EXPLORE AFRICA
Uganda Safaris
Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” because of its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife and plants. Because of her proximity to the equator, the climate is ideal for the ecosystem. Uganda has 56 tribes, all of which are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Uganda’s tourism industry has faced challenges since the country’s independence. The conflict in Northern Uganda led by Joseph Kony reduced the number of safari tourists visiting certain regions of the country.
The country’s peace has been restored and the tourism industry is prospering, with an increasing number of visitors opting for a safari in Uganda. Despite being landlocked, Uganda is endowed with numerous national parks, mountains, lakes, and rivers that are home to a diverse range of birds, animals, and plants. Uganda boasts the largest number of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world, making it one of the best tourism destinations. Uganda has the greatest Chimpanzee population in East Africa and visitors may easily see the big five (leopards, hippopotamus, lions, buffaloes, and elephants) – Uganda is the finest area to watch tree climbing lions when on a wildlife safari game drives.
Uganda safaris holidays are exciting, soul-satisfying and life-changing experiences. This is largely due to the various activities available to you. As you plan for your Uganda safaris, here are some of the activities that you can take a part in.
Activities to do on Uganda Safaris
Gorilla Trekking
Exploring the primeval forest of Bwindi or slopes of Mgahinga for the endangered mountain gorilla is at the top of any Uganda safaris. The 22 habituated gorilla families thrive in their natural habitats and are ready to be trekked all year round. The different composition of these gorilla families allows you to observe the large silverbacks and the shaggy babies as they eat, groom and interact with each other. Remember to follow your ranger's instructions, prepare physically for a significant amount of walking, and participate while in good health to avoid infecting the. Gorilla trekking is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that is well worth your time.
Cultural Encounters
Uganda's biodiversity is not limited to birds, animals, and plant species. Our culture is a kaleidoscope of color, taste, sight, and sound. Each tribe and local community will provide you with a unique recipe, cultural attire or sense of style, language, traditional song and dance, and so on. While exploring Uganda's cultural and staple foods, try the popular Luwombo from Buganda, Eshabwe from Ankole, Atapa from Teso, Malakwang from Acholi Participating in the Batwa trail, Igongo Cultural Centre, Ndere Centre, the national theatre, stopping by a souvenir shop in and out of Kampala can provide you with a feel and taste of Ugandan culture.
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi twists and turns through a picturesque landscape dotted with 29 islands and surrounded by opulently terraced food gardens. Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi allows you to saunter up the hills and as far down into the waters as your eyes can take you. Listen to traditional Lake Bunyonyi tales while watching the birds on the shores of the Lake. Listen to the echoes of the locals bouncing on the adjacent hills. A traditional dugout canoe will be your mode of transportation as you travel from island to island. Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi is bucket list activity because of the serenity it provides and the depth it takes you into the Bunyonyi Region.
White Water Rafting
The River Nile's mighty current, electric breeze, and adrenaline-pumping waves make white water rafting a must-do activity on your Uganda safaris. This exhilarating experience lasts approximately 6 hours along 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 rapid immersion at a time. There are several options including Grade 5 Extreme Rafting, Raft River Board, Grade 3 Full Day Rafting, and 2-day water rafting. After this thrilling activity has quenched your thirst for adventure, local music, bonfires, barbeque, and dancing await you on the Nile's banks.
Boat Cruises
The swish-swash of light waves is nature's soundtrack for travelers on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda's top boat safari destinations. Water birds, hippos soaking themselves in fresh water at high noon, and the animals sauntering to the shores to quench a day's thirst are just a few of the things you'll see on a boat safari at Murchison Falls. A Boat Safari is a relaxed and one of the quietest ways to experience Uganda and should be on your bucket list of things to do while on your Uganda safaris.
The Best Time to go for Uganda Safaris
Uganda, like Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and several other nations, straddles the equator, resulting in a modest yearly temperature variation. In Kampala and its environs, the hottest average temperature rarely reaches 29° Celsius (84° Fahrenheit). However, as you travel north, the warmest daytime temperatures average between 24-33° Celsius (52-91° Fahrenheit), with maxima reaching 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) in the extreme north near Kidepo National Park. This is most common in January and February. The tropical climate of Uganda is divided into two seasons: dry and wet.
Northern Uganda has a dry season from December to February and a wet season from March to November. This time span includes Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kidepo National Park, and Pian Upe Game Reserve.
