Discovering the Magic: An Unforgettable Uganda Safari Experience

Serengeti National Park

An Unfogettable Uganda Safari Experience

Uganda Safari Experience
Buffalo in Uganda  copyright @Christiaan V

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Uganda safari experience and discover the natural wonders of the “Pearl of Africa.” In the heart of the African continent lies a land of extraordinary beauty and untamed wilderness-Uganda. Often reffered to as the “Pearl of Africa”, this nation offers an awe-inspiring safari experience that is as unique as it is enchanting. As the sun casts its golden rays upon the savannas and jungles, a journey through Uganda unveils a tapestry of natural wonders and unforgettable encounters.

The Unique Charm of Uganda’s Safari Experience:

Diverse Landscapes: One of Uganda’s most remarkable features is its diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable Uganda safari experience. From the iconic savannas of the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda’s terrain is a testament to the country’s rich biodiversity. The variety of ecosystems ensures that each day of your safari presents a different adventure.

The Big Five and Beyond: While many dream of encountering Africa’s Big Five animals-Lion,Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and a Rhinoceros-Uganda offers something even more magical. Here, you can embark on a quest to spot the Big Five alongside the rare and elusive tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha and the gentle giants of the Murchison Falls-Nubian giraffes.

Primate Paradise: Uganda is renowned as a primate paradise, adding a unique dimension to your Uganda safari experience. The forests of Kibale National Park and the aforementioned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. A close encounter with these remarkable creatures is an experience that transcends ordinary travel.

safari in uganda

Birdwatchers Paradise: For avid birdwatchers, Uganda is an absolute haven, enhancing your Uganda safari experience. With over 1,000 species of birds, including the vibrant Great Blue Turaco and the majestic Shoebill Stork, the country’s forests, wetlands and lakes are an avian paradise. Exploring the waterways of Lake Victoria or the crater lakes of Fort Portal will leave you spellbound by the sheer diversity of birdlife.

The Magic of Safari in Uganda:

Gorilla Trekking: Undoubtedly, the highlight of any Ugandan safari is the thrilling gorilla trekking experience. With just a limited number of permits available each day, you embark on a journey deep into the rainforest, guided by expert trackers. As you come face to face with a gorilla family, the profound connection with these gentle giants is an indescribable moment of wonder, enhancing your Uganda safari experience.

Game Drives: Game drives through Uganda’s national parks are a visual feast, further enriching your Uganda safari experience. Picture yourself traversing the open savannas, with herds of elephants browsing in the distance, lions lazing under the acacia trees, and graceful antelopes leaping through the tall grass. Every game drive promises a unique encounter with Africa’s incredible wildlife, adding depth to your Uganda safari experience.

Boat Safaris: Uganda’s waterways offer a different perspective on the wilderness. Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River provide opportunities to witness hippos wallowing , crocodiles sunning on the banks and an array of birdlife congregating near the water’s edge, further enhancing your Uganda safari experience.

Conservationa and Sustainability: Uganda is not only a destination for unforgettable safaris but also a nation commited to conservation and sustainability. Community-based initiatives and responsible tourism efforts ensure that the stunning landscapes and wildlife are preserved for future generations to appreciate, making your Uganda safari experience not only memorable but also responsible and sustainable.

An unforgettable Uganda safari experience is more than just a journey through the wild; it is an immersion into the soul of Africa. The warmth of its people, the symphony of its wildlife, and the breathtaking vistas of its landscapes come together to create an experience that will forever reside in your heart. Uganda’s safari is an invitation to rediscover the wonders of the natural world and to become part of the wild tapestry that is the “Pearl of Africa.”

Uganda Wildlife Safari

Uganda Wildlife Safari

Uganda Wildlife Safari: What To Expect on Your African Adventure.

If you’re planning an African adventure, a Uganda Wildlife Safari should be on your bucketlist. Uganda is a stunning country located in East Africa, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural landscapes. A Uganda Safari offers visitors an opportunity to witness some of the world’s most incredible wildlife up-close and personal.

