WILDLIFE SAFARIS PLANNING GUIDE FOR UGANDA

How To Plan The Best 2025-2026 Wildlife Safari For Uganda?

Uganda may not boast large numbers of big game like its neighbors, Kenya and Tanzania. However, it more than makes up for that by offering sightings of some of the rarest and most beautiful of forest primates, savannah mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and others. Tour the distinct parks and you will have the opportunity to view the most incredible specimens in the world. This diversity has earned the country the distinction of being named 52 Places to Go by the New York Times.

The National Geographic Society recognized Uganda as one of the Top 10 Destinations To Travel and 50 Places of a Lifetime. Excited and intrigued? Read ahead for an overview of some of the most scenic locations you absolutely must visit on your safari vacation in Uganda.

Key Takeaways

• Notable sightings of some of the rarest and most beautiful primates, including the magnificent mountain gorillas
• One of the richest concentration of avian life present in Uganda
• Named 52 Places to Go by the New York Times because of unusual specimens. Also has the distinction of being one of the Top 10 Destinations To Travel and 50 Places of a Lifetime by The National Geographic Society
• Different habitats and landscapes supporting a stunning diversity of wildlife
• Plenty of activities to choose from e.g game drives, primate tracking, birdwatching, boating safaris, bush walks, mountain climbing, forest hikes, fishing excursions, city tours, white water rafting, cultural and community interactions and many more

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1. Three Unique Wildlife Viewing Ecosystems In Queen Elizabeth Park

2. Nile Safaris In Murchison Falls Park

3. Remote & Exclusive Wildlife Safaris Of Kidepo Valley Park

4. Savannah, Forest, & Lake Safari In Semliki Reserve

5. Unique Safari Experiences In Lake Mburu Park

6. Boating Safaris On Lake Victoria

7. Bird Canoeing Trip At Mabamba Swamp

8. Mountain Gorillas Of Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Parks

9. Tracking Down The Golden Monkeys Of Mount Gahinga

10. Chimpanzee Safari Experiences In Kibale Park

1. Three Unique Wildlife Viewing Ecosystems In Queen Elizabeth Park

Game Drives In The Ishasha, Mweya, And Kasenyi Plains

Key Takeaways

• Game drives organized in the early morning and later afternoon for viewing predator and prey engagement
• Kasenyi Plains known large mammals including the four of Big Five, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard
• Famous Ishasha Sector where tree-climbing lionesses are often spotted

If you are looking for the classic wildlife viewing experience by way of game drives in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is just the place to visit when combining it with your gorilla safari at Bwindi. Most morning game drives start around 6.30 a.m. as more twilight opens up, while afternoon/evening excursions begin at 3.30 - 4.00 p.m. after tea when it gets cooler from the afternoon heat. You will be able to see ungulates and herbivores such as the elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippo, and various others. Among the predators, you are likely to spot the hyena, lion, leopard, and smaller cats like the serval, civet, and genet.

The Kasenyi plains also host other herbivores such as waterbuck, warthog, bushbuck, giant forest hog, to name a few. Big 5 predators like the lion and leopard keep the grazers’ numbers in check. While in Queen Elizabeth Park, you absolutely must visit the southern Ishasha sector of Uganda where you will be treated to a rare and incredible sight—that of lionesses sprawled on the branches of the fig trees.

Boating On The Kazinga Channel

Key Takeaways

• Covering a distance of 32 kilometers or 20 miles connecting Lake George and Lake Edward
• Boating tours on the channel to look for crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife visiting to drink
• Designated as “Important Bird and Biodiversity Area” (IBA) by Birdlife International

Spanning a distance of 32 kilometers (20 miles), the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth connects Lake George on the east with Lake Edward on the west. Take a boat tour on this channel and you will be able to view many of the wildlife species of the park coming to drink at the water’s edge. Look out for hippos near the edges and crocodiles basking on the sandbanks. You can also photograph a diversity of antelopes, buffaloes, and herds of elephants. The park and its channel are also part of “Important Bird and Biodiversity Area” (IBA) by Birdlife International.

Tracking The Chimpanzees Of Kyambura Gorge

Key Takeaways

• Unique tourist attraction because of its wild chimpanzee community
• Deep valley abounding with lush vegetation famous for sightings of 10 species of primates
• Also hosts some of the most beautiful bird species of Africa

If you are looking for chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, your trip consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris will recommend a visit to the Kyambura Gorge. This deep valley is home to an astonishing 10 species of primates, one of which is a family of chimpanzees. You could also spot the red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, vervet monkey, and black and white colobus monkey, along with some of Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Revel in the spectacular natural beauty of this locale.

