Category: Explore Uganda Safaris & Tour Holidays

Planning for Uganda safaris? Once described as the ‘’Pearl of Africa’’ by Winston Churchill, Uganda is one of the best safari destinations in the world, offering her visitors a lot of authentic products and Safaris in its different Uganda safari tourist places. Uganda is located in the east Africa and bordered by Rwanda, Democratic republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania as well as South Sudan in the north.

Uganda is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, a home to half of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas, best spots for birding with thousands of unique bird species, numerous primate species such as chimpanzees among others. It is also in this destination that River Nile starts its three months’ journey to the Mediterranean Sea passing through a number of countries such as Sudan, Egypt among others.
Why book safaris to Uganda
Recently featured as a top destination in National Geographic and Lonely Planet, Uganda safari tours covers more than 10 separate national parks, making it a genuine African adventure. Visit over 600 mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks for gorilla trekking experience, climb the ice capped Rwenzori mountains, take on a chimpanzee tracking tour in Kibale national Park, enjoy white water rafting on the Nile, see the roaring Murchison falls in Murchison falls national Park, Rest your curiosity in Queen Elizabeth national park as you watch the lions up on the trees, visit the wilderness of kidepo national park, meet the oldest culture in existence in the whole world who have lived the life of wondering on the outskirts of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest, visit the zebras and impalas in lake Mburo national park, get to the East to hike mount Elgon national park a long side enjoying the refreshing views of the Sipi falls, and so much more.

Uganda as a destination is well known for its diversity that meets the interests of all its travelers, activities offered include honeymoon safaris, wildlife safaris, Gorilla trekking safaris, chimpanzee trekking safaris, birding tours, research tours, cultural encounter tours, budget tours among others. While on a Ugandan safari, taste a number of local fruits such as Jackfruits, pineaple, mangoes, oranges among others. Uganda is open to visitors at any time of the year! It possesses a warm and tropical climate all year through with little variations. There are two different tourism seasons which is the peak and the low season, usually during the peak season, the average temperatures are 21.5°C and when it drops, it’s usually to a minimum of 12°C in some cold areas. The rains in Uganda are not so bad to stop one from traveling and enjoying a safari. Whereas May and April are usually discounted by many safari operators and accommodation facilities lowering their hotel rates, this is usually the low season when rains are much. The months of June, July August and also December, January, Feb are the best months for game viewing in Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls National Parks when rains are less and roads are easily navigable.

With this said, you then realize that this is an amazing destination, this spectacular land is crossed by the equator running through from east to the west, in addition, you will feed your eyes with the magnificent Rift Valley creating its mark from the South to the North, and the source of Nile river that flows through Uganda northward to the Mediterranean Sea. As a tourist, Uganda offers safe, comfortable and wonderful accommodation to all its visitors that fit respective budgets located in different destinations. National Park lodges range from Budget to 5 Star facilities, all set to respond to every single need of guests throughout their stay within this African Wildness.

Stay in lodges, or tented camps set in traditional style and the beautiful Bandas, and enjoy the most delicious meals passionately prepared by professional chefs. While in Kampala capital city, you can check in at Serena Hotel Kampala, Cassia Lodge and so many more. In every destination in Uganda you will find accommodations that suit your very needs. In Bwindi, you will find the luxury Mahogany Springs, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge and Gorilla Forest Camp. In Murchison Falls, you will find Chobe Safari Lodge. Mweya Safari Lodge is a good option for visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park and as you visit the human’s closest relative (mountain Gorillas) in Buhoma sector; there are over 15 accommodation options which include Buhoma Lodge, Silver back Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest camp and so much more. There are lots more hidden but yet a great destination that offers real experience to all guests, in fact, the people alone are so welcoming and relaxed to interact with all guests. Most importantly Uganda is still virgin, less explored and providing only first hand products to all its visitors.
Five Best Uganda Safari Destinations
Uganda is a country whose beauty is in abundance throughout the year, ranging from fascinating landscapes to Africa’s heritage cast across the 241,038 square Kilometers of land. The country’s location along the equator gives a conducive humid climate which is favorable for tourism. Far south of the country experiences fair tropical climate given its closeness to the Virunga ranges that spread into D.R. Congo.

In this article, we discuss Uganda’s to five safari destinations.
Murchison Falls National Park
Along the great River Nile and the shores of Lake Albert in the northwestern region of Uganda, is an expansive natural habitat of over 76 animal species, 500 bird species, 250 butterflies, 450 tree species and an array of landscapes whose effect on upon sight is truly memorable.

