Uganda Safaris : Uganda was described by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa” for its exceptionally beautiful landscape and diverse plant and animal life. The climate supports the ecosystem perfectly as a result of her location near the equator. Uganda’s culture is diverse with over 30 tribes who are all friendly and welcoming to visitors. Uganda’s tourism industry has been through tough times since her independence. The rebellion in Northern Uganda led by Joseph Kony led to a decline in the number of tourists visiting certain parts of the country on a safari. Peace has been restored in the country and the tourism industry is thriving with more and more visitors opting for a safari in Uganda. Though landlocked, Uganda is blessed with several national parks, mountains, lakes, rivers which contain various species of birds, animals and plants. Uganda has the largest number of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world making her among the best travel destinations. The population of Chimpanzees in Uganda is the largest in East Africa and visitors can easily view the big five (leopards, hippopotamus, lions, buffaloes, elephants) – Uganda is the best place to spot tree climbing lions while on a wildlife safari.
The main activities while on a safari in Uganda are:
- Gorilla tracking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park, Budongo forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest.
- Kampala city tour involving Cultural and religious tours to the Ndere centre, Uganda museum, Kabaka’s Palace, Gadaffi Mosque, Kasubi Tombs, Bahai Temple, and the Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo. More information can be got from our palces to visit on a Kampala city tour article.
- Nature walks and landscape viewing like Bigodi swamp walk, forest viewing.
- Spotting the big five – Elephants, Rhinoceros, Leopard, Lion and Buffalo in savannah national park and Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
- Fishing in the great Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake Mburo, Lake Kyoga, Lake Kwania, Lake Bunyoyi, Lake Bisina and the River Nile in Jinja. The main species of fish caught are Nile perch, Tilapia, mud and lung fish.
- Birdwatching in Uganda. There are over 1035 bird species recorded in Uganda
- Climbing Mountain Elgon and Hiking the Rwenzori mountains.
- White water rafting in Jinja
- Horseback riding in Uganda
Uganda wildlife Safaris – places to visit while on a Uganda tour. The above activities can be done in the following national parks, reserves and spots: –
Murchison Falls National Park:
This park is located in North-western Uganda (Masindi District). Murchison falls national park is the largest conservation area in Uganda with an area covering over 3,800 km², the park is named after one of its top attractions – The Murchison falls. The Murchison falls is formed at a point where the river Nile passes through a narrow gorge before going down about 42 meters in a mighty roar. Because of past insecurity in the country and unrestricted poaching, the park is not as it used to be. The park has however recovered because of more recent conservation efforts to thrill while on Uganda Safaris.
The Murchison waterfall may be a top attraction but the park is teeming with wildlife. The park has the largest population of the now endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa – numbering over 1000. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour should expect a memorable cruise up and down the river Nile to see elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes and birds feeding along the river banks. The Budongo forest in the park is famous for chimpanzee trekking as you can see in our 4 Days Murchison falls national park package. The endangered Shoebill Stork is also found in the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest national park covering an area of about 2,056 square kilometres located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the most visited park in Uganda and famous for the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari love the park for the beautiful green scenery and collection of plant, animal and bird species. The park has over 500 bird species among which include the King fisher, flamingos, eagles and storks. The park contains different species of trees, craters, savannah grasslands, swamps, lakes and other volcanic features.
A 4 Days Queen Elizabeth national park provides the best chance to spot the big four while on a wildlife tour in Uganda. The park has buffaloes, hippos, baboons, elephants and various species of antelope. One can spot Nile crocodiles in Lake Edward and Lake George, birdwatching and game viewing at the Kazinga channel or track chimpanzee at the Kyambura gorge.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
The spectacular Kidepo valley national park is located in the remote north eastern corner of Uganda and covers about 1,440 km2. The park receives fewer visitors on a Uganda tour because of its remote location but is second to none for variety and sheer abundance of flora and fauna. This hidden gem is in many ways a great reflection of how Africa used to be before greater human interference. It has been described by CNN Travel as among the top three parks in Africa. Kidepo valley national park is a collection of stunning mountains and un-spoiled Savannah. On a safari in Uganda, one can view wild dogs, lions, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, oryx, buffalo and hippopotamus. The park is also home to bush babies, elephants, ostriches, baboons and about 220 bird species. One can also spot the Kananorok hot springs at the northern part of the park. The animals share space with nomadic pastoralists like the Karamajong and the Ik people living high up the Morungole Mountain. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife tour should expect a special treat during their safari in Kidepo national park to thrill while on Uganda Safaris.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is found in the south western corner of Uganda and neighbours the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. Because of its landscape and biological diversity, Bwindi forest is considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and has often been referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. The breath-taking green and beautiful forest of Bwindi forest contain half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The rest can only be found in Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is considered among the top three activities worth considering while visiting Africa and on a Uganda safari. To see the mountain gorillas in their wild in Bwindi impenetrable national park is a once in a lifetime experience and cannot be compared to anything else. Apart from Gorilla safaris, Bwindi is home to Colobus monkeys and is a birders paradise. Some of the bird species include bee-eaters, chap-ins flycatchers, black billed turaco and African green broadbills. The best time for birding while on a Uganda tour is during the wet season, when all resident and migratory birds gather to feast on the abundant forest fruits and insects.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Mgahinga is located in the south-western part of Uganda and famous for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park involves visiting the only habituated mountain gorilla family found in the park. In Uganda, Golden monkeys can only be found in Mgahinga. One would need to cross over to Rwanda to view more golden monkey groups. The park is not all about monkeys and gorillas. Jackals, woodland elephants, buffalo, leopard and a few antelope species roam the park. Visitors on a Uganda safari to Mgahinga national park in Uganda can also hike one of the three Volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura and Mount Gahinga) found in the park or go for the Batwa trail and cave exploration to thrill while on Uganda Safaris
Kibale Forest National Park:
The park is found near the Rwenzori Mountains and shares a border with Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest is famous for chimpanzee tracking – The best place to track Chimpanzee in East Africa. Chimpanzees can be found in other parts of Uganda and Africa but the sheer numbers (1500) in Kibale forest guarantees you a close interaction with them while on a Uganda safari. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park can be combined with nature walks and a visit to the Bigodi swamp. Other than chimps, the park contains 13 other monkey species like the red colobus, L’Hoest’s and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Giant forest hogs, antelopes and over 100 butterfly species are found in the park. Kibale national park has sections covered by swamps and grasslands and is a good location for birding with over 290 species.
