Uganda Safari Tours: Our Top Picks
Safari Tours in Uganda. Where adventure meets authenticity. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” this lush country delivers incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural depth. From the misty mountains of Bwindi to the golden savannas of Kidepo, Uganda’s safari experiences feel wild, raw, and deeply rewarding.
If you’re planning a safari in Uganda, these are our top picks—each offering something unique and unforgettable.
-
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is Uganda’s crown jewel. Bwindi’s dense forest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking here is not just a wildlife activity—it’s a life-changing experience.
You’ll hike through thick jungle with an expert guide, tracking the movements of a specific gorilla family. When you finally find them, you get one precious hour in their company. Their eyes, gestures, and presence stay with you forever.
Why go: It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can encounter mountain gorillas in the wild.
Best time: June to August, December to February (dry seasons)
-
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Nicknamed the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale Forest offers one of Africa’s best chimp tracking experiences. Over 1,500 chimps live here, and you can see them in their natural habitat—feeding, grooming, and swinging high in the trees.
You can opt for a standard trek or a full-day habituation experience, where you follow a chimp troop for hours and observe their daily rhythm.
Why go: It’s immersive, educational, and full of energy.
Best time: December to February, June to July
-
Classic Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savanna park, rich in variety and easily accessible. You’ll see elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and even tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Birdwatchers will love the over 600 recorded species.
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a must—it’s packed with hippos, crocodiles, and birds, offering one of Africa’s best water safaris.
Why go: It’s diverse, family-friendly, and great for photography.
Best time: June to September, January to February
-
Remote Adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park
Tucked in Uganda’s far northeast, Kidepo is wild and remote. It’s often compared to Kenya’s Masai Mara, but without the crowds. Wide savannas stretch to the horizon, and wildlife roams freely. You’ll spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and huge buffalo herds.
The cultural experience here is also rich. Visits to the Karamojong people give you insight into one of East Africa’s most traditional communities.
Why go: It’s untouched, scenic, and ideal for seasoned safari lovers.
Best time: September to March (dry and best for game viewing)
-
Murchison Falls Safari Experience
Uganda’s largest national park delivers both powerful scenery and wildlife action. The Nile River cuts through the park and explodes through a narrow gorge to form Murchison Falls—Africa’s most powerful waterfall.
Game drives reveal giraffes, lions, antelopes, and elephants. A boat cruise along the Nile lets you see hippos, crocodiles, and birds up close. For thrill-seekers, there’s the option to hike to the top of the falls for stunning views.
Why go: It combines river, savanna, and waterfall adventure in one trip.
Best time: December to February, June to September
-
Lake Mburo National Park – Great for Short Safaris
If you’re short on time or arriving from Kampala or Entebbe, Lake Mburo is the perfect introduction to Uganda’s wildlife. You’ll see zebras, elands, impalas, hippos, and even leopards. The park is also the best place in Uganda for a walking safari or horseback safari—rare offerings in East Africa.
Why go: It’s close, compact, and packed with activity options.
Best time: June to August, December to February
-
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla Trekking with Volcano Views
Often overlooked in favor of Bwindi, Mgahinga offers a quieter gorilla trekking experience. The scenery is jaw-dropping—three volcanoes rise within the park, and golden monkeys share the forest with gorillas.
Hikes here are rewarding, and the Batwa cultural experience adds a deep human element to your journey.
Why go: Fewer crowds, stunning volcanic landscapes, and golden monkeys.
Best time: Same as Bwindi—June to August, December to February
How to Choose the Right Safari in Uganda
- For primates: Go to Bwindi or Kibale.
- For savanna wildlife: Head to Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.
- For off-the-grid adventure: Choose Kidepo Valley.
- For a quick escape: Lake Mburo works well.
- For something rare: Try Mgahinga for gorillas and golden monkeys.
Why Uganda?
Uganda combines the best of East Africa—safaris, rainforests, rivers, and culture—in one stunning destination. You don’t just watch nature from a vehicle—you walk through it, track it, and connect with it. Whether you want a deep jungle trek or a classic game drive, Uganda delivers in full.
