Discover Uganda with our Affordable Uganda Safaris & Adventures

Since the colonial time, Uganda has been the “Pearl of Africa.”

This was first said by Winston Churchill as he was wowed by the beautiful landscapes with the many wildlife experiences from the big game in Queen Elizabeth National park the giants of the Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

What to See – Top 20 Things to see in Uganda

Here are 20 must-see things in Uganda that will leave you bonded.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: This is a UNESCO world heritage site and it home to half the population of the mountains gorillas left. You will get a chance to get closer to these giants.
2. Murchison Falls: The Longest River in the world will form these falls as it heads north into a very narrow gorge to create breathtaking sounds and scenery.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park: This National park is Most Famous of the many ecosystems it has as its not a common occurrence: from the forests, swamps and the savanna to the big five and the many bird species
4. Kidepo Valley National Park: This national park is one of the least visited and yet the more unique. It sin the far north east of the country and it’s the true wilderness experience with great landscape and cultural experiences.
5. Rwenzori Mountains: Referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the mountain Rwenzori is a trekking challenge you should try out as the peak is covered in Snow.
6. Lake Victoria: This is the largest fresh water lake on the continent. You can relax, swim, fish and take boat rides on its shores.
7. Jinja and the Source of the Nile: Jinja has for many years been the industrial town of Uganda and it has great architecture as the first Europeans settled here. It is also where the Nile River starts its way to become the longest river in the world.
8. Sipi Falls: Among the many waterfalls that will give you great sounds and scenery, you can add this to the list on the Uganda safari. It’s on the base of the Elgon Mountains in Eastern Uganda.
9. Kibale Forest National Park: This park is home to the Chimpanzees and you will have a great experience trekking them here and many other primates like the Baboons and Monkeys.
10. Lake Bunyonyi: It’s believed to be one of the deepest lake in the world but the erosion has made it has to confirm this. It’s a perfect place for canoeing as it has many islands for you to explore.
11. Kibale Crater Lakes: The scenery of these lakes around the City of Port Portal in Western Uganda is one you ought not to miss.
12. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: This is another destination for you to track the mountain Gorillas. You will however the Bwata people cultural experience as well and the rare golden monkeys.
13. Ssese Islands: These are the major islands of the Lake Victoria where you can relax on the beautiful beaches.
14. Mabira Forest Reserve: This forest is mostly known for the birding but also has many special trees, other plants and butterflies.
15. Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine: This is a religious monument where the martyrs where burnt by the Kabaka of Buganda for defiance.
16. Kasubi Tombs: This is UNESCO world heritage site as it is a burial ground for the Kings of Buganda one of the biggest Kingdoms in Africa.
17. Baha’i Temple: This is among the only 8 temples of the Baha’I in the world and it’s the only one in Africa. It’s a peaceful and safe space for reflection.
18. Nabugabo Sand Beach: Its one of the beaches on the shore of the largest fresh water lake in Africa, Victoria.
19. Entebbe Botanical Gardens: This is a peaceful place to picnic as you watch bird within the city area as it is about 10 minutes from the airport.
20. Katwe Salt Lake: You will have a chance to watch the locals mining salt using the local methods in the areas of the Queen Elizabeth National park.

What to do – Top 20 Things to Do in Uganda

In case you plan to visit Uganda, here are some of the activities that may make your stay a memorable one.

1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: This is one of the very few places you can see the rare mountain Gorillas. The area is also the place with the biggest population of these rare species with over half of the entire population left in the world.
2. Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is the best place in Uganda where you will see the big five in the wilderness moving freely including the tree climbing lions.
3. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest: The trekking will take you through the lush forests as you get closer to these primates. You will also be rewarded with many bird species and many other primates.
4. Murchison Falls Safari: This is where you will find the place where the longest river in the world will go through the narrow gorge to create a very stunning sound and scenery. You can take a boat cruise on the lower side of the falls to see the crocodiles, hippos and many other water birds.
5. Birdwatching in Uganda: About 1016 bird species have been recorded in Uganda making Uganda one of the best birding destinations in Africa. The shoebill stork, Karamoja Apalis, fox’s weaver and the green breasted Pita are some of the birds to look for.
6. Cultural Encounters: Uganda has about 56 tribal communities each with a very different language and culture that you will explore while on safari to Uganda. The rituals, food, dance and many more things are up for your safari experience.
7. White-Water Rafting on the Nile: You can thrill yourself by rating on the Nile. You will have a chance to navigate the gentle rapids of this river.
8. Treehouse Stays in the Jungle: The accommodation in Uganda is another thing to look out for as it offers both a wilderness authentic experience with a touch of luxury and yet eco friendly.
9. Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains: The Rwenzori which is also known as the Mountains of the moon is a great hike for you to try out as it offers you a great challenge to navigate the snow as you summit to the top.
10. Relaxation by the Lake: There are many lakes and beaches that will give you a chance to relax as you break away from the monotony of the city and wildlife like the Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi.
11. Visit the Sipi Falls: Among the many waterfalls that will give you great sounds and scenery, you can add this to the list on the Uganda safari. It’s on the base of the Elgon Mountains in Eastern Uganda.
12. Explore Jinja’s Source of the Nile Gardens: Jinja has for many years been the industrial town of Uganda and it has great architecture as the first Europeans settled here. It is also where the Nile River starts its way to become the longest river in the world.
13. Mountain Biking Adventures: You can have such an adventure in Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley National park and Rwenzori mountains.
14. Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Murchison Falls NP: You will have one hour of watching the wildlife for above which will give you a chance to see almost everything.
15. Cruise on the Kazinga Channel: A boat cruise on this channel in Queen Elizabeth National park will reward you with crocodiles and hippos in the water and seeing other wildlife on the shore from another perspective.
16. Ride a Quad Bike through the Savannah: You can have an adventure as you also have some fun. This is usually around Mabira forest but it can be arranged anywhere else.
17. Volunteer for Conservation Efforts: There are many project for you to get involved in, be it humanitarian or conservation calls or community works.
18. Explore the Underground Nyero Rock Paintings: This is a very old site and it shows the lives of the people of the area and how they have evolved over time.
19. Go Fishing on Lake Victoria: This is the largest fresh water Lake in Africa nd this means there is a lot of aquatic life and therefore you can do some fishing while here including Nile perch, tilapia, and catfish.
20. Attend a Cultural Festival: You can consult with the guide or operator to link you with any festivals that many be happening by the time of your visit.

