UGANDA SAFARIS
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN UGANDA
VISIT UGANDA
Uganda is located in the Eastern Africa region on the western Kenya border, right where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle to create a melting pot of amazing tourism possibilities. Uganda safaris are a dramatic display of Africa’s Big 5, two of the world’s Greatest Apes (Chimpanzee and Mountain Gorilla), incredible scenery, lakes, mountains, rivers and valleys as well as a people culture and customs dating back centuries and now reputedly the world’s most hospitable nation. It is stunningly beautiful; no wonder Winston Churchill called it the “Pearl of Africa”. The Gorillas is a must do on your Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Maghinga National Park.
Accessibility
Uganda is located on the African continent on the Eastern part and can be accessed from different parts of the world. Below are the different ways you can reach Uganda
By Air
Uganda can be accessed by a number of international airlines from the rest of the world to Entebbe International Airport (the only International Airport in the country).
The Airlines that fly to Uganda have connecting flights from other countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and below are the airlines that serve the East African route;
Europe (daily flights from Zuri, London and Amsterdam)
- KLM Royal Duchess via Kigali
- Emirates Airlines via Dubai
- Uganda Airways via Nairobi
- Qatar Air via Doho
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
- Brussels via Kigali
The United States of America or North America (Daily flights from New York and JF Kennedy via either Dubai, Amsterdam, Zurich and London)
- KLM Royal Duchess via Kigali
- Emirates Airlines via Dubai
- Uganda Airways via Nairobi
- Qatar Air via Doho
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
- Brussels via Kigali
The Far East, Asia and Australia (Daily flights from Mumbai, Bangkok, China- Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai). These airlines have connection flights via Dubai, Doha and Singapore.
- China Southern Airline
- Emirates Airlines
- Uganda Airways
- Qatar Air
Domestic Flights; These offer faster transport to the National parks although flights to these places are still high. Your Tour operator can charter a flight for you during your East African safari. The supply of service is championed by the below companies.
- Aero link with daily flights to Queen Elizabeth N.P(Kasese & Mweya), Bwindi Impenetrable Forest N.P (Kihihi & Kisoro), Murchison falls N.P (Pakuba, Bugungu & Chobe), Kidepo Valley N.P and Semiliki
- Uganda Airlines with daily flights to Nairobi, Mombasa, Mogadishu and Zanzibar
- Fly Uganda (Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth N.P)
- Eagle Air (Kidepo Valley N.P)
By Road
This is the most common transportation used in Uganda and most safaris are by road using the 4×4 vehicles to access the roads.
All highway roads are tarmac however as you get closer to the parks the roads are marram and expect an African message to keep our wildlife safe for the future generation.
Uganda can be accessed through bus transportation while you are in Africa and this operator in the capital cities.
This is through; Uganda- Nairobi, Somali – Mogadishu, Tanzania – Dare Salam & Arusha, Ethiopia – Addis Ababa and Sudan – Khartoum.
Immigration is always processed at the border stations and always consult with your Tour Agent or Tour operator for more information.
Entry Requirements
Passport: To be permitted entry to Uganda, you will be required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months to the expiry date and one empty page.
Visa: You will need a visa to be permitted entry into Uganda. Check with your consulate to know more about Visa to Uganda.
There are two visa types to choose from that is a single-entry visa to Uganda at $50 or an East African Visa for multiple entries to Uganda, Uganda and Rwanda at $100.
The process of applying for the Uganda visa can be online or on arrival at the Airport. Please note that your yellow fever certificate will be required during the visa application process.
COVID 19 UPDATE FOR TOURISTS TO UGANDA
MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING
Uganda is know as one of the most beautiful African nation, and tracking mountain gorillas in it’s rainforest jungles remains a number one bucket-list item on Uganda safaris.
TOP UGANDA SAFARI ATTRACTIONS
Where the savanna plains meet the rainforest jungle. Uganda is endowed with some of the most beautiful attractions that gracefully fade from one habitat to another painted with dozens of green shades and within inhabited with some of the rarest wildlife on earth. Here are our hand-picked top Uganda safari attractions to help you plan your African safari.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is where you’ll be permitted and escorted to hike into the jungle and see the mountain gorilla. One of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This park is a family pack with attractions like the big Africa safari game drives and a boat safari on the Kazinga channel.
