Here are our top 7 Uganda Safari Destinations | Best Uganda National Parks | game parks in Uganda:
Uganda Safari Destinations: Uganda, also known as the Pearl of Africa, is a must-visit country when considering a safari in East Africa. It boasts not only the Big Five African animals but also mountain gorillas, making it one of the top places to visit on the African continent.
1. Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda Safari Destinations
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, offering breathtaking views of the Nile River as it crashes through a narrow gorge. Visitors can enjoy game drives to see elephants, lions, and giraffes, as well as boat safaris to observe hippos and crocodiles up close. The highlight is the stunning Murchison Falls, a must-see natural wonder.
Top 6 Safari Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience incredible wildlife, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable adventures. Here are the top activities to enjoy during your visit:
Safari Game Drives
Game drives are one of the most exciting activities in Murchison Falls National Park. These drives take you through open savannahs, woodlands, and riverine areas, offering incredible opportunities to see wild animals up close. During a game drive, you can spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes like Uganda kobs and waterbucks. The best time to go for a game drive is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active. These times also provide the perfect lighting for photos, making it a memorable experience.
Boat Cruise on the Nile
A boat cruise on the Nile River is a relaxing way to explore the park while enjoying amazing views. One of the highlights is a trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge to create a powerful and thunderous waterfall. Along the way, you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species like African fish eagles and kingfishers. Most cruises last 2-3 hours and allow you to enjoy the calm water and diverse wildlife along the riverbanks. For bird lovers, a cruise downstream to the Albert Delta offers great chances to see the rare shoebill stork.
Hike to the Top of the Falls
Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is an adventurous activity that gives you a chance to experience the power of the falls up close. This guided hike follows a scenic trail that offers incredible views of the Nile as it crashes through the gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and an unforgettable way to connect with nature.
Bird Watching
Murchison Falls National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to over 450 bird species. Some of the birds you can spot include the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and Abyssinian ground hornbill. The best places for bird watching are the Albert Delta, along the Nile River banks, and Budongo Forest. Joining a knowledgeable bird guide will help you identify rare and elusive species, making your birding experience even more enjoyable.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest, which is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offers a thrilling experience of tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat. During the trek, you’ll walk through lush forests while listening to the calls of chimpanzees and observing them as they swing through the trees or forage on the ground. You may also encounter other primates like olive baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as colorful butterflies and unique trees. The activity takes 2-4 hours and requires moderate physical fitness, making it both exciting and rewarding.
Sport Fishing
For fishing enthusiasts, Murchison Falls National Park offers an excellent opportunity to catch some of the Nile’s largest fish species. Catch-and-release fishing is common, with the Nile perch and tiger fish being the main targets. The best spots for fishing are near the base of Murchison Falls and along the Nile River. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this activity provides an exciting challenge and a chance to relax while enjoying the natural beauty around you.
How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is about 305 kilometers (190 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The park is accessible by road and air, offering visitors different options depending on their preferences and time.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most popular and affordable way to reach Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 5-6 hours from Kampala, depending on the route and traffic.
Routes to the Park:
Kampala – Masindi – Park Entrance (Southern Gate):
This is the most direct and commonly used route. The journey takes you through Masindi town, where you can stop for refreshments or fuel before heading into the park.
Kampala – Gulu – Tangi Gate (Northern Gate):
This route is ideal for those traveling from northern Uganda or looking to explore the park’s northern section.
By Air
If you want a faster and more convenient option, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba‚ Bugungu and Chobe Airstrips near the park.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda Safari Destinations
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, which include savannahs, forests, and wetlands. It's home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, and over 600 bird species. The Kazinga Channel is perfect for boat cruises, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching and spotting hippos and crocodiles.
Top Safari Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat Safari during a safari in uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the most popular and diverse wildlife destinations in Africa. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife there is no shortage of things to do. Here are the top activities to enjoy:
Game Drives
Game drives are a must for anyone visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the open savannahs and bushlands to see animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes. The park is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to go on game drives, as animals are most active during these periods.
Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is a highlight of the park. The channel is teeming with wildlife, and visitors can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birds along the shores. The cruise typically lasts about 2 hours and provides excellent opportunities for photography and close-up wildlife viewing.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu
For primate lovers, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge and kalinzu forest is an unforgettable experience. Walk through the lush forest as you search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys and baboons, as well as colorful birds. This activity requires a moderate level of fitness and takes about 2-4 hours.
Bird Watching
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 600 bird species recorded in the area. From the shores of the Kazinga Channel to the Maramagambo Forest, you can spot birds like the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, malachite kingfisher, and flamingos in Lake Katwe's salt plains. Joining a birding guide will enhance your experience and help you identify rare species.
How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, about 400 kilometers from Kampala. The park is accessible by both road and air, making it convenient for visitors from different parts of the country.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most popular way to reach the park. The journey from Kampala takes about 6-7 hours, depending on the route and traffic.
Main Routes to the Park:
Kampala – Fort Portal – Kasese Route: This is the most scenic route, passing through beautiful tea plantations and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Kampala – Mbarara – Bushenyi Route: This route passes through Lake Mburo National Park and offers opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
By Air
For a faster and more comfortable option, you can fly to Kasese Airstrip airstrip near the park.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Uganda Safari Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to get up close with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park's dense forests are also home to other primates and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Top Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
our clients were awarded certificates after gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense rainforest and incredible wildlife. Here are the top activities to enjoy during your visit to this breathtaking park:
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas, and visitors can join guided treks to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla families. The experience involves hiking through dense forest, but the reward of seeing gorillas up close is worth every step.
Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven for bird lovers, with over 350 bird species recorded within its dense rainforest. It’s one of the best places in uganda to spot rare and unique birds. Notable species include the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimson-wing, and the handsome francolin, among many others. For the best birding experience, guided bird walks are available in popular areas like Ruhija and Buhoma, where you can explore prime birding spots with an expert guide who will help you spot and identify these amazing species.
Nature Walks and Cultural Experiences
Bwindi’s rich forest is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy hiking and exploring on foot. The park features various trails, including a shorter hike leading to a beautiful waterfall deep in the forest, offering serene views and a chance to spot smaller wildlife and unique plants along the way.
For a cultural touch, visitors can meet the Batwa pygmies, one of Uganda’s indigenous tribes. Through guided tours, you can learn about their traditional lifestyle, including hunting, gathering, and herbal medicine practices. These tours often include storytelling and traditional dance performances, providing a meaningful connection with the Batwa’s rich heritage and history.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our client ready to fly from Kisoro to Entebbe international airport
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, about 460 kilometers (286 miles) from Kampala. The park can be accessed by both road and air, depending on your preference and budget.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most common way to get to Bwindi. The journey takes about 8-10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe.
Routes to Bwindi:
Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale Route: This is the main route to the park, offering smooth paved roads up to Kabale town, followed by dirt roads to the park.
Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Ishasha Route: This route is ideal if you are combining your trip with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
By Air
Flying is a quicker and more comfortable option, especially for travelers with limited time, There are domestic flights from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi and Kisoro Airstrips nearest to Bwindi National Park and usually flights take about 1.5 hours
4. Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is known as the "Primate Capital of the World." It offers incredible opportunities for chimpanzee tracking, where you can observe these fascinating primates in the wild. The park is also home to other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L'Hoest's monkeys, and boasts a rich birdlife.
Top Activities Done in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is famous for chimps tracking and offers a variety of other exciting activities.
Chimpanzee Tracking in kibale forest national park
Kibale is best known for chimpanzee tracking, allowing visitors to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Guided treks take you into the forest to spend an hour watching chimpanzees as they play, forage, and interact. The experience is both thrilling and educational.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
For those who want more time with the chimpanzees, the habituation experience lets you join researchers and spend 4 hours following a troop as they go about their daily routines. It’s a deeper and more immersive experience.
Bird Watching
With over 375 bird species recorded, Kibale is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for rare species such as the African pitta, the green-breasted pitta, and the black bee-eater. Birding tours led by expert guides are available for beginners and experienced birders alike.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Located just outside the park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-managed area rich in wildlife and birdlife. A guided walk through the swamp offers sightings of monkeys, birds, and unique plant species while supporting local conservation efforts.
How to Get to Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, about 320 kilometers from Kampala. It’s accessible by both road and air.
By Road
Traveling by road from Kampala to Kibale takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the route. The most common route is Kampala – Fort Portal – Kibale, which is scenic and passes through lush countryside and tea plantations.
By Air
For a quicker option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese or Semuliki Airstrips. From there, it’s a 1-2 hour drive to Kibale National Park.
5. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a smaller park but offers a unique safari experience with its mix of savannah and woodland. It's ideal for game drives, boat trips, and walking safaris. Visitors can see zebras, impalas, and a variety of bird species. The park's five lakes attract hippos and crocodiles, making boat trips especially rewarding.
Top Activities Done in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is a great destination for wildlife and nature lovers. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Safari Game Drives in mburo
Game drives are the highlight of a visit to Lake Mburo. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, and elands. You can explore the park’s savannah and woodland landscapes to spot animals. Early morning or late afternoon drives are the best times to see the wildlife when they are most active.
Boat Safari on Lake Mburo
A boat safari on Lake Mburo offers a unique way to explore the park’s beauty. As you cruise on the lake, you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. The boat ride also provides beautiful views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife from the water.
Safari Walks
Lake Mburo National Park offers guided nature walks, giving visitors the chance to explore the park on foot. These walks take you through the park’s diverse ecosystems, including savannah, woodlands, and wetlands. You will have the opportunity to learn about the park’s flora and fauna from your guide and may encounter animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Bird Watching
Lake Mburo is a haven for birdwatchers with over 350 bird species recorded. Look out for birds like the crested crane, African fish eagle, and white-winged warbler. Birdwatching can be done during game drives, boat trips, and nature walks.
Horseback Safari
For a unique safari experience, consider going on a horseback safari. Riding through the park allows you to get closer to the wildlife while enjoying the beauty of the park from a different perspective. Horseback safaris in lake mburo are guided and suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda, about 240 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. It’s easily accessible by road, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a short safari.
