Uganda Safaris. Wildlife, Cultural & Primate Trekking Safaris

Uganda safaris offer numerous activities and atmosphere, with primates trekking the premier activity for a remarkable experience. Uganda is a premier safari destination with much more to gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. Witness wildlife in several national parks within the country where you can easily spot the big five and many other animals. Uganda is also a premier spot for birding and hiking activities, and it has an enriching cultural heritage with an iconic history. Exploring the longest river, the Great Nile, is an amazing experience, with rafting and Bungee Jumping as top-notch activities attracting several travelers to discover it’s untamed beauty.

Discover the top Uganda safaris with adventure activities and the opportunities to learn about the deeply wide diversity of the country, whether you choose to go hiking Rwenzori or embark on a game drive through one of the Savannah national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is very famous for the tree-climbing lions, or even witness the river Nile meander through a narrow gorge to form the most powerful waterfalls in the world, the Murchison Falls. Uganda is a safari destination with a wide diversity of attractions.

Uganda, situated in the heart of East Africa, provides travelers with an unforgettable experience and a thrilling adventure. Often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a hidden gem boasting amazing landscapes of the Savannah grasslands, majestic highlands, unique wildlife encounters, exhilarating gorilla trekking to the steep slopes of the Albertine Rift, and a rich cultural heritage. Uganda offers breathtaking vistas, allowing her guests to enjoy the wide range of the ecosystem of Uganda and all it has to offer.

Uganda is a gem hidden deep in the heart of East Africa. It has a wide range of attractions, including the bustling city of Kampala, which has a vibrant life of cultural sites, marketplaces, museums, and a fantastic nightlife within the numerous bars.

The climax of the Uganda safari is majorly gorilla trekking, with more than half of the gorilla population left within the renowned Bwindi impenetrable national park. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The gorilla trekking expedition is part of the challenging adventure that involves a lot of planning and preparation, and here you will not just witness the gorillas but discover the threats, way of life, and how they live in families.

For those who love wildlife, national parks such as Murchison Falls invite you to explore the power of the River Nile as it forces its way through a narrow gorge to form the Murchison Falls, which gives the park its name. Many animals thrive in this area. Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled within the vast savannah grasslands of Uganda, is home to a variety of wildlife, including the big four: lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalos.

Lake Mburo National Park, renowned for its zebras and offering visitors an incredible boat cruise along the lake, is another notable game park to experience on a Uganda safari. Kidepo National Park, situated in the far north on the border with Kenya and South Sudan, is another designated area that boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, buffalos, and elephants, among others. It is also renowned for its proximity to the Karamojong culture.

Uganda is renowned for being the capital of primates, home to the largest population of chimpanzees worldwide. Kibale National Park, hidden within the tropical forests, harbors man’s closest cousins, the chimpanzees, and 13 more primate species, making it a very popular destination for primate trekking on a Uganda safari.

Semiliki National Park, known for its numerous bird species and hot springs of males and females, is also another top attraction for a Uganda safari, offering visitors unparalleled views of the healing and mysterious hot springs.

Wildlife (Big Five Safaris)

Uganda serves as a hub for the big five, providing a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts who can experience this on a safari in Uganda. Uganda, also the pearl of Africa, is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, making it a must-visit or desirable destination for visitors seeking to encounter the big five and beyond. Exploring the Big Five in Uganda will take you into the major national parks of the country, including Murchison Falls, where you will witness the animals enjoying their home. The wildlife ranges from rhinos in the Ziwa sanctuary to lions, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards hiding among the acacia trees in the park. During a Uganda safari, you can spot the big four in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo National Park.

Embarking on a Uganda safari leads you to discover the big five and a wide diversity of animals, bringing you close to the wild. You will connect with nature and discover the beauty of this country’s treasures. The thriving population of magnificent wildlife, visible on a Uganda safari, demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage through UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority).

