Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours

Uganda Wildlife Safaris/Wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda are ranked among the best in East Africa! Despite the country’s small size, Uganda has abundant wildlife in protected areas like Uganda wildlife safari national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries, among others.

A Uganda wildlife safari gives you an amazing experience of encountering animals in the country, which are about 345 mammal species and various species of reptiles and amphibians among others.

While on Uganda wildlife safaris, you will meet the Big Five animals for example Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalos.

Additionally, you will see many more animals such as Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Hyenas, Crocodiles, Cheetahs, Antelopes, various primates, and various bird species that you can spot.

Most game viewing tours in Uganda occur at Queen Elizabeth, Murchison, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Parks. You should not miss out, especially the Uganda wildlife safari tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda game viewing tours usually take 3-4 hours at both day and night times in the above destinations. A night game drive will make you find elusive nocturnal animals like Leopards, Lions, and Hyenas.

For an amazing experience, add gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking to your wildlife viewing tour. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the major Ugandan destination for Gorilla trekking while Kibale forest national park provides the most outstanding chimpanzee trekking tours in East Africa and Africa.

Wildlife excursions on Uganda safaris majorly occur through game drives, but you can also explore through boat cruises and nature walks.

There is also a wide range of accommodations from budget to mid-range and luxury to stay in during your wildlife safaris and you can have the experience all year round.

Continue reading below to find out more about game viewing on your Uganda safaris.

Top Sites for Uganda Wildlife Tours

There are various places to go to during your wildlife safari tours in Uganda. Below, we discuss the top sites for game viewing holidays in Uganda.

1. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is among the most visited game viewing destinations for wildlife safaris in Uganda because of the high number of wildlife it protects.

River Nile crosses through Murchison Falls National Park and the park harbors about 556 bird species and over 144 mammal species. Among these animals are 4 of the big 5 which are Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, and Leopards.

80% of animals dwell in the Buligi game area and you can see them on game drives on your Uganda wildlife safari tours in Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda wildlife safaris in Murchison Park also allow you to view the highest number of Rothschild’s Giraffes in the East of Africa.

You can also see other Uganda wildlife found in Murchison Falls National Park while on your beautiful boat cruise to the bottom of the falls on River Nile or to the Lake Albert Delta.

The boat trip also allows you to explore the majestic Murchison Falls which is among the top attractions in the national park.

Your African wildlife viewing tour in Murchison Park will give you amazing sights of the following animals including many others.

• Lions
• Elephants
• Cape Buffalo
• Leopards
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Crocodiles and,
• Various Antelopes species for example Kobs, Hartebeests, Bushbucks, and many others.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is also dubbed the medley of wonders because it protects various animal and bird species for your game viewing wildlife safaris in Uganda Africa.

Th Park also ranks as the most famous of all national parks for African wildlife safari adventures.

Queen Elizabeth Park is home to over 95 animal species. This is the only park in Uganda where you can spot climbing Lions. On your Uganda wildlife safari tours, these are spotted on a game drive in the Ishasha sector.

Normally, most of the game viewing safari expeditions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are enjoyed through the safari game drive in the Kasenyi area. While here, visitors can always spot 4 of the Big Five except for Rhinos.

The park boat cruise at Kazinga channel is among the unforgettable experiences which will make you see various animals either in the waters or along the shores.

The various animals to spot in Queen’s Park include:

• Lions
• Cape Buffalo
• Elephants
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Hippos
• Giant Crocodiles
• Various Antelope species like Uganda Kob.
• Primates such as Olive Baboons

Primates in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also great to see through the beautiful Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest.

3. Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park may be isolated in northeastern Uganda, but it is a beautiful destination for wildlife safaris. Kidepo Valley National Park presents abundant wildlife roaming on the picturesque savannahs which is the reason it is called Africa’s true wilderness.

Kidepo national park protects more than 77 mammal species, with more than 20 predator species. Also, there are about 28 animals that are best seen in this park, and they include Cheetahs, Black-backed Jackals, Greater and Lesser Kudus, Caracals, striped Hyenas, and African wild dogs, among others.

Uganda wildlife safari tours in Kidepo Valley park occur in the beautiful golden plains of Narus Valley.

