Best Places To Visit in Uganda for Safari
Safari in Uganda offers a plethora of amazing destinations that cater to every adventurer’s dream. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to captivating savannah reserves, Uganda safaris offer a rich paradise waiting to be explored. Here are some of the the best places to visit in Uganda that will leave you spellbound on your safari tour:
1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s most visited park, located in the western region. It covers an area of 1,978 square kilometers and boasts a variety of habitats, such as savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species, including lions that climb trees, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and chimpanzees. Highlights of Uganda safari tours to Queen Elizabeth include a boat along the famous Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts large numbers of wildlife and birds, Tree climbing lions found here among other various wildlife species.
2. Murchison Falls National Park
This is Uganda’s largest and oldest park, located in the northwestern region. Murchison Falls National Park covers an area of 3,893 square kilometers and encompasses the Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges 43 meters into a narrow gorge. The park hosts over 450 bird species and 76 mammal species, including giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, and chimpanzees. Safari to Uganda in Murchison Falls also offers boat cruises on the Nile to see the falls and the wildlife along the banks.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Land
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the southwestern region. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of 331 square kilometers and protects one of the largest and most diverse montane forests in Africa. Bwindi is a popular destination for almost all Uganda safaris and tours for being home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, but it also has over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics and seven IUCN Red List species.
4. Kidepo Valley National Park
This is most remote and least visited park for safaris in Uganda, located in the northeastern corner of the country. Kidepo Valley National Park covers an area of 1,442 square kilometers and features rugged mountains, valleys, plains, and rivers. The park is one of the most scenic and pristine in Africa, with stunning views and diverse wildlife. The park has over 475 bird species and 77 mammal species, some of which are endemic or rare in Uganda, such as cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, caracals, and roan antelopes.
5. Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is another popular destination for Uganda safaris famous for being the primate capital of the world making it the best place in the world to track chimpanzees. The park covers an area of 795 square kilometers (307 square miles) of tropical rainforest, where more than 1,500 chimpanzees live alongside 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. You can also explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is a haven for birds and monkeys.
6. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest but most scenic national park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers at the southwestern corner Uganda. The park is part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains that host mountain gorillas. Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family open to safaris to Uganda featuring gorilla trekking, however, this family sometimes crosses the border into Rwanda or Congo, so it is advisable to check their availability a few weeks to your travel. Other activities here include; hiking the three volcanoes, visiting the Batwa pygmies, birdwatching, and golden monkey tracking are possible
7. Entebbe
Entebbe, a recreation town shoring Lake Victoria, is Uganda’s gateway and a base for most Uganda safari tours. It boasts several attractions and activities to include; The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), also known as Entebbe Zoo, is a conservation and education facility with over 250 animals. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Located on a 40-hectare island in Lake Victoria is a refuge for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Botanical Gardens, home to diverse plants and birds. The Uganda Reptile Village, showcasing various reptiles; and the prestigious Entebbe Golf Club. The town also serves as a base for exploring destinations around Lake Victoria, like the Ssese Islands, offering pristine beaches and Mabamba Swamp is a top spot for sighting the elusive shoebill stork.
8. Kampala City
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, with a population of about 3.5 million people. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. A city tour as part of your Uganda safari itinerary takes you to historical sites such as the Kasubi Tombs, where four kings of the Buganda kingdom are buried; the Uganda Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits on Uganda’s history and culture; the Bahai Temple, which is the only one of its kind in Africa; and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, which commemorates the 22 Catholic converts who were killed by a Buganda king in 1886 for refusing to renounce their faith. Enjoy shopping at local markets such as Owino and Nakasero, where you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and crafts.
9. Jinja – East Africa’s Adventure City
Jinja is a town located on the shores of Lake Victoria, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Kampala. It is known as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa” for being the base Uganda adventure safaris such as white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking, and horse riding. Jinja is also the place where the Nile River begins its journey to the Mediterranean Sea, and you can visit the Source of the Nile monument and park that marks this spot. Jinja also has a colonial charm, with old buildings and streets that date back to the early 20th century.
10. Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are a group of 84 islands located in Lake Victoria, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Entebbe. They are a perfect getaway for relaxation, romance, or adventure after safari in Uganda. The Islands offer pristine beaches, lush forests, exotic wildlife, and friendly locals. You can also engage in activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, biking, or camping. The Ssese Islands are also home to some cultural sites such as the Buggala Cathedral, which is the oldest Catholic church in Uganda; the Banda Island Shrine, which is dedicated to a local spirit called Mukasa; and the Nsirwe Island Sacred Forest.
From the majestic Rwenzori mountains, Africa’s tallest mountain range adorned with glaciers, to the iconic Nile River, the longest river globally, flowing from Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, Uganda boasts a wealth of natural wonders. The lush forests teeming with a remarkable array of primates, including half of the remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas in the world. With diverse habitats that cater to a myriad of species, safari tours Uganda welcome you to a bird-watching paradise.
Committed to responsible tourism for sustainable development, we prioritize eco-friendly practices in all aspects of our safaris. From the use of fuel-efficient and well-maintained vehicles to staying at eco-friendly safari lodges and camps, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and support conservation
