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 is one of Africa's most bio-diverse safari destinations.
Giraffes under the amber hue of morning light at Murchison Falls.
Tree climbing is a behavioural adaptation, rather than a product of evolution.
Lioness resting in the branches at QENP.
Spot the crocs lakeside on boat safaris.
Uganda is one of Africa's most bio-diverse safari destinations.
Sunrise at QENP, safaris start early for the best sightings.
Big cats appear alongside big game on a single day of safari.
Buffalos and Giraffes are just some of the animals sharing the plains.
Chimpanzees can also be found at Murchison Falls.
Elephant's charging through the grasslands at Murchison.
Ugandan Kob and Bushbuck roam the savannah plains at QENP.
QENP is home to over 2500 Elephants.
Leopards are also found climbing the trees at QENP.
Kidepo has over 50 Rothschild’s giraffe, an internationally important population.
Volcanic ranges border Kidepo and provide an epic backdrop.
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.
Tree climbing is a behavioural adaptation, rather than a product of evolution.
Popular Safaris in Uganda
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Most Popular Safari Destinations 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.
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.
What our Uganda Guide
Popular Safaris in Uganda
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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