Murchison Falls National Park
Take a game safari in Uganda’s largest national park and a boat safari on the Victoria Nile and experience the African wild side.
Kibale Forest National Park
This rainforest is the primate capital of Africa. Visitors flock here to have a glimpse at human’s closest cousins. Chimpanzee tracking is the main attarction.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is a great addition to the gorilla trekking route. It’s the easiest to access along the western route to Bwindi, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth NPs.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Hidden in the far right top corner of Uganda, Kidepo is a great savanna safari destination with very little crowds and great safari privacy.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second place in Uganda to see gorillas, the scenic beauty of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura.
Semuliki National Park
The guide to Semuliki park will take you to the beautiful scenery of the snowcapped Rwenzori peaks, Semuliki river, wildlife and birdlife
Rwenzori Mountains
Hike up 5,109 meters to Margherita Peak and enjoy the Africa view from the skies. Rwenzori mountain rangers have the second-highest peak on the continent.
Entebbe, Lake Victoria
Entebbe is the entry point into Uganda but it’s got more to keep you entertained like Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, Wildlife education center ….
Jinja, Source of Nile
One of the oldest city in the country, Jinja is where we find the source of the mighty Nile and has various adrenaline adventures like whitewater rafting.
Kampala City
The ultimate guide for Kampala city tours showing you how to get to Kampala, tourist attractions, Amenities, where to stay and itineraries
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary guide to Rhino tracking, attractions, activities, where to stay and best time to visit the rhinos as you watch them feed away
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
This is the closest place to see chimpanzees in Uganda as they play and interact with each other and enjoy a boat cruise on lake victoria or just a relaxing night with chimp sounds.
See destination
Mountain Elgon
This is great for mountain climbing activities in Uganda as you enjoy views of plant species and wildlife and the famous caldera lake that makes the climb worth all the effort.
See destination
What To See or Do in Uganda
Uganda’s climate attracts a slice of everything which Africa has to offer that’s why Winston Churchill named it the pearl of Africa. Uganda will offer you excellent game viewing from the big five of Africa to the famous Gorillas who are man’s closest cousin.
Furthermore, the volumes of primates found in Uganda from Chimpanzees to different types of monkeys (golden monkey, Vevert monkey, black and white Columbus monkey, Pastas Monkey and Red-tailed Monkey). Uganda’s attractions or what to see or do while in Uganda is mainly found in its National Parks, lakes, Rivers and the authentic culture of the people. Below are the attractions you can see during your Uganda safari;
Wildlife Viewing Safari
The Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee will always make as highlights of Uganda Safaris as you watch them eat and play with one another. In addition, the tree climbing lions, herds of elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, Zebras, Kobs, Waterbucks and different types of monkeys. The wildlife viewing is done during game drives at start from as early as 6:30am – 10 am in the morning and 4pm – 6:30 pm. This can be spiced up the hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park.
Peoples and Cultures
Uganda is home to 52 tribes with unique cultures that range from the language spoken, dress code, folk songs, dances and staple food. The tribes of the Batwa in Bwindi who leave in forest and mountains, the Karamojong’s who move from place to place with their cattle and the Banyakole with the long-horned cattle. Furthermore, Uganda has four major Kingdoms that is Busoga, Buganda, Toro and Bunyoro each with Kings.
Our Uganda Safaris Planners are always at standby to work with our guests to create the most fascinating and unforgettable cultural experiential tours.
Bird Watching
Uganda boosts of over 1000 bird species both endemic and migratory birds from Europe and North Africa. These are both forest and water birds all in one however if you take Uganda alone has 150 endemics. Semiliki National park is a bird haven for bird lovers, Mabamba swamp for the Shoebill stork and Lake Victoria for the water birds. You will not regret your birding trip while in Uganda since our Africa safaris experts will advise you on the best time to search for a specific bird. Bird watching in Uganda can be done all year round but it’s at it peaks in September – April when the migratory and Northern African birds are present.
