UGANDA SAFARIS
WILDLIFE SAFARI ADVENTURES IN UGANDA
Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Uganda's lush landscapes, where majestic gorillas, elusive big cats, and vibrant wildlife are just some of the many attractions featuring on Uganda Safaris and adventures of a lifetime.
Picture yourself trekking through dense forests in search of gorillas or going on a game drive to spot lions, leopards, and elephants in their natural habitat. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Uganda has something for everyone.
But Uganda is more than just its natural wonders. With a rich cultural heritage, Uganda offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different way of life. Sample the local cuisine, try on traditional clothing, or learn some of the local dances.
You can also visit historical landmarks like the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as the burial place of former kings of Buganda, one of the country's largest ethnic groups.
"I've been on many safaris, but Uganda was something special," says Jane from Australia. "The gorillas were amazing, but the people were just as memorable. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming."
With its diverse landscapes, thriving wildlife, and welcoming communities, Uganda truly is the "Pearl of Africa."
What Makes Uganda Special?
Beautiful Landscapes: Uganda is truly a unique destination that offers an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. Uganda has everything from towering mountains often shrouded in mist to lush forests and pristine lakes. For example, the Rwenzori Mountains, one of Uganda's major mountain ranges, is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers that are sure to take your breath away.
Amazing Wildlife Encounters: Uganda is also home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including the famous mountain gorillas, the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), and over 1,000 bird species. The country's national parks and wildlife reserves are teeming with life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Cultural Immersion: Besides its natural beauty and wildlife, Uganda boasts a fascinating variety of cultures, languages, and traditions. With over 56 distinct ethnic groups, the country offers a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of Africa. From the Baganda people in the central region to the Karamojong in the north, each group has its own unique customs and traditions that are sure to fascinate visitors.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Uganda truly is the "Pearl of Africa" and an experience you will never forget.
UGANDA WILDIFE SAFARI PACKAGES
2 Day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Safari via Kigali
You will start your trip from Kigali with a scenic drive to bwindi Impenetrable Forest and later track mountain gorillas.
2 Day Lake mburo game and boat safari
This tour will give the best of the best wildlife viewing experiences and boat safaris in lake Mburo National Park.
2 Days Uganda Bird Watching Safari
The trip takes you to mabamba swamp which is known for hosting a variety of bird species like the shoebill stork.
3 Day Lake Mburo wildlife safari
The tour offers game drives, boat safaris, and nature walking adventures.
3 Day Murchison falls hot air balloon safari
Imagine flying in air but this time not in an aeroplane, but a Hot air balloon sighting wildlife & green cover in Murchison Falls N.P.
3 Day Uganda Savannah Birding Safari
Trip will take you to Lake Mburo National Park, one of the most perfect parks with a variety if bird species.
3 Day Mgahinga Gorilla trekking safari
Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Kabale and later track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.
3 Day Queen Elizabeth wildlife Safari
This tour comes with game viewing, boat cruises, Chimpanzee trekking in Chambura, nature walks among other activities.
3 Days Mountain Sabinyo Hiking
This trip will take you to mgahinga gorilla national park to hike mount sabinyo and later go to bwindi forest to track gorillas.
3 Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
Experience one the most sought out adventure activities as you hike up to the top of the snow capped mountains.
4 Day Gorillas and Mountain Sabinyo Hiking
On this trip you will be able to Track Gorillas in Mgahinga N.P or Bwindi Impenetrable N. P and later hike Sabinyo Mountain.
5 Days Mountain Sabinyo Hiking and Game Safari
Hike mount sabinyo in Mgahinga National Park and then visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing.
5 Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
Explore the various peaks, This tour takes you up to the top of mount Stanley in the fastest way possible.
7 Day Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
Get on board with the best tour guides on this ultimate trekking experience in Rwenzori mountains national park.
9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Hiking
This tour takes you to Mountain Rwenzori National Park to hike up to the top of the snow capped mountains.
4 Day Kidepo Valley Fly in safari
Explore the untouched part of Africa in its natural beauty. visit Kidepo Valley National Park for wildlife game drives.
6 Day Kidepo Valley and Ziwa Rhinos Safari
Wildlife Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park and Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
7 Day Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls safari
Wildlife Viewing in Narus Valley, Visit the Hot springs and later enjoy game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls Park.
9 Day Kidepo Valley and Bwindi Gorilla Safari
See wildlife creatures like lions, leopards and more in Kidepo Valley N.P then later track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
11 Day Kidepo, Murchison & Budongo Chimp safari
Trip takes you to Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls N.Parks for wildlife viewing and Budongo Forest for chimp tracking.
3 Day Murchison Falls National Park safari
This park has much to offer from spectacular game drives to boat cruises at the base of the falls and delta.
5 Day Murchison Falls and Budongo Chimp safari
Explore Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife game viewing, boat cruises and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest.
4 Day Queen Elizabeth and chimp trekking safari
This trip will give you an opportunity to trek chimps in Kyambura gorge and wildlife game viewing in Queen Elizabeth N.Park.
