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Uganda Safaris & Holidays
Uganda safaris: Book your lifetime Uganda Safari Holidays and enjoy unique wildlife expeditions to some of the best Uganda safari destinations and activities like Chimpanzee trekking , Gorilla trekking Cultural tours & birding experiences. Book the best Uganda Tour holiday packages with the top rated Uganda tour company today!
Uganda Safari Holidays have been discovered by few tourists so far & it’s still untouched and authentic full of many surprises like rolling hills, sparkling crater lakes, abundant wildlife, adrenaline activities on the mighty river Nile and, of course, the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the wild earning the name Pearl of Africa. Uganda is still authentically African, lush green and home to the friendliest people on the continent. We at Laba Africa Expeditions in love with Uganda and it is our privilege to introduce you to the Pearl of Africa. We are excited to have you during your Uganda safari holidays and tours.
We tailor our Uganda safari holidays packages to suit travelers of all ages and backgrounds, while keeping time, safety, and budget constraints in mind. We are adaptable enough to accommodate last-minute changes. Private tours, student tours and research groups, small group tours, and large group departures. We are committed to responsible tourism for long-term development, which we try to achieve by driving fuel-efficient and well-maintained vehicles, staying at eco-friendly safari lodges and camps, and supporting conservation organizations such as Nature Uganda.org. Uganda gorilla trekking safaris and chimp tracking tours are the main draws for a Uganda safari holiday and comprise the majority of our Uganda safari packages. These are available on standard three-day safari tours and extended vacations that include game viewing of various wildlife such as African elephants, giraffes, climbing lions and leopards, wild buffaloes, and various antelopes. Our safari parks and Uganda game reserves are must-see destinations on any Uganda safari. Smaller groups are ideal for mountain gorillas and wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, and other safari vacations because they provide more personalized care and attention.
We show you the Africa we love.
Our local knowledge of the areas we operate in, professionalism, and years of experience in the tourism industry are our strengths in organizing memorable Uganda safaris tours such as gorilla safaris in Uganda. We excel at organizing custom safaris and Rwanda tours because we work with you to create the best tailored safari package and holiday trips that fit your time and budget. In addition to our regular safari circuits, we have introduced walking safaris, which can be done independently or in conjunction with other adventures to create a more rewarding experience. Walking safaris are available in Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park and Nkuringo in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Horseback safaris are also available for visitors to Mburo! The Batwa experience in Bwindi-Buhoma and the Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga both provide excellent opportunities for a walking safari and cultural immersion.
Our Popular Uganda Safaris
Safari Activities in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking
The gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable national park are the most popular among the visitors who visit the park each year. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 326 gorillas that live in the forest and are available for viewing. Due to the high value of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla groups are accessible on a daily basis. Because gorilla trekking permits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are so competitive, it is best to book your mountain gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid inconveniences at the last minute.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is walking in tropical rain forests in Africa in search of wild chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can involve walking through tough terrain, small rivers, swamps and itching
vegetation leaving you tired and sore especially if you’re not used to walking for long hours. On your Uganda safari holiday, you have the option of trekking chimps in Kibale forest national park, Kyambura gorge(Queen Elizabeth national park), Budongo forest(Murchison falls national park) or Kalinzu forest reserve.
Game Viewing
Uganda may not be known for her big game as its neighbors Kenya and Tanzania. It makes up for it, however, by allowing visitors to see some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful forest primates, savannah mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and other animals. As you tour the various parks, you will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s most incredible specimens. The New York Times named the country as one of the top 52 places to visit because of its diversity.
Uganda was named one of the Top 10 Travel Destinations and 50 Lifetime Places by the National Geographic Society. Are you enthralled and intrigued?
Hiking Adventures
Mountains in Uganda will take you from old age jungles to snow-capped peaks. Mountaineering in Uganda can be easily combined with Big 5 safaris and if that’s not enough, it’s just an hours and half away flight to Zanzibar for your beach extension.
From climbing the tough 5100m Rwenzori Mountain to summiting the world’s biggest caldera on Mountain Elgon and the beautiful Virunga mountains, mountain in Uganda promises the best and most unique experience you will get on the African continent
Cultural Experiences
With 55 ethnic tribes, Uganda offers a wide range of cultural experiences to embark on. All these tribes have diverse heritage, culture and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local cultures and learn about their heritage through folk tales, music, dance and way of life.
hiking Adventures
Are you a thrill seeker? At the Source of the Nile, Jinja, you will find fantastic, exhilarating Africa Safari adventure activities. In a matter of seconds, the water adventure transitions from lazy relaxation to crashing through grade five rapids. Adrenaline junkies can take on the legendary rapids at any time of year because Uganda benefits from a warm tropical climate all year.
Why Book Uganda Tours & Safari Holidays
Ever thought of Uganda Tours & Safari Holidays? Uganda is one of the best place in Africa for holidays. Uganda safari Holidays have everything from gorilla habituation and trekking in the wild to bird watching safaris since Uganda has over 1090 bird species so far recorded mammals and different primate species that are found in Uganda’s 10 National reserves. Uganda is also home to one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world Lake Victoria.
Find the best Uganda safari Holidays programs or tour packages for a perfect Uganda safari and if you quite not sure what you want to do , please get in touch with one of our local specialists to help you plan your Uganda safari Holidays. Some people have asked why they should go for Uganda Tours and safari holidays? To many it’s the best gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda is home to the biggest numbers of the remaining mountain gorillas. To some people, Hiking Rwenzori Mountain that are covered with snow yet they are less than 100 kms from the Equator and they are the 3rd highest mountain ranges in Africa. It is possible to see the rare lions that climb trees in Africa. The world’s longest river Nile River also starts in Uganda and its source is a base for those adrenaline junkies seeking to have white water rafting, Uganda has recorded about 1090 bird species making it a must visit destinations for bird watchers
On your Uganda safari Holidays you should not miss the majestic Murchison falls Park one of the best place for sightseeing in the open savanna, wildlife game drive and you will have a chance to see many crater lakes. Uganda has some of the most hospitable locals in the world and its culturally diverse with over 50 different tribes speaking different languages , dances, cultural ceremonies making it the a top cultural tour destination on the continent.