The southwestern region, which is sandwiched between the Rwenzori Mountains, the Virunga Massif, and the huge Lake Victoria, has two wet seasons. The first season goes from mid-September to November, and the second from March to May. But keep in mind that it can rain at any time of day if you visit this area.
The dry season: June to August and from December to February.
During the dry season in Uganda, average temperatures range from 16° Celsius (61° Fahrenheit) in the morning to 27° Celsius (81° Fahrenheit) in the afternoon. At 1,300 m, it gets exceedingly cold in higher altitudes, such as where the gorillas are found (4,265 ft). June and July are the driest months in the southwest, although expect some rain because the area is primarily covered by rainforests. In contrast to the southwest, these months are part of the northern Wet season.
However, if you travel far north, to Pian Upe or Kidepo Valley, the terrain is semi-arid and can have droughts around this time. In December, January, and February, most of the southwest region receives slightly higher rainfall than in June and July. The north, on the other hand, is visibly dry, with little or no rain.
Our Popular Uganda Safaris
Places to Visit While on a Safari in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park located in Northwestern Uganda is Uganda's largest conservation area. The park which spans over 3,800 square kilometers, is named after one of its most popular features, the Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls are formed as the Nile River flows through a tight gorge before plunging 42 meters in a tremendous roar. The park is not what it used to be due to historical insecurity in the country and unfettered poaching. However, the park has rebounded as a result of more recent conservation efforts. The waterfall is a popular attraction, but the park is also rich in wildlife. The park is home to the biggest population of the now-endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa, with around 1000 animals. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour can expect to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, and birds as they cruise up and down the Nile. As you can see in our Uganda safaris packages, the park's Budongo woodland is popular for chimp trekking.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is located in Uganda's southwestern region. Because of its beauty and biological diversity, UNESCO has designated Bwindi as a World Heritage Site. Bwindi National Park's magnificent green and lovely forests are home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The remaining species are exclusively found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is regarded as one of the top three things to consider when visiting Africa. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be matched. Aside from gorilla trekking, Bwindi is a birder's heaven. Bee-eaters, chap-ins flycatchers, black-billed turacos, and African green broadbills are among the bird species in the forest. During the wet season all resident and migratory birds congregate to feast on the abundant forest fruits and insects.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is 2,056 square kilometers in size and is located along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is Uganda's most visited park noted for its tree climbing lions in Ishasha and the Uganda Kob. Visitors on Uganda safaris enjoy the park's lush green surroundings and diverse variety of plant, wildlife and bird species. The park is home to about 500 bird species including the Kingfisher, flamingos, eagles, and storks. The park also has the endangered Shoebill Stork. The park has a variety of tree species, craters, savanna grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and other volcanic characteristics. A three-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park provides the best opportunity to see 4 of the big five while on a Uganda wildlife tour. The park is home to buffaloes, hippos, baboons, elephants, and other antelope species. Nile crocodiles can be seen in Lake Edward and Lake George, birding and wildlife viewing in the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura gorge. The best time to see Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda tour is during the dry season.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The magnificent Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Uganda's remote north eastern corner and comprises around 1,440 km2. Because of its distant position, the park receives fewer tourists on a Uganda safaris but is second to none in terms of variety and sheer wealth of flora and fauna. This hidden gem is a beautiful representation of how Africa used to be before increasing human intervention. CNN Travel ranked it as one of the top three parks in Africa. The Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda is a magnificent collection of mountains and unspoiled Savannah. Uganda safaris to Kidepo valley national park allows visitors to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elands, buffalo, antelopes, bush babies, elephants, ostriches, baboons, and around 220 bird species. The Kananorok hot springs can also be found in the park's northern section. The animals coexist alongside nomadic pastoralists such as the Karamajong and Ik tribes who live high on Morungole Mountain. Explore these amazing cultures on your Uganda safaris with Laba Africa expeditions
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National park is located in the Southwestern part of Uganda and is near the Rwenzori mountains and Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest is well-known for chimpanzee tracking and is the top chimpanzee destination in Africa. Chimpanzees can be found throughout Uganda and Africa but the sheer number (1500) in Kibale forest ensures a close encounter with them when on a Uganda safari. Nature walks and a visit to the Bigodi wetland can be combined with chimp trekking. Aside from chimps, the park is home to 12 other monkey species, including red colobus, L'Hoest's, and grey-checked mangabeys. The park is home to giant forest hogs, antelopes, and over 100 butterfly species. Kibale National Park in Uganda features areas covered by wetlands and grasslands and is a great place to go bird watching with over 290 species.
