Safari activities in Uganda are becoming popular in Africa since they offer several outstanding safari experiences. Some are rare in most African safari destinations! Among these are gorilla trekking Tours in Bwindi and Mgahinga and chimpanzee trekking adventures in Kibale National park. Remember, Uganda holds half of the Mountain gorillas on Earth; thus, it’s the best area for gorilla tracking safaris in Africa!
Gorilla Trekking Experiences
Gorilla trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mgahinga Gorilla Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park should be given priority on your vacation in Uganda. The other must-do activities on a Uganda tour include going for amazing wildlife viewing tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Murchison Falls Park, one of the best sites to spot Lions and Giraffes in East Africa. Many visitors consider gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as the best activity among things to do in Uganda.
Mountain gorillas live only in Africa and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best area to track these cool giants in their attractive, misty locale. Other parks for gorilla tracking tours include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
All gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park start at 8; 00 am with a briefing. Then, visitors are assigned a gorilla family group to track. While on the gorilla trek, other Primate species and beautiful birds are usually encountered.
The thrill of the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi forest is meeting face-to-face with these humble giants of the forest! You’ll spend one hour with them, taking photos and videos, as you learn about fascinating facts about gorillas, the biggest apes on Earth.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
June–early September: dry months are recommended since rains are usually minimal in tropical rainforests. Thus, the mountain gorilla tracking trails are free from mud. It’s possible to track in the short dry season of December–February, too.
Reserve your Mountain gorilla tracking permit on time. The gorilla tracking permits are limited in number.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
Just like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Park is also among the popular safari activities in Uganda. It’s a fascinating and unique experience, allowing you to meet our closest cousins, the Chimpanzees.
Kibale Forest National Park not only offers the best chimpanzee tours in Uganda but also in Africa. This stunning tropical rainforest (Kibale Forest) holds over 1,500 Chimpanzees living in 4 communities. Chimpanzee tours in Kibale Park take place within the Kanyanchu region.
The most amazing part of Uganda’s chimpanzee safaris in Kibale Park is that, on the chimpanzee trekking trail, you’ll spot hundreds of monkeys! The most popular are Baboons, Red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus. Countless forest bird species will be spotted, including the Great Blue Turaco.
Chimp trekking in Kibale is friendly compared to gorilla trekking expeditions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Watching chimpanzees play, groom, or feed in their natural habitat is a lifetime adventure you’ll live to remember. It gives you the insight that chimpanzees are truly human cousins! $250 is the cost of Kibale chimpanzee trekking expedition.
More areas for chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda:
- Kalinzu Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Budongo Forest, near Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park
- Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth park
Wildlife spotting on game drives
Game drives in Uganda are only possible within savannah national parks, for instance, Queen Elizabeth Park. Other Uganda’s national parks to enjoy game drives are Murchison falls park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. It’s also possible in some game reserves of Uganda. Additionally, it’s the best way to spot the Big Five and other big game animals in Uganda, such as Giraffes, Zebras, cheetahs, Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, Hartebeests, etc.
Going on game drives is the best way to encounter Ugandan game animals. While with your tour guide in the jungle, you’ll search for Lions, African Buffalos, Zebras, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Bushbucks, Elands, Topis, and Hartebeests, among others.
Usually, day game drives are taken and night game drives can be taken if a client wants to see nocturnal game animals (mostly Leopards & Hyenas) well.
Note: Game drives are mostly done in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. You’ll be with a skilled tour guide with experience in most wild animals and nature.
Scenic game walks in national parks like Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo national park are lovely for nature lovers. Imagine encountering a herd of Buffalos and Tower of Giraffes on foot! Don’t think otherwise; it’s safe, dear. Mburo National Park a true hidden gem, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and a peaceful safari experience away from the crowds
Boat trips in uganda
Boat trip expeditions are also among the best things to do in Uganda during your Uganda game viewing tours.