Here’s what you should expect on a Uganda Safari:

WILDLIFE

uganda widlife safari

Uganda is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, leopards, and many more. The country’s national parks and wildlife reserves offers visitors with a chance to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitats. One of the most popular destinations for a Uganda Safari is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to over half the remaining population of mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking is a must-do a ctivity for any safari-goer in Uganda, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

SCENERY

In addition to its incredible widlife, Uganda is also home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. From the rolling hills and valleys of the Rwenzori Mountains to the vast savannas of the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, there’s no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Uganda is on a hot air balloon safari, which will give you a bird’s eye view of the country’s stunning scenery.

CULTURE

Uganda is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and a Uganda Safari is a great way to experience this firsthand. Many of the national parks and wildlife reserves are located near local communities, which gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the country’s diverse culture and traditions.

You can visit local villages, interact with the people, and learn more about their way of life. This is a great way to gain a deeper understading of Uganda’s history and culture.

ACCOMMODATION

There are a variety of accommodation options available for visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari, ranging from luxury lodges to budget friendly campsites. Many of the lodges and campsites are located within or near the national parks and wildlife reserves, which means you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Uganda. Some of the lodges even offer activities such as guided nature walks, bird-watching, and cultural perfomances.

GUIDES

To get the most out of your Uganda Wildlife Safari, its important to have a knowledgeable guide who can help you navigate the parks and wildlife reserves. Many of the guides in Uganda are locals who have grown up in the area and have a deep undertanding of the country’s wildlife and culture. They will be able to to answer any questions you have and help you spot wildlife that you might otherwise miss.

In conclusion, a Uganda Wildlife Safari is an unforgettabe experience that you won’t want to miss. From the incredible wildlife to the stunning scenery and rich cultures, there’s something for everyone in Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, a Uganda Wildlife Safari is sure to leave an ever lasting impression on you.

 

Best places to visit in 2023

best places to visit in 2023

Best Places to Visit in 2023|Uganda

Thinking of where to travel to in 2023 could be a hard puzzle to solve but here are some of the best places to visit in 2023 on a Uganda safari. East Africa is well known in terms of safaris and for most travelers visiting here would like to know which kind of a safari woud they wnt to immerse themselves into.

Uganda inparticular has immerged as one of those finest safari destinations anyone would love to lookout to and with welcoming locals as well, that adds value to every tourist visiting this country.

CNN Travel have listed Uganda as one of the places to visist in 2023 inthe world and you just can’t underestimate that statement because, for primates lovers, Uganda has no other match to be compared to. The country is home to half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas and it actually has two dofferent destinations or parks where you can meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

With almost 53 different tribal groups living in this small hidden paradise, it is positive for those seeking for a cultural exploration. The biggest is Kampala and of course it’s the country’s capital which will make it a highlight for you if you decide to visit.

As almost the highlight for every traveler visiting Uganda is “gorilla trek” it is a good idea to know how expensive or cheap to see them in the tropics. A gorilla trekking permit goes for US$700 per person and it is actually cheaper compared to the neighbours in Rwanda.

Best Places to Visit in 2023 |What to Expect on a Uganda Safari?

Depending on what your interests of travel are in to, there’s alot to choose from on a Uganda safari trip.  Gorillas are the highlight here but you can opt to go for other tourist activities. For example you can a safari to Murchison Falls National located north-west from Kampala and the least you can do it are 2 days. Most travelers combine this safari with a stop to see the endangered ssouthern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Another option for primate lovers is to see the gentle chimpanzees in the tropical rain forest of Kibale. Kibale National Park is famously known as the world’s primate capital because of it’s high potential in protecting primates.

The park is home to 13 different primate species and the most popular are the Chimps. Trekking to see them in their natural habitat here will see you paying US$200 per person, but they’re still other cheaper alternatives even though chances of seeing them are not as high as those in Kibale National Park.

Kalinzu forest, Budongo forest, Kyambura gorge are some of the other options of seeing the chimpanzees in Uganda and here it goes for a slightly US$150 per person.

Safari parks are one of the most visited and the Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park are the ones you can visit for a wildlife safari. All of those safari parks can be visited in just 3 days however you can combine them with a primate trip for those with longer days.

Powerful waterfall in the world

3 day Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls National Park- The world’s most powerful waterfalls

Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the River Nile which form Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall. The River Nile waters support an astonishing wildlife found in Murchison falls include 79 mammals and 451 species of birds.