Mgahinga Gorillas National Park
Mgahinga is a town in southwestern Uganda that is well-known for gorilla trekking. Mgahinga gorilla trekking entails viewing the park's one habituated mountain gorilla family. Golden monkeys are exclusively found in Mgahinga, Uganda. More golden monkey families would have to be found in Rwanda. The park is not solely dedicated to gorillas and monkeys. The park is home to jackals, woodland elephants, buffalo, leopards, and a few antelope species. Tourists on Uganda safaris to Mgahinga can also hike one of the park's three volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura, and Mt. Gahinga) or go cave exploring on the Batwa path. The beautiful Lake Mutanda is only 19kms away. A boat cruise would be a nice way to relax after your hike or gorilla trek.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda's smallest but most accessible savannah park from Kampala. Lake Mburo is the largest of the park's 12 water bodies. Zebras can be seen at Uganda's Lake Mburo National Park. With over 300 species congregating around the lake and its swampy borders, the park is a birder's delight. The lack of elephants in the park benefits the vast woods. Antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, jackals, and hyenas abound in the park's Savannah grass. The dry season is the best time to see the game on Uganda safaris since they congregate at Lake Mburo to drink water.
Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon national park is located in Uganda’s east on the border of Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is the park's main feature. The volcano is extinct with a 42-kilometer-wide caldera. Hikers love the Wagagai summit as well as the hot springs and other characteristics that make Mount Elgon National Park so appealing. Natural forests, shrubs, waterfalls, caverns, gorges, and canyons dot the mountain sides. There are also several bird species and primates in the park (Colobus Monkeys, blue monkeys which can be easily seen during your Uganda safaris.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Along the route to Murchison Falls National Park lies the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary's goal is to safeguard the country's rhinos and eventually replenish the larger parks. In numerous Ugandan parks, rhinos have been poached for their precious horns. The sanctuary protects rhinos from poachers and human intervention allowing them to reproduce in a safe environment. The park includes over 60 rangers and guards and visitors can engage with conservationists to learn more about the initiative and Rhinos. When booking Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls, most tour operators add a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Aside from rhinos, rangers may assist visitors in spotting monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles, and hippos. The sanctuary is ideal for relaxation, outdoor walks while observing over 240 bird species.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, is widely regarded as Uganda's most beautiful lake. The lake is close to the Rwandan border and the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. Although the lake is one of the deepest in Africa, it is the stunning scenic splendor that distinguishes it and draws both visitors on a Uganda safaris and locals. It provides fantastic romantic areas to unwind and enjoy the day go by while planning your next adventure while on safari in Uganda. One can also go observe the Batwa Pygmies' traditional dances or hop from one island to another by boat, noting the various island villages, schools, and settlements. The lake is close to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and travelers like to stop by on their way to see mountain gorillas. Most of the tourists embarking on gorilla treks use this pristine lake to recoup from the hike.
Source Of the Nile
A Uganda Safaris should include a two-day excursion to the Nile's source in Jinja, which includes whitewater rafting. The Nile River is one of the world's three longest lakes, passing through numerous nations after leaving Uganda, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Jinja is a small, peaceful, and well-planned former industrial city with stunning landscape. You can go boat cruising on the Nile and see the various bird species by the shores of the river. The Nile River also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking and the increasingly popular bungee jumping.
Sesse Islands
The picturesque Ssese Islands are a group of 84 islands in Lake Victoria. Locals and travelers on Uganda safaris enjoy relaxing on the island's peaceful sandy beaches. The ferry route through Entebbe passes through scenic Lake Victoria and fishing communities. Bugala, located in Kalangala town, is the largest island. Other islands worth seeing on a safari in Uganda include Bulago and Bukasa, both of which offer beautiful white sand beaches. The main economic activity on the islands are fishing and tourism. Visitors on the Ssese Islands excursion will have the opportunity to see a variety of bird species and monkeys.
Sipi Falls
The Sipi falls are among Uganda's most beautiful waterfalls. The Sipi Falls, located at the foot of Mount Elgon, are one of Uganda's most popular tourist attractions. There are three levels, with the highest level garnering the most visitors. Hiking to the base of the waterfalls and abseiling from the tallest waterfall are some of the activities done at the Sipi falls. The evening sundowner offers epic views of the African setting sun coupled with the vast flat lands of the Karamoja region. A visit to Sipi falls can be combined with Kidepo, Pain Upe and Mount Elgon national parks.