Taking a boat cruise (boat trip) is the best way to see game animals that are hard to find on land. Among these are hippos and crocodiles, as well as wonderful water bird species including the Shoebill, Yellow-billed storks, Black Herons, Pelicans, great Great Egrets, etc.
In the dry season, other game animals such as Elephants, cape Buffalos, waterbucks, Zebras, Giraffes, Oribis, and Bushbucks can be sighted along the water banks.
Major areas to go for boat trips in Uganda:
Kazinga channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park On this boat cruise, you will enjoy a close encounter with countless hippos, wonderfully submerged in water. This waterway links Lake George to Lake Edward
Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park—one of the breath-taking boat cruises in Uganda—taking you to the bottom of the giant Murchison Falls- (the world’s most powerful waterfall) on Victoria Nile
Lake Mburo boat cruise within Lake Mburo National Park in south-western Uganda
On foot rhino tracking in ziwa rhino sanctuary
In all of Uganda’s national park, there are no Rhinos. Travelers on Uganda tours can only see these magnificent creatures in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary within Nakasongola district, 176km from Kampala capital city centre. Tourists on Uganda wildlife safari tours often visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary while on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is among the most thrilling safari activities in Uganda. On this captivating adventure, you’ll track Rhinos on foot in a close encounter and it’s such an extraordinary experience! As you track rhinos in Ziwa, you can also see other wild animals such as Uganda kobs, warthogs, oribis, bushbucks, and monkeys.
Bird watching in uganda
Bird lovers who have visited Uganda agree that Uganda is a birding paradise in Africa. In this spectacular gem of Africa (Uganda), about 1,090 species of birds have been spotted, including even migratory birds, which come around November and April. Travelers undertaking Uganda birding tours can look out for woodland birds, wading birds, Congo Guinea species, savannah birds & forest birds. Most travellers on Ugandan birding safaris are interested in spotting the Shoebill, Double-toothed Barbet, Secretary Birds, Great Blue Turaco, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and Yellow-throated bee-eater. Others include Saddle-billed storks, Palm-nut Vulture, green-breasted pitas, Pelicans, Secretary birds, African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, Broad-billed rollers, etc.
The main birding spots in Uganda are:
- • Queen Elizabeth National Park
- • Kibale Park is ideal for sightings of forest birds
- • Murchison Falls National Park
- • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- • Mabamba Swamp: a convenient site to see Shoebills in Uganda
- • Kidepo national park on South Sudan borders with Uganda
- • Lake Mburo National Park is ideal for birds of woodlands
- • Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- • Budongo Forest Reserve
During your Uganda bird-watching expeditions, we shall assign to you a knowledgeable local birding guide. He will assist you in spotting, identifying, and describing birds while in the field.
Those who have taken Ugandan birding trips regard this adventure as one of the best things to do in Uganda.
Golden monkey tracking in mgahinga park
Golden monkeys are among the prettiest monkeys on Earth, living only on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains that span Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Undertaking golden monkey trekking expeditions in Mgahinga park in south western Uganda is the best way to watch Golden monkeys. These beautiful endangered monkeys live in troops of over 30 individuals and it’s amazing to watch them jumping in bamboo forests. Just like gorilla tracking adventures, golden monkey tracking also starts with a briefing at 8:00 am.
Mountain climbing in uganda
One of the Best Adventure Activities in Uganda:Uganda is an exceptional destination for mountain hiking adventures, as it has several mountain hiking options. Among these are the Rwenzori Mountain snow-capped peaks and the beautiful volcanoes in Mgahinga Park, all in south western Uganda. In eastern Uganda, you can climb Mount Elgon to explore its incredible caldera, the biggest in Africa. Rwenzori Mountains (5109m) in south western Uganda (about 2 hours drive from Fort Portal) await world-class mountain climbers. A scenic hike to the Rwenzori Mountains summit, Margherita Peak, takes around 7-9 days.
Except for the Rwenzori Mountains, other mountain hiking expeditions, like Mount Elgon hikes in eastern Uganda, don’t require previous hiking experience.
