Best of Uganda Safaris: Gorilla Trekking Wildlife & Scenery
Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is a treasure trove of unique safari experiences. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Uganda’s national parks are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Let’s explore the top safari destinations in Uganda, complete with links for more information:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Nestled in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a world-renowned destination for gorilla trekking. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a rare opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park’s lush forests are also home to over 350 bird species, including the African green broadbill.
Learn more about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and how to plan your gorilla trekking adventure on Mtembezi Safaris.
Highlights:
- Nearly 400 mountain gorillas account for almost half of the world’s population.
- A biodiversity hotspot, also known for its vibrant birdlife and unique flora.
2. Murchison Falls National Park
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the country’s largest and most iconic park. The centerpiece is the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into a thunderous cascade. Visitors can explore this dynamic ecosystem on game drives or boat cruises.
For details on attractions and activities, visit Mtembezi Safaris’ guide to Murchison Falls National Park.
Highlights:
- Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos.
- Stunning Nile River cruises and views of the iconic Murchison Falls.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a blend of savanna, wetlands, and forests. Its Kazinga Channel is a hub for hippos and birdlife, while the Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The park also features crater lakes that host flamingos.
Discover the magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park on Mtembezi Safaris.
Highlights:
- The Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
- Rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and over 600 bird species.
4. Kibale National Park
Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale National Park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. Its tropical forests also attract a myriad of bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy guided treks to observe chimpanzees and explore the scenic landscapes.
Plan your visit with Mtembezi Safaris’ insights into Kibale National Park.
Highlights:
- Premier destination for chimpanzee trekking.
- Rich biodiversity with tropical forests and over 370 bird species.
5. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Dubbed the “Mountains of the Moon,” this park is a paradise for mountaineers and nature lovers. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is known for its glaciers, alpine vegetation, and dramatic landscapes. Adventurers can embark on multi-day hikes through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring pristine rivers and scenic peaks.
Highlights:
- Stunning glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
- Unique flora, including giant lobelias and groundsels.
- Uganda’s best safaris come with abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty, and several national parks in the country offer visitors the chance to see various animals and landscapes. Here are some of the most notable national parks in Uganda:
Crafting the Ultimate Uganda Safari Itinerary
To truly immerse yourself in Uganda’s wonders, a tailored itinerary is essential. Start with a life-changing gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then head to the Kazinga Channel for hippo-spotting adventures. Wrap up with a safari drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can seek out elusive leopards and Nile crocodiles.
At Mtembezi African Safaris, we specialize in creating bespoke safari experiences. Our seasoned guides ensure every moment is seamless, from exploring chimpanzee habitats to traversing Uganda’s savannas. With 24/7 support and deep local expertise, you’ll feel cared for every step of the way.
Why Choose Uganda for Your Safari?
- Diverse wildlife: Uganda’s parks are home to the Big Five and countless other species.
- Unmatched scenery: From towering mountains to sprawling wetlands, the landscapes are as varied as they are stunning.
- Primate encounters: Trekking with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees is an unforgettable experience unique to this region.
Your Journey Awaits
Uganda’s safaris are a perfect blend of adventure, tranquillity, and wonder. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of gorilla trekking or the drama of Murchison Falls, this remarkable destination promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Book your adventure with Mtembezi African Safaris today and explore the best of Uganda with the guidance of passionate experts.
Get in touch with our team to design your ultimate Ugandan safari. Visit our Contact Us page to start planning today.
Uganda’s Featured Safari destinations
Mount Stanley | Rwenzori Mountain, Peak Ranges
Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
Mountain Gorillas | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Boat Cruise | Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elisabeth National Park
Batwa Tribe|Uganda’s smallest national park
Mugahinga National Park
Why take a safari experience in the Pearl of Africa?
A Ugandan safari is an unforgettable experience, integrating adventure, fascinating wildlife experiences, big games, cultural connections, and beautiful landscapes.
It is an opportunity to get away from the hectic pace of modern life. You will return to a more straightforward and serene way of living, reuniting with nature’s everyday patterns. Wildlife encounters provide the thrill to keep you returning for a Ugandan safari. Who can forget the first time they saw an elephant in the wild or realized how tall a giraffe is? And there’s something savage about witnessing a lion roar under such a sparkling sky at night.
Where can I go on a Ugandan safari experience?
