Uganda Safari

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Popularly referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda casts a spell of wonder and amazement as soon as you land at the airport. With picturesque landscapes, breathtaking lakes, abundant wildlife, and very hospitable people, it is simply the best of Africa combined into one stunning destination. Thinking of a safari adventure in Uganda? Here’s everything you need to know:

Where is Uganda?

Uganda is an East African country covering 197,100 square kilometers of land and 43,938 square kilometers of water. It shares its borders with Kenya to the east, Congo DRC to the west, Tanzania to the south, and South Sudan to the north. With a total area of 241,038 square kilometers, Uganda is the 81st largest country in the world and has an estimated population of 35,873,253. Its currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX), while its people are referred to as Ugandans.

How to Get There ?

All international flights coming into Uganda will arrive at the Entebbe International Airport about 46km from Kampala, the capital city. Travel to the safaris and lakes are done by road and in most cases, will be handled by your local tour operator as part of your safari-package.

Direct flights are available from most European countries:

The UK via British Airways
Belgium via Brussels Airlines
Turkey via Turkish Airlines
The Netherlands via KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

There are also direct flights from Qatar by Qatar Airways and the UAE via Emirates Airlines. At the moment, there are no direct flights from North America, but there are connections through codesharing airlines from Europe and South Africa.

Passport, visa and other entry requirements

Note that entry requirements are subject to change at any time, so make sure to contact the Uganda embassy in your country to verify the following information:

A valid passport for at least 6 months
Passports must have a clean and full visa page for endorsement
A valid yellow fever certificate

Visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance through your local Uganda embassy or high commission or the official online visa-application portal

Why Uganda Iver the Other Safari Destinations ?

It’s simple – Uganda offers a unique and more intimate experience! Other countries may have more popular safaris, but this actually works to Uganda’s favor, since it means there are fewer crowds and more accommodation options. Safari packages are also customizable and relatively more affordable so you can enjoy its many wonderful sights and sounds without necessarily exceeding your budget.

Moreover, there’s no better place in Africa to experience gorilla and chimpanzee tracking activities, which is essentially the equivalent of the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Warm, welcoming people, unforgettable scenes, and a ton of new memories to make – what’s not to love? Book your Ugandan safari adventure today!

Possible Tourism Barriers

Primates trekking and white water rafting can be expensive
Transportation around Uganda is not very good so it’s best to rent a car. However, this can be quite costly, especially for budget travelers.

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Here are Safari parks you can choose from

Top Parks in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England, this park was established in 1954 and is famous for its abundant wildlife, which includes hippos, tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, chimpanzees, African leopards, and over 500 bird species. Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth national park covers two lakes (Edward and George) as well as volcanic cones and deep craters. A game drive or boat cruise is all you need to view these creatures in their natural habitat, while also taking in the grand sights of the wondrous lakes and forests.

Kidepo Valley National Park

This fine wildlife preserve covers about 1442 sq km and is located in the northeastern region of the country. Its savannahs are so vast that they extend towards the mountain ranges of Kenya and South Sudan, hence the nickname — “the true African wilderness”. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to cape buffaloes, cheetahs, zebras, lions, giraffes, African elephants and many species of birds, but it offers more than just wildlife. Here, you can closely interact with nature and enjoy the scenic views from atop Mt. Morungole at an altitude 2750m — the perfect destination for hikers and mountain climbers.

Best time to visit — September to March

Lake Bunyonyi

Without a doubt, one of the most mesmerizing places you will ever witness is lake Bunyonyi, which is located in southwestern Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa and features 29 several beautiful islands that you can tour on canoe rides. The breathtaking scenery, coupled with the peaceful calming environment makes it a top destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways.

Best time to visit — Year-round

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most remarkable safari destinations in Uganda, thanks to its 348 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, geckos and chameleons, and over 200 different species of trees. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is also one of the best places to see up close the endangered mountain gorillas. Because of these, the park has been granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Best time to visit — June to August and December to February

The Source of the River Nile

This is located in Jinja town, home to a variety of water adventures, including bungee jumping and white water rafting. The famous river Nile stretches for nearly 7,000 kilometres and forms a vital part of Uganda’s ecosystem. Wildlife that can be found here include crocodiles, hippos, buffalos and a wide variety of birds.

Another Nile adventure is in the Murchison Falls Safari, the largest conservation area in Uganda with an area of over 3,840km. The falls are formed as the Nile forces its way through a narrow cleft so powerfully that it thrusts 43m down with a deafening roar.

Best time to visit — Year-round

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

This park is a paradise for hikers with both easily accessible trails and grueling volcanic hikes. The mountains are also the highest ranges in Africa and have snow-capped peaks. The park is home to exotic wildlife, such as elephants and leopards, but game viewing is not so easy due to the density of the forests.

Best time to visit — December to February and June to August

Kibale Forest National Park

Situated in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain, Kibale Forest National Park covers an area of 776 sq km and boasts the highest number of primates in East Africa and the highest number (1400+) of chimpanzees in the world. Other primates include the red colobus monkey, the blue monkey, the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, galagos, and bush babies.

Best time to visit — December to February and June to August

Mount Elgon National Park & Sipi Falls

From high peaked mountains and hidden caves to clear waterfalls and historic rock sculptures, Mount Elgon national park is the place to be for your ultimate R&R getaway. It also does not disappoint in its wildlife variety with over 300 bird species, antelopes, elephants, forest monkeys, and buffalos.

Best time to visit — December to February and June to July

Semuliki National Park

Enjoy the sulfur hot springs as well as the intriguing culture of the pygmies in this park. Adjacent to it is the Semliki reserve, which is the perfect destination for avid birdwatchers with over 435 bird species recorded. Other wildlife includes 300 butterfly species, 235 moth species, 46 species of forest swallowtail, and 53 different species of mammals species.

Best time to visit — December to February and June to July

Lake Mburo National Park

This is one of Uganda’s smallest wildlife parks in comparison to the others mentioned on this list but is also one of the richest in wild game. Hundreds of bird species and mammals call this park home, and this is the only park where you will find zebras. Whether on foot or on a boat cruise along Lake Mburo itself, this park delivers a truly sensational experience.

Best time to visit — December to February and June to July

Other places worth mentioning include:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Ngamba Chimpanzee Island
Kampala City