Mountain Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking, a highly sought-after activity, epitomizes a Uganda safari, offering an unparalleled experience. Its highlight draws nature enthusiasts from all over the world who seek to discover these guardians of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, groups of trekkers embark on a lifetime journey through the forest’s trails, searching for the giant apes, the mountain gorillas, whose remarkable existence has enthralled humanity. Guided by a knowledgeable game ranger, the process of gorilla trekking becomes a reality as you walk through the thick, dense forest of Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park on your Uganda safari.

As you venture into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you will uncover a multitude of secrets, including numerous bird species hiding in the forest and notable primates that you may spot during your gorilla trekking safari. Gorilla trekking will take you to the incredible atmosphere where you will finally meet the gorillas within the forest with the sunlight filtering through the canopy trees. Witness the gentle giants going about daily rituals and their daily routines as well as recognizing your presence. From your interactions with the magnificent creatures, capture the gorilla family and learn its name, history, nature, and number of members.

After the encounter with these gentle giants, in one hour you are required to bid farewell for the conservation and sustainability of these animals. Not only is your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable a life-changing experience, but it also serves as a contribution to the funds for the conservation and sustainability of the forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, ensuring their survival and protection from all threats.

Other Primates Tracking

Beyond the enchanting gorillas, Uganda is home to several other primate species. While gorilla trekking is among the major highlights of the country, a Uganda safari draws you into the exploration of several other primates, among which are the major chimpanzees, with the country having the largest number of chimpanzees left in the world.

In Kibale National Park, a tropical rainforest offers a wide diversity to nature lovers alike, with a wide number of primates calling this forest their home. Among these primates are the chimpanzees, renowned for their exceptional social skills and intellect, which are 98% comparable to those of humans. Exploring the habitat of these incredible creatures, the chimpanzees, offers you an exciting opportunity to observe and connect with these fascinating animals.

In Kibale, the primate parade doesn’t stop at chimpanzees; you will be trekking the chimpanzees while being entertained by several other primates, including black and white colobus monkeys with their striking black and white gracing the treetops with their acrobatic displays. This immersive encounter through Kibale Forest will also lead you to the playful and cunning baboons that can be spotted all through the forest; among them are the velvet monkeys, blue monkeys, and L-hoest monkeys.

The Kyambura Gorge, located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a densely forested area where the chimps have made their home. You can spot chimpanzees in this forest, making it a popular destination for chimpanzee trekking, along with the wildlife and boat safaris it offers. During a Uganda safari, you can witness chimpanzee trekking and other primates in several locations such as Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Ngamba Island, each of which tells a unique story about the primates living there.

Birding

Uganda is not only famous for the amazing wildlife on its savannah lands, but it’s also an incredible destination for bird-watching opportunities, with over 1000 bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers. The top destinations for bird watching are Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest is a major destination where several bird species can be spotted in the canopy trees, as well as the boat cruise along the Nile delta, where many birds can also be seen, among which are the African fish eagle and the rare shoebill. Along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, visitors can spot eagles, hawks, and several other birds.

Another destination for bird watching is Semiliki National Park, known for its numerous populations and unique bird species. Other places for birding in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mabamba Island for the famous shoebill population, and Entebbe Botanical Gardens, offering a serene atmosphere for bird watching at any time of the day.

White Water Rafting in Jinja

Beyond the amazing landscapes of thrilling wildlife, birding, and hiking is whitewater rafting in Jinja on the wonderful River Nile. The Nile is the best destination in the world for whitewater rafting, with incredible rides through the wild rapids of the roaring Nile as it flows northwards. The adventure draws millions of adventurers seeking an exciting moment, providing a great challenge for both beginners and experts. Experience the unique and fun-filled adventure of the Nile rapids during your Uganda safari, with experienced guides guiding you as you explore the world’s longest river through whitewater rafting. The government has established safety measures to ensure the safety of adventurers embarking on Nile rafting.

Several other activities, including tubing, bungee jumping, and boat rides, can be done along the Nile, and sport fishing is one of the many. Jinja is a location known for its bursting nightlife beyond the water activities. The clubs and bars offer visitors a fascinating and enjoyable adventure on a Uganda safari.