Uganda safari holidays are special and less crowded. You really don’t want to be with other 100s of safari jeeps seeing a lion killing a kob as compared to the neighboring Tanzania and Kenya furthermore, you will have a chance to see the African Big 5 plut the rare mountain Gorillas in their habitant
Apart from the classic African safari, it is possible to do a fishing safari in Murchison falls National Park, hike snow caped Rwenzori mountains, meet Uganda’s best kept secret Karamojong people that still live in their way of life they have lived for 100s of years. Uganda is a small country but has everything the continent has to offer.
Uganda Safari Destinations
Uganda’s national parks serve as the focal point for wildlife safaris in the country. The national parks are protected areas managed by the Ugandan government through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Uganda has over ten major national parks, the majority of which are concentrated in the western region. Other protected areas are scattered throughout the country, such as the Karamajong hunting grounds and wild reserves. Uganda Tours have benefited from the strategic placement of national parks in naturally endowed areas of the country. All of Uganda’s national parks have distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is another large national park in western Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park extends across the vast western savannah plains of Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a well-known safari destination and Uganda’s most visited. This is due to the carefully selected wildlife that lives there. Because of its extensive ecosystems, Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest population of wildlife, attracting many visitors from all over the world to Uganda Wildlife Tours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1954, following the visit of Queen Elizabeth the Second of England. The park was previously known as Kazinga National Park, but following the queen’s visit to Uganda, the name was changed to Queen Elizabeth National Park in honor of the queen’s visit. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s largest national parks. It has an area of approximately 1978 square kilometers. Queen Elizabeth governs three districts in Uganda’s western region, including Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Kasese, among others.
Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
For many years, Queen Elizabeth National Park has been Uganda’s most visited national park. In terms of wildlife or biodiversity, Queen is Uganda’s most populated protected area. A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Africa’s big five wild animals in their natural habitat. Other attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park that may pique your interest include the gorge, caves, and culture, among others.
Tree climbing lions
Tree climbing lions are a highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safaris Tours. The lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are very different from those found in other Ugandan and African national parks. Climbing lions can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park primarily in the ishasha sector, which is located in the park’s southernmost region. If you climb in the trees within Queen Elizabeth National Park’s ishasha sector,
you will not be safe from tree-climbing lions. After a day of hunting, the lions in this area climb into the trees and rest there. The lions also climb up in the trees to escape the heat on the ground, as well as to avoid the tsetse flies on the ground.
Kazinga Channel
Kazinga channel
The channel provides a glimpse of all of the wildlife found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga channel is a body of water that connects Lake Edward in the west to Lake George in the east. The channel is a major water source in the area, as well as a gathering place for all of the wildlife that the park protects, buffalo herds, schools of hippos, lion prides, sitatungas, duikers, bushbucks, and crocodiles can be seen quenching their thirst by the banks. Kazinga channel is a birder’s paradise because many water birds congregate along the water’s edge in the morning and evening. In November, you can see pelicans, kingfishers, sunbirds, bee-eaters, the African fish eagle, and migratory birds.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge is a swath of lustrous, verdant tropical rain forest separated by vast savannah plains. The Kyambura Gorge is home to chimps, a very attractive primate species that is endangered. Kyambura gorge is a magical world in Queen Elizabeth National Park that is often overlooked by tourists on a Uganda Safari Tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimpanzee trekking from Kyambura Gorge can be added to your itinerary; it is home to a mobile community of the amusing primates the chimps. Because of the primates that live there, most visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park refer to Kyambura Gorge as the Valley of Comedy. Other primates found in Kyambura Gorge include black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, and a variety of olive baboons. The walk through Kyambura Gorge is an entirely new experience in a new world, with the tweets of forest birds and butterflies adding to the beauty of the dense forest. The main drainage body in the valley is the flowing river through the gorge, kyambura gorge.
Katwe Salt Lake
Katwe salt lake is one of the crater lakes on Queen Elizabeth National Park’s crater trail. Katwe salt lake is a popular study destination, and cultural tourism will allow you to learn about the culture of the Katwe salt mining village. Katwe salt lake is an explosion crater formed by a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago. It is one of western Uganda’s extinct explosion craters. However, it continues to emit sulfurous gases, which produce a strong odor. Lake Katwe is a dry lake with no outlets, so the water is salty. When the sun shines, the saltwater creates a salt pan on the lake bed and a salt concentrate on the surface of the water, which the locals mine. Aside from the salt lake, there is an old salt factory that was built by early Germany, but it collapsed and the remaining ruins are popular with visitors.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge is a swath of lustrous, verdant tropical rain forest separated by vast savannah plains. The Kyambura Gorge is home to chimps, a very attractive primate species that is endangered. Kyambura gorge is a magical world in Queen Elizabeth National Park that is often overlooked by tourists on a Uganda Safari Tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimpanzee trekking from Kyambura Gorge can be added to your itinerary; it is home to a mobile community of the amusing primates the chimps. Because of the primates that live there, most visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park refer to Kyambura Gorge as the Valley of Comedy. Other primates found in Kyambura Gorge include black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, and a variety of olive baboons. The walk through Kyambura Gorge is an entirely new experience in a new world, with the tweets of forest birds and butterflies adding to the beauty of the dense forest. The main drainage body in the valley is the flowing river through the gorge, kyambura gorge.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is a natural forest in Uganda’s Bushenyi area, between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo Forest. Kalinzu forest is located at an elevation of approximately 1400m above sea level and is home to 414 tree species found in bushes and shrubs, 97 moths, 262 butterflies, reptiles, and flowers, 379 bird species, and 6 primate species including Baboons, Chimpanzees, Black and White colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, L’hoest and Blue monkeys. Because of its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest provides sanctuary to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, waterbucks, wild pigs, buffaloes, gigantic forest hogs, and duikers.
