Uganda is undoubtedly a vibrant safari destination of astonishing disparity where the modern world and old-world can be explored. The Pearl of Africa and land-locked country surprisingly takes pride in its wealthy natural heritage, plethora of animals, wide array of birds and magnificent landscapes exhibited in the verdant National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Sanctuaries and bustling Towns.
From the Religious sites of Bahai Temple, Lubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals to the Cultural Sites across the country, travellers are guaranteed of discovering a stockpile of natural, historical and cultural gems. To ease your decision making for things to do during your safari, we have compiled a list of 7 best places to safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Perhaps Uganda’s most cherished safari destination, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, but gazetted in 1991. Dating back to 25,000 years, the beautiful Park is one of the homes to endangered mountain gorillas. The verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides numerous reasons to safari in Uganda, not least of them being the once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild where you will be offered the golden opportunity to spend precious time with one of the 21 gorilla families for a gorilla permit price of $700 per person.
Murchison falls National Park
Gazetted in 1952 by the British Colonial Government, Murchison falls National Park is a significant hub for rich wildlife species, birds and history. The main feature here is the mind-boggling Murchison falls, described by the massive volume of water forcefully pushing through a narrow gorge of 7 meters wide then creating a spectacle that creates nice backdrop for photography.
Thanks to its 76 mammal species, over 450 bird species and several spectacular sceneries that numerous travellers are attracted to the stunning Protected Area. In addition to its unmissable attractions, visitors are marveled and impressed by the riveting tourist activities that include hot air balloon tours, wildlife viewing, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls, hike to the top of the falls, guided bush walks, bird watching expeditions, chimpanzee treks and so much more.
Kibale Forest National Park
Penetrate through the thick jungles and lush wetlands of spectacular Kibale Forest National Park and be sure of memorable experiences. The chance to trek endangered chimpanzees is what awaits visitors to the remarkable National Park. Besides chimpanzee, there are other numerous primates to see here and these include the grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, Patas monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, pottos, to mention but a few. It is also possible to undertake forest walks to see the forest elephants, bushbucks, sitatunga, forest buffaloes, giant forest hogs, duikers, leopards and golden cats while tourists who venture into the forest for birding are introduced to the 375 bird species that call the jungle home.
Ssese Islands
A medley of beautiful and tranquil white sand beaches, sun-kissed beaches, and palm-fringed shores of Lake Victoria and sweet melodies of birds are some of the things that make Sese Islands one of the 7 best places to safari in Uganda. A total of 84 Islands of varying sizes and ecology make up the popular Ssese but Bugala and Bulago are the most explored for unwinding, water sports (boat cruises, kayaking and jet skiing) and their secluded Lakeside Resorts.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Referred as the medley of wonders, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vast wilderness area that extends to the pristine shores of Lake Edward as well as border of Democratic Republic of Congo. This Park is nestled in the western side of the country and is famous for the tree-climbing lions that live in the Ishasha sector although visitors are also introduced to swinging chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, warthogs, hartebeests, Hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda Kobs, Oribis, as well as over 600 species of birds.
The landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park is also marked by numerous volcanic attractions that include the incredible Lake Katwe Crater, Escarpments and sweeping savannah plains where game drive and walking safaris can be enjoyed.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The famous and monumental Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for offering unique wildlife species that include the three-horned chameleons and most interesting mountaineering experiences that are second to none in Uganda. Known as the mountains of the moon, the Rwenzori Mountains are mainly hiked in 7-9 days with chances of encountering different vegetation zones, unique bird species and breathtaking sceneries.
Jinja City
Think of Jinja City as your places to be for adrenaline-stirring activities that include whitewater rafting on the Nile, Bungee jumping, Quad biking along the source of the Nile, Horseback rides along the banks of the Nile River, boat cruises to the source of the Nile, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.
