Uganda is an East African country that offers some of the continent’s most diversified wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. It is home to some of Africa’s largest mountain ranges, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, and vast Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile Its abundant wildlife includes the Big 5 and rare birds. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla habitat. Murchison Falls National Park on the other hand is in the northwest of Uganda and is famous for its 45-meter-tall and 8-meter-wide waterfall and animals like as hippos, crocodiles, and the Nile perch, the biggest fish in fresh water. Trek the white rhino in Ziwa rhino sanctuary and encounter the Big 4 in Murchison falls to complete the Big 5 (rhino, lion, leopards, buffalo and elephants) While the endangered mountain gorillas are the main draw for many visitors, there is an incredible array of tourist attractions. The most popular tourist activity in the country’s national parks is game viewing. This is due to the country’s diverse wildlife, which includes the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, white rhinos, and elephants, as well as 11% of the world’s bird species (a total of 1,060 bird species).
Uganda has two gorilla trekking locations: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is by far the more popular alternative since it has a larger population of gorillas, is better located for fly-in safaris, and offers a wider selection of lodging options. The park you visit will be determined by your overall trip plans and the amount of time you have available. There is no variation in permit pricing or sightings between the two parks. Several safari destinations in Uganda are located in the southwest. This makes combining a savannah safari with gorilla trekking easier, resulting in a single itinerary jam-packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Bwindi is the primary gorilla trekking site in Uganda. There are four trailheads from which habituated families may be reached: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each trailhead has its own personality, family, and level of difficulty. You join a group of fellow trekkers (group size of 8 persons) at one of the four trailheads on the forest’s perimeters for a guided trip into the forest to look for of one of the 22 habituated gorilla families. While you journey to see the gorillas, you will be exposed about the ecology of the forest and the changing environment by professional Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. Your guides are in contact with the team of trackers who have been following the gorillas since dawn. Your guides are directed to the gorillas by the trackers.
Gorilla habituation allows you to spend 4 hours with a gorilla family. In a bid to have the gorillas accustomed to people, they go through a process called habituation. Here, researchers and rangers visit a gorilla family for 2 years to make them get used to humans. Tourists can join the gorilla habituation process for better interactions with the gorilla families. Currently, this is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park. While gorilla trekking costs \$700 per person, gorilla habituation costs \$1500. Gorilla habituation is only currently done in the Rushaga sector.
Uganda is unusual in its ability to integrate a wide range of wildlife and safari activities on a single itinerary. Chimp tracking in Uganda is one of the extraordinary wildlife encounters on the continent. Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls in the Budongo forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kyambura gorge are the three main chimp trekking sites in Uganda. Kibale Forest is the finest area for chimp trekking because of its high population density and frequent encounters.
Chimpanzee trekking, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife activities, allows you to enter the world of chimps in the wild. Interpretive Rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority lead a small group of 8 into the tropical forest. The hikes run around three hours and involve a maximum of one hour with the chimpanzees, who may be seen from a safe yet intimate distance of 8-10 meters. See the beauty, intellect, and social dynamics of chimps up close and personal.
Chimpanzee habituation is an all-encompassing experience. You can join the habituation team’s researchers for a half or full-day journey deep into the forest. Because these chimps are less accustomed to human contact, the encounter is more unexpected. While following the example of these nimble primates might be difficult, the experience is extremely gratifying. The primary distinction between ordinary chimp treks and habituation experiences is the amount of time spent with the chimps. The habituation experience allows you to spend considerably more time with the chimps.
Uganda provides an exemplary African safari experience, with big game viewing, various animal encounters, magnificent landscapes, and spectacular vistas. Uganda is home to the legendary “Big Five,” which includes the Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo. In terms of wildlife, beauty, and adventure, Uganda’s safari sites complement one another. During a safari, each wildlife park has something unique and fascinating to offer.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diversified national park, is the premier safari location for wildlife watching. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in Uganda’s remote northwestern region, is regarded as Africa’s greatest national park due to its stunning scenery and large herds of buffalo. Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its green slopes and dazzling crater lakes, is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of the large game parks, yet it is excellent for antelope viewing and scenic beauty. Uganda’s only wild rhinoceros may be found at the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Sanctuary.
With over 1050 bird species documented in Uganda, a safari would be incomplete if you did not go birding. Several birds live in tropical rain forests, savannas, wetlands, and lakeshores. One of the must-see species is the famed shoebill, which can be seen on Mabamba Island and Murchison falls national park.