2. Nile Safaris In Murchison Falls Park

Key Takeaways

• A region famous for 451 bird species and 76 species of mammals that can be seen on game drives on the northern and southern banks of the Nile River
• Chimpanzee tracking excursions to Budongo Forest, where 600 to 800 individuals are known to reside
• Also famous for sightings of hippos and crocodiles and a variety of predators and prey

Murchison Falls National Park is another prime wildlife viewing destination in Uganda. This region boasts some 76 species of mammals, along with an incredible 451 bird species. Game drives in this reserve can be undertaken on the northern and southern banks of the Nile River. Trip out to the northern bank, and you will see rolling savannah grasslands abounding with herds of buffalo, bushbuck, oribi, hartebeest or kongoni, elephant, giraffe, reedbuck, kob, and duiker, to name a few. Look closely in the tall grasses and you may spot lions, leopards, and hyenas. The southern bank is equally spectacular and features herds of giraffes.

The Murchison Falls region is famous not only for its scenic beauty but also for sightings of wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles on the riverbanks. And, if you would like to go chimpanzee trekking, the Budongo Forest has around 600 to 800 individuals. You can visit some of the habituated family members by acquiring the mandatory chimp permit.

3. Remote & Exclusive Wildlife Safaris Of Kidepo Valley Park

Key Takeaways

• Home to 77 of Uganda’s mammal species, of which 28 are endemic only to Kidepo
• Sightings of 475 bird species of which 60 are only present in this region
• Hiking through Narus Valley, bush walks and night game drives experiences are available

Despite its dry, inhospitable conditions, the Kidepo Valley is home to an incredible 77 of Uganda’s mammal species, of which 28 can be spotted only in this wildlife reserve of the country. Four of the Big Five of Africa live here, with only the rhino absent. When touring the park on game drives, you can also look for some of the 475 species of birds that thrive in this park of which 60 are endemic. Among the herbivores, you may be able to sight the bushbucks, bush pigs, elands, Bohor reedbucks, Burchell’s zebras, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, klipspringers, Jackson’s hartebeests, Rothschild giraffes, duikers, kongonis, oribis, and many more.

Head for the Narus Valley for sightings of the Kavirondo bush babies, Senegal galagos, and Guenther’s dik-diks. As for the predators, aside from the lions and leopards, your guide will help you track down the side-striped jackals, striped hyenas, wild dogs, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, caracals, spotted hyenas, aardwolves, and cheetahs (rare) along with other smaller cats. The Kidepo Valley also allows for night game drives for safari vacationers, when you might sight the white-tailed mongoose and other nocturnal fauna. Night game drives can only be done with the park ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

4. Savannah, Forest, & Lake Safari In Semliki Reserve

Key Takeaways

• Safari game drives in the morning and late afternoon to explore the different landscapes of the park - forest and savannah
• Participating in the Chimpanzee Research Project to spend time with scientists studying these fascinating primates
• Boating safaris for spotting wildlife coming to drink and nature treks to learn about the hidden aspects of life in the bush

Although a comparatively smaller reserve as compared to other locations in Uganda, Semliki Reserve is a complementing wilderness hosting with a small number of game. The park has a variety of landscapes that support grazers and smaller predators. The region is also home to primates like chimpanzees, the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkeys, vervets, olive baboons, and many more. You can explore their habitats on game drives organized twice a day, each treating you to a different aspect of the park. The woodlands, grassy plains, copses of acacia-combretum, and Borassus palms are home to a fantastic selection of avian life also.

Your trip to Semliki Reserve would not be complete without participating in the Chimpanzee Research Project, where wildlife enthusiasts can track one of the four chimpanzee families living in the park. You can enjoy spending time with researchers as they observe the chimps to learn more about their living habits. Going on boating safaris on the Semliki River and southern banks of Lake Albert is yet another interesting activity to do here. The tour consultant at AfricanMecca will also suggest that you book nature walking safaris. There are numerous trails to explore in Semliki, with the most memorable being the Nyaburogo Gorge walk that treats to sightings of many gorgeous birdlife.

5. Unique Safari Experiences In Lake Mburu Park

Key Takeaways

• Small reserve with a total of 13 lakes, some of which lie entirely within its borders
• Boasts more than 68 mammal species and 350 bird species, including 22 migratory varieties
• Opportunity to sign up for diverse and unique activities like horseback safaris, night game drives, mountain biking, nature walking tours, boating trips, and nature walks

Lake Mburo is another of the smaller parks and reserves in Uganda. However, it more than makes up with its unique beauty and suitability for family vacations. You will be delighted to learn of the many different safari activities possible here that may not be possible in most other locations. The wilderness covers a total area of 370 square kilometers (143 square miles) boasting 13 lakes, some of which lie within the park borders. The rich sources of water have contributed to the lush vegetation that attracts an array of wildlife. You will have the opportunity to view 68 mammal species and more than 350 bird varieties, of which 22 are migratory species arriving from the colder northern hemisphere regions.

Other than thrilling game drives in the park, you can sign up for boating safaris on Lake Mburo for spotting aquatic life. Horseback safaris to approach the animals more closely and night game drives to see the nocturnal species that come out in the twilight hours are other exciting things to do here. You can also go on mountain biking adventures, nature walking tours, and bird watching trips in Lake Mburu Park.