Wildlife/Animals in Uganda

We are going to discuss the major animals that call Uganda and you may see while on your safari to Uganda.

• Mountain Gorillas: Uganda has a substantial population of the rare and endangered gorillas with half of the total population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Chimpanzees: The chimpanzees can be tracked in Kibaale National park, In Queen Elizabeth and Budongo forest in Murchison falls National Park.
• Big Five: these can be seen in one place in Queen Elizabeth national Park. They include: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.
• Nile Crocodiles and Hippos: When you take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel you will have a high chance of seeing these in Close proximity.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: These are very special and not very common, you can see them at Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National park.
• African Elephants: The African Elephants can be best seen in Murchison falls National Park while on your Uganda Safari. You will take a cruise on the Nile and see many more Mammals.
• Rothschild’s Giraffes: The Murchison falls is also famous for the large heard of the Giraffes but have been recently introduces in the Lake Mburo National park.
• Shoebill Stork: Birder to Uganda can see this special bird at Mabamba bay swamp and on Lake Albert in the Murchison Falls.
• Uganda Kob: This is also a National emblem of the country because of its peacefulness. You will see it in many of the National park while on the Uganda Safari.
• African Grey Crowned Cranes: This is also a national emblem since its crown has all the features that the fore fathers of country believed in.
• Hippos in Lake Mburo: You can see Hippos in Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison Falls National Park but probably Lake Mburo is the best Place to see them since the place is small and less crowded.
• Golden Monkeys: These special primates can only be seen in the Mgahinga Mountain National park.

The conservation efforts of Uganda can be seen from the biodiversity here and it will marvel all the wildlife fanatics.

Be it the gorillas in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable National park or the bird life in the many park of the country plus the culture and its people, Uganda stands out as an ideal safari Destination.

Best Times to Visit Uganda

After seeing the beauty that Uganda has to offer, lest see when best one can visit Uganda despite the fact that you can visit any time you want.

Peak Dry Season (June to September):

• Weather: The time is usually dry and it makes it easy to move around even in the remote areas with bad roads.
• Wildlife: Since it’s a dry season, you will easily spot the animals as they mostly gather around the water source. The trials are less muddy as well.
• Activities: Hiking is very great during the dry season as the trails are dry. Bird watching is another activity to try during this time.

Short Dry Season (December to February):

• Weather: The time is dry again and it gives you another great time to adventure. The humidity is lower with mild temperatures.
• Wildlife: Since it’s a dry season, you will easily spot the animals as they mostly gather around the water source. The trials are less muddy as well.

Long Wet Season (March to May):

• Weather: This is a very long wet season and it has long rains any time of the day. The trails can be a bit messy especially in the remote area.
• Wildlife: The wildlife may be hard to spot as the vegetation flourishes and they may hide in the many bushes and they scatter as the feeding grounds are many.
• Activities: These are the best activity you may have as there fewer people and you may not go so much into the remote areas.

Shoulder Seasons (October to November and March to May):

• Weather: This is a very long wet season and it has long rains any time of the day. The trails can be a bit messy especially in the remote area. Being transitional the weather can be unpredictable.
• Wildlife: You will require a little patience to watch wildlife during this time.
• Activities: While outdoor activities may be affected by occasional rain, the shoulder seasons offer a quieter and more intimate experience, as there are fewer tourists.