A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take you to the Albertine Rift Endemics, the Bigodi Wetlands will allow you to see a Great Blue Turaco; Murchison Falls National Park will take you to the savanna endemics such as Denham’s Bustard; Mabamba Swamp for the shoebill; and Semuliki National Park will take you to the central Africa species. The enormous range of habitats that no other location in Africa can equal is why Uganda has such a diverse bird population and attracts so many migrant birds throughout the year.
Uganda is unique in that it shares Africa’s major biological zones (apart from the sea), each of which has related bird species, many of which are range limited.
The River Nile’s powerful current, electrifying air, and adrenaline-pumping waves make white water rafting a must-do experience on your Uganda safari. This adventurous experience lasts around 6 hours over a 25-kilometer stretch of the Nile River. Water rafting is not for the faint of heart; it is for those with wild hearts who want to explore the Nile one swift immersion at a time. There are other possibilities, including Grade 5 Extreme Rafting, Raft River Board, Grade 3 Full Day Rafting, and 2 day water rafting.
Kampala is Uganda’s capital, and it now rests atop 22 hills. Exploring Uganda without seeing her capital Kampala, whether by boda boda, vehicle, or on foot, would be a disservice to your Uganda safari. The Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, Rubaga Catherdral, Namirembe Cathedral, Bahai Temple, Hindu temple, and independence monument, Kasubi tombs, all contribute to Kampala’s magnificence. While the sights are impressive, don’t forget to eat a Rolex while on your Kampala tour; it’ll cement the deal.
Volcano hiking in Uganda takes you through valleys, scenic planes, and Volcano Mountains. Mount Elgon, which reaches at 4,321 meters and has the world’s biggest crater, is located to the east of Uganda. The enormous Virunga Mountains, Mount Mgahinga, Muhavura, and Sabinyo, which stand at 3,474 meters, 4,127 meters, and 3,645 meters respectively, are located in western Uganda, calling to brave hearts.
Hiking up the mountains is more than just a steep climb; it is a trek through the lush forests that thrive on the fertile slopes of the volcanoes, a glimpse of the gorillas that tread the bamboo in the Virunga Ranges, and a glimpse of the unique birds that have made these highlands their home. For the experienced climbers, the Rwenzori rangers offers the ultimate challenge. Although they aren’t the highest in Africa, Mount Rwenzori offers the best technical hikes in Africa. The amazing fact is that although the mountain lies on the equator, its snow-capped throughout the year.
Uganda’s biodiversity is not limited to birds, animals, and plant species. Our culture is a mixture of color, taste, sight, and sound. Each tribe and local community will provide you with a unique food, cultural attire or sense of style, culture, traditional song and dance, and so on. When visiting Uganda, try the ethnic and basic foods like the famed Luwombo from Buganda, Eshabwe from Ankole, Atapa from Teso, Malakwang from Acholi, and Maleewa from the Bagisu of the East.
Participating in the Batwa trail, visiting the museum, Igongo Culture Centre, the national theatre, Ndere Centre, a home visit while in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and stopping by a souvenir store in and out of Kampala may provide you with a sense and taste of Ugandan culture.
Bwindi forest is a tropical forest located in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is one of the popular safari destinations visited by tourists on African safaris. Bwindi forest is home to over 400 mountain gorillas making gorilla trekking the predominant safari activity. There are 4 sectors for gorilla trekking namely, Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. All these gorilla trekking sectors have habituated gorilla families. Other wildlife in the park include; forest elephants, forest buffaloes, olive baboons, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and a small chimpanzee family. The forest is also home to the endemic Albertine bird species that can be seen during your gorilla trek.
Murchison falls is the biggest conservation area in Uganda. The park covers 3,893 km² of tropical forest, savanna grassland, acacia woodland, and wetlands. The park is known to have the highest density and diversity of wildlife in Uganda. 4 of the big 5 can be seen during your game drives in Murchison falls national park. The park is however famous for the falls, Murchison falls. The Nile, on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, is squeezed through a 8-meter gap and falls 45 meters below into the Albert Nile. The falls are considered one of the strongest falls in the world.
Kibale forest national park is the ultimate destination for primate lovers. 13 primate species are found in this tropical forest. Chimpanzees however are the main attraction here. With over 1500 chimpanzees, Kibale is the premium destination for chimpanzee trekking. The chimp families are habituated and are ready for trekking. More primates in the forest include; grey checked mangabeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many more
Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the most popular destinations in Uganda. The park is located in the western park of Uganda and boasts amazing wildlife including the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Big herds of elephants, antelopes, hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, and hippos are some of the wildlife you will encounter on your visit to the park. The Kazinga channel offers relaxing and excellent boat cruises. Crocodiles, birds, hippos, and elephants can be seen by the shores of the channel.