Visiting the Waterfalls

Magnificent waterfalls that emerge from various sources adorn Uganda’s beauty, providing a unique yet enchanting spectacle. The major waterfalls in Uganda are the Murchison Falls and Sipi Falls.

Murchison Falls is an icon located on the river Nile. It’s a very interesting point where the River Nile is witnessed narrowing its waters through a small, narrow gorge to find its way through the area, displaying its natural power. The thundering, cascading falls are a major destination, attracting several visitors from all over the globe who seek to witness the world’s most powerful falls as the waters from the Nile splash into the Nile Delta. A visit to these incredible falls adds a touch of unforgettable memories to your Uganda safari.

Sipi Falls is another stunning fall with over three main waterfalls; they emerge from the slopes of Mount Elgon. Located on the slopes of Mount Elgon, the falls offer a soothing ambiance of the waters pouring into the rocky basin and continue to form three places where they can be seen. The trail takes you through some minor hiking to check out these cascading, magnificent falls. Visitors to Sipi Falls can also visit the nearby coffee farms, where they can discover the coffee farming and coffee-making processes.

Lakes and Rivers

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa, inviting visitors to engage in water activities including boat cruises, sport fishing, and beach activities, among many others. The lake is a major source of water in the surrounding places, including Kampala city, as well as a major source of fish, with a lot of species of fish, including tilapia and Nile perch, which are consumed by the locals and exported. Visitors to Lake Victoria can enjoy boat rides, even catching the sunset on an incredible boat ride along the designed places like Entebbe, Gabba, and Portbell, among other landing sites.

Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in the world, is another top tourist destination for travelers, offering its visitors a moment to relax on its shores. Boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi draw visitors to major islands on the lake, including the prison island, where they can discover stories and myths associated with the locals and culture of the lake.

Discover other lakes on your Uganda safari, such as Lake Mutanda, Lake Mburo, and Lake Kyoga, among the many, all offering incredible adventures of boat rides and some fishing activities.

Rivers

The Nile is the major river in Uganda, emerging from Lake Victoria as its source, and is known to be the longest river in the world, crossing through the vast plains of Uganda, via South Sudan, through Sudan, and finally to Egypt, where it empties its waters. Other rivers include the Kafu, the Kagera, and the Katonga, among many others.

Hot Springs

Uganda, with its incredible landscapes, is truly a testament to natural wonders. There are also the hot springs in Uganda, and the major ones are the Semiliki and Kitagata hot springs. These waters are said to be healing waters, and they boil to very high temperatures. The Semiliki hotsprings comprise the male and female hotsprings, and these attract visitors from all over the world to discover the history and beauty of these incredible features. The Kitagata hotsprings are still taken to be healing waters, with locals still visiting the place seeking miraculous healing from all sorts of diseases.

Cultural heritage sites

Kasubi tombs

Crowned as a world heritage site, the Kasubi tombs are a burial place for the Kings of Buganda . It’s located in Kampala in the suburbs of Kasubi, and it’s given much honor to be a cultural place of very great importance to the culture of the Baganda tribe in Uganda.  Protecting the traditional architecture and customs of the region, Kasubi tombs are a major destination where tourists visit to discover the history of the Baganda culture .

Karamojong culture

The Karamojong have a rich cultural heritage that is associated with their love for cows. They are nomadic pastoralists who believe that all cattle belong to them . Their love for cattle is enormous, and they were formally associated with a lot of wrangles for their cattle. Visiting the Karamajong region will draw you into a deeper discovery of their culture and how they live in the community in the huts called the manyatas, displaying the rich and cultural heritage of Uganda  .

The Batwa

These are located in the southwestern part of the country near Bwindi . Formerly, they used to occupy part of the forests, and their culture still exists . They have very unique hunting skills and live in communities; they are short people and live to a very old age . Their history and culture are rich and can be discovered on a Uganda safari while you embark on the gorilla trek. They are excellent entertainers with traditional dances that they will welcome visitors who check on them.