Other epic attractions in Queen Elizabeth include the Busonga fishing village and the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many visitors are surprised by a community walk through the Busoga fishing village, and all of the activities there are fascinating and provide insight into African fishing culture. Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park also visit the bat caves in Maramagambo forest; however, due to the Marburg incident a few years ago, access to the caves has been restricted. However, the park’s management built a viewpoint for tourists in order to reduce bat contamination. Another attraction in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the omwani coffee plantation. It provides visitors with the best agro-tourism in Uganda; it allows visitors to learn about how aromatic coffee is made locally by a dedicated group of women in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Safari Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Viewing
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s only national park that provides a comprehensive package of activities. The big game drive is the most important and well-known activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The game drives provide an opportunity to see a variety of savanna animals such as buffaloes, hippos, elephants, antelopes, lions, and Uganda kobs, among others. The best time to go on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is in the morning, between 8 and 9 a.m. You can, however, book an evening game drive from 3 to 6 p.m. It is an opportunity to see all of the animals as they return to their territories and the hippos as they graze when the sun goes down. The Queen Elizabeth game drive is an opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife in its natural habitat.
Boat Cruise
Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth are magical and provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see almost all of the wildlife at a glance. The boat cruise takes place in the Kazinga Channel, hence the name “Kazinga Boat Cruise.” You can see almost every animal in Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Kazinga boat cruise; you can see buffalo herds and loser buffaloes, schools of hippos mourning in the water, elephants mate beside the water edge if you’re lucky, and a lot of birds line up at the waterfront and the African fish eagles gaze from up in the woods for their fish prey. Many tourists have described the Kazinga Boat Cruise as magical and sensational; many animals visit the Kazinga channel during the dry season because it is the only major water resource within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimp trekking takes place in the Kyambura Gorge. It is a gleaming tropical rain forest strip found on the western side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The breathtaking Valley of the Apes, also known as the Comedy Valley due to the primate community that lives there. Kyambura Gorge has about 20 habituated chimps that provide visitors with a lot of excitement. Other primates seen during chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge include black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, and olive baboons, among others.
Lion Tracking
Lion tracking takes place primarily in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The radio collared lions are tracked by a researcher team assigned by the Uganda carnivore project. It is a government department under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in charge of wild cats in all of the country’s national parks. The radiation monitors are used to track the movement of the lions under study. Lion research is being carried out in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an opportunity to learn about lion behaviors, habits, and social patterns up close.
Mangoose tracking
This experiential tourism you take you to participate in while visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. The banded mongoose tracking is done in Queen Elizabeth National Park around the Mweya Peninsular. Mongoose tracking lasts approximately three hours in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Three hours of mongoose tracking in Mweya Peninsular is a truly rewarding wild adventure. It allows you to participate directly in conservation activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Over 400 banded mongooses live in twelve social groups in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The tracking of banded mongooses provides valuable knowledge of their behaviors and habits, and the data gathered is recorded and used to carry out conservation activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Bird Watching
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can observe a variety of bird species, including forest birds, water birds, and open savannah birds, among others. The majority of the birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park are well-known as common east African birds; however, there are some endangered species of the Albertine region and migratory species that are rarely found in the national park during November. Among the open savannah birds are the long- crested eagle, grey kestrel, bateleur, African crake, brown snake eagle, Senegal plover, and flappet lark. Water birds can be found primarily in the Mweya Peninsular and the Kazinga Channel, and include the black bee eater, red-shouldered cuckoo, blue-throated roller, yellow bill, African finfoot, green crombec, and brubru, among others.
Hot Air Ballon safaris
All visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park should go on a hot air balloon ride. The hot air balloon ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park is best done early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m. This allows you to see the animals as they emerge from their hideouts and prepare for the day’s hunt. The balloon in Queen Elizabeth National Park has a maximum capacity of 16 people. It provides a breathtaking view of the national park. The hot air experience includes a view of Queen Elizabeth National Park from above in the air. You can see the ishasha plains and, if you’re lucky, lions chasing their prey in the plains. You can also see herds of Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and hyenas, among other animals.
Crater Drive
You can also enjoy the crater drive, which covers all of the explosion craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park over a distance of about 27 kilometers from the queen pavilion; the crater drive provides an opportunity to see the spectacular scenery of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which includes undulating hills covered in savannah grasslands. The craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park are associated with some of the most spectacular scenic views, and you can also see flamingos at Lake Nyamunuka, as well as a variety of other animals such as baboons and other birds.
In summary, Queen Elizabeth National Park has an advantage over others because of its natural endowment, particularly the bio diversity, which includes ecosystems that are home to a variety of animals, vegetation cover, and the overall landscape. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park and the only one where the packages can stand alone without the involvement of other destinations. The itineraries to Queen Elizabeth National Park are solid and include all of the activities available in other national parks, making safaris to this magnificent protected area truly versatile. It truly is a medley of wonders.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the second most visited national park in Uganda. The park is Uganda’s largest protected area, spanning 3893 square kilometers. Murchison falls is located in the Albertine region, northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Murchison Falls National Park is named after the famous Murchison Falls, which are located on the mighty Nile River. Murchison Falls are Uganda’s most powerful waterfalls. The falls are formed by heavy water masses surging through a narrow gorge, creating 45m-high pressure down the gorge.