Kidepo valley national park is located in the remote region of Northeastern Uganda. This park was named “the hidden gem of Africa” by CNN travel because of its scenic beauty. Due to the distance from the capital Kampala, the park receives few visitors thus maintaining her true authentic wilderness. Predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs are present in the park. Big herds of elephants and buffalo can be seen as far as the eye can stretch. Eland, giraffes and ostriches are some of the many fascinating attractions in the park.
Lake Mburo national is Uganda’s smallest savanna park. Despite its size, the park is famous for its vast herds of impala and zebra. The eland, giraffes, buffalo, topi, hyenas, and hyenas are some of the other wildlife in the park. A boat cruise on Lake Mburo offers amazing sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes. The park is also famous for its nature walks, quad biking, cycling safaris, and horseback safaris. This small wildlife haven is mostly used to break the long journey from Bwindi to Kampala.
Rwenzori mountains are located in the western part of Uganda and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tallest peak on the Rwenzori ranges is Mt Stanely’s Margherita peak. It stands at an impressive 5,109 metres (16,762 ft), above sea level. This makes it the third tallest mountain in Africa after Mt Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Of the 3, Mt Rwenzori offers the most technical hikes in Africa. The mountain is home to chimpanzees, elephants and amazing bird species.
Hiking up the mountains is more than just a steep climb; it is a trek through the lush forests that thrive on the fertile slopes of the volcanoes, a glimpse of the gorillas that tread the bamboo in the Virunga Ranges, and a glimpse of the unique birds that have made these highlands their home. For the experienced climbers, the Rwenzori rangers offers the ultimate challenge. Although they aren’t the highest in Africa, Mount Rwenzori offers the best technical hikes in Africa. The amazing fact is that although the mountain lies on the equator, its snow-capped throughout the year.
Gorillas
Tracking the mountain gorillas, Uganda’s most famous tourist adventure, is undoubtedly one of the greatest animal experiences accessible anywhere in the world. Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural environment is a dramatic and sobering experience. The big silverbacks are rather intimidating and majestic. The small babies are adorable. The trek through the forest is an adventure of its own. Trekkers returning from gorilla tracking are always easy to spot.
Chimpanzees
The gorillas’ support act, Uganda’s chimps, are a draw in their own right. While they live in different ecosystems than gorillas and have diverse social structures, chimpanzees are genetically related to us. They have a nasty side that is equally captivating as their more endearing qualities.
Golden Monkeys
These magnificent animals are considerably simpler to monitor than the gorillas in Bwindi since they do not travel about as much. They are an endangered primate specie that can only be found in 4 national parks throughout the world. Its name is derived from the golden fur that covers the majority of their bodies and faces. They are an energetic group, bouncing about in the heights of bamboo trees.
Big Cats
Big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs may be found in Uganda. While many of these magnificent species may be seen roaming in sections of Uganda’s vast savannah grasslands, there are a few national parks that offer the best possibilities of seeing them.
Elephants
Elephants may be found all around Uganda. There are around 5000 elephants in the nation, and populations are increasing despite a global decline in elephant numbers. Yet, considerable effort need to be done to safeguard these vital creatures from further extinction (caused mainly by poaching).
Hippos
Hippos are common across Africa, including Uganda. Boat safaris are the ideal method to see hippos and other species that congregate at watering holes during Uganda’s dry season.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles abound throughout the Nile system, and Murchison Falls has the largest population of crocodiles in Africa. Crocs, like hippos and elephants, are common on Ugandan safaris, and seeing these Prehistoric animals glide gracefully over the riverbeds, prepared to attack anything that comes too close is a sobering reminder of our own frailty.
Buffalo and antelope
Uganda’s savannah grasslands are ideal habitat for African antelopes and buffalo. In Uganda, there are 29 different types of antelope. Both of these species are typical sightings on game drives, however they are best seen during the dry season when they congregate at drinking holes or lay idle along riverbanks in the shade of savannah shrubs.
Birds
Uganda is an excellent place to go bird watching. While there aren’t many indigenous species, the birdlife is diverse, and the rainy seasons (March to May and again in November) bring a plethora of migrating birds. You can discover bird life all around Uganda, but if you’re looking for a specific species, you’ll want to hire a knowledgeable birding guide.
