6 Best Places to Visit in Uganda on Safari

• Primate Encounters: A life-changing hour spent observing a mountain gorilla family in the misty, high-altitude forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: An exhilarating trek through the rainforest of Kibale Forest to find and watch our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees, in their natural habitat.
• Water Safaris: Glide along the Kazinga Channel or the Victoria Nile, witnessing incredible concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds from a unique perspective.
• Savanna Drives: Explore the rolling grasslands of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks in a 4x4, searching for lions, leopards, elephants, and the unique Ugandan kob.
• Rare Sightings: Search for the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees in the Ishasha sector and spot the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork in Uganda’s vast wetlands.
• Conservation Walks: Support a vital conservation success story by tracking southern white rhinos on foot with an expert ranger at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

In the southwestern corner of Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a bastion of biodiversity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient montane rainforest, draped in mist and cloaked in thick canopies, is a silent, mystical world teeming with life. It is most famous for being a sanctuary to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, making it the premier destination on the planet for this life-changing wildlife encounter. Venturing into its lush, steep slopes is to step back in time and into one of nature’s most sacred domains.

Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking: This is a truly profound and once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a guided trek through the dense forest undergrowth, you will be granted a precious hour in the company of a habituated gorilla family. Observing these gentle giants as they forage, play, and interact in their natural habitat is an incredibly moving and humbling encounter that connects you directly to the heart of the wild.
• Bird Watching: Bwindi is officially recognized as Africa's number one birding spot. Its ancient forest is home to over 350 species. With the help of an expert guide, you can search for rare and beautiful birds like the African green broadbill, short-tailed warbler, and Shelley's crimsonwing.
• Community Visits: Enhance your trip with an enriching visit to the local Bakiga and Batwa communities living on the forest's edge. Through guided village walks and cultural performances, you can learn about their traditional ways of life, from farming practices and craft-making to music and medicine, providing a deeper understanding of the human element of this incredible ecosystem.

Best time to visit

The best times for gorilla trekking are during the two dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. During these months, the forest trails are less muddy and slippery, making the challenging trek more manageable and enjoyable.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts and adventurous travelers seeking the ultimate wildlife bucket-list experience.

For more ideas on what you can expect, explore our sample Best of Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari.

As Uganda’s most popular and biodiverse savanna reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a microcosm of the country's landscapes. It offers a stunning variety of ecosystems, including sprawling grasslands, humid tropical forests, sparkling crater lakes, and fertile wetlands. This diversity supports an astonishing array of wildlife. The park is framed by the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains and the Kazinga Channel, a waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George,  that draws in countless animals and birds, creating one of Uganda’s most unforgettable luxury safari destinations.

Highlights

• Outstanding Game Viewing: Embark on classic game drives across the Kasenyi Plains or the Ishasha Sector in search of the park’s abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob, and with a bit of luck, you may spot predators like lions and leopards.
• Kazinga Channel: A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a highlight of any visit. This gentle journey provides spectacular, up-close views of one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and countless elephants and buffalo coming to drink, all surrounded by a spectacular variety of water birds.
• Community Encounters: The park offers several opportunities for authentic cultural interactions. Visit the Lake Katwe salt pans to see how locals have been extracting salt for centuries or tour a local coffee cooperative on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains to learn about the bean-to-cup process and sample freshly brewed coffee.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: Head to the southern Ishasha sector of the park for a chance to witness a truly unique wildlife phenomenon. The resident lions have developed the unusual habit of climbing into the branches of large fig trees to rest and escape the heat of the day. Spotting a pride lounging in a tree is a rare and thrilling safari sighting.

Best time to visit

The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are the best times for wildlife viewing. During these months, vegetation is thinner, and animals congregate around the Kazinga Channel and other water sources, making them much easier to spot on game drives and boat cruises.

Best for: First-time Uganda safari-goers and those who love variety.

Our Personalized Uganda Safari: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and More will give you more insight into what to expect in this region.

As Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park is a land of rugged beauty defined by the awesome power of the Victoria Nile. The park’s centerpiece is the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile River funnels through a narrow 23-foot gorge before plunging more than 140 feet into the “Devil’s Cauldron” with a thunderous roar. This spectacular natural event creates a permanent rainbow in the mist. The park's diverse habitats, from rolling savanna and tall grasslands in the north to dense tropical forest in the south, support a fantastic range of wildlife, including four of the Big Five.

Highlights

• Mighty Waterfall: Experience the falls in two unforgettable ways. First, take a launch trip up the Nile to the base of the waterfall, where you can feel its immense power and spot wildlife along the banks. Then, hike to the “Top of the Falls” viewpoint to witness the incredible spectacle from above as the water explodes through the narrow chasm.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: While rhinos are absent from the park itself, the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides you with the only opportunity to see them in the wild in Uganda. A stop here on your way to or from the park allows you to track rhinos on foot with a ranger, supporting a vital conservation initiative.
• Hot-Air Balloon Safari: For a truly glorious perspective, take to the skies on a sunrise hot-air balloon safari. As you float silently above the savanna, you can watch the park awaken below, spotting herds of giraffes, elephants, and buffalo against the backdrop of the rising sun and the shimmering Nile River.
• Nile River Launch Trip: The boat trip to the base of the falls is a premier wildlife-watching experience. The riverbanks are a magnet for Rothschild's giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible diversity of birdlife, making it a photographer's paradise.