We recommend you hike the Rwenzori Mountains and explore the highest point in Uganda, which is covered in glaciers all year round.
Target to climb in a dry season! Also, note that Rwenzori mountain hiking tours can be supplemented by game viewing tours in Uganda. For instance, Queen Elizabeth Park offers wildlife tours or gorilla tours in Bwindi forest.
Cultural encounters in uganda
Cultural encounters are becoming popular on the list of fun things to do in Uganda during your Uganda Safaris tours.
Engaging in cultural tours in Uganda during your vacation enables you to interact directly with locals. You’ll learn intriguing facts about Ugandan customs, history, economic activities, and beliefs. The prominent cultural encounters on a Uganda trip include:
Visiting Batwa communities around Bwindi impenetrable forest in south western Uganda
The Batwa are also called the Pygmies. Initially, these Pygmies lived in the Bwindi forest; however, around 1991, they were evicted following the establishment of the park to conserve Gorillas.
During the Batwa community visit, you’ll discover how Pygmies could survive in the forest. They will demonstrate their great hunting skills, make fire in wood, and, lastly, enjoy their fascinating dance performances. It’s okay to take part in their dynamic dance.
An encounter with the karamajongs of northern uganda for A Unique Cultural Experience
Karamajong cultural encounters hardly miss on Uganda tour packages of tourists undertaking wildlife safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park. Beyond its natural wonders, Kidepo is home to two fascinating indigenous communities:
- The Karamojong – A semi-nomadic pastoralist group, culturally similar to the Maasai of Kenya, known for their cattle-keeping traditions and warrior heritage. While on this cultural tour, you will visit the amazing homesteads of Karamajongs and meet the elderly.
- The Ik people – A small, hunter-gatherer tribe living in the mountains bordering Kenya, whose traditional way of life is under threat.
These beautiful people and their culture are worth exploring. They will entertain you with their breath-taking dance.
Visitors can interact with these communities, gaining insight into their traditions, storytelling, and daily survival techniques in one of Africa’s most challenging environments.
Mount Elgon is home to the Bagisu and Sabiny tribes, while the Ndorobo community has historically lived in the forests of Benet. To the Bagisu (BaMasaba), the mountain represents their ancestral father, Masaba, and they continue to honor this heritage by referring to the mountain by his name. The Bagisu circumcision ritual (Imbalu), one of the region’s most significant cultural traditions, is directly tied to the mountain. This public initiation ceremony, held every even-numbered year, marks a young man’s transition into adulthood and attracts visitors from across the country
More cultural experiences in Uganda are worth undertaking:
Undertaking community visits around Kibale National Park, near Fort Portal Town in western Uganda. Don’t miss buying some crafts from locals. This is how tourists contribute to community development. Visit the Ndere Cultural Centre
Exploring Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru, one of the cultural attractions in western Uganda, on the outskirts of Fort Portal town. It’s possible to visit the scenic crater lakes around
Visiting the Buganda King’s Palace in Mengo, Kampala
Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary in lake victoria
A tour to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is among the must-do outdoor activities in Uganda. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria within Entebbe is the only sanctuary for chimpanzees in East Africa, holding around 52 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees from the pet trade and poachers. Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary is the most convenient place to see wild chimpanzees in Uganda. There is a viewing platform where visitors stand and watch these chimpanzees as they are being fed.
Note that visitors don’t track chimpanzees on Ngamba Island; they just watch them! Here, travellers have a better chance of observing various chimpanzee behaviours than those who go trekking them in Kibale Forest.
Source of the nile in jinja, eastern uganda
An Adventure Activity in Uganda for Adventure lovers tour to the source of the River Nile in eastern Uganda is a wonderful experience for water sports enthusiasts.
The legendary Nile River (the world’s longest river, 6,650km long) holds numerous rapids, including some that allow world-class white water rafting. Tubing on the Nile, jet boating, kayaking, quad biking, and bungee jumping into the Nile River are possible as well.
