Touring Uganda - Tour to Uganda Trips, Uganda Tours

Touring in Uganda on unforgettable Uganda tours/authentic African tour to Uganda trips rank top among the most fascinating African safaris. Exploring the Pearl of Africa exposes you to the charming unique attractions of this beautiful country during Uganda tour adventures.

Some of the unique attractions include dazzling lakes, snow-capped mountains, game animals, and amazing people. This country is fond of having Mountain Gorillas which makes it for Uganda Gorilla trekking which is a highlight of an African safari.

The endangered Mountain Gorillas live within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and also in Rwanda the land of a thousand hills.

Uganda trips have you enjoy Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park the primate capital of Africa and it is also home to nocturnal creatures like Bush babies.

Wildlife safaris/game viewing is remarkable in Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and this is amazing, especially during game drives.

Some of the captivating animals you see on the Uganda vacation are Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffes, Leopards, Zebras, Hyenas, Uganda Kob, Hippos, etc.

You can enjoy birding, cultural encounters, water rafting on the source of the Nile the longest river in the world, and many adventures during your active holidays.

The African wilderness in this country is like that of Masai Mara of Kenya and Serengeti of Tanzania and your Uganda trips can be combined with safaris to these countries to give you a full safari experience.

Types of Uganda Tours/Major Categories of Tours in Uganda

Below are the major categories of trips to experience when you visit Uganda;

Uganda Gorilla trekking Safaris

This is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Uganda. Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris in this country are enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park as the two hold almost half of the surviving Mountain Gorillas.

Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris are also available in the Virunga of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Volcanoes of Rwanda to see Gorillas. They give lifetime experiences.

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris

Mountain Gorilla habituation is the slow study of how the endangered Mountain Gorillas live and the introduction to recognizing the presence of humans so that they don’t turn violent.

It is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

This experience is 4 hours, unlike the usual Mountain Gorilla trekking which is one hour in the presence of Gorillas.

Chimpanzee Safaris

These safaris give you the best experience during Chimpanzee trekking when you visit Uganda. This country offers the best Chimpanzee safaris in East Africa as you get to meet the apes in their natural habitat.

Below is where to enjoy Chimpanzee safaris.

Kibale Forest National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
Ngamba Island Sanctuary on Lake Victoria

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safaris

Chimpanzee habituation experiences are unmissable on a Uganda tour trip, and they involve slow introduction of wild Chimps to humans so that they don’t turn violent. This experience in this country is only done in Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Wildlife Safaris

Uganda’s African wilderness is almost the same as that of Kenya and Tanzania. This means that it offers the best wildlife safaris for game viewing, and you can see the wildlife including the Big Five African animals namely Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Buffalo.

Wildlife safaris are epic during game drives in;

Kidepo Valley National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake Mburo National Park

Birding Safaris

Uganda offers the best birding safaris since it is home to over 1063 bird species which is over 50% of African birds and birding expeditions are growing rapidly.

It is a birding paradise as it also has Albertine rift endemics found within Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Below are the top bird-watching spots in this country.

Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 600 bird species
Murchison Falls National Park is home to 556 species of birds.
Semuliki National Park has 441 bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 350 bird species.
Kibale Forest National Park with 375 species
Budongo Forest has over 350 species of birds
Lake Mburo National Park has over 351 species.
Mgahinga National Park has 180 bird species though it is well known for Uganda Gorilla tracking.
Mabamba Bay Wetland on Lake Victoria has amazing water birds including the Shoebill.
River Nile in Jinja has over 60 bird species

Cultural Encounters

Uganda cultural safaris in this country allow you to get a notable close encounter with the local people off the beaten path. A cultural encounter allows you to learn about the fascinating culture i.e., beliefs, customs, and traditions of people.

You can explore the Batwa around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, and Lake Bunyonyi. Visit Karamojongs in Kidepo Valley National Park similar to the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania.

Cultural encounters are also available around Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking Safaris

These safaris give unforgettable memories when you hike the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains on your day trip. Tourists can also hike the 3 Virunga Mountains on the border of Rwanda and Congo to see wildlife, Mountain Elgon, and Mountain Morungule in Kidepo.