Below are the various game animals you should expect to see in Kidepo park:

• Elephants
• Cape Buffalo
• Lions
• Zebras
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Giraffes
• Various Antelope species for example Elands, Hartebeests, Topis, Kobs, Mountain Reedbucks, Bushbucks, and many others.

You will also see Ostriches on Uganda wildlife safari nature walks in Kidepo NP which is the only Uganda park to see them.

4. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is about 228km southwest of Kampala, and one of the most appealing Uganda safari parks, best for short trips on Uganda wildlife safari excursions.

Lake Mburo National Park has more than 68 mammal species that you will view on your wildlife safari in Uganda tour and the only place where you will spot the Impalas.

Additionally, it is also the best spot for the Leopards in East Africa, especially on night game drives.

You will view various animals in Lake Mburo National Park including:

• Leopards
• Impalas
• Elands
• Bushbucks
• Topis
• Waterbucks
• Buffaloes
• Zebras

There are no Elephants and Lions in Lake Mburo National Park. Thus, one of the best destinations to do amazing game walking adventures on your wildlife safari.

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the amazing destinations to visit on Uganda wildlife safaris. It is a famous en-route stop for travelers on Uganda wildlife safari trips to Murchison NP.

The sanctuary is also the only destination to spot wild Rhinos on your wildlife safaris in Uganda. Boasting over 32 Rhinos, visitors can have the opportunity to track them on foot.

Rhino trekking on foot is an amazing encounter on your animal tour of this rewarding sanctuary.

On your Rhino trekking on foot, expect to see many more animals such as the:

• Bushbucks
• Oribis
• Waterbuck
• Warthogs
• Various primates for example the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and the Vervet Monkeys.
• Amazing several bird species for example the Grey-crowned Cranes, Abyssinian Rollers, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Barbets, and Palmnut Vultures, among others.

What is Meant by Wildlife Safari?

 A wildlife safari is an expedition to go view wild animals in their natural habitats. The safaris are mostly done in East Africa and South Africa.

A safari vehicle is the most used way of exploring animal life, but you can also explore them on game walks, and boat trips.

Tourists on safaris in Africa love watching the African big five animals which are the Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos, and Rhinos. However, you can also view other animals such as Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Cheetahs, Antelopes, Hyenas, etc.

How Many Safari Parks Are There in Uganda?

Uganda has 10 national parks and they include:

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

This Queen Elizabeth Park is famous for the Kazinga channel boat cruise and is also the most visited destination for wildlife viewing on Uganda safaris.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

This is an amazing destination for wildlife safari trips in Uganda. The park for Uganda safaris protects the world’s most powerful stunning waterfalls, Murchison Falls, which flows from River Nile.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This UNESCO world heritage site protects almost 50% of the remaining endangered Mountain gorillas in the world.

4. Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park is the most famous chimpanzee trekking destination in Africa. Chimpanzee tracking experiences in Kibale forest national park will let you meet the closest relatives to man in their natural habitat that share a DNA similarity of 98%-99%.

5. Lake Mburo National Park

Despite being the smallest savannah park (about 370 km2 area), Lake Mburo boasts abundant wildlife to view on your Uganda wildlife safaris.

6. Kidepo National Park

The park is also dubbed the true African wildness because of its golden landscape covered with grass! It is a worthy place to visit on Uganda wildlife safaris as it boasts various savannah animals.

7. Mgahinga National Park

This park is famous for both gorilla trekking tours and golden monkey trekking.

8. Semuliki National Park

This place referred to as the birder’s haven protects various unique species including the Central African bird species and the Albertine Rift endemic species.

9. Rwenzori National Park

Famous for its snow-capped peaks, the Rwenzori Mountains also boast unique species of plants, animals, and birds due to its unique climate.

10. Mount Elgon National Park

It holds Mountain Elgon, which is one of the tallest mountains in Africa.

Where Can I See Wildlife in Uganda?

National Parks and game reserves are the best places for game-watching tours when visiting Africa in Uganda.

Below, we look at the top visited sites to view Uganda wildlife during Uganda safaris.

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park:

The park has about 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species in the different biospheres.

1. Murchison Falls National Park:

An ideal destination for game tours in Uganda, protecting over 144 mammal species with 4 of the Big Five, excluding the Rhinos.

