Best Wildlife Safaris In Uganda | Uganda Wildlife Safaris Packages
Wildlife safaris in Uganda or Uganda wildlife safaris are some of the most unique adventures you can have on African continent. A variety of Uganda wildlife tours can be enjoyed against a stunning backdrop of volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lakes, forest and savannah.
The mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are the most famous animals of Uganda. They are what lure many safari-goers here. But Uganda safaris offers so many other wildlife experiences like chimpanzee trekking, tracking tree-climbing lions, big game safaris, birding tours, rhino tracking & more.
Best Places For Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Don’t be put off by its intimidating name: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is, in fact, penetrable and it is possibly the best place in Africa for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
The park is home to half of the world mountain gorilla population and has 50 gorilla families of which 22 are habituated for tourist visits. This 330km2 ancient rainforest jungle has 4 different trailheads, acting as different tourist destinations from which you can trek gorillas.
Other Uganda wildlife safaris activities include forest nature walks and bird watching tours. There are also opportunities to visit a community of Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest who were evicted from their environment when the national park was gazetted.
2. Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is famous for having the highest density and diversity of primates in Africa.
About 13 primate species live in this massive rainforest jungle, most visibly black-and-white colobus, red colobus, red-tailed monkey, and the endemic Uganda mangabey. Kibale is also a superb destination for bird watching tours in Uganda, with a checklist of 375 species.
But for most visitors, Kibale’s main attraction is the chimpanzees. This 776km2 evergreen rainforest is home to over 1,500 wild chimpanzees. Kibale’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and are now incredibly relaxed around people.
Visiting our closest relative in Kibale Forest is a truly thrilling bucket-list wildlife experience. For budget travelers, it is also a relatively affordable goal compared to gorilla trekking.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the best game park for savannah wildlife safaris in Uganda. Attractions include the world’s strongest waterfall for which the park is named and the wildly tropical stretch of the neatly Nile River that bisects the national park as it flows toward Lake Albert.
When it comes to viewing wildlife, a Uganda wildlife safari itinerary that combines Murchison Falls National Park with the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Budongo Forest offers you with a good chance to all the Big 5 as well as chimps, giraffes, hippos, Crocodiles, shoebills and numerous antelopes in the course of one short and affordable Uganda trip.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda.
This is partly due to its closeness to the country’s gorilla trekking destinations, but also reflects its status as one of the most bio-diverse protected areas in East Africa.
Here you’ll find expansive freshwater lakes, swathes of equatorial rainforest, swathes of rolling savannah grassland and brackish crater lakes nestled below the snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Four of the Big 5 can be encountered here (no rhino), with buffalo and elephant easily seen and lion reasonably common too. The bird checklist of 612 species is the most of any national park in East Africa.
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in in the far northeast of Uganda, Kidepo is arguably the most remote destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda and anywhere else in East Africa.
It is one of the most beautiful wildlife safari parks as well. Set on the border with South Sudan and below a range of rugged peaks, this underrated Uganda wildlife safaris park protects an impressive tract of savannah.
Despite its remote location, Kidepo National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, including 4 of the Big Five, with huge buffalo herds especially prominent.
Few tourists make it up to this forgotten corner of Uganda, but it is as affordable to visit as the country’s other top safari destinations in Uganda and boasts a more untrammeled wilderness feel than any of them.
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Situated halfway between Kampala and the gorilla trekking destinations, Lake Mburo National Park is a perfect overnight stop-over for travellers making their way between the two destinations.
While heavyweights such as rhinos, lions, and elephant are missing, the great mix of wetland and woodland habitats makes for a wide range of mammals and birds. And Lake Mburo’s tranquil atmosphere and soothing views provide welcome relief after a long wildlife safari in Uganda.
FAQs About Wildlife Safaris In Uganda
We have taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about wildlife safaris in Uganda.
1. How Much Does A Wildlife Tour In Uganda Cost?
Let us try to do some safari costing together. Right? A Uganda gorilla trekking permit per person cost US$ 700 as of 2023. Accommodation ranges from 100 to 900 depending on where you choose to stay. Roughly a simple 3 day safari to Bwindi should cost around $ 1600 per person, which should be the cheapest.
