5 Things to do on safari in Northern Uganda

The 5 things you can do on safari in the northern part of Uganda include game safaris, community visits, water activities, chimpanzee safaris and birding experience. In the northern part of Uganda, there are two famous safaris destinations that is Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo National Park in the North Eastern Uganda.

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Note that temperature in the northern part of Uganda are quite higher than the lower part of the country. The Kidepo Valley National Park is in an area which experiences semi- arid climate with one rain season expected in this area all year around. Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley.

The five activities to do on safari in Northern Uganda

Game drives on safari in Northern Uganda

Since Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park are both notable game parks in the northern part of Uganda. During the game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, you may get the chance to see hartebeests, lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs, oribi and others. By taking the Buligi track in Murchison Falls National Park, you may get the chance to spot a pride of lions sneaking to find Uganda kobs that are common residents here.

A game drive on the tracks of Kidepo Valley National Park may open opportunities to spot animals including cheetahs, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, striped hyenas, giraffes, herds of buffaloes, caracals, aardwolf, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribi, bat eared fox, klipspringer, zebras, herds of elephants and many others.

Community tour in Northern Uganda

The Karamajongs are a community close to Kidepo Valley National Park with some similarities to the Masai. The Karamojongs are nomadic pastoralists as their culture and they live in Manyattas where they communally offer security to their herds of cattle. When on a community visit to the Karamojong community, where you may engage in activities including food preparation, milking cows, designing beads and many others.

From Murchison Falls National Park, a tour to the Acholi community who are recovering from the ruins of the civil war which was in this area in the 1990s. The people of this area were affected by a rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army but slowly they are recovering and rehabilitation has been used to restore peace in this area. You may get chance to watch the traditional dance moves of the people in this area, how they prepare food and others.

Water activities in Northern Part of Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda is crossed by River Nile which is its lifeblood. During the launch trip to Murchison Falls where the park gets its name is the highlight of activities in this park. As you sail from the pier, watch out for a number of wild animals that make there way to the river banks to quench thirst or enjoy a bath.

The banks of River Nile are home to crocodiles and schools of hippos are permanent residents on the sand banks, herds of elephants, buffaloes are common visitors, lions, leopards and others may be seen here. A plethora of birds find there way to the shoreline to enjoy a refreshing bath

Finally, as you approach Murchison Falls, you feel a change in boat turbulence from the power of River Nile water as it cascades the 43 meters deep cliff to the bottom of the cliff. The River Nile squeezes through the narrow bend of about 6 meters wide to burst out vigorous and create thundering sound. A rainbow may form right before your eyes on a clear day.

Sports fishing on River Nile is exciting for anglers where they can get the opportunity to catch different fish species including Nile Perch, tilapia, lungfish, mudfish and others. Ensure to reserve fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority and carry fishing equipment.

White water rafting on safari in Murchison Falls National Park at the white water spot along the River Nile. Before pushing its way through the 6 meters wide gorge to form Murchison Falls, River Nile staggers over the 80 kilometers long stretch creating tides where white water rafting is carried out. Tourists get to sail through tides using the tube boat. There is no experience needed as on ground there are instructors to take you through what is necessary.

• Sail to the delta in Murchison Falls National Park

Embark on a boat trip through the papyrus delta through the Victoria Nile into Lake Albert. During the journey to this spot, you may find a number of animals, birds as this tour may last about 5 hours.

• Hike to the top of the falls

Experience the power of River Nile by embarking on a hike to the top of the falls. When on a hike to the top of the falls which may take about 15 minutes gets you to the point where river Nile thunders through the 6 meters wide canyon and this dramatic moment is worth watching. Those with a faint heart may not desire to get close to his point. When you get to the Barker’s point to the Devil’s cauldron, you get to feel the actual power of River Nile

Chimpanzee Trekking on safari in Northern Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in northern part of Uganda can be done from Kaniyo Pabidi Forest which is 8 kilometers from the Kicumbanyombo gate of Murchison Falls National Park. You can do the morning or afternoon chimpanzee trekking experience. Reserve the necessary permit for this chimpanzee safari adventure in advance as there is a limit the number of permit open to the public per day.

On the way to find the chimpanzee, you may come across other forest dwellers including black and white colobus, grey cheeked mnagabey, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and others. A number of plants can be identified in Kaniyo Pabidi forest.

