Uganda Wildlife Safaris: Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours

You can expect to see a variety of incredible game animals in East Africa on your Uganda wildlife safaris or wildlife safaris in Uganda when you visit top Uganda wildlife safari tour parks. The breathtaking and beautiful scenery of Uganda will remind you of the reason why Winston Churchill dabbed this country the Pearl of Africa!

Among the animal species to look for on your wildlife Uganda safaris include the great Big Five, Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalos, Rhinos, and Elephants. Others are Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Giant Nile Crocodiles, Uganda kobs, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Hartebeests, elands, as well as bird species, etc.

The prime safari destinations for game-viewing Uganda tour expeditions include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Park, Lake Mburo Park, Kidepo Park, and Ziwa Sanctuary. It’s only in Queen Elizabeth Park to find tree-climbing lions, while the wild Rhinos in Uganda are only found in Ziwa Sanctuary.

While on your Uganda safaris, never miss Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park- the best place for gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa. Kibale Forest National Park waits for travelers interested in Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours. Primate safaris are among the top highlights of Uganda safaris!

You can undertake Uganda wildlife tours all year round but, dry months offer the best game viewing experience.

For an extraordinary vacation, travel with us as we are one of the best Uganda tour companies in organizing Uganda safaris. Don’t hesitate to email us with any inquiries about your trip!

Major Sites for Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours- Best Wildlife Destinations in Uganda- Where Can I See Wildlife in Uganda?

While coming for Uganda wildlife safari tours, know that national parks offer the best experience! However, if you have time, there are some game reserves as well as sanctuaries worth visiting for a memorable experience. All boast beautiful scenery, ideal for photo shoots!

These are the top sites for Uganda wildlife safaris:

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Just like Murchison Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a great paradise for Uganda wildlife safari trips and a must not miss on your Uganda safaris.

Game viewing safaris in Queen take place on game drives in Kasenyi plains as well as on a boat cruise Kazinga Channel. Expect to enjoy close encounters with Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Leopards, Topis, Hyenas, Warthogs, Waterbucks, etc.

You can spot tree climbing lions in Queen within the Ishasha sector en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In Queen, you can further enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or scenic nature walks in Maramagambo Forest.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Due to its abundant wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park is among the top-ranking sites for Uganda wildlife safari trips.

In Murchison Park, you’ll spot most of the game animals on the African continent, including 4 of the Big Five except rhinos. Other animal species in Murchison Falls National Park include giraffes, hippos, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, hartebeests, kobs, hyenas, warthogs, and numerous bird species.

Most of the Uganda game viewing tours in Murchison Park take place in the Buligi game area during game drives.

Never end your Uganda wildlife tour in Murchison Park without enjoying a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, the strongest waterfall in the world found on the River Nile. Bird lovers shouldn’t miss a boat trip to the Lake Albert Nile delta area in search of the great prehistoric shoebill.

If you have time, you can enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest on top of your wildlife Uganda tour in Murchison Falls National Park.

3. Lake Mburo National Park Uganda

Among national parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is the most convenient for Uganda wildlife safari tours.

During game-viewing safaris in Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll look out for leopards, Cape buffalos, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, waterbucks, topis, hyenas, and giant forest hogs.

Apart from game drives, other best ways to enjoy Uganda wildlife safari tours in Lake Mburo Park is undertaking horseback rides, cycling tours, nature walks, and boat cruises on Lake Mburo.

Note:

For a long time, Elephants and Lions have not been spotted in Lake Mburo National Park
Within East Africa, Lake Mburo National Park is the best place to spot leopards. You can spot them the best on night game drives.

4. Kidepo Valley National Park

Although most Uganda wildlife tour expeditions miss out on Kidepo Valley National Park, those who have managed to visit this scenic park in far northeastern Uganda have incredible stories to tell!

Due to its breathtaking natural beauty, Kidepo Valley National Park is dubbed the true wilderness of Africa. During game driving in the golden plains of Narus Valley, you’ll look out for lions, large herds of buffalos, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, leopards, hartebeests, giraffes, Uganda Kob, and Topis.

Other animals in Kidepo National Park include Kidepo endemics such as cheetahs, striped hyenas, bat-eared foxes, Aard wolves, as well as Greater and Lesser Kudus.

More still, on your Uganda tour in Kidepo National Park, you’ll encounter several bird species such as the Karamoja Apalis, Red and yellow barbet, Ostrich,

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Usually, travelers on Uganda wildlife safari tours visit Ziwa Sanctuary en route to Murchison Park – Uganda’s biggest national park.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only site to spot wild rhinos in Uganda. In this picturesque sanctuary, you’ll enjoy Rhino tracking on foot- one of the rare amazing safari experiences in East Africa.