Water Sports and Boat Safaris
Uganda is located in the Greatlakes region and has a variety of water bodies that are popular for tourism activities. The River Nile in Jinja turned it into an adventure capital with activities like white water rafting, Bungee Jumping, Kayaking on the rapid falls.
Boat Safari rides also are very common in prime spots like on Lake Victoria, Kazinga channel, Kalangala, Lake Bunyonyi and the River Nile. These spots offer tourists a chance to explore the different wildlife from Hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles and volumes of water birds at the bans. In addition, fishing is another activity in search for the Nile perch one of the biggest fish in the world along with other types like the Tilapia, cat fish, Silver fish. Lake Bunyonyi the deepest lake offers you a chance to participate in canoeing to different historical places.
Mountain Climbing and Hiking
The Rwenzori mountains offers you a chance to hike the snow-capped mountain and the highest point in Uganda the Margherita Peak. On top of this Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda offers you a chance to hike up to the largest calderas in the world.
Furthermore, Maghinga gorilla national park has three peaks from mt. Gahinga (the smallest and borders Uganda and Rwanda), mt Sabyinyo (found in the eastern part of the Virunga mountain in Rwanda and the oldest volcano) and mt Muhavura (is the extinct volcano of all three and found in Rwanda and Uganda).
Mountain climbing activity ranges from 1-9 days to reach the peaks and ask your Uganda safaris planner for the guidelines and booking the trip.
WILDLIFE BOAT SAFARIS
ON VICTORIA NILE
& KAZINGA CHANNEL
TRENDING UGANDA SAFARIS
Uganda is unique compared to the giant Africa safaris destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. It’s the only country you’re able to experience both the African savanna and the rainforest jungles on the same day. Drive west from the Kenya savanna plains and the landscape transforms into mountain and a shades of green cover, a picturesque view that calms the soul. Here are some custom Uganda safaris for you.
2 Day Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda
Meet with the mighty mountain giants and spend one hour with the whole family of mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest jungle.
Safari Type: Short Custom Made
For Who: Not for Kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
2 Days Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Uganda
Known as the primate capital of the world, Uganda’s Kibale forest National Park is the your destination for this African safari trip.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Not for Kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
Tracking the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the highlight of this short weekend African jungle safari that starts and ends in Entebbe, Uganda.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Not for children
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
4 Day Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Hike deep inside Uganda’s rain forest floor and follow a band of chimpanzees going on their daily foraging monkey business.
Safari Type: Short Custom Made
For Who: Not for kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
![6 Day Highlights of Rwanda & Uganda Safari](https://foreverafricasafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bwindi-Impenetrable-gorilla-behind-leaves-500x333.jpg")
6 Day Highlights of Rwanda & Uganda Safari
This African safari will be visiting Akagera N.P, Rwanda’s savanna park and also crossing the border into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Safari Type: Short Custom Made
For Who: Partly Not for kids
Start/End: Kigali, Rwanda
6 Day Murchison & Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safari
Visit one of Africa’s most visited water falls, take aboat safari on the Nile and traverse the African savanna plains in both Murchison and Kidepo Valley.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Family Safari
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
6 Day Wildlife & Rwenzori Mountains Challenge
This challenge takes you climbing Africa’s second highest snow peaks and later takes you on a classic African safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Not for Kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
8 Days Chimps, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, African savanna wildlife game drive and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Partly not for kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
10 Day Highlights of Uganda Safari
Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi impenetrable NP. The best of Uganda’s wilderness destinations.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Gorillas Not for Kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda.
10 Day Luxury Primates Safari in Uganda
Combines the wide African savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth NP with the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale & Bwindi.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Not for Kids
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
12 Days Uganda’s Secrets of The North
To the adventure capital of Uganda Jinja further to the East, wildlife game in Kidepo Valley & Murchison Falls National Park.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Family Safari
Start/End: Entebbe, Uganda
14 Days African Savanna Experience
From the golden savanna plains of Kenya and Tanzania to the mountain rainforest jungles of Uganda, this is the true African safari.
