Safaris in Uganda

Introduction

Part of what makes Uganda such a special place to visit is its diversity of wildlife experiences within such a small region.

The southwestern corner of Uganda is not only famous for its gorilla and chimpanzee populations, but there are 3 savannah safari parks in the area that can easily be combined with a primate safari with a short 2-hour drive. 

The result is that even a short 7-10 day itinerary can combine gorilla trekking and chimp trekking with classic savannah safaris where you'll find elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, antelopes, and buffalo - to name just a few. 

Uganda Safaris

Uganda is one of Africa's most bio-diverse safari destinations.

The lay of the land

In the southwest of Uganda, there are 3 savannah safari parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Semliki Valley.

These parks can easily be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga and/or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest in just a few hours drive making them very popular options. 

Outside the southwestern pocket, there are two savannah parks: Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Kidepo is in the far north of the country, and is typically reserved for itineraries beyond 7-10 days or for travellers with specific interests. Murchison Falls is one of the best safari destinations in the country, and is often combined with the south-western parks. 

Lion climbing tree in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Tree climbing is a behavioural adaptation, rather than a product of evolution.

Map of Savannah Safaris in Uganda

Safaris in the Southwest

QENP, Lake Mburo, & Semliki Valley

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is the most biodiverse destination in Uganda. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions and leopards. 

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lake Mburo and its surrounding woods and grasslands is a beautiful place to just relax and a fascinating place to explore. Sable and leopard sightings here are frequent.

Discover Lake Mburo National Park

The oldest protected area in Uganda. Semliki is a subtly beautiful savannah reserve in remote western Uganda close by the border with the DRC. Explore on game drives, on foot and enjoy boat safaris on Lake Albert.

Discover Semliki Valley

Uganda Safaris

Safaris outside the southwestern pocket

Murchison Falls & Kidepo Valley

The perfect combination of wildlife-rich grasslands and the river Nile. Where the river and Lake Albert provide pristine wetland habitats, the savannah is home to large numbers of elephant, giraffe, buffalo and lion, to name just a few of the headlines. Explore on game drives, hot air balloon flights and boat safaris.

Discover Murchison Falls National Park

Go wild. If you like your safaris remote and dramatic, it doesn't get better than Kidepo. Be warned: it’s hard to leave. Located in the far north-east of the country, Kidepo is two river valleys flanked by mountains close to the border with South Sudan and Kenya. Visit in the dry season and this is the only place in Uganda you can see cheetah. Meet the proud Karamojong people who neighbour the park and climb into the mountains to meet the Ik. Explore on game drives and on foot.

Discover Kidepo Valley

Uganda Safaris

What our Uganda Guide

Thinking about visiting Uganda?

1
Listen

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We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

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Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Get in touch and we can help you understand your options, design an itinerary that's right for you, and then get you set up and ready to go. 

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