All of the popular Ugandan safari spots make excellent African safari itineraries. Uganda’s wildlife is vast and diverse, providing tourists with unique experiences in a few other areas of the planet. Uganda’s major wildlife locations, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offer traditional big game watching, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known to be habitable for over half of the world’s mountain gorillas in the wild.
The style of safari you choose may be determined by whether you want to combine your safari with another activity such as river rafting on the Nile, camping, fishing, boat cruises, or mountain climbing.
If this is your first safari, gorilla trekking is an excellent choice; it is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences, and as a result of its success, the endangered gorilla population has increased.
What time of year is best for going on a Ugandan safaris?
The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are the finest times to visit Uganda. The season for wildlife viewing has arrived. Walks with primates in the bush are an essential element of any safari in Uganda. Rainforests have a naturally moist habitat, and it is impossible to prevent rain altogether. However, the sky frequently clears following heavy rain to reveal dazzling sunshine.
June to August and December to February are the best months to visit all parks. The peak season is June to September and is rarely busy, although gorilla permits must be reserved well in advance. The low season is April, May, October, and November when Some lodges and camps in high-rainfall areas close down; roads and forest trails can be in poor condition.
The unforgettable, incredible experience in Bwindi National Park!
Best & Authentic Uganda Safaris, Handpicked by Experts
6-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari (Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi)
Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights
Destination: Bwindi National Park | Lake Bunyonyi
Highlights: Game drive|Gorilla Trekking|Boatcruise
7 Day Birding in Uganda and Boat Cruise Safari
Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Destination: Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Masindi | Nile Delta | Murchison Falls National Park | Gardens Botanical
Highlights: Game drive|Bird watching|Boatcruise
12-Day Pearl of Africa Safaris | All-Inclusive Uganda Safari
Duration: 12 Days | 11 Nights
Destination: Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary|Murchison Falls|Kibale National Park|Queen Elizabeth National Park|Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|Lake Mburo National Park
Highlights: Rhino Tracking|Game drive|PrimateTracking|Boatcruise|Wildlife experience
15 Days Uganda Family Safari (Primates and Wildlife tours)
Duration: 15 Days | 14 Nights
Destination: Murchison Falls|Kibale National Park|Queen Elizabeth National Park|Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|Lake Bunyonyi|Lake Mburo National Park
Highlights: Rhino Tracking|Game drive|PrimateTracking|Boatcruise|Wildlife experience
12-Day Rwenzori Mountain Trek & Wildlife Safari
Duration: 12 Days | 11 Nights
Destination: Mount Rwenzori National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kyambura Gorge | Entebbe
Highlights: Mount Hiking|Game drive|Bird watching|Boatcruise|Chimp tracking
12-Day Pearl of Africa Safaris | All-Inclusive Uganda Safari
Duration: 12 Days | 11 Nights
Destination: Lake Mburo National Park|Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|Queen Elizabeth National Park|Entebbe
Highlights: Game drive|Gorilla trekking|Boatcruise|Wildlife experience
Best Uganda Safaris Experience
Uganda 2021 in 7 days, gorilla trekking, safari, white water rafting
Please contact us by email or private chat with an expert if you need any advice or suggestions for a trip to Uganda by clicking the buttons below; we’ll get back to you right away to plan Uganda’s Best Safaris.
Uganda Best Safaris: Choosing the Right Time to Explore the Pearl of Africa
When planning your Uganda Safari, timing is key to ensuring the best experience.
- Optimal Timing: The best time to visit Uganda for safaris is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, ideal for wildlife viewing and activities like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.
- Peak Season: June to September sees increased activity, but Uganda’s parks remain uncrowded. Ensure you book your gorilla permits in advance during this time.
- Off-Peak Season: The months of March, April, May, October, and November bring more rainfall, affecting wildlife safaris and making some forest trails and roads challenging.
- Ideal Weather: June to July and January to February offers the most stable weather, perfect for visiting iconic parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Wet Season Challenges: Avoid traveling in March, April, and May when heavy rains can disrupt itineraries.
Whether you’re seeking budget safaris in Uganda or luxury safaris, planning around these seasons ensures a seamless adventure.
Exclusively Short & Affordable Uganda Safaris
Short Uganda safaris, ranging from 2 to 5 days, are ideal for travellers with limited time or those on a budget. These affordable safaris visit 1 or 2 national parks, offering a compact yet memorable experience. Popular options include gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife safaris, and trips to iconic parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Whether you’re exploring Uganda’s wildlife or trekking through lush rainforests, these short safaris are customizable to suit your interests and schedule.