The most fascinating piece of attraction is the dramatic struggle of huge volumes of water struggling between rocks, only 7 meters apart to form the most powerful waterfall on earth, which plunges 40 meters down to form a 50-meter radius pool, as the Nile proceeds northwest to Southern Sudan. The falls roar, and the grounds upon which they plummet tremble all to the awe of tourists. Many find accommodation near the falls to sleep off the roars of the falling waters.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park   is situated in the Southwestern region of Uganda, cast between lakes Edward and George. This park is the most visited game reserve in Uganda. The variety of flora and fauna here is astonishing, with over 30 climbing lions in Ishasha sector. Ancient trees with branches spread vastly, harbor tree-climbing lions waiting stealthily to pounce upon unsuspecting kobs.

Kazinga channel is another catchment of hippos, and elephants that come here to cool and quench thirst. A boat cruise on the calm channel gives the tourist an enviable view of the water shores and drinking holes from which many animal bonds are created. To observe the abundantly present animal life is exceptionally rewarding.

The savannah plains form the floor of much of the park, which is situated within the Great Rift Valley, the landscape carefully escalates into mosaic, and forestlands of Maramagambo cast upon raised hills. At the summit of hills, breathe taking views of Mountain Rwenzori unfold. Every minute spent here is momentous.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another natural masterpiece of immense beauty that is found on the edge of the Great Rift Valley that spreads into Democratic Republic of Congo. Much of the park is comprised of the impenetrable Bwindi Forest which is an ancient vast thick forest that dates back more than 25,000 years. The forest is one of the last natural habitats of the endangered mountain gorilla, endemic to the Albertine region. Over 400 mountain gorilla individuals, almost half of the entire world population live in this tropical rainforest.

The gentle and exciting primates are the biggest attraction of the park. At least 20 gorilla families are fully habituated and are thus available for a one-hour trekking expedition. The park offers a long trekking experience of the gorillas through the habituation experience where tourist accompany specialists and guides on a four study of the gorillas as they get accustomed to human presence. The habituation experience is a uniqueness of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest and can be found nowhere else on the continent. Other primate species that are a common encounter, include the black and white colobus monkey, baboons, chimpanzees and the L’Hoest’s monkey.

Birding is a complimentary experience of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as this ancient forest is host to over 346 bird species, which include the shoe bill, the cinnamon-chested bee- eater, crown horn bill, the giant king fisher, the African green pigeon. Other endemic bird species include, the Rwenzori batis, the stripe-breasted tit, the blue-headed sunbird, the chapins flycatcher, among others.

Other mammal species that can be sighted in the forest include the forest elephant, the forest buffalo, bushbucks, duikers and many more.

Away from the wildlife adventure, one should visit Uganda’s capital for a city life expedition.
Kampala City
The heart and hub of nightlife in Uganda is the Kampala City, the lights will inspire you, and the dances are electrifying while the smiles are infectious. The people are a delight of their own, warmly mingling on the go. Local and international cuisines are readily available in almost all major restaurants that are patronized by foreign tourists and expatriates.

The daylight reveals all too much for all that is lost to darkness at night. Kampala is socially divided into two, the upscale City that is organized, has less traffic and a neatly gated community. The other side is the town area, characterized by heavy traffic of both humans and motorists bordered by large slums and general commodity markets.

Trekking down town is a popular experience as it reveals the true nature of urban life, shopping and haggling with vendors over commodity prices. Markets St. Balikidembe and Kikuubo are a beehive of activities, and one could easily fail to find their way out as every lane is so similar to the other. A knowledgeable guide would come in handy and even make the experience more thrilling.
Jinja City
Jinja City is home to the source of River Nile. Where the 6,600-kilometer river exits Lake Victoria and descends northwards, making a grand entry into South Sudan at Nimule, furthering its journey through Sudan and Egypt, before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Jinja city is characterized by ancient Asian structures, as it was the first business capital of Uganda. Its nightlife is equally fascinating, but while there catch a cold Nile beer straight from the source.
Is Uganda Safe?

Every tourist is cautious about his or her life and this calls for security and good health while at a visited destination. Uganda as a tourism destination is among the safest place in Africa and is known for its long-time peace since 1986 when HE president YK Museveni came to power.

This country has diverse attractions one can spot while on African safari and mong others are the unique and diverse culture, for example, the Batooro and Batwa, mountain-like Rwenzori mountains, wild animals like the big five, big primates like the mountain gorillas, water bodies like the Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Victoria and many more.