Birding on Safari In Northern Uganda

The birding experience during safari in northern Uganda never disappoints. Murchison Falls National Park hosts over 450 bird species and Kidepo Valley National Park has more than 463 bird species. During the birding safari in the northern part of Uganda, you may find Abyssinian Ground hornbill, Egyptian Vulture and Pygmy Falcon, Kori bustard, Secretary bird, Ostriches, Shoebill, African skimmers and others. To get the best Uganda birding experience in the northern part area of Uganda, you need to be in company of a professional birding guide.

When is the best time to do a Safari in the Northern part of Uganda

The dry season is most preferred when plan a safari in the northern part of Uganda. The tracks in the game parks in this area are quicker to navigate during the dry season which is normally June to September and December to January.

The animals in the game parks move to different parts of the parks in search for a meal as the grass is scarce during this season and lower permitting better visibility. The animals get closer to the tracks giving better chances of capturing them.

Note that more vehicles are expected to be found on the tracks as the demand for safaris gets to its highest peak during this season. Expect the environment to get dustier as the vehicles lift the soil from the dry weather.

The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kaniyo Pabidi forest is more exciting in the dry season when the trails are quicker to explore. The chimpanzees tend to spend more time closer to the ground as they have to find food to satisfy them.

The wet season is great time too for arranging safaris in Northern Uganda because there are normally less tourists expected in the game parks. The park is almost left to a few visitors and chances of bargaining for discounts are more open. Even some safari amenities are discounted in the low season to break even. Even those wishing to have less disturbance during the Uganda safari to this area may take advantage of the low season.

Is Northern Uganda safe For safaris

Northern Uganda is safe for safaris as peace is prevailing around this part of the country even though there was civil unrest in the 1990s. Each of the safari destinations in northern Uganda that is Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park has guidelines that tourists are expected to abide by.

Try not to violet the rules set for safari parks in Uganda including no moving out of your lodge in the night as you may encounter some beasts that may savage on you.

Securing during safaris in northern Uganda starts with you so donot allow strangers into your room especially those you are not familiar with. During the boat trip, donot take drinks that can compromise your sense of judgement during the boat trip.  

How much is the cost of safaris in Northern Uganda

The cost of safaris in Northern Part of Uganda vary with category that is luxury, mid-range and basic. Ensure to pay park entrance fees where applicable as these are compulsory payment before entering any Uganda National Park. Currently the cost of park entrance fees range from $40 to $45 per person per 24 hours.

There are other necessary safari costs expected to be incurred including transport, accommodation expenses and others. Our safari consultants are on ground to work with you to tailor an itinerary to suit your needs and within your budget. In case you need advise about what to do on safari in any part of Uganda, we can work you to find what is necessary according to the our connections in Uganda.

Do not forget to carry some cash to use on ground when purchasing some souvenirs and other personal expenses. It is not easy to use credit cards in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.

What Is The Age Limit For Safaris In Northern Uganda.

The safari activities in northern Uganda are open to all ages except for chimpanzee trekking where maximum 12 years is accepted to visit these chimpanzees. During the game drive, the parents and guardians with children are expected to take control.

Ensure to inform the children about what they can expect during the safari in northern Uganda so that they are not shocked when on ground. Even during the launch trip ensure that children donot get closer to the rims of the launch.

What To Pack For A Safari In Northern Uganda

• Insect repellant to protect your body from stinging insects in the wilderness that may harm you.
• Long sleeved shirt and convertible trousers to use in the wild and protect your skin from stinging nettles.
• Sun screen to protect yourself from the tropical sunrays that may cause you sun burns.
• A camera to take photographs is your encounter with the game safari, chimpanzees, other forest dwellers and many other park occupants.
• A safari large brim hat to protect your hair from water dripping off the tree leaves and branches.
• Rain coat just in case it rains while in the wilderness especially during the chimpanzee trek, birding adventures.
• A waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from getting lost when you tripe and fall.
• A pair of binoculars to watch far ranging objects especially the chimpanzees, that love feeding and staying up the trees during the rainy seasons. Even the birds that linger in the forest, wild game and other occupants.
• Safari boots that are comfortable for you to wear and walk through the forest.
• A torch to use in the night when lights are out because solar energy is the main source of power in most of these parks in the wilderness.
• A clean waterproof light bag to seal in your shoes in case you want to keep them just in case you get no time to wash them
• First aid kit in case you are injured and you need emergency treatment.
• Extra batteries to exchange with In case one runs low.
• A tripod for those travelling to do chimpanzee, game safaris, birding filming, photography and others
• Travel adapter or charger in case you need to recharge your gargets

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