5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and bwindi gorillas
Get to enjoy a combination of tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and wildlife viewing in Ishasha sector.
5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel
Sight the Isasha tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and later enjoy a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
4 Day lake Mburo wildlife, boat and cultural safari
Get on board for wildlife game viewing, boat excursions and culture or community visits in Lake Mburo National Park.
5 Day lake mburo, bwindi gorillas and lake bunyonyi
Wildlife game drives in lake Mburo National Park, track mountain gorillas in bwindi and relax or canoe on lake Bunyonyi.
7 Day Lake Mburo, gorillas and golden monkey safari
You will visit Mgahinga Gorilla N.P to track gorillas, golden monkeys, Lake Mburo N.P for game viewing and boat cruise.
4 Day Mgahinga gorilla and golden monkey safari
Mgahinga is the only park where mountain gorillas and golden monkey co-exist. Have a chance to track gorillas & golden monkeys.
5 Day gorillas, golden monkey & Bunyonyi safari
Track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park and later canoe on lake bunyonyi.
3 Day Luxury Gorilla Trekking tour Uganda
Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a once in a lifetime experience on a Uganda Safari.
4 Day Luxury Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
You will track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and later relax or canoe on lake Bunyonyi.
5 Days Luxury Gorillas and Game Safari
This trip will take you to bwindi for gorilla tracking and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth national park.
5 Day Luxury Gorilla and Chimp trekking Safari
Meet and spend some time with the Kings of the Jungle in Bwindi Forest and later track chimps in Kibale Forest.
5 Day Uganda Savannah Birding Safari
Trip starts with birding in UWEC, the Botanical Gardens and along Lake Victoria Shores. The next day, visit Mabamba.
14 Day Uganda Birding and Wildlife safari
Enjoy a magical journey into the isolated jungles of East Africa, promising you an experience of different bird species.
17 Day Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari
This trip takes you to all the most popular game parks in Uganda for wildlife and birdlife viewing.
20 Days Primates, Birding, Game and Cultural Safari
Enjoy an Ultimate once in a lifetime journey into the beautiful traditional jungles of Uganda.
3 Day Luxury Bwindi Double Gorilla Trek Through Kigali
Get to Trek mountain gorillas twice with different mountain gorilla families or spend more time with gorillas on different days.
3 day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Habituation through kigali
This trip gives you up to 4 hours with mountain gorillas in one day. This trip gives you more time with the gorillas.
4 Day Luxury Gorilla Safari From Kigali
Drive from Kigali to bwindi Impenetrable Forest and later track mountain gorillas twice on different days.
5 Day Luxury Gorillas and Game Safari From Kigali
Explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as you track mountain gorillas and then visit Queen Elizabeth N.P for wildlife viewing.
8 Day Luxury Uganda Safari From Kigali
You will visit Bwindi Forest for gorilla tracking, queen elizabeth N.P for game drives and kibale forest for chimp tracking.
5 Day gorilla and hot air balloon safari
Track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable N.P and wildlife viewing in a hot air balloon in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
3 Day hot air balloon safari in Queen Elizabeth NP
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife as well as surrounding features such as the rift valley, escarpments and more.
4 Day Murchison falls boat and hot air balloon safari
Enjoy a boat cruise on the downside of Murchison Falls and later sight wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.
5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat & chimp safari
Enjoy an aerial view of the park as you sight green cover and wildlife, and later track chimps in budongo or a boat ride.
20 Days Primates, Birding, Game and Cultural Safari
Enjoy an Ultimate once in a lifetime journey into the beautiful traditional jungles of Uganda.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
For an amazing wildlife adventure, Uganda is the place to be! There are lots of safari options for everyone to choose from. You can explore the beautiful land and meet incredible gorillas face-to-face. Many happy adventurers have shared their fantastic experiences in our reviews. Come and have a magical time on safaris in Uganda, making memories that you'll cherish forever.
- Seeheathergo
OUR TRIP WAS INCREDIBLE - My partner an I had the most incredible vacation! It is difficult figuring out which safari company to choose since there are so many. BOOK THIS ONE!! We travel the... read more
July 21, 2023NYCgirl04Excellent experience with Encounter! - Seamless experience from start to finish. Great communication with Denis when booking. Denis gave me several options for lodges/tours and provided guidance along the way when deciding which was the... read more
July 9, 2023JasminejuwvipartWe did the 3 day Gorilla Tracking Safari and it was a truly once in a lifetime experience. Leading up to the event, Dennis was wonderful for communicating and Godwin,... read more
August 27, 2023KittyK1Exceptional service and an amazing experience! - Excellent service - Was able to curate my own trip with assistance from the company. Everything was so easy and payments safe too. Easy booking, great communication, great driver/guide, really... read more
August 12, 2023Jonathan BAn amazing lifetime experience to see the most beautiful animals. Loved it! - I can wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It was awesome! My guide and driver for the 5 days was Stephen. He was friendly and knowledgeable. It was great meeting him. The... read more
August 3, 2023anamK1018DQAmazing trip to Uganda - I booked my trip with Encounter Africa Safaris. It was a five das trip As a solo traveller. Dennis, the organiser, was extremely helpful and caring during the whole... read more
July 25, 2023
Destination Highlights
Uganda boasts a range of safari destinations that promise unique and awe-inspiring experiences. Here are the top five places to visit in Uganda:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorilla population, Bwindi offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through dense forests and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Besides gorillas, the park is teeming with diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees, various monkey species, and a rich variety of birdlife.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, an unusual behavior rarely seen elsewhere. Witnessing these big cats lounging in fig trees is a remarkable experience. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers a close-up view of aquatic life.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
The park is named after the stunning Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Expect to encounter Nile crocodiles, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants during game drives and boat safaris. The park is a haven for birdwatchers.
4. Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo is one of Africa's most remote and untouched wilderness areas, offering a sense of true isolation and pristine beauty. Here, you can spot cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and more. The Narus Valley is particularly rich in wildlife, making it an excellent location for game drives.
5. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," this park is home to Africa's third-highest peak, Margherita Peak, and features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and a variety of ecosystems. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is not only about mountains; it's also home to rare species like the Rwenzori red duiker and the Rwenzori turaco.
More about the mountains of the moon
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Explore the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of the park on a game drive or boat safari and witness herds of zebras, impalas, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. Lake Mburo is a scenic wonder and home to Burchell's zebras, making it one of the few places in Uganda to see these beautiful creatures and take savannah nature walks.
Uganda's Diverse Wildlife
Uganda safaris are a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true. Beyond the iconic gorillas, you'll encounter a dazzling array of creatures, including:
- Big Five: Uganda is one of the few places in Africa where you can spot all of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
- Primates: Besides gorillas, you'll find chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and various monkey species.
- Birds: With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birdwatcher's paradise, with highlights like the shoebill stork.
- Aquatic Life: The country's rivers and lakes are inhabited by hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of fish.
Conservation Efforts
Uganda takes conservation seriously, with dedicated efforts to protect its remarkable biodiversity. Some conservation initiatives that make up wildlife safaris include:
- Gorilla Conservation: Strict guidelines limit the number of visitors who can trek to see gorillas each day to minimize disturbance to these gentle giants.
- Community-Based Conservation: Many parks involve local communities in wildlife protection and sustainable tourism practices, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
- Anti-Poaching Measures: Uganda has ramped up anti-poaching efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species.
Cultural Experiences
The cultural diversity of Uganda communities is a huge draw for travelers on safaris. Engaging with local communities allows you to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Some ancient clans you might encounter include:
- Baganda: The largest ethnic group in Uganda, known for their vibrant dance performances and rich history.
- Batwa: The indigenous people of the forest, who have a deep connection to the natural world.
- Karamojong: Nomadic pastoralists with a distinctive way of life in the northeastern part of the country.
Traditional dance performances are a captivating part of Ugandan culture. You can witness energetic dances accompanied by drumming and singing. And don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic Ugandan cuisine, which includes staples like matoke (cooking bananas), posho (maize porridge), and rolex (a popular street food).
Adventure Activities on Uganda Safaris
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after adventure activities on Uganda safaris. Traversing dense forests searching for these magnificent creatures offers a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.
White-Water Rafting on the Nile
For adrenaline junkies, navigating the powerful rapids of the Nile River provides an exhilarating adventure. The Nile's turbulent waters offer an exciting and heart-pounding rafting experience.
Mountain Biking
Explore Uganda's stunning landscapes on two wheels. Mountain biking adventures take you through diverse terrains, from the rolling hills to the challenging mountain tracks.
Hiking and Trekking
Uganda's diverse landscapes present excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. Whether it's the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, or the scenic trails within national parks, there's a trail for every level of hiker.
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Visa Requirements
- Apply for Visa online: You must apply for a tourist visa online at visas.immigration.go.ug for $50 before your trip. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
- No visas on arrival: Uganda does not give visas on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Apply online.
Currency
- The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Common foreign currency accepted in hotels, lodges, and international brand shops is USD. Currency exchange is widely available, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Health Precautions
- Vaccinations: Make sure you're up to date on routine vaccines and consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, yellow fever, and rabies, depending on your travel plans. You must carry a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when traveling to Uganda, like most African countries.
- Malaria: Uganda is a malaria-endemic area, so take appropriate antimalarial medication and use insect repellent.
Packing Tips
- Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm temperatures, but also include a few warmer layers for cooler evenings and higher-altitude regions.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are a must, especially for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities.
- Other Essentials: Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a good camera, and a power adapter for your electronics.
Weather Guide
- Dry Season: June to August and December to February are the dry months, making them ideal for safari adventures.
- Wet Season: March to May and September to November bring heavy rains, which can affect road conditions and wildlife sightings.
