Discover the Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safaris
Uganda 
lies in East Africa within both the African Great Lakes region and the Nile basin. Aptly named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill, it is home to some of the most diverse and concentrated African wildlife, including the highly-endangered mountain gorilla, as well as the chimpanzee. Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves to choose from, offering safaris of all kinds to its visitors. Besides gorillas and chimpanzees, visitors could see elephants, eland, hippos, lions, leopards and more.
One of the most popular tourist spots, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is an Afromontane rain forest situated at the edge of the Rift Valley. This ‘impenetrable forest’ comprises of steep, mist-covered hills and valleys shrouded by one of Uganda’s oldest rainforests. What makes this park so special, however, is the fact that it is home to roughly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Here safari enthusiasts get the opportunity to observe this majestic great ape in its natural habitat. Adventurers can also go on nature walks, hikes and bird-watching safaris in this park.
Travel Seasons
Dec-Feb, Jun-Aug – High Season. The dry season and the best times for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game watching is the national parks is also good as there is less vegetation and wildlife seeks out waterholes
Mar-May, Oct-Nov – Low Season. It’s the rainy season, which does mean less visitors, but roads can be in bad condition. The cost of gorilla permits is often reduced. Good bird spotting for migratory species
General Information
Currency – Uganda Shillings, USD
Languages – Luganda, English
Size – 241,000 sq km
Population – 41.49 million (2016)
Queen Elizabeth National Park, another popular tourist destination, boasts a diverse range of ecosystems from savanna grasslands and humid forests to sprawling lakes and wetlands. The area also contains numerous explosion craters and is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. The park hosts four of the big five (the rhino is sadly not present), as well as antelope, chimps and other primates. Top activities in this area include boat trips on the Kazinga channel, balloon safaris, chimp tracking safaris, birding and cave tours.
On the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley lies the Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls is the name given to the point where the river Nile (the world’s longest river) is channelled through a narrow gorge within the Rift Valley, descending nearly 50 meters below. The Murchison is the only Ugandan national park which contains all five of the Big Five. At present rhinos are being re-introduced as they were sadly extinguished from the area by poachers. This park offers birding, fishing, cultural tours and game safaris, as well as hot air balloon rides where you can see the majestic falls from high above.
Kibale National Park contains some of the most beautiful and varied tropical forests in Uganda. Here the northern and central parts are dotted with patches of swamp and grassland and are situated on an elevated plateau. This park is famous for having 13 species of chimpanzee alone, as well as 70 species of mammals and over 375 bird species. Kibale’s most popular activity is chimpanzee tracking and other activities include bird watching safaris, cultural tours and nature walks and hikes.
Pros
One of the very few places to see endangered mountain gorillas
Combine primate viewing with a classic savannah safari
Good range of vehicle, boat and walking activities
Excellent birding
Scenic beauty
Cons
A more specialist destination
Low availability during peak times
Accommodation can be more rustic
Arriving in Uganda
Most travellers arrive in Uganda by air into Entebbe International Airport.
If you are already in the region then you can also drive or bus in.
Getting Around
Most of your travel arrangements will be handled by your tour operator.
Transfers are mainly by road, charter flights are available but these can be expensive.
Visas
Visas are required for travel to Uganda. These can be obtained using the e-visa system >>
Check all details before you travel – Uganda Visas >>
Uganda is a premium safari destination for ultimate primate adventures like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, combined with wildlife safaris, hiking adventures, and cultural tour holidays.
A safari in Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most unique adventures you’ll experience on the continent. With over 20% of its land dedicated to wildlife reserves
Queen Elizabeth N.P is a home to a wide variety of wildlife; elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos. Game drives are a fantastic way to spot these animals
Discovering Murchison Falls National Park: Where the Nile Meets the Wild stunning display of waterfalls, wildlife, and natural wonders.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the best place to watch Africa’s mountain gorillas, nature hike in the rainforest, explore mountain communities.
Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda with eland, impala and klipspringer. It is also home to the largest population of zebra in Uganda. A good place to relax
Kibale Forest N.P is the primate capital of Africa, offering the best chimpanzee trekking and nature walking adventures to spot more than 12 primate species.
Kidepo Valley is in the remote northeast corner of the country. The park has a true wilderness feel and is a great African destination for the adventurous traveler.
Visit Rwanda Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable gorilla and chimpanzee trek, wildlife safari, hiking, historical and cultural trip.
Small, compact and easy to travel around, the main draw card of a Rwanda safari is that it has the easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking