Uganda Safaris in 2025 and 2026

Beyond primates, Uganda is a paradise for those seeking diverse wildlife encounters. Embark on safaris in national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, where you can witness lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards roaming freely. For bird watchers, Uganda is a treasure trove, boasting over 1,000 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

Uganda’s adventure offerings extend beyond wildlife. The Nile River, the longest in the world, is ideal for adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting and kayaking. For those interested in cultural experiences, visiting local villages and engaging with Uganda’s rich traditions can be deeply rewarding.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a culture lover, Uganda promises an unforgettable safari experience in 2025 and 2026. Start planning your journey now to explore all that this incredible country has to offer.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda offer an extraordinary experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, primarily found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These treks take you deep into lush rainforests, where you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The journey begins with a briefing from experienced guides, who will lead you through dense foliage and steep terrain. The trek can be challenging, often lasting several hours, but the reward is unparalleled. Encountering a family of gorillas up close is a breathtaking experience, as you watch them forage, play, and interact with one another. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating, providing a profound connection with these gentle giants.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits are limited, ensuring minimal impact on the gorilla populations and a more intimate experience for visitors. Besides the thrill of seeing gorillas, the trek itself offers a chance to immerse in Uganda’s stunning biodiversity, with opportunities to spot other wildlife and exotic bird species.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more than just a safari; it’s an adventure of a lifetime, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of one of the world’s most endangered animals.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. Home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provide the ideal settings for this adventure. The trek through dense rainforests is challenging but incredibly rewarding, culminating in a close encounter with gorilla families in their natural habitat.

Uganda’s permits are more affordable compared to neighboring countries, making it a cost-effective option for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The limited number of permits ensures a minimal impact on the gorillas and a more intimate experience for visitors. Additionally, the diverse ecosystems of Uganda offer sightings of other wildlife and numerous bird species.

Choosing Uganda for gorilla trekking means supporting conservation efforts and local communities, contributing to the protection of these majestic creatures and their environment while enjoying an adventure that’s both thrilling and meaningful.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is primarily conducted in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each offering unique trekking experiences. The dense, mist-covered forest of Bwindi provides a stunning backdrop as you hike through challenging terrain to encounter gorilla families. The park also boasts rich biodiversity, including over 350 bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though smaller, is equally significant. It is part of the Virunga Volcanoes range and offers a different gorilla trekking experience. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, known for its transboundary movements between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga’s scenic landscapes, featuring volcanic peaks, add an extra layer of adventure to the trek.

Both parks offer well-organized trekking tours led by experienced guides, ensuring a safe and informative experience. Whether you choose Bwindi’s impenetrable forest or Mgahinga’s volcanic slopes, encountering gorillas in Uganda is a life-changing experience that combines adventure, conservation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris In Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives. Several key locations provide excellent opportunities for chimpanzee encounters, each with unique environments and experiences.

Kibale Forest National Park is the most renowned destination for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale boasts the highest density of primates in Africa, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. The park’s diverse ecosystem of tropical rainforest and woodland is home to 13 primate species, making it a hotspot for primate enthusiasts. Guided treks, led by knowledgeable rangers, take visitors deep into the forest to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Budongo Forest Reserve, located near Murchison Falls National Park, is another prime location for chimpanzee tracking. The Kaniyo Pabidi area within Budongo offers guided walks through pristine mahogany and ironwood forests, where visitors can see chimpanzees and other wildlife, including a variety of bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” provides a unique setting for chimpanzee tracking. The gorge’s steep terrain and lush vegetation create a striking environment for observing chimpanzees, as well as other primates and birdlife.

To track chimpanzees in Uganda, visitors must obtain permits. In Kibale Forest, permits cost around $200 per person, while permits for Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge are generally cheaper, at approximately $90 and $50 respectively. It’s recommended to book permits well in advance, as they are limited to ensure minimal impact on the primate populations and to provide a more intimate experience for visitors.

Wildlife Safaris In Uganda

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating wildlife safaris on the continent. From the savannas to the forests, Uganda’s national parks are teeming with an incredible variety of wildlife.

National Parks and Wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse national parks, spanning savannas, forests, and wetlands. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, large herds of elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is a highlight for boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species.

Murchison Falls National Park

Named after the dramatic Murchison Falls where the Nile River plunges over a narrow gorge, this park offers a classic safari experience. Visitors can see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife like giraffes, hartebeests, and Uganda kob. Boat cruises on the Nile provide spectacular views of the falls and the abundant wildlife along the riverbanks.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the remote northeastern part of Uganda, Kidepo is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa. It is home to a unique array of wildlife, including species not found in other parts of Uganda such as cheetahs, ostriches, and the endemic Karamoja apalis.

Walking Safaris in Uganda

Walking safaris offer a more intimate and adventurous way to experience Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. These safaris are guided by experienced rangers who provide insights into the flora and fauna, as well as the local ecology and conservation efforts.

Popular Walking Safari Locations

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While renowned for gorilla trekking, Bwindi also offers guided nature walks that explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. These walks provide opportunities to see other primates, birds, butterflies, and unique plant species. The walks can range from a few hours to a full day, catering to different fitness levels and interests.

Lake Mburo National Park

This park is one of the best places in Uganda for walking safaris. Its relatively open terrain and lower predator density make it safer for guided walks. Visitors can spot zebras, elands, impalas, and warthogs, among other wildlife. The park also offers birding walks, with over 350 bird species recorded.

Mount Elgon National Park

For those interested in combining wildlife with scenic landscapes, Mount Elgon offers guided hikes that traverse diverse habitats, from montane forests to high-altitude moorlands. The park is home to primates, forest elephants, and a variety of bird species, including the endangered Lammergeier.

Combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and traditional safaris in Uganda offers an unparalleled adventure, showcasing the country’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. This comprehensive experience allows visitors to engage with some of the world’s most fascinating primates and iconic African wildlife.

Gorilla Trekking

The journey begins in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense forest, visitors can spend an hour observing gorilla families in their natural habitat. The experience is both exhilarating and humbling, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures. Bwindi’s lush biodiversity also offers opportunities to see other wildlife and bird species.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Next, head to Kibale Forest National Park, the “Primate Capital of the World.” Kibale is renowned for its chimpanzee population, with over 1,500 individuals. Guided treks lead visitors through the park’s tropical rainforest, where they can watch chimpanzees swing from trees, play, and socialize. The park is also home to 13 other primate species, making it a haven for primate enthusiasts. Alternatively, Budongo Forest Reserve and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge offer excellent chimpanzee tracking experiences in unique settings.

Traditional Safaris

For a classic African safari, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, and the scenic Kazinga Channel, where boat safaris reveal hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Murchison Falls, with its dramatic waterfall on the Nile River, provides a chance to see the “Big Five” and other wildlife like giraffes and antelope. The boat cruises to the base of the falls are particularly memorable, combining stunning scenery with wildlife viewing.