March 29, 2024

When it comes to wilderness safaris in Africa, Uganda should be one of the must to visit destination before you die! With its abundant wildlife species, exceptional landscapes, mountains, Rivers, Lakes, national parks, fertile soils, waterfalls, tropical rainforests culture and people, Uganda is undeniably one of the most remarkable safari destinations you must visit to explore its untouched attractions. Sir Winston Churchill described it as the “Pearl of Africa” and it is incredibly blessed with natural wonders that are worth exploring while on safari. African safaris in Uganda offer lifetime experiences, mostly with the breathtaking adventures from gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, mountaineering, white rafting, bungee jumping, cultural encounters, scenic views and many others. If you are searching for lifetime adventures, search no further than Uganda! Nearly, all areas are worth visiting but it the choice lies on visitor interest in the destination.

For the best and memorable safari in Uganda, below are some of exceptional places that should visit;

Murchison Falls National Park

This is exceptionally Uganda’s biggest protected area, extending to more than 3840 square kilometers. It credited for its amazing big game and the mighty Murchison falls where it derived its name. This park offers refuge to a number wildlife some of which include the African lions, African elephants, Buffaloes and Leopards, that make up the big four in the park and not to forget giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles variety of antelope family, birds-both water and on land bird species which all support game drives, boat cruise, bird watching and many more safaris. While on safari, never forget to head towards the top of the mighty Nile to view one of the powerful waterfalls (Murchison falls) as it squeezes itself into a narrow gorge of about 7 meters and while at this point you will be thrilled by its powerful roar.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is Uganda’s second largest safari destination in Uganda and credited for thrilling game drives, boat cruise which is supported by its abundant wildlife species that thrive its varied savanna grassland, swamps, and forests and not to forget several Crater Lakes. It also offers refuge to a number of big game especially the African elephants, Lions including the rare tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector, Buffaloes, Leopards as well as hippos, crocodiles as well as water birds that represent part of the 620 avian species in the park and not to exclude chimpanzees that thrive around Kyambura Gorge.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park is Uganda’s third largest conservation area covering over 1442 square kilometers and straddling at an elevation of about 900 to 2750 meters above sea level. It features the most stunning savanna landscapes, mountains, arid vegetation, seasonal swamps, abundant wildlife including African lions, African elephants, Cape Buffaloes, Leopards, bat eared fox, cheetah, giraffes, elands, black backed and side stripped jackal, Jackson’s hartebeest, birdlife that make up over 470 species and many more. Kidepo National Park was ranked as the 3rd best protected area to visit 2017 by CNN.

Chimpanzee trekking adventures

Uganda is undoubtedly primate paradise featuring various areas for tourists to sight chimpanzees. Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans and they are mainly thriving within the jungles of Kibale Forest National Park which is described as the capital of primates in East Africa offering refuge to more than 13 distinct primate species without excluding the chimpanzees that make up over 1500 individuals in the park as well as other species like the black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, baboons and many others.Kibale Forest National Park covers an area of about 795 square kilometers and straddles between 110 and 1600 meters above sea level. Other spots include Budongo Forest which is part of Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Ngamba Island Sanctuary and many others.

Lake Mburo National Park

If you are looking for the nearest protected areas to visit for safari in Uganda, look not further than Lake Mburo National Park. This park refuges about 350 distinct avian species, abundant wildlife including the 69 mammals such as the zebras, impalas, leopards, jackals and hyenas that all contribute to the most thrilling wildlife viewing tours in the country. Lake Mburo National Park is 4 hours drive from Kampala city center. Besides the 13 other Lakes around the areas, Lake Mburo makes part of the 50 kilometers long wetland system linked by a swamp. Over 5 Lakes are found within the protected area making one of the spectacular areas to take safari in Uganda.

The Sipi falls

For adventure enthusiasts the Sipi falls should be one of the must to visit site while on safari to Mount Elgon National Park. The waterfalls are situated within the foothills of Mt Elgon and feature 3 levels of breathtaking waterfalls. The Sipi waterfalls safaris can be combined with safaris in Kidepo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and many wildlife safaris in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For lifetime experiences with Great Apes in the wild, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park is a must to visit destinations. The two protected areas offer refuge to over 480 mountain gorillas which represent half of the world species offering the best spot for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. Gorilla permits cost $600 per visitor. Bwindi also features other primates like chimpanzees as well as over 360 bird species.

Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda

Located in southwestern part of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda feature among Uganda’s most magnificent water bodies. Lake Bunyonyi features about 29 islands that offer the most exceptional views of the Lake most of which are terraced for farming and inhabited. If you love swimming, this is one of the best Lakes for you to catch up after your breathtaking gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Equally, Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi come with spectacular views of the surrounding areas, birds for you sight and good for nature walks.

Other important safari destinations to visit in Uganda include Semuliki National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and Ssese Islands that make up over 84 islands and Lake Victoria which features as one of the largest fresh water Lake in the world.

In conclusion, most visitors on African safaris in Uganda mainly visit the remotest protected areas in Uganda as well as other areas of interest. If you are planning your safari to Uganda, it is better you inquire more details from your respective tour operator or checkout the Guide to Uganda for more interesting places that you can include in your travel plans. With the above listed places, we believe you can now make the best choice for your safari holiday.