The Best 5 Uganda Safaris by Category You Can’t Miss

Uganda is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, offering a rich variety of landscapes, wildlife, and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking to trek through dense jungles to see mountain gorillas, explore savannahs in search of the Big Five, or indulge in birdwatching, Uganda has something to offer every type of safari enthusiast. Below is a breakdown of the best Uganda safaris by category, showcasing the variety of experiences you can enjoy on holiday in the Pearl Of Africa.

1. Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Best Gorilla Trekking Safari Destinations:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bwindi is one of the most popular gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The trekking experience here can be challenging due to the dense rainforest, but the reward is unforgettable.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga is another excellent location for gorilla trekking. This park offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, with fewer permits available each day. It’s a great destination for those who want a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path safari.

Best Time to Go:

• The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best times to visit for gorilla trekking, as the trails are easier to navigate.

2. Big Five Safaris

While Uganda is not traditionally known for having the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in large numbers like some other African countries, it is still a fantastic destination for those wanting to spot a variety of wildlife, including these iconic species.

Best Big Five Safari Destinations:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park is one of the best places to spot a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The park also has a unique tree-climbing lion population in the Ishasha sector, where lions are known to rest in fig trees. Additionally, the park has extensive savannah and woodland areas where buffaloes, giraffes, and other species thrive.

• Murchison Falls National Park: Known for its dramatic landscapes, Murchison Falls is another excellent destination for Big Five safaris. Here, you’ll find elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. It is also home to Uganda’s only population of giraffes and the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically plunges through a narrow gorge.

Best Time to Go:

• The dry season from December to February and June to September offers the best conditions for game viewing, as animals congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot.

3. Birdwatching Safaris

Uganda is one of the top birdwatching destinations in Africa, with more than 1,000 species recorded in the country. This makes it a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a huge variety of bird species across its diverse ecosystems—from savannahs and wetlands to rainforests and mountainous regions.

Best Birdwatching Safari Destinations:

• Semliki Wildlife Reserve: Situated in western Uganda, Semliki is known for its rich biodiversity and as a hotspot for birdwatchers. The area is home to many rare species, including the colorful Shoebill stork, which attracts birders from all over the world. The reserve also features tropical rainforest and wetland habitats that support various bird species.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: While primarily known for gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also a haven for birdwatching. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here, including the rare African green broadbill and various species of hornbills and sunbirds.

• Lake Mburo National Park: A smaller park compared to others in Uganda, Lake Mburo is still a fantastic location for birdwatching. It is home to over 350 species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and the Papyrus yellow warbler.

Best Time to Go:

• The dry season (from June to September and December to February) is ideal for birdwatching, as the vegetation is less dense and birds are easier to spot.

4. Wildlife and Game Viewing Safaris

For travelers who want to experience Uganda’s general wildlife and scenic landscapes, including encounters with a variety of species in their natural habitats, Uganda offers diverse game viewing opportunities.

Best Wildlife Safari Destinations:

• Kidepo Valley National Park: Known for its rugged beauty and remote location, Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most untouched and unspoiled national parks. It’s an excellent location for wildlife safaris, with a chance to see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of predators such as lions and cheetahs. It’s also one of the best parks in Uganda for spotting ostriches.

• Lake Mburo National Park: The park offers diverse landscapes and is home to a wide range of animals, including zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and over 350 bird species. Unlike many other parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo offers unique walking safaris, where you can explore on foot with a guide to get up close to the wildlife.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Apart from the Big Five, this park is home to a variety of other animals, including warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous species of primates. The park’s boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel provide fantastic opportunities for viewing hippos, elephants, and various bird species.

Best Time to Go:

• The dry season is the best time for wildlife safaris, as animals are easier to spot near water sources.

5. Luxury and Exclusive Safaris

For those looking for a more luxurious and exclusive safari experience, Uganda offers high-end lodges and private safaris that provide top-notch comfort, personalized experiences, and opportunities to explore Uganda’s beauty in style.

Best Luxury Safari Destinations:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Stay in luxurious lodges such as Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge, where you can enjoy comfort while trekking to see mountain gorillas. These lodges offer high-end services and stunning views of the forest.

• Kidepo Valley National Park: With limited tourism in Kidepo, it offers an exclusive, private safari experience. Stay in the luxurious Apoka Safari Lodge, which provides top-tier accommodations and is located in the heart of the park, offering a chance to experience remote wildlife encounters.

• Murchison Falls National Park: For a high-end experience, stay at the luxurious Paraa Safari Lodge, which offers stunning views of the Nile River and Murchison Falls. You can enjoy private boat safaris, game drives, and luxurious accommodations.

Best Time to Go:

• The dry season (from June to September and December to February) is ideal for luxury safaris, as the weather is more predictable, and wildlife viewing is at its best.

Uganda offers a diverse array of safari experiences tailored to various interests and preferences. Whether you’re passionate about gorilla trekking, eager to spot the Big Five, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the country’s stunning wildlife and culture, Uganda has something for every traveler. The country’s combination of rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique safari opportunities makes it a must-visit destination for safari lovers from around the world.

To book a safari in Uganda this season, simply contact us now by sending an email to info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with us.

Bryan Muhoozi