By Road
The most common way to get to Lake Mburo National Park is by road. The drive from Kampala to the park takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is scenic, passing through towns, farms, and forests. The most direct route is via Masaka, continuing to the park's main gate at Sanga.
From Other Parks: Lake Mburo is close to several other popular national parks. If you’re coming from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park, it takes about 3-4 hours by road to reach Lake Mburo, making it easy to combine visits to these parks.
By Air
If you prefer flying, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe or Kampala to a nearby airstrip like the Mbarara Airstrip, which is about 30 minutes from the park. From the airstrip, you can drive to the park in about an hour.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's most remote and least explored parks, offering a true wilderness experience. It's known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and the endemic Kidepo bushbuck. The park is also home to several unique bird species.
Top Activities Done in Kidepo Valley National Park
Animals seen during a safari game drive in kidepo valley national park
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the northeastern part of Uganda, is one of the most remote and untouched parks in the country. It offers incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy during your visit to Kidepo Valley National Park:
Safari Game Drives
Game drives are the highlight of a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species like oryx and Grant’s gazelles. You can explore the park’s vast savannah and open plains, which provide excellent opportunities to spot animals. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives when the animals are most active.
Cultural Tours with the Karamojong People
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the heart of the Karamojong region, where the local Karamojong people live. You can take a guided cultural tour to visit the Karamojong villages and learn about their traditional way of life. These tours give you a chance to see how they live, their customs, and their nomadic lifestyle, which is unique to the region.
Nature Walks
The park offers guided nature walks, which give visitors the chance to explore the landscapes up close. Walking through the park allows you to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the park’s history. Nature walks also offer opportunities to spot smaller animals and birds, which may not be seen during game drives.
How to Get to Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda, making it one of the most remote national parks in the country. It is a great destination for adventurous travelers looking to explore Uganda’s wilderness.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most common way to get to Kidepo Valley. The journey takes about 11-12 hours from Kampala, depending on road conditions. The road trip is quite scenic, passing through rural areas and offering views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes. You can drive through towns like Gulu and Kitgum before reaching the park’s main entrance at Apoka.
By Air
If you prefer a faster and more convenient option, you can fly to Kidepo Valley National Park. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kampala to Apoka Airstrip, which is located near the park. The flight takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From the airstrip, it’s just a short drive to the park’s main visitor area.
Kidepo Valley National Park may be a bit remote, but it offers an incredible safari experience with unique landscapes and wildlife. Whether you travel by road or air, it is well worth the effort to reach this hidden gem of Uganda.
7. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is another excellent destination for gorilla trekking. The park also offers golden monkey tracking and spectacular hiking opportunities, including climbs to the summits of Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. The breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit.
Top Activities Done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is famous for its breathtaking scenery, mountain gorillas, and diverse wildlife. It offers a variety of activities for nature and adventure lovers. Here are the top activities you can enjoy during your visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of a visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, one of the few groups of mountain gorillas that live in Uganda. The trekking experience involves hiking through the dense forest and steep terrain to find the gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience to see these majestic creatures up close. You will be guided by park rangers who ensure your safety and provide interesting information about the gorillas and their behavior.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Besides mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also known for its golden monkeys. These rare and playful primates are a delight to track. Golden monkey tracking is less strenuous than gorilla trekking, but it still involves hiking through the forest. Visitors get the chance to observe these curious monkeys as they move through the trees and play in the forest. It’s a great activity for those looking for a more relaxed wildlife experience.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. One popular hike is the trail to the summit of Mount Sabinyo, which is one of the three volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range. Hiking to the summit of Mount Sabinyo is challenging but offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, including parts of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cultural Tours with the Batwa People
The Batwa people, also known as the “Pygmies,” are the indigenous people who lived in the forests of Mgahinga before it became a national park. Today, you can visit Batwa villages and experience their traditional way of life. During cultural tours, you can learn about their history, their skills in hunting, gathering, and herbal medicine, and enjoy performances of their traditional dances and songs.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga is also a great destination for birdwatching. The park is home to over 180 bird species, including several rare and endemic species. Some notable birds include the African green broadbill, the Dusky turtle dove, and the Black-billed turaco. Birdwatching can be enjoyed while hiking, trekking, or just relaxing around the park’s lodges.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, near the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is accessible by both road and air, although it is a bit remote.
By Road
The most common way to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is by road. From Uganda's capital, Kampala, the park is about 497 kilometers away. The journey typically takes 9-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most direct route is to drive from Kampala to Kabale and then take a scenic drive to Kisoro, the nearest town to the park. From Kisoro, it’s a short drive (about 30-45 minutes) to the park entrance.
By Air
For a quicker option, you can fly to the park. Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip are available and take about 1.5 hours. After landing at Kisoro Airstrip, it’s only a short drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This option is ideal for those who want to save time and avoid the long road trip.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be remote, but it is well worth the journey, offering incredible wildlife experiences and stunning scenery.
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