For your adventure in Uganda, visit Murchison Falls National park and experience big 5 safaris. Game drive safaris in the park provide visitors with sightings of large mammals and antelopes including elephants, lion, leopard, buffaloes, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, topi, eland, and warthogs.

Boat cruises on the River Nile offer a relaxed way to view wildlife such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water birds.

Birding excursions are conducted on the Albert-Nile delta wetland in search for the rare bird species such as shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek.

Murchison falls is located in western Uganda about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala/ Entebbe. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is situated in Nakasongora along the route to the park. Ziwa is home to 23 rhinos. Visitors are allowed to track rhinos on foot with ranger.

How’s Murchison Falls the most powerful waterfall?

Who visits Uganda and doesn’t visit the world’s most powerful waterfalls in the north-western side of Uganda. About 5-6 hours driving through the famous Luweero triangle, Murchison Falls National park is found in Masindi district. With the waterfalls as the highlight of every traveler visiting this Uganda’s largest park.

Every second, Murchison falls powers water equivalent to 3000 cubic meters from the Victoria Nile just a wide gorge of about 7 meters powering down a 45 meters deep to the albert Nile.

But besides the waterfalls, this park is home to about 79 other mammal species with 4 of the African Big 5 inclusive. Also it a protects a vast number of birdlife of a bout 345 bird species.

Safari in Uganda

safari in uganda

 

Guide to planning a safari in Uganda 2022

We share our specially prepared itineraries and look at the most popular Uganda wildlife national parks for safaris to help you plan your adventure safari in Uganda.

When visiting for a safari in Uganda, the pearl of Africa many will emphasize that your itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see mountain gorillas. that’s because, gorilla tracking is Uganda’s main tourism activity and the best things to do on any African safari. However, when it comes to deciding what safari in Uganda, a lot of things for your choice.

So, you are considering traveling to Uganda, there are various factors that you need to understand. For instance, what kind of tour you are going to be on, for how long to spend in each place and what it shall include.

This guide is for those who would like to their first African wildlife safari to Uganda.

So, what are wildlife safaris destination in Uganda?

A Uganda wildlife safari is all about covering a lot of ground as you drive from one place to another doing activities like early morning game drive with afternoon boat safari, treks through the jungles in search of gorillas or chimpanzees, hiking, nature walk, bird watching, sightseeing, community tours…. You can do all this by opting for a safari in vehicle which is the most popular, walking safari, hot air balloon safari or safari of other kind.

Of course, there are many adventurous activities such as white-water rafting and kayaking on the Nile river, canoeing, horseback rides, spot fishing. Its better to have a trip that allow you to try as many activities and view wildlife as possible.

There are many options for different types of travelers regardless of budget. What differentiates one itinerary from the other is the choice of accommodation and whether you fly in.

Yes, you will be glad to follow advise regarding the lodges and things to do.There are many posts by bloggers, tour operators and travelers on various forums discussing their experiences in Uganda.

For instance, a solo traveler who spent 8 days on safari Uganda reviewed like this “It was a memorable trip. It would have been a very good journey even without the gorillas, but of course gorillas were the icing on cake”.

Some overall thoughts:

Wildlife viewing in Uganda may not be as good as a traditional Kenya or Tanzania safari. Though, the ability to combine that primate trekking safaris and other activities like boat safaris in Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and lake Mburo national parks is great. If you have been to Africa before, you can attest to that. But if you have never been to Africa before, you will be happy with what you see in Uganda.

As for the best time to visit, Uganda can be visited all year round. Though, this depends on the activities you wish to do. The high / dry season (December to February and June to September) are considered the best time for primate trekking like gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking as well game viewing. However, visiting off season (March to May and October to November)shouldn’t be overlooked. Because the number of visitors is low, you are able to get discounts for value and the landscape is green.

Getting around, Uganda has improved its road network which is good even for the self-drive enthusiast. However, expect to cover a lot ground with some drives involving long distances such as over 400 km sq about 8-9 hour-drive. This is dependent on how your itinerary is scheduled and variable road conditions.