There are also other Mountains to enjoy during these safaris.

Fishing Safaris in Uganda

Fishing safaris offer you the best opportunities of catching your favorite fish species. They are best enjoyed in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Ssesse Islands, and on the Nile River.

Boat Cruise trips

Travel Africa safaris in this country offer the best boat cruise trips. They are the best way to see water birds and aquatic wildlife.

Below is where to enjoy boat trips.

Boat cruise trip on Lake Victoria
Murchison Falls National Park
River Nile in Jinja the longest river
Lake Bunyonyi
Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake Mburo National Park

Uganda Adventure Safaris

These adventures are epic when on travel Africa safaris and you can enjoy Uganda Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga to meet Gorillas.

You can also explore Uganda on these adventure trips off the beaten path to see wildlife and visit the different cities and towns of this country.

These are some of the adventure trips to enjoy.

Game drives
White water rafting in Jinja on the source of River Nile
Abseiling at Sipi Falls
Bungee Jumping at the Nile River
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park
Tubing at the Nile River
Zip lining in Jinja and Lake Bunyonyi
Kayaking at the Nile River
Quad biking and cycling

Top Tourist Attractions in Uganda – What to See on Your Uganda Tour?

Many attractions in this country are within the national parks and game reserves. Gorillas are a major attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga.

On a private tour trip in this country, you can also see attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.

Below are some of the amazing attractions to see when you visit Uganda.

Uganda animals: these include primates, herbivores, and carnivores. Among these are the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga making it ideal for Uganda Gorilla tracking.

Also, there are the Big Five animals and antelope species you can see during wildlife safaris.

Beautiful Birds: there are over 1063 bird species, and some are not seen anywhere else in East Africa. They are found in the parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mountains; include the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, Mountain Elgon, and Virunga Mountains on the border of Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda.

Lakes and rivers; including Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, River Nile, Lake Mburo, etc.

People and Cultures; including the Batwa, Karamojong, and the IK.

Best Places to Visit in Uganda, Key Destinations in Uganda to Visit

There are many places to visit in the Pearl of Africa on your Uganda tour trip and most of them are national parks.

There are 10 national parks in Uganda to visit on your travel Africa safaris and they are.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, and it is home to tree climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector. This park, Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 95 animals and over 600 bird species. You can explore the park during game drives.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The endangered Gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and tourists can see them in their natural habitat during Mountain Gorilla trekking.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 459 Gorillas which is almost half of the Mountain Gorillas in the world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers the best birding in this country since it has over 350 species of birds.

Murchison Falls National Park

This park is the oldest and largest in the country having over 144 animal species and 556 bird species. A Game drive, nature walks, and boat cruises are the best way to discover Murchison Falls National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park

This Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and offers the best primate safaris in the country, especially Chimpanzee trekking. Kibale Forest National Park has the highest number of primate species, and it is referred to as the primate capital of the world.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park has amazing scenery like that of Lake Bunyonyi. It is on the border of South Sudan. The African wilderness of this park is almost the best in the world competing with that of Masai Mara of Kenya and Serengeti of Tanzania.

Kidepo Park has over 70 animal species and over 400 bird species and some of these migrate from South Sudan and you enjoy game drives in this park to see animals and birds.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is situated in western Uganda and offers wildlife viewing while on walking safaris, boat cruises, game drive, and horseback riding trips.

It is home to 68 animal species with the highest number of antelope species and over 350 species of birds.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga offers Uganda Gorilla trekking as it has Gorillas in this country, and it also has Golden Monkeys. When you visit this park, you can engage in Uganda Gorilla trekking to see Gorillas, bird watching, and volcano hiking.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has snowcapped peaks that shadow Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park has over 60 animal species and over 200 bird species.

Mountain Elgon National Park

This park is situated in Eastern Uganda on the border of Kenya. It offers Mountain hiking, and it also has 300 species of birds and many animals.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki Park is a birding area, and it is an extension of the Congo Ituri Forest and it has Congo Biome species.

