high on Morungole Mountain. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife tour can look forward to a special treat during their safari in Kidepo National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park:
Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a lush green primeval forest. Because of its landscape and biological diversity, UNESCO has designated Bwindi as a World Heritage Site. Bwindi National Park’s breathtaking green and beautiful forests are home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The remaining species are only found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is regarded as one of the top three activities to consider when visiting Africa and a Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be matched. Aside from gorilla tours, Bwindi is a birder’s paradise with Colobus monkeys. Bee-eaters, chap-ins flycatchers, black-billed turacos, and African green broadbills are among the bird species. During the wet season, when all resident and migratory birds congregate to feast on the abundant forest fruits and insects, birding in Uganda is at its best.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Mgahinga is a gorilla trekking destination in southwestern Uganda. Mgahinga gorilla trekking entails visiting the park’s one habituated mountain gorilla family. Golden monkeys are only found in Mgahinga, Uganda. More golden monkey groups can be found in Rwanda. The park is not solely dedicated to gorillas and monkeys. The park is home to jackals, woodland elephants, buffalo and a few antelope species. Visitors on a Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda can also hike one of the park’s three volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura, and Mt. Gahinga) or go cave exploring on the Batwa trail.
Kibale Forest National Park:
Located near the Rwenzori Mountains, the park borders Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kibale forest is well-known for chimp tracking – it is the best place in East Africa to track chimps. Chimpanzees can be found throughout Uganda and Africa, but the sheer number (1500) in Kibale forest ensures a close encounter with them while on a Uganda safari. Nature walks and a visit to the Bigodi swamp can be combined with chimp trekking in Kibale forest. Aside from chimps, the park is home to 13 other monkey species, including red colobus, L’Hoest’s, and grey-checked mangabeys. The park is home to giant forest hogs, antelopes, and over 100 butterfly species. Kibale National Park in Uganda has sections covered by swamps and grasslands and is a great place to go bird watching, with over 290 species.
Lake Mburo national park.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest but most accessible national park from Kampala. Lake Mburo is the largest of the park’s 12 water bodies. Zebras can be found in Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park. With over 300 species congregating at the lake and its swampy shores, the park is a birder’s paradise. The absence of elephants in the park benefits the vast woodland. Antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, jackals, and hyenas abound in the park’s Savannah grass. The dry season is the best time to see animals on safari because they congregate at Lake Mburo to drink water.
The Rwenzori Mountains:
Uganda has many mountains, but the Rwenzori Mountains stand out. Tourists enjoy hiking to the top of the snow-capped Margherita peak, which is located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mountain slopes are covered in dense forests, which are home to primates, forest hogs, and a variety of bird and butterfly species. A stop by these beautiful mountains while on safari in Uganda will reward nature lovers with breathtaking scenery.
Mount Elgon national park:
Mount Elgon National Park is located in the country’s east, on the border between Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is the park’s main attraction. The mountain is an extinct volcano with a 42-kilometer-wide caldera. Hikers love the Wagagai summit, as well as the hot springs and other features that make Mount Elgon National Park so appealing. Natural forests, bushes, waterfalls, caves, gorges, and canyons dot the mountain slopes. There are also various bird species and primates in the park (Colobus Monkeys, blue monkeys and vevert monkeys among others). This park should be included on any Uganda Wildlife safaris.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
This is a rhino sanctuary located on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. The sanctuary’s goal is to protect the country’s rhinos and eventually restock the larger parks. In many Ugandan parks, rhinos have been poached for their valuable horns. The sanctuary protects rhinos from poachers and human interference, allowing them to reproduce in a safe environment. The park has over 60 rangers and guards, and visitors can interact with conservationists to learn more about the project and Rhinos. When organizing Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park, most tour companies include a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Aside from rhinos, rangers can assist visitors in spotting monkeys, antelopes and crocodiles. The sanctuary is ideal for relaxing, nature walks, and canoeing while observing approximately 240 bird species.
Other tourist destinations in Uganda
Lake Bunyonyi:
Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, is widely regarded as Uganda’s most beautiful lake. The lake is close to the Rwandan border and the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. Although the lake is one of the deepest in Africa, it is the sheer scenic beauty that distinguishes it and draws both international and local visitors. It provides great intimate spots to relax and watch the day go by while planning your next activity. One can also go watch the Batwa Pygmies’ traditional dances or hop from one island to another by boat, spotting the various island villages, schools, and settlements. The lake is close to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and visitors like to stop by on their way to see mountain gorillas.
Source of the Nile:
A safari in Uganda should include a two-day visit to the Nile’s source in Jinja, which includes whitewater rafting. The Nile River is one of the world’s three longest lakes, passing through several countries after leaving Uganda, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Jinja is a small, peaceful, and well-planned former industrial town with stunning scenery. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with a nice Nile Beer (local beer inspired by the Nile). The Nile River also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and the increasingly popular bungee jumping.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre:
The Uganda government established the center in Entebbe for the purpose of education and wildlife conservation. The center was recently renovated and has expanded significantly in recent years. The number and variety of animals, birds, and reptiles has grown. Those visiting Uganda for short workshops and conferences will find the Entebbe Zoo to be an excellent place to sample the country’s flora and fauna.
Sipi Falls:
The Sipi Falls are some of Uganda’s most beautiful waterfalls. The Sipi Falls, located at the foot of Mount Elgon, are one of Uganda’s most popular tourist attractions. There are three levels, with the highest level attracting the most visitors.