Lake Mburo National Park:
Lake Mburo national park is Uganda’s smallest but most accessible park from Kampala. Lake Mburo national park is the main water body among 12 others found in the park. This is the only place in Uganda where to see the Impala and Zebras. This park is also a birders paradise with over 300 species that congregate at the lake and its swampy shores. The massive woodland benefits from the absence of elephants in the park. The parks Savannah grass teems with antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, jackals and hyenas. The dry season provides the best time to spot animals while on a safari as they gather to drink water at the lake Mburo national park to thrill while on Uganda Safaris.
Mount Elgon National Park:
Mount Elgon national park is found in Mbale district in the Eastern part of the country and lies on the border between Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is the key attraction in the park. The mountain is an extinct volcano with a caldera spanning about 42km2. The Wagagai summit is a favorite among hikers as are hot-springs and other features that make Mount Elgon national park so captivating. The mountain slopes are littered with natural forests, bushes, waterfalls, caves, gorges and canyons. The park is also filled with different bird species and primates like colobuses, blue monkeys and vevert monkeys among others. A safari in Uganda should include a visit to this park.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
This is a Rhino reserve along the way to the Murchison falls national Park. The objective of the sanctuary is to protect the country’s rhinos and eventually restock the larger parks. Rhinos have succumbed to poaching for their valuable horns in many of Uganda’s parks. The sanctuary helps protect rhinos from poachers and human interference hence giving them a safe place to reproduce. The park has over 60 rangers and guards and visitors can see the Rhinos up-close and interact with conservationists to gain knowledge about the project and Rhinos. Most tour companies include a stop-over at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary when organizing Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls national park. Apart from Rhinos, rangers can help one spot monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles and hippos. The sanctuary is a great place for relaxing, nature walks and canoeing while spotting about 240 species of birds.
Uganda tours – other tourism destinations
Lake Bunyoyi:
With its 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi is widely regarded as the most beautiful lake in Uganda. The lake is located near the border with Rwanda and close to the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. Although the lake is one of the deepest in Africa, it is the sheer scenic beauty that sets it apart from others and makes it attractive to both visitors on a Uganda tour and locals. It offers great romantic spots to relax and watch the day pass by as you plan your next activity while visiting Uganda on a safari. One can also go watch the traditional dances of the Batwa Pygmies or hop from one island to another spotting the different island villages, schools and settlements by boat. The lake is close to Bwindi Impenetrable forest and visitors enjoy stopping by on their way to track mountain gorillas. You can find out more from our 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi safari package to thrill while on Uganda Safaris.
The source of the Nile:
A trip safari in Uganda should be completed with a two day visit to the source of the Nile in Jinja involving white water rafting. River Nile is one of the three longest lakes in the world and passes through several countries as after leaving Uganda among which includes Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. Jinja is a small, quiet, relatively well planned former industrial town with beautiful scenery. You can visit the Bujagali falls or go boat riding along the river Nile as you spot several large crocodiles. The river Nile also provides spots for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking and the now popular bungee jumping.
Ssese Islands:
The scenic Ssese Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands found in Lake Victoria. Locals and visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour love to take their vacation in the islands quiet sandy beaches. The journey to the islands from Entebbe takes 3 hours by ferry or 45 from Bukakata. The route through Entebbe by ferry will take you through the beautiful Lake Victoria and fishing villages. The largest island is Bugala in Kalangala town. Other islands worth visiting while on a safari in Uganda include Bulago and Bukasa which all have excellent white sand beaches. Fishing and tourism are the main economic activities in the islands. Visitors on Ssese Islands tour will have opportunities to spot several bird species, monkeys, crocodile, hippos and a few antelope speciesUganda Safaris
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre:
The Wildlife Education centre is located in Entebbe and set up by the Uganda government for education and wildlife conservation purposes. The centre was recently revamped and has grown considerably in recent years. The population and variety of animals, birds and reptiles has increased. Those visiting Uganda for short workshops and conferences can find the Uganda Zoo a perfect place to get a taste of what Uganda has to offer in terms of both flora and fauna.
Sipi Falls:
The Sipi falls are some of the most stunning waterfalls in Uganda. Located at the foot of Mount Elgon, the Sipi falls are one of the most visited waterfalls in Uganda. There are three levels with the top level attracting more travellers.
The Rwenzori Mountains:
Uganda is blessed with several mountains but the Rwenzori mountains stands out. Located at the border between Uganda and DR Congo, tourists love hiking to the top of the snow-capped Margherita peak. The mountain slopes are covered with dense forests that are inhabited by primates, forest hogs and several bird and butterfly species. While visiting Uganda on a safari, a stop by these beautiful mountains will reward nature lovers with amazing scenery to thrill while on Uganda Safaris.