Murchison Falls is known for its unique collection of wild animals, which includes the big five African animals.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s place where you can see the big five animals, including rhinos. Other wildlife includes birds native to the Albertine region, as well as the prehistoric shoe bill stork, which can be seen in the swamp near the Albert delta. Other unique wild animals include lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, primates such as chimps in the kaniyo pabidi forest of mahogany, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, among others. Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 mammal species, 450 bird species, and over ten primate species, as well as insects and reptiles.
The first Europeans to visit Murchison falls for a Uganda safaris include colonialists like John Speke and James Grant in the early 1860s. However, it was thoroughly explored by Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker, who later named the falls Murchison after the geologist of the geographical society Roderick Murchison. When the British colonial administration introduced the Uganda National Park Act in 1952, the park was gazetted as a national park, and the area was renamed Murchison Falls National Park.
Attractions on a Uganda safari to Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s most powerful waterfall, and it has recently been the subject of a controversy over its sale to a South African company for the construction of a hydropower dam. The Murchison Falls form as a result of too much pressure exerted by large water masses from the Victoria Nile through a narrow gorge. The water at Murchison Falls flows through a 6m-wide gorge. It creates too much pressure as the water hits the rocks, causing the ground to tremble and forming a misty condition at the top of the falls. Murchison Falls is the most visited attraction in Murchison Falls National Park. The falls provide a spectacular view of the lush vegetation in the national park, as well as the Albert Nile and the amazing scenery of Murchison Falls National Park.
The River Nile
This divides the park into southern and northern sections. The Nile is the world’s longest river, beginning in Jinja and flowing through Murchison Falls National Park to the Albert Delta. The Albert Nile flows north from Lake Albert through northern Uganda, southern Sudan, and Egypt. The only thing you should not miss during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park is a boat ride along the Nile. For nature lovers, the Nile boat ride is an unforgettable experience. The Nile provides an opportunity to see a variety of wild animals, including buffalo, elephants, and hippos, among others.
Buligi game tracks
For game drives in Murchison Falls National Park. The buligi game tracks span 120 kilometers, from the Victoria Nile to the Albert Nile. Buligi gam tracks cover the majority of Murchison Falls National Park’s savannah grassland. Buligi game trails mix with savannah woodlands dotted with acacia trees, as well as riverine vegetation alignment. Morning game drives are a great way to see wildlife up close. You can also enjoy an evening game drive and watch the animals roll back into their hideouts as the night cats stretch out for their night hurt.
Paraa
Most of the game drive tracks converge. Paara is the hub of almost all game activities in Murchison Falls National Park; locally, the word Paara refers to an area with many hippo schools. A ferry crossing connects Paara with the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park, the Chobe area. The Paara area also has a number of hotels and safari lodges for the best accommodation services in Murchison Falls National Park.
Budongo Forest
This forest is located inside Murchison Falls National park, about 8 kilometers from Kanchumbanyobo gate. Kaniyo pabidi forest is the best place to go chimp tracking and see other primates such as monkeys and baboons that live in the dense mahogany forest. Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi provide a cool birding environment, and the forests are home to a variety of bird species including the yellow-footed flycatcher, white thigh hornbill, and Ituri batis, among others. Kaniyo Pabidi’s tropical rain forest provides good camping grounds near the Jane Goodall Institute. The camping night in the forest is a real deal for you to have an epic night in the African wilderness. In addition, night nature walks in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest provide an opportunity to see night creatures such as galagos, pottos, bush babies, and owls, among others.
All national parks and other protected areas in Uganda are rich in flora and fauna. However, Murchison Falls National Park has a diverse range of wild animals that live in the park’s various ecosystems. Murchison Falls National Park is known for its stunning scenery, which includes hills, escarpments, river valleys, and thick natural tropical rainforest. The park is dominated by woodland vegetation, wetlands, and savannah, which are home to over 76 species of mammals and 500 different species of birds.
The most famous animals in Murchison Falls National Park include hippos, African buffaloes, African elephants, lions, and tigers, which form the big five African wild animals when combined with white rhinos in Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Other animals include Rothschild’s giraffes, warthogs, cape buffaloes, Uganda kob, hartebeests, and large Nile crocodiles. The park also includes tropical rainforests, which are home to a variety of primates, the most famous of which are chimps. Budongo forest, Kaniyo pabidi mahogany forest, and Rabongo forest are excellent areas for chimp trekking and chimp habituation. Other primates include black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and baboons, among others.
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda safari
Game Drives
Game drives are the most well-known activities in not only Murchison Falls National Park, but also other Ugandan protected areas. The most rewarding tracks in Murchison Falls National Park are the Buligi game tracks, the Albert tracks, and the Queen’s tracks, which are located in the northern part of the park, north of the Nile River. The Nile has the highest concentration of wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park; buffaloes can be seen drinking water in the Nile. During the morning game drives in Buligi game tracks, elephants can be seen grazing in the grasslands. You can also see lions, antelopes, and giraffes in the open grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park. Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are best done in the morning, between 7 and 5 a.m., and later in the evening, between 3 and 5 p.m.