 

Going on safari in Uganda, the most popular national parks

There are 10 Uganda wildlife national parks wherein you can go for a safari. Take some time to research which itinerary best suits your budget and other needs and go for it.Make sure that you find a registered tour operator. Here we look at 6 most popular for safari.

Safari in Murchison falls National Park

Most famous for the Murchison falls, arguably the world’s strongest waterfall. Murchison falls is formed as the waters of the Nile river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges over a 45-meter cliff with a thunderous roar. The mist around creates a trade mark rainbow. The view from the hike to the top of the falls is beautiful.

Murchison falls is the largest conservation area in Uganda and covers a diverse habitat with tracts of woodlands, open grasslands dotted with borrosous palm trees, Nile-delta swamps.

Wildlife to see in Murchison falls

There are 79 mammals including leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, hartebeest, hippos, giraffe, oribi, waterbuck, bushbuck, Uganda kob, bush pig and many more. 415 bird species including the pre-historic looking shoebill stork. Reptiles include Nile crocodiles

The park offers a wonderful Uganda safari experience, activities you can do include game drive, boat cruise on the Nile, night game drive, top of the falls hike, day nature walk, hot air balloon safaris, spot fishing, rafting and community tours.

When visited on its own, the minimum number of days is (3) with an option to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or add an extra night in Budongo forest reserve for chimpanzee trekking.

Several accommodation options are available in the south and north side of the Nile. Murchison falls is located 5-6 hours drive from Kampala.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda’s most visited park, Queen Elizabeth lies in the shadow of the Rwenzori mountains on the rift valley floor. Its diverse habitats include tropical forests, kazinga channel, grasslands, wetlands, crater lakesprovide home to 95 mammals and over 612 bird species. Big 4 mammals including tree climbing lions which are found in Ishasha the area where you pass driving from QENP to Bwindi southwestern Uganda.

What makes this park popular is its ability to offer travelers a variety of activities, one can do in a single day. For instance, in the morning you can do chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest or kyambura gorge. In the afternoon take a boat cruise along Kazinga channel and end with evening or night game drive.

There are experiential tourism activities such as lion tracking, hippo census, bird counts and mongoose tracking.

Kibale forest National Park

This park is known as the primates capital of the world because its home to 13 primates species including man. Therefore, Kibale forest national park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The primary activity is chimpanzee tracking which can be done in the morning and afternoon. Chimpanzee habituation experience gives a full day encounter with chimps. There’s also Kibale forest walk which can be done during day and at night. Its enjoyable but you may not see as much as you expect, just go for it if you love nature. Outside the park, you can as well visit Bigodi wetland for a community walk usually done in the afternoon.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park

Lake Mburo National Park

Kidepo valley National Park

Off the tourist radar

Semuliki national park

Rwenzori mountains national park

Sample Itineraries

Days 1-4 visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with game drive in Lake Mburo national park. Activities you can undertake include gorilla tracking, walking safari or game drive in Lake Mburo.

Days 5 – 7 visit Kibale forest national park, queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and lake Bunyonyi. Activities include gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest, game drive and boat cruise on Kazinga channel which teem with birds, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalos. From Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi via Ishasha wilderness offer potential sighting of tree climbing lions.

8 days Uganda visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison falls, Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi forest/ Lake Bunyonyi. Activities you can undertake include rhino tracking, top of the falls hike which boasts breathtaking view of river Nile, game drive and river Nile boat cruise, exclusive boat ride, hot air balloon safari, chimpanzee tracking, Bigodi swamp walk, second boat cruise Kazinga channel, gorilla tracking, canoe or boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

One thing to note for trips starting at Entebbe going to Murchison falls and ending in southwestern Uganda. You should choose one leg of your flights to/from Kigali instead of driving long distance from south west to go through Entebbe both times. It might save you some time.

 

Days 9 – 15 You can include Kidepo valley national park far in the north, Murchison falls, Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga. Possible sightings in Kidepo include cheetah and ostrich which are not found in other parks. Also unique is golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Other activities not included here can be added into any of the above itineraries. For instance, white water rafting and kayaking can be done for 1-day visit t Jinja which is 2 hour-drive east of Kampala city.