As you enjoy a game viewing tour in Ziwa sanctuary, expect to spot other game animals like Uganda kobs, Warthogs, Oribis, and Bushbucks. On the trek, bird lovers are more likely to spot Broad-billed Rollers, Grey-crowned Cranes, Barbet, and other various bird species.

Other National Parks for Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours

These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park. These national parks are famous for primate tours, for example, gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking safaris.

In these parks, be expectant to encounter lovely primates such as Gorillas, Chimps, Red-tailed Monkeys, Baboons, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, as well as Blue Monkeys, etc.

Here is their detail:

6. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. The other countries to spot gorillas in Africa include Rwanda & DR Congo.

Uganda Bwindi National Park is a lush, beautiful tropical rainforest home to almost 50% of 1,063 Mountain gorillas on Earth.

During the gorilla trek in search of the endangered Mountain gorillas- gentle giants of the forest, lucky travelers can encounter amazing game animals such as Giant forest hogs, Forest Elephants, Duikers, and Bushbucks.

Apart from tracking gorillas, Bwindi Park is also a haven for Uganda bird-watching safaris.

7. Kibale Forest National Park Uganda

Kibale National Park- (the Primate Capital of Africa) is mainly visited by travelers interested in chimpanzee trekking safaris on top of their Uganda wildlife safari tours.

This beautiful park, Kibale Forest National Park, holds the highest concentration and diversity of primates in the world. Kibale National Park boasts 13 primate species counting over 1,500 chimps. Among others include Red-tailed Monkeys, Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Black and white colobus Monkeys, Bush Babies, Blue Monkeys, etc.

All chimpanzee trekking expeditions in Kibale Forest National Park take over 2-5 hours

It’s easy to combine a Uganda wildlife tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park with chimpanzee tracking safaris in Kibale National Park.

How Many National Parks Are in Uganda? | How Many Safari Parks Are There in Uganda?

Uganda holds only 10 national parks. The commonly visited by tourists on Uganda wildlife safari holidays include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale Forest National Park.

Other national parks in Uganda are Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Park, Kidepo, Rwenzori Mountains Park, Mount Elgon Park which holds an extinct volcano, and Semuliki Park- a birders paradise.

Which Game Park is Most Visited in Uganda? | Which Game Park in Uganda Is Famous? | Which is the Best Game Park in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park by travelers on Uganda wildlife safari expeditions.

In Queen, you’ll spot most of the game animals in Uganda such as Lions, Leopards, large herds of Elephants, Buffalos, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Topis, Kobs, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, etc.

On your Uganda trip, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the only site to spot Lions that climb trees. These are spotted on a game drive in the Ishasha sector.

Are There Lions in Uganda? | Where Can I See Lions in Uganda?

Which game park is famous for Lions in Uganda? On your Uganda wildlife safari, Lions can be spotted best in national parks such as Murchison Park, Queen, and Kidepo National Park.

Furthermore, on your Uganda vacation, Lions can be spotted in game reserves around parks, for instance, Pian Upe.

Are There Giraffes in Uganda? | Where Can I Find Giraffes in Uganda? | Which National Park in Uganda Has Giraffes?

On your Uganda wildlife safari, Giraffes can be spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park as well as Kidepo. Of all these parks, Murchison Falls National Park is the best place to spot Giraffes in Uganda.

Which Game Park in Uganda Is Famous for Crocodiles?

As you are on your Uganda safaris, Murchison Falls National Park is the best area to spot Nile Crocodiles. They are spotted well while on a boat cruise on River Nile to the base Murchison Falls- great stunning waterfalls known as the strongest waterfalls in the world.

Still, travelers undertaking Uganda wildlife safari expeditions can spot Crocodiles very well in Queen Elizabeth Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Where Do We Find Cheetahs in Uganda? | Where Can I See Cheetahs in Uganda?

Tourists on Uganda wildlife safari holidays can only spot Cheetahs in their natural habitat within Kidepo Park and other protected areas in Karamoja regions, for example, Pian Upe.

Also, it’s possible to see cheetahs in Uganda at Entebbe Zoo.

What Are the Big 5 in Uganda? | Where Can I See the Big 5 in Uganda?

Uganda’s Big Five game animals include; Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalo, Elephants, & Rhinos. Travelers on Uganda tours can best spot these Big Five game animals on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Park.

You can only see Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary.

Where Are the Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda?

Visitors on Uganda wildlife safari vacation can see these mysterious Lions only in Queen. Normally, these mysterious Lions are spotted resting up amazingly in big tree branches during the hot hours of the day in the Ishasha sector.