Boat Safaris on the Nile
The Nile launch cruise is divided into two rounds: the bottom of the falls boat cruise and the Albert delta launch cruise. The bottom of the falls boat cruise departs from Paara and sails 17 kilometers to the foot of Murchison Falls. The bottom of the falls game drive allows you to get a quick glimpse of the wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park. Along the banks of the Nile, you can see many hippo schools, large Nile crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes wallow in the mud in Murchison Falls National Park. The boat ride to the Albert delta provides a spectacular view of water birds and hippos in the water. The boat cruise to the Albert delta departs from Paara and sails for approximately 28 kilometers, lasting approximately 3 hours. The Albert delta in Murchison Falls National Park is well known for the sought-after shoe bill stork. Other birds that can be seen along the Nile include herons, ducks or water geese, kingfishers, and the African fish eagle, among others.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park allow visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of birds and animals. The most common nature walks are from rabongo forest, kaniyo pabidi, and budongo forest. The forest nature walks allow you to see many forest creatures such as primates such as monkeys and baboons, as well as a community of chimps within Kaniyo Pabidi, especially during the fruit ripening season. The tweets of the forest birds, the swash of the tree canopies, and the noise from the primates and other animals that inhabit the forest combine to create an epic mix of a true African jungle.
The Top of the Falls hike
The top of the falls hike begins at the boat stop at the bottom of the falls and continues all the way to the water’s edge at the top of Murchison Falls. The church hill trail is the most well-known route to the top of the falls hike. Winston Churchill is said to have used it when exploring the Nile. The Churchill trail takes you to the spot where Churchill declared Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.” The top of the falls offers a peaceful setting for activities such as picnics, camping, and photography. The top of the falls hike in Murchison Falls also provides an opportunity to see a variety of water birds such as kingfishers, cuckoos, herons, and sunbirds.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Another exciting activity in Murchison Falls National Park is chimp trekking in the Budongo, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Rabongo forests. The Jane Goodall Primate Research Institute serves as the starting point for chimp trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. The chimp trekking process begins in the morning, before the chimps set out to find food. The guide locates the community of chimps to be trekked, and the trekkers follow that specific group of chimps while learning their distinct behaviors and lifestyle, such as the use of told to retrieve food, social behaviors, and communication skills. Other activities in Murchison Falls National Park include sport fishing, forest camping, and community walks, among others. It’s worth noting that Murchison Falls National Park is the only place in the world where you can see all five of the Big Five, including rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is a large protected area that encompasses a large area of moist evergreen forest with semi-deciduous components. Kibale National Park contains a diverse range of landscapes, with varying vegetation succeeding each other as altitude increases. Kibale National Park is famous for its large primate population that lives in the forest. Kibale National Park is your only guarantee for chimp tours in Uganda. Kibale National Park protects nearly one-third of Africa’s chimp population, with over 1500 individuals roaming the forest trees. Kibale National Park also protects the other 12 primate species, which include l’hoest’s monkeys, red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey checked mangabeys, and night primates such as pottos and galagos.
Kibale National Park was established in 1932 and later upgraded to a national park in 1933 with the primary goal of protecting the large forested area that was a logging area for the British colonial masters. Kibale National Park takes the top primate spot because it outnumbers all other African countries in terms of primate species and total number of apes in the forest. Kibale National Park is known as the “Primate Capital of the World” because of the large number of chimps and other primates that inhabit the park’s tall forest trees.
Kibale National Park is distinguished from all other national parks in Uganda by its chimp population. Kibale National Park, unlike the other national parks in Uganda, is mostly covered by forests rather than savannah grasslands. However, the most well-known attractions in Kibale National Park are as follows:
Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park
Primates
Kibale National Park is the best in Africa for primate species and total population; it is also a refuge for the rare l’hoest’s monkeys in Uganda and East Africa as a whole. The primates in Kibale National Park are much more concentrated in the less disturbed areas of the park, such as Kanyawara. Chimpanzee trekking in the densely forested areas is a highlight of Kibale national park Uganda tours. Kibale National Park is also home to black and white monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, and night apes such as pottos, galagos, and bushbabies, among others. Other mammals that live in the forested areas of Kibale National Park include forest elephants or bush elephants; the elephants in Kibale National Park come from Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the wildlife corridor, which stretches for 180 kilometers.
Other mammals in Kibale National Park include red and black duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bush pigs, forest hogs, common warthogs, African buffaloes, carnivores such as leopards, serval cats, African golden cats, mongooses, two species of otters, and lions that visit the park from Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is also a safe place to visit. Kibale National Park’s biodiversity includes these and other creatures.
Birds
Because of the bird population it protects, Kibale National Park is known as the birder’s paradise in Uganda. Kibale National Park is home to over 300 bird species, ensuring a long and productive avian life. Birding in Kibale National Park is primarily done in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Birders visiting Kibale National Park keep an eye out for Nahan’s francolin, an endangered bird species in Africa, and the ground thrush, which is only found in two other birding areas in Uganda. Other bird species found in Kibale National Park include the grey winged robin, yellow spotted barbet, grey breasted pitta, speckled tinkerbird, little greenbul, white thighed hornbill, black billed turaco, masked apalis, tiny sunbird, and superb sunbird.
Bigodi wet land sanctuary
A nature walk through Kibale National Park is a must-do for nearly all visitors to the park each year. It is primarily a popular destination for visitors looking to go birding in Kibale National Park. Bigodi Wet Land Sanctuary is a community initiative located on the outskirts of Kibale National Park in the south, within Magombe Swamp. The bigodi wetland sanctuary is a community-run conservation project, and the consortium funds are used to improve the bigodi community. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary has over 120 bird species that visitors enjoy watching during guided nature walks through the broad walkways planted by the swamp’s local caretakers.
Crater Lakes
Kibale National Park’s craters are located on the rift valley floor of the Great Western Rift Valley region. Tourists know the craters as the ndali kasenda crater region of Kibale National Park. The craters on the outskirts of Kibale National Park can be reached from Fort Portal town. The craters in Kibale National Park’s ndali kasenda region provide a spectacular view of the forests as well as a peaceful camping area. Kibale National Park’s crater lakes include ndali Crater Lake, lake nkuruba, lake nyamasani, ntambi, and lyantonde, among others. It should be noted that, despite their name, the craters are not found in the kibale forest or even within the kibale national park, but rather on the outskirts of the park.