There are different factors one can consider to determine the peace and security of the country and these are as follows. This will show you that Uganda as a tourism destination can be visited any time of the year.

Relationship with its neighbours, Uganda is on good terms with all the surrounding countries and these are Kenya to the west, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also known as Congo Kishansa to the west and South Sudan to the north. This can be witnessed during the cross-border trade, support in any way either food or military in case of disasters. There have been no scenarios like inter-border conflict between Uganda and any other neighbouring country.

Safety and security, like in any other country in the world, there are small scenarios like snatching your bag in the streets of big cities like Kampala, home robbery, pick pocketing and more occur. The chances to be one is low since you will be advised to follow some procedures like avoiding crowded areas, walking alone at night and also, and avoiding walking in unfamiliar places. Different bodies provide security to tourists and nationals and these are the Uganda police force, Uganda People’s Defense Force and the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park rangers.

In terms of diseases outbreak, Uganda is so curious about cabbing down the situation in the case that scenario happened for example the recent Covid-19 outbreak. Other diseases that Uganda had to control are Cholera, Ebola and many more. In case there is an outbreak of any infectious disease in the neighbouring country, Uganda closes its borders to protect its people and tourists.

The nature of the people of Uganda, this country is also known as the pearl of Africa comprises over 50 unique cultures. They are all hospitable and welcoming to guests in the country and this means that while on your visit, you will take a community tour of one of the cultures and be entertained through cultural dances and music as you taste the traditional dishes. Some cultures provide simple accommodations inform of guest houses and inns.

Traffic and road safety, there are limited road accidents in the country mostly on tourist vehicles. Accidents can be avoided when you observe and follow sign rules and traffic signs therefore while driving in Uganda, always note that you will meet careless drivers, livestock, and poor road conditions mostly in villages and national parks. You are advised to drive on the left-hand side but with our company, our safari guides are highly skilled and experienced and they are so conversant with the roads. You are therefore advised to feel at home and enjoy your journey and the safari as a whole.

Disasters, as all countries face a problem of environmental hazards such as heavy rains and drought. Mostly, heavy rains lead to an outbreak of diseases such as cholera, Ebola and many more. Also, there is food insecurity caused by the disaster but in Uganda, it’s another case apart from the northern part of the country which is a desert area. Other parts of the country produce food that supplies the whole country. Landslides happen in a few parts of the country such as the Bududa eastern part of the country.

Are you dreaming to visit the pearl of Africa? Don’t hesitate to contact us since Uganda is a safe tourist destination to take a safari.
Common tourist activities in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

This is one of the major tourist activities in Uganda. The major attraction is the mountain gorillas that only exist in the Virunga region of East Africa. Gorillas are located in the South Western part of Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Uganda’s mountain gorilla population accounts for about half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the region. These species are endangered and a lot of conservation work has been so far done successfully by the Ugandan government.

Apart from gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation is also another experience that is enjoyed by visitors. With gorilla habituation, tourists get an opportunity to have extensive time of study and viewing of gorillas for the whole day.

To take part in a gorilla trekking tour, visitors are required to purchase gorilla trekking permit costing 700$ each. This can be procured at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzees are interesting creatures to watch. Uganda has a fair share of chimpanzees that are estimated at a population of about 5,000 individuals. The activity of trekking these primates is carried out in Queen Elizabeth National Park at Kyambura Gorge, Semliki Valley, Kalinzu Forest, Kibale Forest and in Budongo Forest.

Kibale Forest National Park has the highest number of chimpanzees. While in these areas, tourists enjoy close experiences of interpersonal relations of the chimpanzees. The average cost of a trekking permit ranges from about $40 in Kalinzu forest to $200 in Kibale national park.

Mountain climbing in Uganda

Uganda has a couple of mountains on which mountain climbing is a popular activity. Among those include Mountain Rwenzori, Elgon and the Mufumbiro ranges in south western Uganda. The highest point of Uganda is at Stanley peak of Mountain Rwenzori. It stands at an elevation of 16,720 feet above sea level. Others include Speke, Margherita, Gessi, Baker and many more.

Game safaris in Uganda

Game safaris involve driving with in the wilderness and Uganda has many such areas in which this activity can be done. It is common in national parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semiliki National Park, among others. During the game drives, tourists are able to view and have photographic moments with wildlife such as leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, lions, Uganda kobs, zebras, among other animals.

Best time to visit Uganda

As for the majority of countries in tropical Africa, the best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season that runs from July to late September, and another similar season from December to February. During this season, there is limited precipitation and less interruption that comes along with rainy seasons.