Visitors who would like to go Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison park can visit the neighboring Budongo Forest.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable NP:

The most ideal place to spot the endangered Mountain gorillas in E. Africa. This UNESCO world heritage site also holds almost 50% of the Mountain Gorillas in the world.

Gorilla trekking expeditions in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will also allow you to view other animals and primates in the park.

1. Kibale National Park:

Kibale forest national park is dubbed the “Primate Capital of Africa” thus the best place in Africa to see primates, especially while chimpanzee trekking.

You will also see more than 13 primate species including the Chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Bush babies. Also, Kibale forest national park is the best place to spot forest birds like the Green-Breasted Pitta.

Other top destinations to view Uganda wildlife include Kidepo Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

What Wildlife Is Found in Uganda? | What Wild Animals Are in Uganda?

Uganda ranks among the top destinations in Africa with a diversity of animals, that is over, 345 mammals totaling primates and other wild animals.

Below are the most common animals to meet on your safaris.

1. Carnivorous animals: These are among the most sought-after animals in Uganda and they include Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Leopards, and Side-stripped Jackals, among others.
2. Primates: When for Uganda wildlife safaris, you can also participate in various primate viewing where you will see various animals such as Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. Thus, you can enjoy a gorilla trek or chimpanzee trekking adventure for amazing Gorilla encounters.

Likewise, you can watch additional animals such as Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and Blue Monkeys. Bush babies and Pottos are nocturnal animals and can best be seen on night walks. Kibale Forest national park is the best destination for viewing primates in Uganda.

1. Several bird species: You will also view other birds such as the African Fish Eagles, Grauer’s Broadbill, Shoebills, Green-breasted Pitta, Turacoes, Vultures, and Herons.
2. Herbivores animals: For example Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, Giraffes, Rhinos, Giant forest Hogs, Zebras, and various Antelope species.
3. Reptiles: For example the Giant Nile Crocodiles, Pythons, Snakes, and Monitor Lizards.

What Animals Is Uganda Known For?

Uganda, the pearl of Africa boasts various animals with over 345 mammal species.

Below are the most sought-after of these animals.

1. Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga national park.
2. Chimpanzees, majorly in Kibale National Park
3. Lions
4. Buffaloes
5. Leopards
6. Elephants
7. Rhinos
8. Hippos
9. Crocodiles
10. Numerous Antelopes like Uganda Kob.

Are There Elephants in Uganda? | Uganda Elephants

Uganda is among the most ideal destinations to spot Elephants in East Africa. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the country has over 5,000 Elephants.

You can mostly see them in Queen, Murchison, Kidepo, and Semuliki parks plus most of the game reserves.

What is the Biggest Wild Animal in Uganda?

The African Elephant is the biggest wild animal in Uganda and the largest land mammal in the world with a weight of over 6,300kg.

You will see the Elephants in Queen’s Park, Kidepo, and Murchison Falls National Parks on your safari vacation.

You can see the smaller forest Elephants in Kibale forest national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest park, etc.

What Are the Big 5 in Uganda? | Uganda Big Five

Uganda is among the few countries to spot the Big Five during your African trip.

The animals were called so by hunters because they were the most challenging animals in Africa to hunt while on foot.

Below are the big five in Uganda,

1. Lions
2. Leopards
3. Elephants
4. Buffalos
5. Rhinos

Where Can I See the Big 5 in Uganda?

You can spot the Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, and Elephants in Murchison NP, Kidepo NP, and Queen’s Park.

Rhinos can only be seen at Ziwa Sanctuary.

Are There Lions in Uganda? | Uganda Lions

Yes, there are Lions in Uganda and you can see them in 3 national parks which are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen’s Park, and Kidepo national park.

Murchison NP keeps its highest population and according to the 2017 census by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), there are 493 Lions in the country.

Where Are Leopards Found in Uganda? | Where do Leopards Live in Uganda?

Leopards in Uganda can best be seen at Lake Mburo NP since the park holds its highest population. However, it is also possible to see them in the other savannah national parks although it is quite hard to spot them.

Where Are the Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda?

In Uganda, Queen’s Park is the only place to spot tree climbing Lions as they usually rest in big fig tree branches in the Ishasha sector, especially on hot days.