Activities in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the first activity known of Kibale National Park; it highlights all park safaris to this area. Kibale National Park is the best place in Uganda for chimp trekking; the park is home to over 1500 chimps, some of which are habituated to human contact. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park begins at the Kanyanchu visitor center. The primate walk is another name for chimp trekking. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park begins around 8 a.m. and lasts approximately 3 hours until 2 p.m. The chimp trekking in Kibale National Park provides an opportunity to see other primates such as monkeys and other forest creatures. You have a 90% chance of seeing habituated chimps. The one-hour interaction with chimps is extremely rewarding because it allows you to learn more about chimp behavior in a natural setting.
The chimpanzee habituation
Chimpanzee habituation is an opportunity for visitors to accompany researchers and other participants into the forest to learn more about chimps in Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park is primarily performed on chimp communities that are not yet accustomed to human encounters. Chimpanzee habituation is a full or half-day activity that begins in the morning, as early as 6:00 a.m., before the chimps begin their daily activities such as morning copulation, feeding, and breastfeeding, among others. This allows participants to learn about chimps all day.
Birding safaris
Birding eco tours in uganda entails birders studying various bird species; it begins as early as 7 a.m. at the Kanyanchu visitor center. Bigodi wet land sanctuary, located just outside the edge of Kibale forest, is the best birding destination in Kibale National Park. The bigodi wetland sanctuary is home to over 138 bird species, which can be seen during the swamp nature walk. Papyrus gonelok, white collared olive back, papyrus canary, white-winged warbler, and other bird species found in Kibale National Park include white-spotted fluff tail, yellow-spotted barbet, brown-backed scrub-robin, black bishop, and black-crowned waxbill, among others.
Hiking and nature walks
Kibale National Park’s night nature walks are the best. When all the chimps and birds are sleeping in their nests, the night comes alive with a variety of nocturnal creatures enjoying the open space in the forest. Two tour guides lead night nature walks in Kibale National Park, and flashlights are an essential tool. The night nature walks in Kibale National Park allow you to see night creatures such as pottos, bush babies, nightjars, crickets, and hyrax, among others.
Cultural safaris
A safari to Kibale National Park is your chance to join the local guide for an epic cultural encounter. The cultural encounter includes a community walk through Bigodi village, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Biscota is a community-based organization that promotes improved livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in the community through eco-tourism. The community in the bigodi community will give you an insight into the batooro and bakiga tribes, the community’s inhabitants. Cultural encounters in Kibale National Park provide an opportunity to visit some Tooro kingdom cultural sites such as the palace and the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru, as well as the Karambi tombs, among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is well-known throughout the world for its gorilla trekking tours, and it is the primary reason that most tourists who come to East Africa for safaris be it in Kenya or Tanzania add it for its the best place to see gorillas in the wild. Gorilla trekking safari tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are a highlight of Uganda safari tours. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in Uganda’s southwestern region. It is one of the features that distinguishes Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bwindi forest is located on the border of Uganda and Congo in the district of Kanungu. Bwindi National Park is a relatively small area of primeval forest on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, covering about 331 square kilometers. The location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is responsible for its varying elevation levels. Its lowest elevation is 1160 meters above sea level, and its highest elevation is 2607 meters.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is well known for housing a large population of the endangered mountain gorilla species. Over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Many people confuse mountain gorillas with lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas, on the other hand, are rare and only found in highland areas of East Africa, whereas lowland gorillas are common and live at lower altitudes in Africa’s tropical areas. Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the most rewarding and inexpensive in East Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 11 groups of mountain gorillas, some of which are habituated to human contact.
Activities to do in Bwindi forest
Gorilla Trekking
The gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the most popular among the visitors who visit the park each year. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 326 gorillas that live in the forest and are available for viewing. Due to the high value of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla groups are accessible on a daily basis. Because gorilla trekking permits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are so competitive, it is best to book your mountain gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid inconveniences at the last minute.
Bird watching
With over 300 bird species, Bwindi National Park is one of the best bird-watching destinations in Uganda. Birding can be done during nature walks while trekking for mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a lot to offer that can be added to your Ugandan primate or gorilla safari. However, it is preferable to book your gorilla trekking permit locally in order to avoid delays in obtaining mountain gorilla trekking permits.
Accommodation on Uganda Safari Holidays
Safari holiday lodges start from Budget to 5 star high end lodges, Budget Uganda safari holidays lodges cost from about 25$ and high end can cost up to 2000$ per night. Below we have put together the best places to stay from budget travellers to luxury
Best places to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (US $ 60 – $1500)
- Clouds Lodge (luxury)
- Mahogany Springs (luxury)
- Sanctuary Gorilla Camp (luxury)
- Bakiga lodge (Midrange)
- Ruhija Gorilla friends (budget)
Please note that we have listed these accommodations based on the current prices and didn’t consider the location of gorilla groups one would be trekking. Make sure you book your accommodation closer to the sector of the gorilla family you will be trekking
Best accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park ( $ 35 – $800)
- Kibale Primates Lodge (luxury)
- Kyaninga Lodge (luxury)
- Papaya lake lodge(luxury)
- Kibale forest camp (budget and midrange options available)
- Chimpanzee guest house( Mid-range)
Best accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp. (High-end)
- Kyambura Gorge lodge (luxury)
- The bush lodge queen Elizabeth (budget and midrange options)
- Enjiri lodge (budget and midrange)
Best Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park
- Nile safari lodge (High-end)
- Para safari lodge (luxury)
- Chobe safari lodge (luxury)
- Fort Murchison (Budget and mid-range options)
- Pakuba safari lodge (Mid-range)
- Redchilli lodge (Budget)
Lake Bunyonyi Hotels
- Acadia cottages lake Bunyonyi (mid-range)
- Hawks Eye lodge (budget)
Lake Mburo National Park Hotels
- Mihingo Lodge ( Luxury )
- Rwakobo rock (mid-range)
- Leopard rest camp (budget)
Best Hotels in Kampala
- Serena Hotel Kampala
- Latitude 0 Degrees
- Onomo Hotel
Best Time To Go on Uganda Safari Holiday?
