What wildlife can I see in Uganda and where? Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a true paradise for wildlife lovers. This beautiful country offers an incredible diversity of animals — from majestic mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees to the classic Big Five and over 1,000 species of birds. If you’re planning a safari in Uganda, get ready for a truly unforgettable experience where every park and reserve holds its own special treasures.
Here’s a detailed guide to the remarkable wildlife you can see in Uganda — and the best places to find them.

1. Mountain Gorillas – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park

When you think of wildlife in Uganda, mountain gorillas are often the first that come to mind. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the premier destination for gorilla trekking.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most famous spot for gorilla trekking, offering numerous habituated families that visitors can track daily.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, although smaller, is equally rewarding, with the added chance of seeing golden monkeys.

Gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience — imagine standing just meters away from a massive silverback, watching a mother cradle her baby, or seeing juveniles tumbling and playing. It’s pure magic, and an absolute must-do safari activity in Uganda.

2. Lions – Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks

Uganda offers thrilling opportunities to see lions in their natural habitat.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector. Seeing these big cats lounging in fig trees is one of Africa’s unique wildlife experiences.

• Murchison Falls National Park is another stronghold for lions. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide excellent chances to spot lions hunting or relaxing.

• Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote northeast, boasts a healthy population of lions in a dramatic, open savannah setting.

While lions are wild and sightings are never guaranteed, Uganda’s top parks give visitors excellent chances to encounter these majestic predators.

3. Elephants – Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks

Elephants roam widely across Uganda’s parks, providing incredible photographic opportunities.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park has large herds, especially around the Mweya Peninsula and the Kasenyi Plains.

• Murchison Falls National Park offers frequent sightings, often near the riverbanks where elephants drink and bathe.

• Kidepo Valley National Park’s remote location means fewer crowds and memorable up-close encounters with elephants in a truly wild landscape.

Whether it’s a lone bull elephant crossing a dusty track or a herd with tiny calves in tow, Uganda’s elephants are a safari highlight.

4. Chimpanzees – Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking is another thrilling wildlife adventure that Uganda does exceptionally well.

• Kibale Forest National Park is often called the “Primate Capital of the World” because it’s home to the highest density of chimpanzees in Africa.

• Budongo Forest Reserve, near Murchison Falls, also offers excellent chimpanzee trekking experiences.

• Kyambura Gorge (known as the “Valley of Apes”) in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a scenic setting to find a smaller population of chimps.

Tracking chimpanzees through lush forests is exhilarating — you’ll hear their loud pant-hooting calls echoing through the trees long before you see them!

5. Hippos and Crocodiles – Kazinga Channel and the Nile River

For lovers of aquatic wildlife, Uganda’s rivers and lakes are teeming with action.

• A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park reveals one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world. You’ll also spot Nile crocodiles basking on the shores and hundreds of waterbirds.

• Murchison Falls National Park’s boat safaris along the Nile River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a dazzling array of birds.

These river excursions are peaceful, scenic, and offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda.

6. Giraffes – Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s main population of giraffes, specifically the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, can be found in Murchison Falls National Park. You will also have the chance to see Giraffes from Lake Mburo National Park. 

Lake Mburo National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are the best parks for children because they love these tall animals. 

These elegant creatures are often seen in herds wandering across the savannah or browsing from tall acacia trees. Watching giraffes gracefully stride against a backdrop of rolling plains and the Nile is simply breathtaking.

Conservation efforts have been successful in Uganda, and giraffes have even been translocated to other parks like Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley to boost populations.

7. Leopards – Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Parks

Elusive and beautiful, leopards are a thrilling sight on any safari.

• Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth are the best places to spot leopards, often seen lounging on tree branches or prowling at dusk.

• Kidepo Valley National Park also harbors healthy leopard numbers, offering a chance to see them in rugged, dramatic settings.

Leopard sightings require patience, but the reward — a glimpse of this spotted predator in the wild — is unforgettable.

8. Antelope Species and Buffalo – Across All Parks

Uganda’s parks are teeming with a variety of antelope species including Uganda kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, oribi, and topi.

• Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks are among the best for seeing large herds.

• Buffaloes are plentiful across Uganda, often seen in massive herds in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.

These herbivores are essential to the savannah ecosystem and provide exciting scenes, especially when predators are nearby.

9. Birds – Everywhere!

Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 1,060 bird species — nearly half of all bird species found in Africa.

• Mabamba Swamp is famous for the rare shoebill stork.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 species.

• Semuliki National Park and Budongo Forest are rich in forest birds.

From dazzling sunbirds to huge African fish eagles, Uganda’s birdlife adds color and magic to every safari.

From the lush rainforests to the open plains, Uganda offers one of Africa’s most diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you’re trekking gorillas through misty mountains, watching lions laze in trees, cruising among hippos on the Nile, or listening to the haunting calls of chimpanzees, every day on safari in Uganda brings new wonders.

For clients seeking a safari that’s rich, varied, and less crowded than some other destinations, Uganda is simply unbeatable. Its combination of primate experiences, Big Five safaris, spectacular scenery, and warm, welcoming people makes it a must-visit for any serious wildlife enthusiast.