Uganda Safari Attractions (What to See on A Uganda Safari)

Uganda isn’t only a peaceful and safe place to spend a vacation or carryout business trip, but also the most preferred destination to enjoy encounter of diverse faunal and floral species in a single habitat. It is a fun-filling destination with so much to see and we can categorize them as primates, big 5 game & other wildlife, rainforests, water bodies, mountains, breathtaking landscapes and more.

What to see on your safari in Uganda

Primates

A total of about 20 species of primates are concentrated in Uganda. They include 13 walking/diurnal species and 7 nocturnal species. These survive within Uganda’s lush tropical rainforest which makes this scenic country one of the richest primate destinations. In Africa, Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most sought for primate destinations, an excellent place to locate the endangered mountain gorillas.

Over half of the rare mountain gorillas freely roam in Uganda’s spectacular rainforests: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Overall, about 1063 mountain gorillas live on earth and distributed in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

A visit to Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for up close and personal with mountain gorillas requires you to have a valid gorilla trekking permit. A single Uganda gorilla permit is issued at USD700 which you can obtain through our reservation team info@silverbackgorillatour.com or info@adventureugandasafaris.com. A gorilla tour in Uganda should be planned and booked early and we recommend that you do it at least 2-4 months.

The sectors to visit to see mountain gorillas include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ntebeko. These 5 regions protect a total of 21 full habituated gorilla family groups including Mubare –the oldest of all the gorilla groups, Habinyanja, Mukiza, Mucunguzi, Oruzongo, and others.

mountain gorillas

Other primates to see on Uganda safaris include chimpanzees and these account for a population of about 5050 chimps. The best places to visit to track chimpanzees on a safari in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest. Immerse yourself in the rainforests of Uganda to see the grey cheeked mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.

Big five game & other wildlife

Uganda is a special location where you can find all the big 5 game and other unique wildlife in a single habitat. The big five members to find on a safari in Uganda include African lions (which include the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector), Cape buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Other must-see wildlife in Uganda include Rothschild giraffes, zebras, hyenas, Uganda Kobs, impalas, African wildcats, cheetahs, topis, elands, and a lot more.

Birds

If there is one destination in Africa with largest concentration of birds, then it is Uganda- the Pearl of Africa. Lying in East Africa, Uganda holds over 1080 species of birds including forest, Albertine rift endemic species, aquatic species and terrestrial, etc. Some of the special species of birds to expect spotting on birding tour in Uganda include the bar-tailed trogons, yellow-bellied hyliota, grey crowned cranes, green-breasted pitta, black bee-eaters, hartlaub’s bustards, African fish eagles, kingfishers, shoebill storks, great blue turacos, shelley’s crimson wing and others.

Mountains

Uganda’s landscape is characterized by not only rainforests, rivers, lakes, but also scenic mountains. This makes it a preferred mountaineering destination with opportunities available in the Rwenzori Mountains 5109m, Mount Elgon, Gahinga, Muhabura and Sabyinyo Volcanoes.

Water bodies

Besides wildlife and primates, Uganda is a beautiful country with over 15% of it covered by freshwater swamps and lakes. This is a landlocked country with amazing water bodies including Africa’s biggest freshwater Lake –Lake Victoria, and the source of the Nile River all existing in this spectacular destination. With these wonders, Uganda offers the best adrenaline adventures including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, tubing, kayaking, boat cruise and more.

The people

A safari in Uganda is beyond seeing flora and fauna. This is one destination that can en-rich you with unique African cultures, traditions, norms, and other practices. Over 56 tribes harmoniously live in Uganda each speaking their different languages. On your trip in Uganda, you will be amazed by the warm welcome from the locals right from the point of entry till you return back home.

What to expect on a safari Uganda?

A typical trip in Uganda encompasses diverse encounters. Expect to enjoy a thrilling gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, grey-cheeked mangabey tracking, game drives, hiking, mountaineering and so much more.

Is Uganda good for safari?

Yes, Uganda is an excellent destination to enjoy the best of game viewing experience. It offers typical of savanna wildlife encounters from the big five to small mammals, birds and lush vegetation cover.

What are the best months for safari in Uganda?

The best months to go safari in Uganda run from December to February or choose to plan your trip around June to September. These are the months of the year with favorable weather conditions, also ideal for game drives and primate search, especially chimpanzee or gorilla trekking.

Is Uganda/Kenya better for safari?

Uganda is an excellent place for mountain gorilla trekking and Kenya offers unmatched big 5 game encounters or wildebeest migration experience.

In summary, Uganda should be your must-visit safari destination in Africa. Come and enjoy plenty of exciting activities and encounter diversity of wildlife from primates, savanna wildlife, birds, explore the finest natural forests and interact with the most hospitable people on earth.