During game drives in the Ishasha region en route to Bwindi Park- the best area in Africa to track the endangered Mountain gorillas, you’ll spot Topis, Cape Buffalo, Elephants, Topis, Kobs, etc.

What Is the Biggest Wild Animal in Uganda?

The biggest game animal in Uganda is the Elephant. Mature ones can weigh about 5 to 6 tons. On your wildlife Uganda tour, you can find Elephants in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Kidepo.

Are There African Wild Dogs in Uganda?

There is an unreliable report about the sightings of Wild dogs in Kidepo Park. These African wild-hunting dogs have never been spotted in any game park in Uganda.

What Can You Hunt in Uganda?

Game hunting in Uganda is not developed! But, for travelers interested in this experience, it’s possible within protected areas in Karamoja plains. These areas include Pian Upe, Matheniko, and Bokora Game Reserves.

Some of the common animals to hunt in Uganda include Oribis, Cape Buffalos, Uganda kob, as well as Hartebeests.

Wild Animals of Uganda – What Wildlife Is Found in Uganda? | What Wild Animal Is in Uganda?

What wild animals are in Uganda? The Pearl of Africa Uganda is home to over 345 animal species. These include primates, carnivorous animals, as well as herbivorous animals.

The following are popular wild animals found in Uganda:

a. PRIMATES

On your wildlife Uganda tour, be expectant to spot most of the primates on the African continent. Among these include Mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Chimps, Red-tailed Monkeys, Bush Babies, etc.

Uganda chimp tracking safaris in Kibale Forest Park offer the best experience for primate tours in Uganda. For gorilla trekking Uganda safaris, Bwindi is the best place to visit.

Note:

Several travelers visiting Africa Uganda are very interested in spotting Gorillas
Primates are among the top attractions in Uganda

b. CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS

During your wildlife Uganda tour vacation, these animals include Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, and Hyenas, among other animals.

c. HERBIVORES ANIMALS

The most common include Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Cape Buffalos, Rhinos, Hippos, plus numerous Antelope species.

d. LOVELY BIRD SPECIES

There are several bird species in Uganda but the most popular include the Great Blue Turaco, Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Barbets, Herons, Kingfishers, and Vultures.

e. REPTILES

There are many however, the most common is the giant Nile Crocodile.

What Animals Is Uganda Known for?

Mostly, Uganda is popularly known for Mountain gorillas. Other key animals to look for on your Uganda wildlife safari trip include Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Cape Buffalos, Hippos, and various Antelope species for example, Uganda kobs.

The above animals are best spotted during Uganda game viewing tours in Queen and Murchison National Park.

Uganda Safari Cost- How Much Does A Safari in Uganda Cost?

How much is a safari in Uganda? We don’t have a fixed cost for Uganda wildlife safari trips as it’s affected by several factors including your travel style. The other factors include your group size, the accommodation you are to use, transport means as well as the activities you wish to do, etc.

Uganda wildlife safaris usually cost 200 US dollars a day per person.

For more details about the price of your game-viewing trip, talk to our expert now.

Pack List for Uganda Wildlife Safaris- What to Pack for a Uganda Wildlife Safari?

As you come for Uganda wildlife safaris, there are some crucial items you should have for a lovely game-viewing trip.

Here is the park list for Uganda wildlife safaris:

A camera for taking photos during your game viewing Uganda safaris
A backpack:
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Hiking boots
Sunglasses
Insect repellent, protects you from biting insects as you track gorillas or on chimpanzee tracking safaris in Kibale Forest National Park
Rain poncho helps as you track chimpanzees or on game walks in Lake Mburo National Park
Travel documents, for instance, entry requirements like a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination card, etc.

Uganda Safari Clothes for Wildlife Safari – What to Wear for Wildlife Safari Tour in Uganda?

As you come for game-viewing Uganda tours, there is a recommended clothing you should put on!

Here is what to wear while on your Uganda wildlife safaris:

Long-sleeved shirts & Trousers

A long sleeved shirt or trousers keeps your beautiful body from cuts and insect bites while in the jungle. For example, while on nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park

Eco-friendly clothes

Clothes in brown, khaki, and grey color are suggested. Black usually attracts heat in the dry season and white easily picks up dust in the dry season.

Hiking boots

Protect your feet from injuries during the game walk for example in Maramagambo Forest within Queen.

Sunglasses

Protect your eye from the rays of the tropical sunlight while on game walks for instance in Lake Mburo National Park

Sweaters

Will keep you warm in the cool nights and mornings.

Note:

You should avoid body-revealing clothes while going on a community tour. Uganda’s culture recommends ladies put on knee-covering clothes.