Other beautiful places in Uganda worth visiting.

Game reserves
Sanctuaries like Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bigodi Wetland, and Ngamba Island
Waterbodies like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Albert, Victoria, and the Nile the longest river

Top Uganda Safari Activities – What to Do in Uganda?

When you visit Uganda the Pearl of Africa, there are many safari activities that this country offers to tourists.

The top activities in this country include.

Uganda Gorilla trekking is best in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park and you be with the Gorillas for one hour during this guided tour trip when you visit Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking best in Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bird watching is best in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.

Game Drives are best in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park one of the best parks in the world, and Lake Mburo National Park with the help of a tour guide to see wildlife.

Boat cruises are best during a guided tour trip in this country at Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park when you visit Uganda, and you can see wildlife on the water shores.

Other activities include.

Cultural encounters around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and other parks
Mountain climbing
Nature walks

Packing List for Safari Uganda – What to Pack for Your Uganda?

Below is what to pack when you visit Uganda.

A good camera with extra batteries is ideal when meeting Gorillas.
Binoculars
Backpack
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

What to Wear on a Uganda Safari

Below is what to wear on a Uganda trip.

Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers good during the Uganda Gorilla trek
Light shoes
A hat or hat
Sunglasses

Safari Lodges in Uganda – Where to Stay During Your Uganda Trip

These lodges are amazing and are within the national parks and reserves. They are either budget, midrange, or luxury.

Below are some of the best lodges.

Top Luxury Safari Lodges

Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Bird Nest Resort around Lake Bunyonyi

Ideal Midrange Safari Lodges

Agandi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Isunga Lodge
Engagi Lodge
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge

Best Budget Safari Lodges

Buhoma Community Rest Camp near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Simba Safari Camp
Kibale Guest House
Red Chill Rest Camp

Best time to travel to Uganda?

The best time to go to Uganda is in the dry season and it is also a good time for wildlife viewing. The dry season is also ideal for Uganda Gorilla trekking to meet the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Also, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is great during the dry season.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Uganda?

The best time to go on a safari in this country is in the dry season which is June to August and from December to February. Little or no rainfall is received during this time making wildlife viewing great.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Uganda? | Which Month Is Best for Uganda?

The best month to travel to Uganda is from June to August and from December to February. It is also the best time for wildlife viewing in the national parks off the beaten path.

You can also visit Uganda in the wet season though it is challenging. Tourists can see Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during Mountain Gorilla trekking which is good at any time of the year.

Other places you can visit in this country at any time of the year are Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Why Would Someone Travel to Uganda?

There are many fascinating reasons why someone should travel to Uganda.

For starters, Uganda is the best place in East Africa for Mountain Gorilla trekking adventures to see Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking. Also, you can enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, cultural encounters, etc.

Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris are best in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one of the best parks in the world.

What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Uganda? | What Should I Know Before Traveling to Uganda?

Before traveling to Uganda, you should know anything concerning the entry requirements. Always read about the Uganda travel blog to get such information regarding travel tips.

Be keen to know the entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety and security travel tips, health care, and local laws, and you should have local contacts for emergencies.

Does Uganda Require Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Yes, Uganda requires a Yellow Fever vaccination and travelers should present the vaccination card on all borders when they choose to travel to Uganda.

Can US Citizens Travel to Uganda?

Yes, US citizens can travel to Uganda as long as they hold a valid visa.

What Does A US Citizen Need to Travel to Uganda?

A US citizen needs to have an entry visa and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Is Uganda Tourist Friendly?

Yes, this country is tourist friendly as the local people are welcoming. Travelers should read more about visiting this nation from a Uganda travel blog.

What Is Beautiful About Uganda?

Uganda is one of the best destinations to visit as it is an evergreen destination with dazzling hills, tropical rain forests, birds, water bodies, and amazing wildlife.

You can find Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga. Chimpanzees are in Kibale Forest National Park and Big Five animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison, Kidepo, and Lake Mburo Park.

Traveling to Uganda – What Is the Best Way to Travel around Uganda?