You can also spot tree climbing Lions in Lake Manyara NP and Serengeti NP in Tanzania.

What Can You Hunt in Uganda?

Hunting in Uganda’s protected areas like parks and game reserves is not allowed.

Even though sport hunting is done in some areas, it is not yet developed. However, if you request, you can have it in the Karamoja plains of Pian Upe, Matheniko, and Bokora game reserves.

Packing List for a Uganda Wildlife Safari Trip

Enjoy amazing, comfortable, and memorable adventures during your wildlife viewing trip, packing the right needs as seen below.

1. A camera, to enable you to take and keep memorable photos of the animals and yourself.
2. Pair of binoculars, to enable you to view the distant animals.
3. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harsh tropical sunshine.
4. Sunscreens will likewise protect your body from strong tropical sun rays.
5. A sun hat protects you from direct sunlight
6. Insect repellents, as they help to protect you from biting insects for example the Tsetse flies, and mosquitoes.
7. Comfortable hiking boots provide easy movement, especially on a walking wildlife safari like Gorilla tracking and chimp tracking.
8. Bottled water for drinking so that you remain hydrated throughout the day.
9. Important documents for example your passport, Yellow Fever vaccination card, and visa are important entry requirements to Uganda’s entry points like Entebbe International Airport.

Safari Clothes for Your Uganda Wildlife Safari | What to Wear During Your Wildlife Trip in Uganda?

It is advisable to wear eco-friendly clothes that blend with nature while on your wildlife tour. Some of the best colors include Green, Grey, Brown, and Khaki.

1. Bright colors may stress animals and they usually pick up dust.
2. Blue-colored clothes are known to attract Tsetse Flies.
3. Black clothes may be worn in the cold wet season as they absorb heat.
4. Military attire is also not allowed.

Hotels or Safari Lodges in Uganda to Use on Your Wildlife Viewing Tour

There are various budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations to make you feel at home with amazing comfortable facilities. Below are some of these lodges.

1. Best Luxury Lodges

• Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison park
• Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park
• Adere Safari Lodge in Kidepo park

1. Top Midrange Lodges

• Enganzi Game Lodge in Queen’s National Park
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge in Kidepo park
• Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison park
• Nga Moru Wilderness Camp in Kidepo national park
• Lake Mburo Safari Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park

1. Recommended Budget Lodges

• Pumba Safari Cottages in Queen’s park
• Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison national park
• Rwonyo Rest Camp in Lake Mburo National Park
• Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo park

Best Time to Go to Uganda for a Wildlife   Safari | When to Have a Wildlife Tour in Uganda? | What Months Are the Best to View Wildlife in Uganda?

Even though you can go for animal viewing at any time of the year, the best time for this adventure is in the dry season which runs from June to August and December to February.

There is little rainfall in this dry season and the trails are usually dry.

The vegetation in this dry season is also usually thin making it easier to spot the wild animals. Also, the various animals gather around the water sources thus making game viewing easy.

Is Uganda Good for Safaris?

The country is a good destination for safaris.

Expect the marvelous experience of rare primate species, wild animals, Uganda’s culture, and beautiful nature that provides beautiful scenery of the vegetation and the landscape.

Why Do a Wildlife Safari in Uganda?

These adventures provide captivating adventures and experiences to travelers to the Pearl of Africa!

Below are the various reasons why you should do game viewing adventures in the country:

1. The country is one of the few places where you can do various other activities to add to your wildlife safaris. These include a Mountain Gorilla tour, chimp tracking, birding, cultural encounters, and city explorations. Additionally, you can also do these activities in other destinations like Kenya and Tanzania.
2. Uganda is among the African countries that have the big five animals like the Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos, and Rhinos.
3. There are various protected areas in the country including national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries among others where you can have amazing wildlife safaris.
4. Uganda is also among the safest countries to visit during your safari tour in Africa, thus are guaranteed a safe trip back home.

Uganda Wildlife Safari Cost | How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost?

Due to various factors, the prices of an African safari to Uganda will greatly differ. Below are some of these reasons.

