Uganda is a top safari destination in Africa, known for its rich biodiversity and various natural environments. The country has more tourist attractions than any other in Africa, including national parks, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Uganda is popular for its endangered mountain gorillas, found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where viewing them in the wild is a unique experience. Besides gorillas, Uganda offers diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and several other mammals.

Members of the Big Five, such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, Leopards and rhinos, are mainly found in Uganda’s savanna parks, such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, among others.  Several antelopes like impalas, topis, oribis, waterbucks and zebras are found across multiple national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo national Park and many others. Uganda is also home to over 1,066 bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.

Why Visit Uganda for wildlife tours

Many nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visit Uganda due to its unique wildlife species and activities such as game drives and predator tracking (experiential research tour) particularly the big cats such as lions, and others. Lion tracking is an activity that involves closely observing lions and learning about their behaviour. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, researchers who track lions do so by using radiation locators and radio collars on the animals. Only in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the Kasenyi plains, is lion tracking conducted. Only four persons participate in the activity, and one of them needs a valid Lion permit, which costs $100 for foreign non-residents and UGX10,000 for foreign residents and East African citizens.

In Uganda, nature and wildlife enthusiasts can experience game drives in comfortable 4×4 safari cars across four savannah national parks: Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo. These parks are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which oversees tourism in the country. During game drives, you might encounter various animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, and many others like giraffes, hippos, zebras, and various types of antelopes.

Where can I see big cats in Uganda

Uganda is home to several big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The best places to see these big cats are in specific national parks. For lions, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. Leopards can be found in Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, Murchison Falls, a few in Lake Mburo National Park, and Semliki Valley. Cheetahs as per the time of writing are mainly located in Kidepo Valley National Park. However, Kidepo has the highest lion population, while Queen Elizabeth is known for its tree-climbing lions.

Mountain Gorillas

Uganda is fortunate to host the endangered mountain gorillas, that are found in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwestern part of the country. Other locations for mountain gorillas include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trekking these mountain gorillas is one of Uganda’s most famous tourist activities and is considered one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Meeting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an impactful experience that leaves trekkers joyful and excited upon their return.

Cost and gorilla trekking experience

Gorilla trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where trekkers are divided into groups of 8. A ranger guide then leads them into the jungle to find the gorillas. Only 8 people can trek in Mgahinga Gorilla Park due to one habituated gorilla family, while Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 19 habituated families across 4 sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Participants must be over 15 years old and healthy. Trekking lasts for 1 hour, with permits costing $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African citizens. Gorilla habituation allows 4 hours of interaction for $1500.

Bird Species

Uganda is home to over 1,066 bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatching in Africa. These bird species can be found in various national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Mgahinga Gorilla, Kidepo Valley, Semuliki, Rwenzori Mountains, Mabamba Bay Wetland, and Mabira Forest. Notable bird species include the Papyrus Gonolek, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, African Pied Wagtail, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Zebra Waxbill, Blue-throated Roller, and many more. The rich biodiversity in Uganda provides ample opportunities for bird lovers to observe and appreciate these fascinating creatures.

Diverse Culture (Batwa, Ik, Karamajongo)

Uganda has a rich and diverse culture, featuring different groups across its regions. Notably, the Batwa people are found in the southwestern area, while the Karamojong and IK people are located in the northeastern part of the country. The Karamojong are nomadic pastoralists, moving with their cattle through districts like Abim, Kaabong, and Moroto. Tourists can engage with them on safaris, experiencing their unique homes, livestock, traditional crafts, dances, and out fits.

The Karamojong and IK groups are closely connected, sharing the region around Kidepo Valley National Park. The IK, also are animal keepers, practice polygamy and pay dowries with cash or livestock, such as sheep and goats. Visitors to Kidepo can gain insight into these communities and witness their authentic way of life.

On the other hand, the Batwa pygmies, who were expelled from the woods of Mgahinga and Bwindi, now reside outside of these national parks. They used to hunt and gather and make medication out of herbs. When you visit the Batwa, you can learn about their history, traditional fire-making methods, beekeeping, and cultural performances that include dance and theatre.

What is the best time to go Uganda wildlife safaris

Although it is possible to travel to Uganda, at any time of year, the best time to do so is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant with little or no rainfall, the roads leading to the parks are passable, the foliage in the parks is thin for clear views of animals and photography, the trekking trails and tracks in the parks are dry, less muddy, slick and less slippery.