Where to Go on Safari in Uganda

Where to Go on Safari in Uganda

By Susan Veldman

Safari Travel Planner

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Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a variety of stunning landscapes and unique safari experiences. From the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the roaring waters of Murchison Falls, Uganda’s diverse national parks provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and adventure.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Overview: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for its population of mountain gorillas. The park’s dense forests provide a dramatic backdrop for one of the most profound wildlife experiences on the planet.

Highlights:

• Gorilla Trekking: Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi offers the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
• Biodiversity: In addition to gorillas, the park is home to over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the local Batwa communities to learn about their traditional way of life.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bwindi is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when trekking conditions are most favorable.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Overview: Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park’s varied landscapes include savannas, wetlands, and lakes.

Highlights:

• Kazinga Channel: Enjoy boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector of the park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions.
• Wildlife Diversity: The park hosts a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and over 600 bird species.

Best Time to Visit: Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February.

3. Murchison Falls National Park

Overview: Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge.

Highlights:

• Murchison Falls: Witness the powerful spectacle of the Nile River crashing through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls.
• Boat Safaris: Take a boat trip to the base of the falls and see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
• Game Drives: The park is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes, offering excellent game drive opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Murchison Falls is during the dry season from December to February and June to August, when wildlife is more easily spotted.

4. Kibale National Park

Overview: Kibale National Park is renowned for its primate population, particularly chimpanzees. The park’s lush rainforest is a prime location for chimpanzee trekking.

Highlights:

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale is one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking, with habituated groups allowing close encounters.
• Primate Diversity: The park is home to 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
• Birdwatching: With over 375 bird species, Kibale is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Best Time to Visit: The best time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

5. Lake Mburo National Park

Overview: Lake Mburo National Park is a compact park known for its beautiful scenery and the presence of several lakes within its boundaries. It is a great place to see zebras, impalas, and birdlife.

Highlights:

• Scenic Beauty: The park features rolling hills, open savannas, and five lakes.
• Unique Wildlife: Home to Uganda’s only population of impalas and a significant population of zebras.
• Outdoor Activities: Offers boat rides, horseback safaris, and guided nature walks.

Best Time to Visit: Lake Mburo is a year-round destination, but wildlife viewing is best during the dry season from June to August and December to February.

6. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Overview: Rwenzori Mountains National Park, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning mountain scenery and challenging treks.

Highlights:

• Glacial Peaks: The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the few places in Africa with permanent snow and glaciers.
• Trekking Paradise: Offers some of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Africa.
• Rich Biodiversity: Home to unique alpine flora and a variety of endemic species.

Best Time to Visit: The best time for trekking is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February.

Uganda, with its abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, offers an unparalleled safari experience. 

Plan around awe-inspiring gorilla treks in Bwindi and seeing the gushing Nile River at Murchison Falls – each destination promises unique and unforgettable adventures. 

Choose Uganda and let Discover Africa’s travel experts help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your safari today and experience the magic of Uganda for yourself.