available in Uganda
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Uganda lies in East Africa within both the African Great Lakes region and the Nile basin. Aptly named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill, it is home to some of the most diverse and concentrated African wildlife, including the highly-endangered mountain gorilla, as well as the chimpanzee. Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves to choose from, offering safaris of all kinds to its visitors. Besides gorillas and chimpanzees, visitors could see elephants, eland, hippos, lions, leopards and more.
One of the most popular tourist spots, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is an Afromontane rain forest situated at the edge of the Rift Valley. This ‘impenetrable forest’ comprises of steep, mist-covered hills and valleys shrouded by one of Uganda’s oldest rainforests. What makes this park so special, however, is the fact that it is home to roughly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Here safari enthusiasts get the opportunity to observe this majestic great ape in its natural habitat. Adventurers can also go on nature walks, hikes and bird-watching safaris in this park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, another popular tourist destination, boasts a diverse range of ecosystems from savanna grasslands and humid forests to sprawling lakes and wetlands. The area also contains numerous explosion craters and is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. The park hosts four of the big five (the rhino is sadly not present), as well as antelope, chimps and other primates. Top activities in this area include boat trips on the Kazinga channel, balloon safaris, chimp tracking safaris, birding and cave tours.
On the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley lies the Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls is the name given to the point where the river Nile (the world’s longest river) is channelled through a narrow gorge within the Rift Valley, descending nearly 50 meters below. The Murchison is the only Ugandan national park which contains all five of the Big Five. At present rhinos are being re-introduced as they were sadly extinguished from the area by poachers. This park offers birding, fishing, cultural tours and game safaris, as well as hot air balloon rides where you can see the majestic falls from high above.
Kibale National Park contains some of the most beautiful and varied tropical forests in Uganda. Here the northern and central parts are dotted with patches of swamp and grassland and are situated on an elevated plateau. This park is famous for having 13 species of chimpanzee alone, as well as 70 species of mammals and over 375 bird species. Kibale’s most popular activity is chimpanzee tracking and other activities include bird watching safaris, cultural tours and nature walks and hikes.
Travel Seasons
- Dec-Feb, Jun-Aug – High Season. The dry season and the best times for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game watching is the national parks is also good as there is less vegetation and wildlife seeks out waterholes
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov – Low Season. It’s the rainy season, which does mean less visitors, but roads can be in bad condition. The cost of gorilla permits is often reduced. Good bird spotting for migratory species
General Information
- Currency – Uganda Shillings, USD
- Languages – Luganda, English
- Size – 241,000 sq km
- Population – 41.49 million (2016)
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Uganda: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Malaria is present in Uganda – get medical advice on which prophylaxis to take.
- It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.
Featured Uganda Travel Partners
Verdoro Safaris
Verdoro Safaris is based in Uganda with a team of passionate travel experts and safari guides arranging...
All in Africa Safaris
All in Africa Safaris is a safaris and travel company based in Uganda, with vast experience in the hospitality...
Pros
- One of the very few places to see endangered mountain gorillas
- Combine primate viewing with a classic savannah safari
- Good range of vehicle, boat and walking activities
- Excellent birding
- Scenic beauty
Cons
- A more specialist destination
- Low availability during peak times
- Accommodation can be more rustic
Featured Uganda Travel Partners
Verdoro Safaris
Verdoro Safaris is based in Uganda with a team of passionate travel experts and safari guides arranging...
All in Africa Safaris
All in Africa Safaris is a safaris and travel company based in Uganda, with vast experience in the hospitality...
Arriving in Uganda
- Most travellers arrive in Uganda by air into Entebbe International Airport.
- If you are already in the region then you can also drive or bus in.
Getting Around
- Most of your travel arrangements will be handled by your tour operator.
- Transfers are mainly by road, charter flights are available but these can be expensive.
Visas
- Visas are required for travel to Uganda. These can be obtained using the e-visa system >>
- Check all details before you travel – Uganda Visas >>
Featured Uganda Travel Partners
Verdoro Safaris
Verdoro Safaris is based in Uganda with a team of passionate travel experts and safari guides arranging...
All in Africa Safaris
All in Africa Safaris is a safaris and travel company based in Uganda, with vast experience in the hospitality...
Uganda Safaris
5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Queen Elizabeth Safari
- 5 Days
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most enchanting experience, a once-in-a-lifetime...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe
3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
- 3 Days
This short safari enables you to experience the memorable adventure of tracking mountain gorillas in...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:3 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe
5-Day Wildlife & Primate Safari
- 5 Days
Explore the best of Uganda on this wildlife safari that takes you to the Bwindi Impenetrable National...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe
15 Days The Marvel of an African Safari
- 15 Days
On this Uganda adventure safari visit the major national parks of the 'Pearl of Africa', see a wealth...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start in Entebbe, end in Kampala (or Entebbe)
Rwanda and Uganda Safari
- 6 Days
Explore the gems that are Rwanda and Uganda; in Rwanda search for golden monkeys in Volcanoes National...
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Country:Uganda, Rwanda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Kiagli, Rwanda
6-Day Uganda Rugby and Wildlife Safari
- 6 Days
East Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) is one of the planet's most beautiful corners and is...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe International Airport
11-Day Uganda Primate Safari
- 11 Days
This primate safari brings you the highlights of Uganda, where savannah meets rain forest. Look for the...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe
3-Day Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- 3 Days
This 3-day gorilla trekking safari takes you to the misty heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Array
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Length:3 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Entebbe
Ultimate Gorilla Expedition
- 4 Days
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half the world's mountain gorillas. Seeing these gentle giants in...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:4 Days
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Start/end:Start in Entebbe, end in Entebbe
10-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari
- 10 Days
Explore the best of Uganda on the ultimate wildlife safari that takes you to the deepest parts of the...
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Country:Uganda,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start in Kampala, end in Entebbe