Safari Type: Custom Made
For Who: Great for groups
Start/End: Nairobi/Entebbe
Best Time To Visit Uganda
You can visit Uganda throughout the year on an Africa safari but during the dryer months of December — February and June – September are the best times to visit Uganda. If your interest is gorilla tracking, much as it’s done all year throughout, the best months are June – August and December – February.
Always ensure you have your own transportation during your African safari to ensure you are comfortable and book in time. Please note that the climate of Uganda is more of Equatorial and savannah so you can’t rule out rain completely on your primate walk.
Best Uganda Safaris Circuits & Routes
There’s a lot to see during your vacation in Uganda and you need an African company to take you through all the spots so that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing and memorable experiences.
Your budget will dictate on how much time you spend in the pearl of Africa (Uganda) and transverse the different attractions it has to offer. If you are someone who loves the wilderness, Uganda is the best place to realize your dream of an African vacation. For a Uganda safari, you may choose from game drives, adventure holiday, cultural tours or even flight safaris to mention but a few. However, your safari planner will help you choose which type of destinations to visit as per your desire.
Uganda safaris are divided into Four circuits as per below;
Western Circuit
This circuit is the most popular and where all safaris begins since it offers you the best connection to most of the wildlife in Uganda and the gorilla trekking activity.
- Bwindi Impenetrable forest N.P is popular known for the mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda with over 40% of them. We recommend a safari of 2-3 days to enable you explore the parks scenic beauty
- Queen Elizabeth N.P is one of the savannah exotic parks in Uganda and we recommend a safari of 2-4 days to enable you explore the parks scenic beauty
- Lake Mburo N.P offers you game drives, boat rides and wildlife walking safaris. We recommend a safari of 1-2 days to enable you explore the parks and crater lakes
- Kibale Forest N.P is the primate capital of the world and home to over 1000 chimpanzees and a place to track them. We recommend a safari of 2-4 days to enable you explore the parks and crater lakes
- Semiliki N.P is a bird haven for bird lovers and we recommend a safari of 1-2 days
- Rwenzori mountain is a snow-capped mountain with the highest point in Uganda at Mt Stanley and Margarita peaks
Extension addons to this circuit
- Batwa trail
- Kidepo Valley N.P
- Jinja source of the Nile
- Kalangala
Eastern and Northern Circuit
This takes you to the historical and remote safari areas in Uganda
- Kidepo Valley N.P offers you a slice of every wildlife Uganda has in big numbers than any other park and famed for the encounters of the big cats. We recommend a safari of 3-4 days to enable you explore the parks scenic beauty.
- Murchison falls N.P which is known for its powerful falls that squeeze into a narrow gorge and be rest assured of Africa’s big five. We recommend a safari of 2-4 days to enable you explore the parks scenic beauty
- Zziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place to see rhinos in the wild and we recommend a safari of 1-2 days
- Mount Elgon
Extension addons to this circuit
- Jinja source of the Nile and White-water rafting
- Sipi Falls
- Mabira Forest
- Sezibwa falls
- Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Central Circuit
Located in the central part of Uganda and houses Kampala the capital City
- Kampala City is the capital of Uganda and offers you the historical sites of Uganda and the night life
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a place very close to Entebbe airport to watch chimpanzees feed, play and interact with one another.
- Entebbe Wildlife Center (zoo) offers you are chance to view Africa’s big 5 in a near wild environment and the behind the scenes activities of racing with the Cheater, feeding giraffes and lions
Extension addons to this circuit
- Bwindi Impenetrable forest N.P for gorilla trekking
- Murchison Falls N.P
- Kibale Forest N.P for chimpanzee tracking
The pearl of Africa will offer you a slice of of everything Africa Safaris have to offer and the best destinations to visit. Forever Africa Safari offers a variety of gorilla trekking safari options at unbeatable rates. Contact us for the best rates at info@foreverafricasafari.com or call us /WhatsApp us +256 772 221 880 to start planning your safari / tour today!