6. Boating Safaris On Lake Victoria

Key Takeaways

• Boating on the world’s second-largest lake with a surface area smaller only than Lake Superior
• Full and half-day fishing excursions to catch the famous Nile perch
• Birding and island-hopping expeditions can also be undertaken here

Lake Victoria is the largest inland freshwater water body in Africa, and second in surface area only to Lake Superior in North America. When touring Uganda, you must take the time to indulge in some of the activities and attractions available in and around the lake. In addition to birdwatching, the lake is known for its number of the famous Nile perch, which can weigh between 8 kg and 80 kg (17-176 lbs). You can choose from full-day or half-day fishing excursions, or even overnight expeditions. An island-hopping boat trip is another pleasurable boating activity to do here when visiting the archipelago of Ssese.

7. Bird Canoeing Trip At Mabamba Swamp

Key Takeaways

• Day trip to Mabamba Swamp from Entebbe or Kampala
• A location designated as a Ramsar Birding Site thanks to sightings of 300 avian species
• Known for both resident and migratory species, along with the rare sitatunga antelope

On arriving in Uganda, you will land at Entebbe International Airport before traveling on to the parks and reserves you intend to visit. The tour consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris will probably recommend that you visit the Mabamba Swamp as part of a day trip from Entebbe or Kampala. This area has been declared a Ramsar Birding Site, thanks to the 300 avian species that thrive here. In addition to the indigenous varieties, you may sight some of the migratory birds that spend winters in the country’s warmer climes. Aside from the amazing birdlife, you will be able to spot smaller animals such as the bushpig, otter, and the elusive sitatunga, a swamp-resider antelope that has pointed toes. The shoebill stork is the prized bird to see here and a peculiar specimen to look for.

8. Mountain Gorillas Of Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Parks

Key Takeaways

• Possibility of tracking the rare mountain gorillas in their last-known habitat on earth, the Bwindi & Virunga Mountains
• Some of the 1,000 individuals residing in a twin forest; comprises of over 20 families that roam the mountains looking for food and shelter
• Vacationers advised booking tours well in advance since only a limited number of people permitted to visit the primates

The Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga parks are home to the rare and magnificent mountain gorillas of Uganda. The last of their kind in the wild survive in the forest highlands of Bwindi and Virunga Mountains, the latter is a range shared by three neighboring countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest statistics show that there are over 1000 of these primates living in the wild; they form part of over 20 families that wander the mountains looking for food and shelter. Despite their size, gorillas are among the most gentle members of the animal kingdom. The biggest alpha male, or silverback, can stand well over 6 feet tall on his hind legs and weigh more around 300 to 500 pounds (136 - 227 kg). When you go on a group trek to have a visit with these wondrous giants, you may also come across some of the other denizens of the Ugandan forest. These include other primates, smaller mammals, and gorgeous bird species.

To protect these unique primates from extinction, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers a specific number of permits each day to active-adventure vacationers that allow them to spend an hour in the gorillas’ company with the assistance of an expert primate guide. These animals are habituated to the presence of humans and will allow you to approach at a safe distance without running away. Depending on the approximate location of the gorilla family assigned to you, expect that the trek to see them can take somewhere around 7 to 8 hours at the most and you need to be fit to trek on ascending trails. You will travel under the direction of a gorilla guide, park rangers, and porters, along with a gorilla tracker, who will lead your group on the trail and find the exact location of the family.

9. Tracking Down The Golden Monkeys Of Mount Gahinga

Key Takeaways

• Endangered golden monkeys according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN)
• Found in the bamboo forests of the park and two other locations only
• 40 to 60 individuals known to reside here, along with several other terrestrial and avian species

Golden monkeys of Mount Gahinga are yet another rare species of primate that Uganda is proud to host. Declared as endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN), these fascinating creatures are the last of their kind, surviving in the bamboo forests of the park and in two other locations. In all, some 40 to 60 individuals live in the upper canopies of the bamboo forest and sometimes come down to the floor. In addition to the golden monkeys, you may also spot mammals such as the duiker, Cape buffalo, forest elephant, giant forest hogs, porcupines, and various other fauna in Mgahinga Park.

10. Chimpanzee Safari Experiences In Kibale Park

Key Takeaways

• Two to three-hour treks through the forests to locate the chimp family allocated to you
• Spending 60 minutes with the primates observing their habits with the possibility of seeing them more closely should they descend to the forest floor
• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) for participating in the habituation process

Should you choose to track chimpanzees in Uganda, you will have the best choice of visiting a habituated group in Kibale Park. Or participating in the habituation process in the company of a local ranger researcher for an experience called Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX). The Ugandan park authority in Kibale has designated three chimpanzee families for the standard chimp treks.

You can expect to hike for around 2 to 3 hours to find these incredible creatures and spend about 60 minutes around them. You will have an expert guide supervising your primate holiday excursion. He will offer interesting insights into their behavior and family interactions. Although these primates spend most of their time in the upper trees, they may choose to come down to the ground. If you are booking the CHEX safari, you will spend an entire day tracking down the group and learn how the ranger researchers study them. It is a challenging activity as the chimpanzees traverse long distances in the forests of Kibale.