Best time to visit

The dry seasons from December to late February and June to September are ideal. Wildlife is easier to spot in the thinned-out vegetation and animals gather at the Nile and other water sources. Hiking conditions to the top of the falls are also safer and more pleasant.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate dramatic landscapes and powerful natural wonders.

To get more ideas on what you can discover, explore our Ultimate Uganda: Exploring Wildlife from Every Possible Angle.

On a forested island in the vast waters of Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is a unique and heartwarming conservation project. The sanctuary was established to provide a safe haven for over 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that cannot be returned to the wild. The island's 95 acres of natural forest provide an ideal semi-wild environment for these intelligent primates to live out their lives in peace. A visit here is an educational and inspiring experience, offering incredible insight into the lives of our closest relatives and the vital conservation work being done to protect them.

Highlights

• Chimpanzee Haven: The sanctuary’s primary mission is to care for rescued chimpanzees, many of whom are victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. Your visit directly supports their lifelong care and the broader conservation and education initiatives of the Chimpanzee Trust.
• Feeding Times: The main visitor experience involves watching the chimpanzees during their supplementary feeding times from a raised viewing platform. Witnessing the chimps emerge from the forest, interact, and display their unique personalities is a chaotic, noisy, and utterly fascinating spectacle that you won’t soon forget.
• Caregiver for a Day: For a more immersive experience, you can participate in the "Caregiver for a Day" program. This unique opportunity allows you to go behind the scenes, help prepare the chimps' food, assist with medical checks, and learn directly from the dedicated staff about the challenges and rewards of caring for these incredible animals.
• Conservation Education: Every visit is an opportunity to learn. The knowledgeable staff provide detailed information about chimpanzee behavior, the threats they face in the wild, and what is being done to protect their natural habitats across Uganda. It is an engaging experience that highlights the importance of environmental stewardship.

Best time to visit

Ngamba Island is a fantastic year-round destination. The chimpanzee experience is managed and not dependent on weather, and the boat journey from Entebbe across Lake Victoria is enjoyable in any season.

Best for: Anyone fascinated by primates and the intricate life of the rainforest.

Include Ngamba Island in an Ultimate Uganda Safari: An Intimate Wildlife Experience.

Welcome to the “Primate Capital of the World.” Kibale Forest National Park is an enchanting realm of lush lowland and montane rainforest that boasts the highest concentration and diversity of primates found anywhere in Africa. The park is home to an incredible 13 primate species, but it is most famous for offering the best chimpanzee trekking experience in all of East Africa. As you walk its muddy pathways under a dense canopy, you enter a fairy-tale setting that is alive with the calls of chimpanzees, the chatter of monkeys, and the songs of exotic birds.

Highlights

• Chimp Trekking: This is the star attraction. Guided by expert trackers, you will venture into the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. The experience is exhilarating and dynamic as you follow their pant-hoots and crashing movements through the trees. Spending an hour observing their complex social interactions, from grooming to playing and communicating, is an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
• Exceptional Bird Viewing: Kibale is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 375 recorded species. The forest is home to many beautiful and rare birds, but the most sought-after prize is the green-breasted pitta, a stunning and elusive ground-dwelling bird that draws birders from around the globe.
• Bigodi Wetland Walk: Adjacent to the national park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a fantastic nature walk managed by the local community. The trail, which winds through papyrus swamps and tropical jungle, is excellent for spotting several other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as the magnificent great blue turaco.
• Chimpanzee Habituation: For a truly immersive primate experience, you can opt for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This allows you to spend a full day with a semi-habituated chimpanzee community, joining researchers and rangers as they follow the chimps from their nests at dawn until they build new ones at dusk, providing unparalleled insight into their daily lives.

Best time to visit

Trekking is easiest during the drier months of June to August and December to February. However, the park is accessible year-round and the forest is particularly lush and beautiful during the wet seasons, which can also be a good time for birding.

Best for: Primate aficionados and those seeking an active, immersive forest adventure.

For a luxury safari with your loved ones, embark on our Uganda Adventure Safari for Families with Teenage Children.

As the largest tropical lake in the world and the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria is a vast inland sea that forms a crucial part of life in Uganda. Its sheer size is staggering and its shores are a mosaic of different habitats, from thick forests to open savannas. The lake and its surrounding wetlands, such as the Mabamba Swamp, are a haven for incredible birdlife, most notably the iconic shoebill. The lake’s many islands, including the idyllic Ssese Islands, offer serene retreats, while towns like Jinja on its northern shore are hubs of adventure, marking the very spot where the Nile begins its epic journey to the Mediterranean.