The best way to travel around Uganda is using road transport as it takes even to the remote areas of this beautiful country.

There are also scheduled or chartered flights that fly from Entebbe Airport to many up-country destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison, Lake Mburo Park, etc.

Is It Safe to Travel to Uganda Currently?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Uganda as it is free from terrorism and disease outbreaks. The Ugandan government has ensured safety in this country as there are no demonstrations and riots.

Travelers should read more travel tips from the Uganda travel blog.

How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Uganda? | How Much Does A Safari in Uganda Cost?

The price of a safari is determined by the number of days, group size, safari style, accommodation, activities, and park entrances.

But get to know that an average budget safari in Uganda costs about $200 per day per person. A midrange trip costs $500 while a luxury costs over $1,000.

How Expensive Is It to Travel in Uganda?

Expect to spend around $200 per day.

How Much Is 10 Days Uganda Safari?

The price for a 10-day trip ranges between $3200 to $ 4000 per person. Midrange trips range between $3,900 to $4,300 per person, while luxury vacations start at about $4,500 per person and they come with a safari guide.

How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda? | How Many Days Should I Spend in Uganda?

There are no fixed days set for a safari in Uganda. The duration depends on your safari interests as well as your budget.

5 days and beyond are enough for you to engage in Uganda Gorilla trekking to meet Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, and a wildlife trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison, Kidepo, Lake Mburo Park.

How Much Do Excursions Cost in Uganda in 2023?

The cost of excursions in Uganda depends on activities, group size, travel style, and mode of accommodation. Tourists should expect to spend around $200 per day.

When and Where to Buy Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Permits During Uganda Vacations?

Travelers can buy the Chimpanzee trekking and Mountain Gorilla trekking permits using tour operators or buy them directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority. You should buy the permits in advance before your arrival.

Eastern African Community single tourists visa

This visa is good for those planning to travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and this visa costs $100.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Uganda?

Past travelers have reviewed that they spent around $200 per day in this country. Also, expect to spend around that amount.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for Gorilla Trekking?

Those who have visited Uganda say that it is better than Rwanda for Gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 whereas in Uganda the permit costs $700.

Also, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga have more Gorilla families than Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park.

Can I Drink Tap Water In Uganda?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Uganda. The tap water is not treated so well, and you can get sick from this water. For healthy safety, drink bottled water or filtered water.

What Is the Internet Access Like in Uganda?

Internet access is better in urban areas than in rural areas. The network coverage may be limited in the rural areas of this country.

What Is the Food Like in Uganda?

Uganda offers organic food and tourists can try out the local food when they visit Uganda. The best local food in this country includes matoke (cooked bananas), cassava, potatoes, beans, ground peanuts, tomatoes, and stewed meat.

Continental meals are also available in this country like Indian and Mexican food including steaks, pasta, fish, and pastry.

Things to Do and Places to Visit and Tour in Uganda

On your travel Africa tour trip in Uganda, you can trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.

You can go animal viewing in Kidepo, Murchison, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Park one of the best national parks in the world.

You can enjoy adventure trips like white water rafting, bungee jumping, cultural encounters, discovering Lake Bunyonyi, and enjoy mountain hikes on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mountain Elgon in eastern Uganda.

Best Tour Operators in Uganda to Book with Your Trip

There are very many tour operators that can arrange for you the best Uganda tours.

Below are the best Uganda travel companies to use.

Best Uganda Travel Packages | Popular Tour to Uganda Trips

There are numerous safari packages in Uganda however, here are some of the popular safaris for you.

a) 2 days Uganda chimp trekking vacation
b) 3 days Murchison Falls National Park safari tour
c) 5 days Uganda wildlife tour
d) 7 days Uganda Safari tour
e) 8 days safari tour in Uganda
f) 10 days Uganda safari tour
g) 15 days Uganda vacation adventure
h) 16 days safari in Uganda
i) 18 days Uganda safari vacation

In summary, Uganda trips offer unforgettable memories as you get to meet Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, and search for tree climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda trips offer the best birdwatching, cultural encounters, and many adventure activities.

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