Packing list for your Uganda safari

You will need to be keen while parking for a destination like Uganda to make your experience on this Uganda Safari a memorable one. Here are some of the pointers to help you.

• Valid Travel Documents: You will need to make sure you have your essentials like proper vaccination documentation, your passport, visa documents, and Insurance policy and air tickets.
• Clothing: Pack mostly pure cotton clothes, long sleeved t-shirts or shirts, trousers and hiking boots with gardening gloves. Carry a rain coat as well since this is a tropical country and it can rain even in the dry season.
• Medications and Personal Hygiene: Mosquito repellants, pain killers, any prescriptions, sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Footwear: Carry a very durable pair of hiking boots. Make sure they are comfortable such that your feet are not hurt since you will be spending a lot of time in these.
• Accessories: A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, sunglasses, and gardening or work gloves can be useful for protection against nettles and other plants during treks​
• Layers: Carry clothes that you can have on in layers, such that you have about three on in the cold and remove them when it becomes warm in the day.
• Bags: Carry a water proof bag to carry you items during the day while out for activities. Make sure your all your equipment is here and hands free.
• Binoculars and Cameras: These two will enhance your wildlife viewing experience and also capture a lot of memories.
• Gadgets: Make sure carry a torch or head lamp with extra batteries for your camera, a power bank and extra memory cards.
• Water Bottles: Carry a reusable water bottle to carry water and keep you dehydrated.

The preparation for your safari to Uganda or any other safari is very important to the experience one will get.

While packing, make sure you leave space for souvenirs to have memories of this great trip.

Fact about Uganda

Uganda is a land locked country in the Eastern part of Africa.

It is bordered by Kenya on the Eastern side, Democratic Republic of Congo I the west, Rwanda in the south West, Tanzania in the South and South Sudan in the North.

Buganda Kingdom has been and is still the biggest Kingdom and it shapes the countries’ structures.

They are located in the central region and this gives them an advantage as well.

The Population of Uganda stands at about 49 million people as of 2023 with about 8 million people residing around the city area in the capital Kampala.

The Climate of Uganda is influenced by the presence of the Nile Basin.

Te country’s terrain is very diverse with most of the area flat while the south west and western areas being a bit hilly.

The area is also crossed by the rift valley in the western area.

One of the notable fact about Uganda is how most of its population being youthful with over 50% of its people below the age of 15 making it the world youngest country.

Only 2% of the population is above 65 years of age.

The age advantage has been projected to play in favor of the country since the country is still fertile and has a lot of resources that are untapped with many mineral reserves in Gold, copper and many more.

The Ugandan flag has black, yellow and red to represent the native ethnic groups for black, brotherhood in red and the sunshine and good weather in Yellow.

The country has the Uganda Kob and the Grey crowned crested crane as its emblems.

The major attractions here are the gorillas with Uganda housing half of the remaining population of gorillas that the Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Consider, Lake Victoria, River Nile and the Snow capped Rwenzori Mountains.

Safety in Uganda

Like any other destinations, safety concerns are a question for travelers planning to travel to Uganda.

Uganda is a very welcoming and hospitable country but it’s always advisable to be cautious especially in the urban areas.

The country hasn’t had any major security breaches as all attractions are well protected and you will have an armed ranger most of time while in the national park.

Uganda Safari Tips

It is important that you prepare yourself and be safe in any destination.

Here are some of the tips to help you on a Uganda Safari.

1. Best Time to Visit: You can visit Uganda any time of the year depending on your need but it’s advisable that you visit in the dry months which come twice in the months of December to February and June to August.
2. Health Precautions: Consult your doctors about any vaccinations you will need to take. Have some first aid essentials.
3. Respect Wildlife: Stay away from the wildlife. Never try to feed the animals. Always listen to instructions from your guide.
4. What to Pack: Only pack essentials and avoid having many bags as you may lose them.
5. Staying Connected: Most lodges will have wifi but it’s important the you get a local sim card or buy an e sim and stay connected.
6. Cultural Sensitivity: Try to respect the culture of the locals. Always let the guide take the lead.
7. Gorilla Trekking Permits: Book most of the permits prior and they are always on high demand and you may be stranded if you don’t book early.
8. Accommodations: There is lodging from Standard, mid range and luxury. Book early especially in the peak season.
9. Supporting Local Economy: Buy a souvenir for your memories on this tour but it’s a way to support the locals and the conservation efforts.
10. Be Environmentally Conscious: Don’t litter. Keep your litter in the car or your bag and dispose it while at the lodge or any public disposal area.
11. Tipping: It Is not a must but it is advised that you show some gratefulness.
12. Photography: Seek permission before you take any pictures especially if it is not wildlife. Don’t get close to the animals and they may charge while irritated.

A Uganda safari is not just an opportunity to escape into the wilderness but rather a return to the most essentials of life, a life in the world as it once was while also breaking away from the monotony of the city.

Useful links:

• Uganda Wildlife Authority
• Uganda Tourism Board
• Explore Uganda