Highlights

• Exceptional Birding: The wetlands surrounding Lake Victoria are a globally important birding area. Take a traditional canoe tour into the Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar wetland site, for your best chance anywhere in the world to spot the magnificent and rare shoebill stork as it hunts for fish in the shallow waters.
• Water Sports and Adventure: The town of Jinja is known as the "Adventure Capital of East Africa" for good reason. At the source of the Nile, you can indulge in thrilling activities like whitewater rafting on Grade V rapids, kayaking, bungee jumping, and jet boating, offering an adrenaline-fueled contrast to a traditional safari.
• Boat Activities: Enjoy the tranquility of the lake with a variety of boat activities. Take a sunset cruise from Entebbe, go on a fishing trip to catch the legendary Nile Perch, or charter a boat to explore the beautiful Ssese Islands, known for their white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
• Nature Walks and Relaxation: The shores and islands of Lake Victoria are perfect for relaxation after an action-packed safari. Stay at a lakeside lodge, relax on the shoreline, and take guided nature walks to discover the local flora and fauna. It’s the ideal place to unwind and absorb the sheer beauty of Uganda’s largest natural wonder.

Best time to visit

Lake Victoria can be enjoyed year-round. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February offer the most pleasant, sunny weather for beach relaxation and water sports. Birding for the shoebill is often best during the wet season from March to May.

Best for: Travelers seeking tranquil relaxation and high-adrenaline adventure.

To get more ideas on what you can discover, explore our Luxury Uganda Safari by Private Planes and Exceptional Lodges.

Bwindi vs Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

While Bwindi is the premier gorilla destination with its large population and multiple habituated families, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a different experience. Bwindi's size and number of gorilla groups mean more permit availability and a higher chance of a successful trek. Mgahinga, part of the larger Virunga Massif, typically has only one habituated family. However, it also offers golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking, making it a great add-on if you are seeking more than just a gorilla encounter.

Queen Elizabeth National Park vs Murchison Falls

Your choice often depends on your overall itinerary. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the classic choice for a southwestern circuit, easily combining with Kibale for chimps and Bwindi for gorillas. Its main draws are the unique tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Murchison Falls, in the northwest, is defined by the power of the Nile River forcing its way through a narrow gorge. It offers dramatic landscapes, excellent game viewing on the northern bank, and is often paired with rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary.

Cost of Safari in Uganda vs Kenya

Safari costs vary greatly based on accommodation style and trip length. For a traditional savanna-only safari, Kenya's more developed tourist infrastructure and greater competition can sometimes result in slightly more affordable pricing. However, the primary difference in cost comes down to the unique experiences offered in Uganda.

The single largest factor is the primate permit. In 2025, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person, while in neighboring Rwanda, it costs $1,500. Excluding this, the daily costs for a luxury, all-inclusive safari are quite comparable between the two countries. A mid-range safari, including private transport, a driver-guide, comfortable lodging, all meals, and standard park fees, will typically range from $450 to $700 per person per day in either destination. Luxury options begin around $800 and can go much higher.

While the gorilla permit adds to the total cost of a Ugandan safari, the ability to combine this once-in-a-lifetime experience with classic savanna game drives represents incredible value, especially when compared to the cost and complexity of trying to achieve similar diverse experiences across multiple countries.

What Are the Travel Times Like Between Parks?

Uganda is primarily a driving-heavy circuit. The drives between key locations like Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are long, but incredibly scenic. They provide a fantastic window into the country's landscapes and rural life. Expect these journeys to take up a significant portion of a day. To maximize your time in the parks, internal flights connecting the main hubs are available.

Why Should I Choose Uganda Over Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?

Both countries offer exceptional gorilla trekking, but Uganda holds several distinct advantages for the discerning traveler.

• Cost: The most significant difference is the price. Gorilla permits in Uganda are less than half the price of those in Rwanda. This substantial cost saving makes the entire experience more accessible and can allow you to extend your trip or upgrade your accommodations.
• Population and Availability: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a sanctuary for over half of the world's entire mountain gorilla population. This large number of gorillas translates into more habituated families available for trekking and, therefore, greater availability of permits, offering more flexibility for travelers.
• Diversity of Experience: Uganda offers a complete safari circuit. You can easily combine your primate trek with classic savanna game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can search for tree-climbing lions, and Murchison Falls National Park. You can also track chimpanzees in Kibale, see rhinos at Ziwa, and cruise the Nile. Building a safari this varied is more difficult and less seamless in Rwanda, making Uganda the superior choice for a comprehensive wildlife adventure.

From the profound experience of meeting a mountain gorilla in Bwindi to the thrill of a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the sheer power of Murchison Falls, the “Pearl of Africa” offers a remarkable diversity of adventures that will engage your spirit and delight those senses.

When planning your Ugandan safari, be sure to give yourself enough time to embrace the full spectrum of what the country has to offer, from its awe-inspiring animal encounters and serene natural settings to its vibrant communities. Use our Uganda safaris and gorilla trekking as a starting point. When you are ready, our specialists are here to help you craft a personalized itinerary that captures the very best of this wonderful country.