The best time to visit Uganda for Uganda Safari Holidays is during the dry months of December to February and June, July to August. However, Uganda is a whole year destination since you are assured of sun after the rain.
The months of June, July and August fall in the tourist peak season. This means that prices tend to be a bit higher than in the low tourist season. Dry months makes it easy to see more animals since they tend to concentrate on the few water pounds in the park, grass is less tall and its easier to walk into the forests on dry trails as compared to when the trails are muddy.
During your Uganda safari Holidays youre guaranteed of temperatures at around 24°C to 30°C, the climate is generally warm during day but can be a bit chilly at night and you will need a light warm sweater.
- Best time to go for Uganda gorilla trekking is June, July, August, December and January
- Best time for bird watching Uganda Safari Holidays December, January and February and August.
How Much Do Uganda Safari Holidays Cost?
A Uganda safari holiday price depends on what activities you want to do. A Uganda gorilla safaris permit per person cost $ 700 in 2022 -2023 in both Bwindi and Mgahinga. Accommodation costs from 35$ for budget safari lodges to 1000 on luxury lodges.
Normally a 3 day safari to Bwindi forest cost about $ 1200 per person depending on how many persons are sharing the tour. For those looking to cut the cost can fly to Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda on a 2 Days safari that cost about 1050\$ budget per person.
Murchison falls national park and Queen Elizabeth Park Uganda safari holidays would cost from 450$ for 3 days when you have for example a group of 5 persons on budget.
Cost of Uganda Safari Holidays activities
- Uganda gorilla trekking permits US $ 700 each person.
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest $200
- National park entrance tickets US\$40
- Golden monkey trekking permit $ 60 per person.
- A Luxury safari lodge is $ from 350 while high end lodges cost from 600$ per person per night
- Budget Safari accommodation lodges is $ 35 per person per night.
- Car rent is from \$100 to \$200 per day.
- Trekking Mount Rwenzori (National Park) costs $ 90 per day.
- Boat tours in Murchison falls and Kazinga channel cost 32$
Best Uganda Safari Holiday Itineraries
Most people come to Uganda for just gorilla trekking but this is wrong, Uganda has a lot to offer than just gorilla trekking. We recommend atleast 8 to 14 days for the best Ugandan safari holiday. Check out our Uganda safari holidays
Best Animals To See On Uganda Safari Holidays
- Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla park
- Lions in Murchison falls, Kidepo valley Np and Elizabeth National Park
- Elephants
- Chimpanzees
- Zebras of lake mburo and Kidepo valley NP
- Golden Monkeys
- Nubian Giraffe
- Cape Buffalo
- Rhinos and many other animals the list is endless
The Weather in Uganda.
Uganda is situated along the equator and therefore it has a good favorable climate that makes it the place to go when one thinks of an African Safari holiday. Uganda’s weather is great in the way that one can do safaris throughout the year. You can enjoy safari game drives, birding safaris and water safaris. But the best time to take a safari is in the dry months
Types of Uganda Safari holidays
Practically all Uganda safari holidays / Uganda Safaris are wildlife and active adventures – Uganda is a superb country not only for big game viewing, but also famous for its gorillas and chimpanzees. We only do small group Uganda safari holidays because Firstly, all the logistics are taken care of, including lodges, permits and transport and so on so you can concentrate at enjoying your holidays and taking those awesome photos and lastly all our tours are tailor made to fit your desires
What To Pack For Ugandan Safari Holidays
- Travel Documents: Passport, insurance, flight tickets, yellow fever vaccination card
- Clothes: We recommend Khaki light brown since it blends well with the nature here, rain jacket, gloves, long trousers/pants
- Shoes: Light weight hiking shoes and jungle boots for walking safari and mountain hiking
- Toiletries: wipes, tampons for women and teeth accessories.
- Medical Kit: Hand sanitizer, protective masks, Bandage, antiseptic, anti-diarrhea, painkillers and bug repellent.
Sunscreen cream, moisturizers and sun glasses.
How To Get To Uganda
The most popular way to travel to Uganda is by air via Entebbe International Airport the only international airport in the country. For those in Kenya possibly Nairobi can travel to Uganda by is by road through Kenya (at Malaba, Busia), South Sudan (Nimule boarder), Tanzania (at Mutukula), DR Congo via Bunagana, Passengers can now use the recently reopend Rwanda- Uganda boarders.
Most international airlines fly to Uganda like Emirates airlines, KLM, Ethiopian airlines, Qatar Airways among others
Best Uganda Safari Holidays
3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Holiday
A 3 days Uganda Gorilla safari Holiday in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Trek into rainforest to see endangered mountain gorillas. An encounter with the silverback is one of the most personal animal encounters of a life time. The 3 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is a perfect combination for nature and primate lovers
Murchison Falls Uganda Safari Holiday
Murchison Falls National Park has to a lot to offer like a safari drive into the savannah that will take you to see lions, elephants, giraffes etc.
Kibale National Park Safari Holiday
Visit one of the best primate safari destinations in the world. It is home to biggest numbers of chimpanzees in the world, also have many birds to look out for
4 Days Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Golden monkey trek, see the mountain gorillas and more.
Some rare things to do on your Uganda tour include sport fishing on the Nile, horseback safaris, community walks, visiting the habituated chimpanzees.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
Gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National park combined with Lake Bunyonyi birding trips.