To many, taking a boat trip to witness the source of the Nile River is another highlight of this outing. You’ll witness the River Nile (Victoria Nile) as it lives in the calm waters of Lake Victoria to start its journey to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Exploring lake bunyonyi in southwestern uganda
Not only is Lake Bunyonyi the deepest lake in Uganda, but it’s also Uganda’s most beautiful lake. It’s the second-deepest lake in Africa after Tanzania’s Tanganyika Lake, which is about 1,470m deep.
Lake Bunyonyi Uganda, boasts over 29 islands which are encased in beautiful terraced hills of Kigezi Highlands, creating a lovely natural scenery ideal for relaxation. Normally, tourists visit Lake Bunyonyi after Uganda gorilla tours in Bwindi forest.
Apart from relaxation on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, adventurous travellers can take a boat ride to explore its historical islands. Community visits as well as cycling tours around Lake Bunyonyi can be done. Taking breakfast from your private lounge of a resort around Lake Bunyonyi is the best way to explore the brilliant morning views of this natural wonder.
Game walking and hikes
Taking game walks is the most rewarding way to explore nature. This thrill is a great adventure for nature lovers. On foot with a game ranger, you will explore the park, coming across game animals such as Cape Buffaloes, Impalas, Elands, and Bushbucks, among others.
In Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park game walks offer the best experience; however, it’s also possible in Kidepo Valley National Park to explore Kidepo Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs.
Hikes along the Sempaya nature trail in Semuliki park take you to explore Sempaya hot springs. These godly hot springs boil over 1000 °C.
Mountain biking tours in uganda
Mountain biking expeditions are also another unique thing to do in Uganda during your vacation. It can be done in communities and even in some parks and you will have the company of a local guide.
Best areas for mountain biking expeditions in Uganda;
- Cycling in the Mpanga Tea Estate in Fort Portal. The green landscapes of this tea estate are exquisite to explore on a bike
- Cycling in Mburo Park
- Cycling in Mabira Forest
Kampala city tours
Taking a Kampala city tour is the best way to explore Kampala, Uganda’s biggest city. On this adventure, you will discover the interesting economic practices and culture of the people in Uganda.
In most cases, people undertaking Kampala city tours can explore the city on Foot or the Back of a motorbike Boda Boda visit places like:
- The crowded Old Taxi Park
- Owino Market is one of the busiest open markets in East Africa
- Nakasero Market: the best market in Kampala to get tropical fruits
- Exploring Gaddafi National Mosque: climbing its minaret offers splendid views of Kampala town
- Beautiful art galleries and craft markets to buy souvenirs
- Visiting the Uganda Museum and Uganda National Theatre
If time allows, don’t miss out on enjoying Kampala’s nightlife!
Tree-climbing lions of ishasha
Do Lions climb trees? Yes, some Lions have adapted to climb trees, though it’s a rare occurrence.
In the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth park, Lions have been observed up in big branches of Fig trees. They are typically observed in the afternoon. Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions are said to do so to obtain better views of their prey and to escape from tiny flies on the ground.
Equator landmark visits in kayabwe, lake victoria entebbe and kikorongo
Photo Shooting at the Equator Landmark in Kayabwe on Lake Victoria, Entebbe and Kikorongo in Kasese Queen Elizabeth National Park
Normally, the Equator landmarks can be visited en route to southern Uganda safari destinations. As well as while on a Tour of Lake Vitoria in Entebbe, on these Equator stopovers, you’ll enjoy taking lovely photos while standing on either the northern or southern hemisphere. Several equator experiments can be done as well.
Note: The Equator is an imaginary line running from east to west, dividing planet Earth into 2 parts.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in uganda
What is Uganda Best Known for? : What is the Most Famous Thing in Uganda?
The Pearl of Africa, Uganda is best known for having the highest world’s mountain gorilla population. Therefore, it’s a wonderful place for gorilla safaris in Africa. On your vacations, you explore other popular tourist attractions in Uganda.