Other Uganda wildlife safari destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park could cost about $ 800 for budget safari travellers.
If you are travelling with other people, the price of a Uganda safari is incredibly reduced. If they are 2 of you, it is possible to save over $ 300 on a 3 day wildlife trip to Uganda.
- Budget wildlife safaris in Uganda cost from $150 per person per day
- Mid-range safaris can start from $300 per person per day and
- Top-end luxury Uganda safaris start at around $600 per person.
- Read more about Uganda safari cost
2. Why Go For Wildlife Safaris In Uganda?
More than half the world’s mountain gorillas live in Uganda.
The lush rainforest jungles of Uganda are incredible destinations for gorilla trekking. And the country’s gorilla trekking permits are among the most affordable in Africa.
Plus, wildlife safaris in Uganda offer you a chance to augment your gorilla trekking experience with one-of-a-kind chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest.
You can as well enjoy classic game viewing in savannah game parks.
The savannah plains of Uganda’s national parks are inhabited by elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and the unique Uganda kobs.
Uganda has over 20 species of monkeys inhabiting the various rainforest jungles, from the nocturnal galagos to the golden monkeys. In addition to a wide variety of mammals, the country is also one of the most bird rich countries on Earth with about 1097 bird species including the prehistoric-looking shoebill.
- You may also like: Best places to see birds of Uganda.
3. What Are The Major Wildlife Found In Uganda?
Uganda is home to over 345 species of mammal, 1097 species of bird, 140 reptile species and 1249 species of butterflies. The country is home to all Africa’s Big Five animals. It is also home to more than 5000 wild chimpanzee and 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas. Some of the major wildlife in Uganda include;
- Carnivores such as Lion, Leopards, cheetahs, hyena, and many more.
- Herbivores like Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Rhino, Zebra and many more.
- Reptiles such as Crocodiles, pythons, snakes, monitor lizards, chameleons.
- Birds like Shoebills, Fish eagles, Vultures, Turacos, and many more.
- Primates such as Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Baboons, and more
- Read more about the major wildlife found in Uganda
4. What Are The Best Time For Wildlife Safaris In Uganda?
The best time for wildlife viewing in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to early September and December to February.
This is when there is less vegetation to hinder your view and when animals are more likely to congregate near water sources. Really, though, Uganda is a year-round destination.
The country sits squarely on the equator and the average altitude of about 1,000 m tempers the heat. March to May and October to November see the highest rainfall.
- Read more about the best time to visit Uganda.
Things To Remember About Wild Animals In Uganda
- Wild animals can be dangerous. They should be treated with respect and caution.
- Most camps/lodges are unfenced. Dangerous animals like elephants, buffaloes and hippos can wander through, especially at night.
- Listen to safety precautions from lodge staff and guides.
- Don’t leave your lodge on your own without a guide, especially at night.
- View animals silently and with minimal disturbance to their natural activities.
- If you stand up on game drive vehicles or talk in a loud voice you can frighten wild animals away. You can even cause an aggressive animal reaction
- Try not to attract the attention of the wild animals.
- Don’t imitate their sounds.
- Don’t clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
- Please respect your guide’s judgment about proximity to predators and large animals like elephants.
- If you drive your vehicle too close to the animals, it can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal. This as well triggers a charge.
- Littering in the wildlife parks, in addition to being unsightly can poison animals and birds.
- Never attempt to approach any wild animal on foot without a guide.
- And never feed the animals in the wild. Lodges and camps suffer the consequences as these animals may become accustomed to humans – leading to danger for all involved.
- Don’t smoke on game drives.
- The dry bushveld of Africa ignites very easily, and a fire can kill animals and destroy their grazing areas.
- Do not leave young children unattended in a park. Noisy children can also irritate other guests. Also, to predators such as leopards, children often sound like prey animals making distress calls.
- You may also like; Is it safe to visit Uganda?
Ready For A Wildlife Safari In Uganda?
The above ready-made safari packages are just a taste of wildlife safaris in Uganda on offer. If none of the above meets your interests why not discuss your requirements with one of our Uganda safari experts?