Accommodation- Where to stay on your Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Regardless of the destination you visit on your Uganda wildlife safari trip, you’ll find accommodation to use. These facilities are classified into budget, midrange, and luxury lodges.

Our expert will guide you on the best lodge to use on your wildlife safaris in Uganda.

These are the:

a. Top Budget Lodges in Uganda

Rwonyo Rest Camp in Lake Mburo park
Enjojo Lodge in the Ishasha sector of Queen
Pumba Safari Cottages in Queen
Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison Park
Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo park
Kazinga Channel View Resort in Queen
Eagle’s Nest Lodge in Lake Mburo Park

b. Best Safari Midrange Lodges in Uganda

Isunga Lodge in Kibale Forest National Park
Enganzi Game Lodge in Queen
Nga Moru Wilderness Camp in Kidepo
Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Park
Agandi Lodge in Bwindi
Kidepo Savannah Lodge in Kidepo park
Fort Murchison Lodge in Murchison Park

c. Popular Luxury Lodges in Uganda

Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Park
Mweya Lodge in Queen
Ndali Lodge in Kibale
Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park

Best Time to Visit Uganda- What Is the Best Time for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda?

The best time to go for wildlife tours in Uganda is during the dry season in June to early September as well as December to February. In these months (peak season), there are fewer rainfall inconveniences and animals are easy to spot around water holes.

The wet months are March to May and October to November. Normally, in this period (the low season), rain is received during most hours of the day.

Note:

In peak season, some parks can be crowded and it’s challenging to get gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits
Within the low season, some lodges give out discounts to visitors

Is Uganda Good for Safaris? | Does Uganda Have Good Safaris?

Yes, Uganda is a good place for safaris in East Africa. During your Uganda wildlife safaris, you’ll spot all the Big Five, enjoy chimpanzee tracking, gorilla tracking, bird watching as well as nature walks among others.

On your Uganda tour, other thrilling adventures to enjoy include hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, bungee jumping into the River Nile as well as white water rafting, and Kayaking on the River Nile.

We are available to guide you on the best expeditions to undertake on your Uganda safari vacation.

What Is Meant By Wildlife Safari?

An African wildlife safari is a trip that takes you to watch wild animals in their charming natural habitat. Among the popular game animals include Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Cape Buffalo, Giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, plus several Antelopes as well as colorful bird species.

Most of them are spotted on a game drive or a boat cruise.

Rules & Regulations for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in parks
Firearms are strictly not allowed in game parks
Only use designated tracks during game driving
You must make campfires in only designated areas
Never make a motor horn in the park
Driving inside national parks is limited from 7 pm to 7 am
In a park, you should drive below 40km/
Littering in the park is illegal
Don’t destroy vegetation in the park by picking flowers
Move always with all your receipts. They’re needed at the park entrance point

Best Safari Companies in Uganda To book with your Uganda Safari

As you planning to undertake a Uganda wildlife safari, we advise you to try booking your Uganda tour with the best tour operators. This will yield a wonderful experience.

This tour company will arrange all your airport pickups from Entebbe International Airport to the next destination.

Here are the best tour operators to book with your wildlife safari in Uganda:

Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd

Wild Gorilla Safaris

Safari Uganda Safaris

A Uganda Safari

Gorilla trekking Uganda

Uganda Birding Safaris

Africa Safaris Tours

Gorilla Safaris and Tours

Popular Uganda Wildlife Safari Packages, Best Uganda Wildlife Safaris

We have different wildlife Uganda tour packages which can all be tailored to offer you a remarkable African wildlife tour. Most of them start from Entebbe Town which is just close to Entebbe International Airport.

Here are the best wildlife tours in Uganda for you:

2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Tour
3 Days Chimp Tracking Uganda Trip in Kibale
3 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari
2 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Trip
Days Uganda Safari, Chimp Trekking, & Uganda Wildlife Safari Trip
5 Days Uganda Primate Tour- Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
5 Days Uganda Safari Trip- Chimp Trekking & Wildlife Safari
7 Days Uganda Safari- Gorillas in Bwindi and Chimps in Kibale
8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Trip, Gorilla Trekking, and Chimp Trekking
9 Days Uganda Tour
10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
12 Days Uganda Trip
14 Days Uganda Vacation
15 Days Uganda Trip
16 Days Uganda Safaris Holiday
18 Days Uganda Safari Vacation

In conclusion, wildlife Uganda safari tours offer exceptional game viewing expeditions in East African wildlife safari destinations! Unlike in Kenya or Tanzania, it’s only in Uganda to enjoy memorable gorilla trekking tours on top of your wildlife tour.

For more info about wildlife safari expeditions in Uganda, this Uganda travel blog has it all!

Let’s Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa Together!