Is Uganda safe to visit? Is Uganda safe for travel? Is it safe to visit Uganda?
All things considered, travelling in Uganda is safe. However, as in any safari destination, you should exercise caution, particularly during election seasons or periods of protest.
Also, while in busy towns like Kampala, lock car doors and don’t move with expensive gadgets. Cases of pickpocketing happen on busy streets.
The popular tourist attraction, including parks, are watched over by armed rangers.
Is Uganda Safe for Female Tourists?
Even though Uganda is a safe country, visitors, including women, should exercise caution when visiting. Act responsibly, just like you would in your nation! Putting on appropriate clothing and avoiding wandering alone at night are two examples.
How safe is Uganda for Foreigners?
Uganda is a safe destination for all foreigners coming from all parts of the globe, including the USA. In fact, on your trip, while exploring the top tourist attractions in Uganda, you’ll agree that Uganda has one of the friendliest people in Africa.
Is Uganda Good for Tourists? : Is Uganda Tourist Friendly?
This country is good for tourists. On booking your trip in Uganda with a reliable tour agent, you’ll be taken to explore top tourist attractions in Uganda and various amazing activities, including gorilla tracking expeditions, among others.
There are many things to do in Uganda, but some of the most popular ones include chimpanzee trekking, mountain hiking, and cultural tours.
What Attracts People to Uganda? : Why Do Tourists Go to Uganda?
Wonderful tourist attractions and activities in Uganda influence travellers to visit Uganda. Among the top tourist attractions in Uganda are mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, which are open for primate safaris.
Uganda is not only famous for primate tours, but it’s also a great destination for mountain hiking tours, game viewing expeditions, cultural encounters, and white water games
What Is Special in Uganda? : What Is Unique in Uganda?
Wonderful tourist attractions and safari activities in Uganda make it a special destination for holidays. On your vacation in Uganda, you will track the critically endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees and spot game animals in their natural habitat.
What are the leisure activities in Uganda?
Uganda offers a range of leisure activities, but chimpanzee and gorilla tracking, as well as game driving, are the most popular. Others include birding expeditions, game walks, boat cruising, beach tours on Lake Victoria, and even undertaking a source of the Nile tour, among others.
When should I visit Uganda for a vacation?
Uganda’s two dry seasons, which run from December to February and June to early September, are the ideal times for safari in Uganda. These are the finest times to track chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and other game animals since the tracks are dry.
Rainfall is prone from March to May, and some tracks become muddy, but they remain passable. Since it’s the off-season, some lodges may give you a discount if you visit during this period.
Which Tourist Attraction Is Found in Uganda? What Is the Tourist Attraction Found in Uganda?
Destination Uganda features several amazing tourist attractions, but gorillas, chimpanzees, and other game animals are the most popular. Others are dazzling mountains and beautiful lakes, including Lake Victoria as well as Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake.
What Is the Leading Tourist Attraction in Uganda?
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the leading tourist attraction in Uganda. Others include game animals, spectacular mountains, crater lakes, and legendary rivers.
Why is Uganda a tourist destination?
Amazing Uganda safari activities, for example, gorilla tracking expeditions, have made this country a great safari destination in East Africa.
Is Uganda a cheap country?
Most African safari countries, including Uganda, are cheap to travel to. For example, if you are a budget traveller, expect to spend about 40–60 USD on accommodation a day. A midrange traveller should plan about 70–120 USD.
The above rate can change over time!
In summary, tracking gorillas, chimpanzee tracking, and even game driving to look for big game animals are the key safari activities in Uganda.
Birding, Mount Rwenzori hiking tours, game walking, white-water sports on the River Nile, and even cultural encounters are also must-do things on your Uganda safari. Beach tours on the sand beaches of Lake Victoria are also superb.
Write to us with any inquiries about tourist activities in Uganda!