1. The number of days spent on the wildlife trip: More days spent on the trip will mean more prices and costs s you will spend more on accommodation, park entrance, activities, and meals among others.
2. Vehicle to use on the Uganda wildlife safari tours: It also affects the price of your wildlife tour, for example, a 4×4 Land cruiser is pricier than a van because of various factors like fuel consumption.
3. Class of accommodation during the Uganda wildlife safari: Travelers who use luxury accommodation always spend more on their safari than those who use midrange or budget safaris.
4. Group size during the wildlife Uganda safaris: Fewer people on Uganda wildlife safari tours will have more expenses than those with more people. This is because a group can share the expenses while on their Uganda wildlife safaris.

Other Amazing Safaris in Uganda to Do Alongside a Wildlife Tour

For an amazing Uganda wildlife safari experience, you can add the following safaris to your Uganda wildlife tour.

1. Gorilla Trekking Tours

This is the highlight of Uganda safaris, as the country holds half of the total population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. These primates can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

However, Uganda is the best place to see these primates as you can view them in both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking Trips

Chimpanzee tracking is also among the most amazing activities to do in the country, commonly done in Kibale National Park.

It is a thrilling adventure that will take you to meet the closest relatives to humans with a DNA similarity of about 98% to 99%.

This activity is also enjoyable in Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.

3. Cultural Tours

A cultural encounter experience is also one of the most ideal experiences to have alongside your Ugandan wildlife expeditions.

On your Uganda tour, you can have some of the best cultural experiences among the following people:

• Karamojong and IK tribes of North Eastern Uganda.
• The Batwa pygmies around Bwindi Impenetrable NP.
• Bigodi community tour around Kibale, especially after chimp tracking.

1. Mountain Hiking

The mountain hiking experience is also one of the amazing experiences you can add to your wildlife trip during your Uganda tour adventures.

The snow-peaked Rwenzori Mountains which rise to about (5,109m a.s.l.) have the best international hiking experiences. This will give awe-inspiring adventures and beautiful scenery of various vegetation zones, stunning waterfalls, lakes, and other wildlife.

Mount Elgon, on the Uganda-Kenya border in the east, is also another amazing destination to visit during your Uganda tour. This extinct volcano is also easier for those who have not had any hiking experiences. It will also give you amazing views of the beautiful Sipi Falls.

Other Experiences to Undertake on Uganda  Safaris

5. Nature walks, nature lovers can do this in Kyambura Gorge, Maramagambo Forest, Budongo Forest, Entebbe Botanical Gardens and so much more.
6. Bungee jumping into River Nile, the longest river in the world.
7. Ziplining in Mabira Forest.
8. Kayaking and tubing on River Nile, etc.

Best Uganda Wildlife Safari Companies to Travel With on Your Uganda Safaris

While you plan to visit Uganda in Africa, it is ideal to advisable to use a trustworthy and professional safari company as you book your Uganda tour vacation.

Below are some of the Uganda tour operators to use for organizing Uganda safaris:

1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com

2. Wild Gorilla Safaris

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com

3. Safari Uganda Safaris

Website: www.safariugandasafaris.com

4. Africa Safaris Tours

Website: www.africasafaris-tours.com

Best Uganda Wildlife Safari Packages

Uganda wildlife experiences are also best done in different safari packages such as the following.

1. 2 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Tour
2. 3 Days Murchison Park Uganda Tour

iii.            4 Days Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari Uganda Tour

1. 5 Days Uganda Tour Safari
2. 7 Days Uganda Safari Tour
3. 8 Days Uganda Safari Tour

vii.            5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari And Chimpanzee Tour

viii.            8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

1. 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
2. 9 Days Uganda Safari
3. 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour

xii.            14 Days Uganda Safari Tour

xiii.            15 Days Uganda Safari Tour

xiv.            16 Days Uganda Safari Tour

1. 18 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda are some of the top best experiences to enjoy on your Uganda tour holiday.

Game tours on Uganda safaris will lead you to view animals like Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras, and Hippos, among others.

Additionally, your wildlife Uganda tour can also be done with a chimpanzee or gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.

Many Uganda wildlife safaris occur in Murchison park, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, and Lake Mburo Parks through amazing activities such as game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.

Inquire about your trip today and book a memorable Uganda tour vacation for your amazing wildlife holidays.