The 6 Best Wildlife Safari Destinations in Uganda

The popular slogan “Uganda the Pearl of Africa” summarizes a lot of what Uganda is made of; the beautiful weather, scenic landscape, the hospitable people and rich culture plus its impressive wildlife including some of the world’s most sought out primates- the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. It is a magical safari destination with impressive wildlife reserves to explore. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxed kind of safari, this is the place for your sought experience.

Uganda’s safari destinations range from savannah plains to the hidden islands not forgetting the bushy and misty mountains that offer eye-catching backgrounds for photography. Apart from the famous primates, other attractions here include the splendid Murchison falls, tree-climbing lions, the snowcapped Rwenzori ranges and the source of the Nile among others. Planning a wildlife safari in Uganda this season and you are still on the search for which places could make your vacation enjoyable? check out out these 6 top destinations that will give you a ful feel of the wild and nature of Uganda.

Murchison Falls National park

The national park is located in northwestern Uganda near the shores of Lake Albert, protecting huge populations of mammals including 4 of the Big Five animals-the rhino absent. The wildlife reserve is also popular because of the mighty Murchison falls located at a point where the Nile forces through a 7m gorge forming the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Apart from these attractions, there are many other things to do and see on a safari in Murchison including boat cruise, to see the various aquatic and semi-aquatic life including crocodiles and hippos, game drives to look out for lions, leopards, African elephants, giraffes and different types of antelopes among others.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park

More than 400 mountain gorillas roam around the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park in southwestern Uganda and this makes the region a uniquely beautiful place to explore. The jungle dominated by thick greenery forest vegetation has over 17 habituated gorilla families which are trekked all year round hence can be visited any time of the year. More to that, the park is home to 220 species of butterflies, 120 mammal species and about 35 bird species some of which are spotted during the gorilla treks for example the black and white colobus monkeys and forests elephants among others.  In addition, the road trip is featured by the breathtaking landscape of the region which includes the terraced hills and views of the Virunga volcanoes at a distance.

Kibale Forest national Park

One would be right to say that chimps are the second most sought primates in Africa. These awesome creatures can be spotted in more than 4 places in Uganda but Kibale national park comes at the top and is the most popular wildlife safari destination for chimp tracking in the country. The home to over 1,400 chimpanzees also harbors other primate species including black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, bush babies and baboons among others. The rain forest is also home to about 70 mammal species and 375 bird species some of which can be spotted during the trekking activities. A permit for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park costs $200 for foreign nonresidents, $150 for foreign residents and UGX. 150,000 for East Africa citizens.

Queen Elizabeth national Park

Queen Elizabeth national park is the most popular savannah wildlife reserve in Uganda and boasts the widest variety of wildlife than any other park in the country. Its habitats are composed of mainly savannah grasslands and the rest are lush forests, woodlands, swamps and wetlands. The park supports a range of mammals, reptiles and birds. It is home to four of the Big Five; elephant and buffalo which are particularly common and the leopard and lion which are searched during game drives. The tree climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector in its southern part makes Queen Elizabeth national park an outstanding wildlife destination.

Jinja Source of River Nile

Jinja is a city worth adding to one’s safari itinerary due to the various enjoyable safari activities at the destination. Famously known as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa”, Jinja is the place to go for adventure to engage in activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking among others. The natural setting of the place is also conducive for quad biking, horseback riding. Travelers have a chance to see the great source of the Nile while on the Jinja tour; simply consider doing the Jinja boat ride.

Rwenzori national park

If you are an adventurer seeking to experience Uganda, Rwenzori national park is the place for you to go. The park protects the legendary mountains of Rwenzori which are famously known for their snowcapped peaks throughout the year. Dubbed the “mountains of the moon”, the Rwenzori Mountains are a collection of ranges with a magnificent size, beautiful valleys, streams of clear water, lakes and the gorgeous glaciers on top of the mountain peaks. These scenic features make hiking on the mountain an interesting adventure. Extreme adventure seekers enjoy the 7-9 days hike to the highest point; Margherita peak at 5,109m above the sea level.

Going on safari is one of the things that make some of the most beautiful memories of life but this also depends on which destinations one chooses for their trip. If you are planning to spend your holiday in Uganda, the above wildlife safari destinations will make your vacation great. Let us help you get to these destinations by contacting us through info@mumwesafarisuganda.com  or call +256-700135510/ +256-414699459.