What to Expect on safari to Uganda? Compared to its eastern counterparts, Uganda has long been a distinctive African safari destination. You should anticipate a more diverse terrain during your safari vacation in Uganda, ranging from the savanna plains to the untamed western area that is home to a variety of animals, monkeys, and unusual bird species. Because of the high densities of animals, the warm environment, and the expansive landscapes, general game viewing is popular throughout the year. Anticipate game viewing in a cozy closed 4×4 truck featuring a pop-top roof hatch and three rows of seats. Tented camps and genuine traditional lodges serve as the main lodging options. Additionally, Uganda offers the greatest safari mix of game drives, boat safaris, cultural excursions, guided nature walks, and primate viewing.
The majority of safari journeys in Uganda begin in Entebbe City, which is home to the country’s sole international airport. From there, they travel west to other locations where they may discover various safari attractions.
The most striking aspect as you go west is the breathtaking, rocky, terraced terrain covered in emerald hues. Uganda’s location in a basin between the eastern savannah plains and the western rainforest jungle ecosystem creates stunning landscapes for a wide range of safari experiences.
Primate trekking in the tropical and sub-tropical forests of Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, as well as a traditional savanna plains game drive and boat cruise safari, are the typical components of a Uganda safari. With over 1066 verified species populating the amazing range of habitats, birding is excellent. The rare shoebill stock, which hunts in the marshy regions of Entebbe, Semuliki National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, to name a few, is the most sought-after bird for a serious birder.
Game watching on a safari vacation to Uganda is quite enjoyable, even if the animal populations in the country’s big game safari parks are not comparable to those in eastern locations. A safari in Uganda is a more intimate experience because a smaller percentage of tourists visit the country’s national parks than go to the more well-known locations. You seldom get to experience these moments with swarms of cars. Seeing a leopard, hyena, lion, elephant, or buffalo is a sight to cherish.
The greatest and most accessible primate safaris in the world are still found in Uganda’s tropical and subtropical rain forests. Kibale Forest National Park is home to about 1500 chimpanzees. The park turns into an amazing place to go chimp trekking. Although they offer a limited chimpanzee trekking experience, other chimpanzee locations including Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Maramagambo Forest, and Semiliki Forest are nevertheless worth visiting.
Spending time with the gentle and tranquil mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the high point of a safari trip in Uganda. With many safari lodges dispersed among the four trailheads on the park’s borders, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in the extreme southwest of Uganda provide fantastic gorilla trekking experiences. Additionally, passengers can take chartered flights to Kihihi or Kisoro airports from Entebbe International Airport, Kajjansi Airport, or Masai Mara in Kenya, and then drive for a few hours to the park.
Who can reserve a safari to Uganda?
Solo, romantic, and adventurous visitors are the ideal candidates for a Uganda safari. Travelers seeking the ultimate primate safari experience in a natural environment should visit Uganda. With more than 12 primate species, the largest chimpanzee population in Kibale, and more than half of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the dense forests of Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda provides the best primate viewing experiences in the world.
Because it’s one of the most popular safari destination activities, offering both trekking experiences and spectacular primate encounters, chimpanzee trekking is best enjoyed at Kibale Forest National Park.
With a machete, sturdy waterproof boots, long-sleeved pants, a hat, and sunscreen, travelers who are eager to get their hands dirty in the towering, tangled scrubs and old trees that cover western Uganda’s tropical and subtropical rainforests can choose a safari in Uganda. On a good day, following chimpanzees is exciting, but such spectacular encounters are rare.
The serene mountain gorillas in the southwest Ugandan national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga would definitely awaken your better nature side if the chimps don’t delight you to the fullest. With over 20 habituated gorilla groups, four trekking sectors, and a population of over half a million mountain gorillas in Bwindi, gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a unique experience that is hard to find on an African safari vacation.
Encountering wild mountain gorillas is regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, despite the fact that the species is in danger of going extinct and trekking is a strictly regulated sport. Witnessing a family of mountain gorillas unwinding in their natural forest setting is an incredible experience that you will never forget.
Uganda is a fantastic location for birdwatchers since it places any enthusiast in the heart of an astounding amount of bird species. With more accessible habitats than any other safari site in Africa, birdwatchers will discover an astounding avian variety with over 1066 distinct bird species.
A rare shoebill that seems like it’s crawled straight out of Darwin’s evolution box with its out-of-proportion structures and a wide dirty-yellow bill that resembles an old damaged shoe is the highlight of birding in Uganda, much like witnessing the mountain gorillas.
In Africa, Uganda is the top safari location for primates and birdwatching. Because of its diverse range of species and lush habitats, the country continues to be an excellent location for traditional private safaris by boat or car. A Uganda safari is the best choice for those seeking something new, uncharted, less crowded, and exciting.
How long is a Uganda safari?
Experts in Uganda safaris Spend 6–10 days exploring Uganda’s unique attractions for an amazing experience. However, your budget, the things you wish to visit, and the amount of days you wish to spend in the nation will all affect how long the safari lasts.
Gorilla trekking excursions often start in Entebbe or Kampala, where you arrive by plane at Entebbe International Airport, stay the night at one of the nearby lodging options, and then drive or fly to the southwest region of Uganda the next day. In order to see some of Uganda’s attractions, like the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island, botanical gardens, and a little shopping for their lengthy trek into the countryside, travelers who have enough days spend an additional day in Entebbe.
Following a full day of gorilla trekking, the tourists will return to Entebbe or Queen Elizabeth Park via car or airplane. A lunch boat on the Kazinga Channel and a wildlife drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park are included in the majority of Uganda safari packages. Before continuing north to the stunning Murchison Falls National Park for another wildlife drive and an Albert Nile boat tour, they will travel from Queen to Kibale Forest National Park for a chimpanzee trekking experience.
Visitors can discover the uncharted vast expanses of the lesser-known but very rewarding Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve in the isolated northeastern regions of the nation.
A 14-day or longer Uganda safari should include all of the country’s main attractions. You won’t get the whole experience of an African safari vacation in a few days.
When is the best time for me travel to Uganda?
A safari in Uganda may be taken at any time of year, however the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) can make it difficult to navigate the national parks because of the impassable roads caused by the rain. Because the trails are often muddy and slick, rain may also make primate hiking rather difficult.
Generally speaking, the ideal times to go on safari in Uganda are during the dry months of December through February and June through August. Because the forest floors are less wet, the routes are less muddy and slick, and you can be confident that your photographic gear won’t get wet from the intense downpours, the dry season is the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
When the skies are clearer, there is less rain, more sunshine, and less vegetation, the dry months are also ideal for visiting Uganda’s wildlife savannah reserves. The animals congregate at the water sources during this time of year to wash and drink, which makes them visible. Additionally, it is the ideal time of year to take a boat launch safari on the Albert Nile at Murchison Falls National Park and the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The two dry seasons of June to September and December to February are often the busiest or most popular times to visit Uganda.
Gorilla trekking permits are extremely limited during the dry season, which is the greatest time to view mountain gorillas. To prevent problems, we urge anyone planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda to reserve their permits three to four months in advance.
Are you prepared to begin organizing your safari?
That’s not all we have for you, though; our knowledgeable advisers are prepared to assist you in organizing an all-inclusive safari in Uganda. It’s important to remember that we tailor every trip to your preferences and manner of travel.