Uganda Safari Tours: There are many destinations in the world, but for any enthusiastic nature lover in need of the absolute pinnacle of primate safaris, then Uganda is the right place to be. Uganda is 100% endowed with the world’s most sought-after primates besides her spectacularly lush landscapes, abundant savanna wildlife, and endless natural wonders that make it a destination for visitors to experience something unusual.
Uganda safaris are special in such a way that they accommodate all kinds of nature lovers, adventure seekers, and if you are interested in a holiday that renders peace of mind. If this is the kind of African safari holiday that you are looking for or an adventure of a lifetime, then look no further than our Uganda safaris and tours.
Why Safari in Uganda?
Uganda isn’t only home to a huge concentration of primates and wildlife but also a complete African safari destination with multiple tourist activities. This makes it an amazing destination that never leaves any traveler out of options. On a safari in Uganda, here are some of the most exciting activities to enjoy;
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is without a doubt the most enjoyed activity on the Uganda safari tour. A gorilla safari in Uganda is entirely Africa’s most powerful wildlife experience and lifetime adventure that lets you immerse yourself into the lush tropical rainforest and enjoy up close and personal with the massive mountain gorillas.
Uganda protects the largest mountain gorilla population, accounting up to about half of the remaining 1063 individuals that still survive in the wild today. These survive within the country’s 2 stunning parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
You can be part of the memorable gorilla trekking experience in any of the 2 (two) National Parks provided that you have a valid gorilla permit. Through your local tour operator- Focus East Africa Tours, you can obtain a valid gorilla permit at USD 700 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents, and shs. 250,000 catering for all Ugandans plus other East African citizens.
Chimpanzee tracking
In addition to the rare mountain gorillas, Uganda also supports over 5050 chimpanzees making it one of the excellent destinations to visit for primate encounters. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is conducted in numerous sites offering tourists a chance to explore chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The most prominent places to visit for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Semuliki and Budongo Forest. All chimpanzee treks are carried out in already habituated chimpanzee communities.
Game viewing
Uganda is a destination full of hidden gems. All the big 5 game plus other wildlife exist in Uganda which guarantees you unforgettable wildlife encounters. A game viewing tour in Uganda allows you to come across unique wildlife species such as the tree-climbing lions, African elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos all while in their natural habitat. The ideal places to visit for game viewing in Uganda; are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Mountaineering
Away from wildlife and primate encounters, Uganda is an excellent destination to experience the best of mountaineering adventure. Mountain climbing opportunities in the Pearl of Africa are enormous and include the Rwenzori Mountains 5109m, Mt. Elgon 4321m, Mt. Muhabura 4127m, Sabyinyo volcano 3669m and 3474m.
Cultural experience
A cultural safari is a perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and cultures in the Pearl of Africa. The available opportunities to experience Uganda’s cultures are diverse and include traditional village tours, especially in the Batwa pygmies, Bagisu, Karamojong communities, and more.
How to choose the best Uganda safari operator?
Hundreds of tour companies exist and choosing the best one to deal with can be challenging. But here are some of the factors to guide you in choosing the best safari operator; define your travel goals and interests –are you interested in a safari and wildlife/game viewing, gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, cultural immersion and local experiences, birding, nature walks, whitewater rafting or hiking.
Conduct thorough research, check if the company or tour operator is accredited, licensed, or not before committing yourself to book a safari, check through the reviews and testimonials, evaluate the tour operator’s experience and expertise, check and inquire about the rates, and what offers come with it.
Why should you choose Uganda as your safari destination?
Uganda is a safe and secure country, and with no doubt, it is one of the world’s most preferred destinations. It is a compact nation but features distinctly breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife including the African lions (plus tree-climbing lions), elephants, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and birds like the shoebill storks. In addition, consider visiting the nearby local communities for authentic cultural experiences.
What to see on your safari in Uganda?
From diverse wildlife to unique cultures, Uganda is truly a destination of abundance and one place to find almost everything you need in Africa. The different wildlife species to see on a safari in Uganda include primates (mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, etc), big five game (African elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and buffaloes), antelopes (oribis, impalas, klipspringers, topis, Uganda Kobs, sitatungas, hartebeests, elands, and others), Rothschild giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
Where to stay on Uganda Safari Tours?
On a Uganda safari, visitors have plenty of accommodation options to retire for the night. They range from budget to luxury and are available across destinations in Uganda; in Kibale National Park they include Kyaninga Lodge, Primate Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Chimps Nest, and others.
Bwindi National Park accommodation facilities; Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Bakiga Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, and Buhoma Community Haven Lodge.
Lodges in and around Murchison Falls National Park: Sambiya River Lodge, Red Chili Rest Camp, Nile Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, and more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge, Tembo Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enganzi Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, and others.
Best time to visit Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season which occurs twice a year: from June to September, and December to February. This is the most preferred period to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, mountaineering, game viewing, and other experiences.
How much does a Uganda safari cost?
On average, the cost of a Uganda safari is from USD 3000-5000 per person to USD 5000-7000 (for longer safari trips) and USD 7000+, especially if you want a combined gorilla tour and wildlife. The USD 7000+ cost may include a midrange lodge or luxury accommodation stay.
Is it safe to visit Uganda?
YES, a better place is safe and secure to spend a holiday in Africa like Uganda. In Uganda, the safety of guests begins right from the moment you land in the country’s soil till you exit. Even at the destination, maximum security is ensured guaranteeing visitors remarkable exploration.
Best places to go for Uganda Safari Tours
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Sipi Falls
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Kibale National Park.
- Lake Mburo National Park.
- Source of the Nile River.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Semuliki National Park.
- Kidepo Valley National Park.
