Top 5 Safaris in Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country located in Africa, where the equator and the river Nile run right through it. It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in Africa, and famously home to over half of the world's remaining Gorillas. Making it home to some of the worlds best Safari experiences.
To help you choose the best safari for your trip to Uganda, we have outlined the top 5 safaris in Uganda, and what makes them special. Average pricing if per night/pp in a safari lodge, including your food, drink and drives.
As is with most Safaris the best way to experience it is to stay in a safari lodge and this will include your food and game drives, as well as some other cool experiences. Naturally the area surrounding national parks and safari lodges is relatively secluded so the lodges will normally have everything you need. However in some of these parks you may be able to book on for some independent game drives, or even self drive the safari parks.
1. Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda and located next to the Albertine Rift. The Albertine Rift forms part of Africa's western rift and is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the whole of Africa. This means Bwindi impenetrable National Park is home to both endemic species and some of the most endangered animals in the world . The park or ‘impenetrable forest’ consists of rolling hills covered in dense rainforest. It is most famous for 1 set of inhabitants - 400 Gorillas, which is almost half the world's population.
Most likely to see: Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Endemic birds, Columbus monkeys
Distance from Kampala-Entebbe Airport:(airport): 8 hrs (450km)
Nearest domestic airport: Kihihi or Kisoro
Best time to visit: Jun - Aug OR Dec-Feb
2. Queen Elizabeth National park
Queens Elizabeth national park is is the most popular destination for a Safari in Uganda, and named after queen Elizabeth the second after she visited the park. The park is HUGE and has over 200km of tracks that are well maintained. The park also has the greatest variety of wildlife of all Ugandan Safaris, with over 95 mammal species inhabiting it’s plains. Queen Elizabeth national park is considered one of the best places to see Lions in Africa and along with the adjacent Virunga National Park, it forms a Lion conservation area. In the park you can also go on a boat ride on Kazinga Channel , to get up close and personal with the hippos. The channel supports the largest number of Hippos in Africa. Essentially this park has something for everyone, and you won’t be short of animals to spot.
Most likely to see: Lions, Leopard, and Hyena
Distance from Kampala-Entebbe Airport:(airport): 6hr (380km)
Nearest domestic airport: Kihihi
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb OR June-July
3. Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park sits adjacent to Queen Elizabeth national park and spans almost 800 square km. The park is located in western Uganda and consists primarily of rainforest. The park is best known for its Chimpanzee trekking experiences, and is home to 13 species of primate. It is also an extremely popular park for bird watching. It is one of the highest national parks in Africa, and sits 1,590m above sea level, hence the high primate population.
Most likely to see: Chimpanzee, warthogs, leopards
Distance from Kampala-Entebbe Airport:(airport): 5hrs / 350km
Nearest domestic airport: Kasese
Best time to visit: June-September OR Nov-Feb
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park gets its name from Murchison Falls, a small waterfall that is made where the Victoria Nile surges through a narrow gap over a large drop. The Victoria Nile runs through the middle of the park , where the river runs over a 45m high valley wall, it creates Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls national park is the oldest & Largest park for a Safari in Uganda. IT is made up of some of the most diverse terrain and includes Savannah, Rainforest & woodland
Most likely to see: Elephant, Hippos Chimpanzee
Distance from Kampala-Entebbe Airport:(airport): 4.5 hrs / 300km
Nearest domestic airport: Pakuba
Best time to visit: Dec-Feb
5. Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda's smallest national park, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to see. The park is home to the world's remaining mountain Gorillas, and the national park offers great opportunities for Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. You probably already guessed it but Mgahinga National Park sits high in the sky, and rests at an altitude of 2000-4000m, depending on where you are in the park.
Mgahinga National Park is a great park to choose if you love hiking and other natural phenomena, as the park includes 3 volcanoes, and an abundance of caves to explore.
Most likely to see: Mountain Gorillas, Golden monkeys and rare birds
Distance from Kampala-Entebbe Airport:(airport): 9hrs / 500km
Nearest domestic airport: Pakuba
Best time to visit: December to March OR June to October
FAQs
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
If you are going on Safari in Uganda, you will need to get a Visa. You can either apply for a visa at the Uganda high commission or online for an e-visa. A standard tourist visa for Uganda, will allow you entry for up to 90 days into the country. A visa for Uganda will cost you about £40 and to be on the safe side ensure you apply at least a couple of weeks before travelling, however turn around can be as quick as 3 days if no extra information is requested.
What vaccines do I need for Uganda?
You will need a range of vaccines to travel to Uganda, some routine and some more specific to the region. The WHO recommends you get the following vaccines if travelling to Uganda: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis and tetanus. Ensure you keep hold of your Yellow Fever certificate for when you enter the country.
Do I need malaria pills in Uganda?
Yes you will need Malaria pills if travelling to Uganda, these are especially important when going on Safari in Uganda, and spending lots of time in national parks.
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