6 Days Uganda safari Holiday
Rhino tracking in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a boat trip on the Victoria Nile to Murchison Falls, chimp tracking in Kibale National Park, and wildlife watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including visits to the Buhoma town and Igongo Cultural Village.
If its your dream to go mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda is the place to go. Rwanda is the other other country in which these gorillas can be trekked, and Ugandan permits are a fraction of the price charged across the border. Besides gorilla trekking, there are lots of other things to do in Uganda. The country is home to many primates and best amazing chimpanzee trekking and habituation holidays. Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NP are great for game drives in a savannah environment with many lion, buffalo and elephant and different antelope. The country is very scenic and has a lot to offer to people with a keen interest in nature and active holidays.
Travel Tips for Uganda
There’s nothing like getting up-to-date, relevant travel advice from the experts – get Laba Africa Expeditions essential Uganda travel advice before you go.
Spending Money & Tipping
The Uganda Shilling is the local currency in Uganda, and it is far easier to buy drinks, souvenirs, and meals in the local currency when traveling between destinations.
Although US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, cash is preferred: traveler’s cheques and credit cards can be used at most lodges and in Kampala, but incur high transaction fees.
Tipping
Tipping between 10% and 15% is customary in Uganda for good service.
Tipping is typically done in Uganda Shillings or US Dollars.
Tipping is at your discretion if you are on a gorilla trek; your porter (if you choose to take one) should usually receive the highest tip, with a second tip distributed among your guides, trackers, and security personnel.Inquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts for more detailed tipping guidelines; we would be happy to share our knowledge with you.
Climate
Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C on average throughout the year.
March to May and September to December are the rainy seasons. For climate charts and advice on the best times of year to visit Uganda, see “best time to visit Uganda.”
What to Bring
Temperatures in Uganda are generally warm during the day, so bring plenty of lightweight clothing.
Pack long trousers and long-sleeved tops, long socks to wear over your trousers as ant protection, a pair of light gloves to protect against nettles, a hat, and a raincoat if you are going gorilla trekking.
The most important item is a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots – try to break these in before your trip rather than wearing them brand new as you’re likely to get blisters.
Because the mountains are cold and damp, pack appropriately for the altitude, including a change of clothes and a warm fleece in your day pack, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.
Flights and Transportation
Entebbe International Airport: Located 35 kilometers from Kampala, Entebbe International Airport serves as Uganda’s international gateway.
Most visitors arrive in Nairobi.
Flying by private charter aircraft is prohibitively expensive in Uganda; instead, most visitors take road transfers in minibuses or, preferably, 4X4 vehicles.
Despite its small size, Uganda’s infrastructure is limited, and roads are frequently in poor condition; expect long days in vehicles when traveling between destinations, especially during the rainy season.
In most national parks, game drives are conducted in open-sided 4X4s.
Passport and Uganda Visa Requirements
All visitors to Uganda require a visa, and their passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure.
Visas for Uganda are available at all major borders and at the international airport in Entebbe.
Single and double-entry visas are valid for up to three months and cost around US $30, with extensions available at the Kampala immigration office
Uganda's History and Economy
Uganda’s indigenous people, who have been there for at least 50 000 years, included the pygmoid Batwa, a hunter-gatherer society displaced by the arrival of Central African cattle herders and farmers.
The development of political dynasties resulted in a sophisticated pre-colonial history, and the Buganda Kingdom was well established by the time Arab and European explorers, traders, and slavers arrived in the region.
After being colonized by Britain, Uganda gained independence in 1962, but it wasn’t until the mid-1980s, following the disastrous regimes of Milton Obote and Idi Amin, that Uganda experienced social stability and economic growth.
Fertile soils and consistent rainfall indicate an economy based on agriculture.
Although cash crops such as coffee, tea, and tobacco dominate the export market, the majority of agriculture in Uganda is subsistence farming, employing approximately 75% of the workforce.
Significant mineral, gas, and oil deposits will be exploited in the future, and tourism has proven to be an ever-growing sector of the economy.
Uganda Locals and Culture
Uganda’s 34 million people are concentrated in the better-watered south and west, with the Baganda, who live in Kampala, being the largest of the country’s many ethnic groups. There are 40 regional languages in Uganda, but Swahili and English are the official languages. Though Islam is popular in Uganda’s Asian communities, Christianity is the dominant religion. It should be noted that Ugandans value their ancestors.
Uganda is a conservative country, and visitors would be wise to follow local customs. Visitors frequently comment on the friendliness and politeness of the locals: greetings are an elaborate affair that may include inquiries about the health of your family – perfunctory greetings and a demand for immediate action are frowned upon!
Wildlife and Nature
Uganda’s elevated position in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley results in a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Apart from the forested mountain ranges in Uganda that often define its borders, the majority of the country is over 1000m in elevation and relatively flat. The landscape is lush and green for most of the year in Uganda, one of Africa’s most well-watered countries (25 percent of Uganda is covered by lakes, rivers, and wetlands), though northern Uganda grades into semi-desert.
A setting like this supports incredible biodiversity. Mountain gorillas, chimps, and other forest animals live in Uganda’s montane and lowland forests, while its savannah parks – Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls – offer classic game viewing, albeit not on the scale of Kenya or Tanzania.
Uganda wildlife highlights include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, chimp encounters in Kibale Forest, and bird watching – Uganda is one of the world’s top birding destinations, with over 1000 recorded species.
4 Day Mgahinga Gorilla and Batwa Trail Tour
10 Days Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari Tour
8 Day Uganda Primates Safari
All visitors to Uganda require a visa, and their passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure.
Visas for Uganda are available at all major borders and at the international airport in Entebbe.
Single and double-entry visas are valid for up to three months and cost around US $30, with extensions available at the Kampala immigration office