The Best Uganda Safaris: The Ultimate Destination for Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Adventures

Have you ever dreamed of standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla or traversing untamed wilderness abundant with wildlife?

Uganda, also named as the "Pearl of Africa," offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi to walking safaris in Kibale, Uganda is a treasure trove for nature lovers.

In this blog post, you’ll learn all about going on an African Uganda safari: popular destinations, activities, highlights, and a sample itinerary to guide you.

Let’s dive in.

Why Choose Uganda For Your Safari?

• Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking: Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with endless opportunities for trekking in Bwindi and Kibale Forest.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: From lush forests and savannas to scenic lakes and mountains, Uganda boasts diverse ecosystems.
• Rich Cultural Experience: Interact with local tribes, including the Batwa Pygmies, and experience Uganda’s vibrant cultural heritage.
• Less Crowded: Compared to other safari destinations, Uganda’s parks offer a more exclusive, intimate wildlife experience.
• Conservation Focused: Uganda emphasizes responsible and sustainable tourism, protecting its wildlife and habitats.

Popular Safari Destinations and Activities To Do in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- A Gorilla Trekker's Paradise

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense rainforest and its iconic mountain gorillas. This park is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast seeking an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Best Time to Visit:

The dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. 

Activities:

• Gorilla Trekking: Your visit to Bwindi is incomplete without a gorilla trekking experience. Spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, a truly humbling experience.
• Bird Watching: Bwindi is a birder's paradise, with over 350 species recorded. Look out for the Albertine Rift endemic species, such as the Rwenzori Turaco and the Shelley's Crimsonwing.
• Nature Walks: Explore the park's lush rainforest on guided nature walks. Discover the diverse flora and fauna, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, and a variety of other primates.
• The Batwa people, an indigenous community in Uganda, have a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Historically, the Batwa were forest dwellers and hunters, relying on the forest for sustenance and shelter. Their traditional way of life was disrupted in the late 1990s when Bwindi was designated a national park for gorilla conservation, leading to their eviction from their ancestral lands. The Batwa experience in Bwindi today is multifaceted. Many Batwa have struggled to adapt to life outside the forest, facing challenges such as poverty, loss of cultural identity, and limited access to education and healthcare. However, efforts have been made to empower the Batwa community through tourism and cultural preservation initiatives. Visitors to Bwindi can engage with the Batwa through guided cultural experiences, where they can learn about their traditional practices, music, and crafts. These initiatives not only help preserve Batwa culture but also provide economic opportunities for the community.

Kibale National Park- A Chimpanzee Haven

Kibale National Park is a primate sanctuary known for its high density of chimpanzees. This park offers visitors the unique opportunity to observe these intelligent apes in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit:

The dry seasons, from March to May and September to November, are ideal for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.

Activities:

• Chimpanzee Tracking: Spend a morning or afternoon tracking chimpanzees through the forest. Observe these fascinating creatures as they swing through the trees, communicate with each other, and go about their daily lives.
• Forest Walks: Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided forest walks. Discover a variety of primates, including red-tailed guenons, L'Hoest's monkeys, and colobus monkeys.
• Bird Watching: Kibale is home to over 375 bird species, making it a popular destination for birders. Look out for the rare red-faced crimsonwing and the gray-crowned crane.

Murchison Falls National Park- A Land of Powerful Falls and Abundant Wildlife

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park, known for its powerful Murchison Falls and its diverse wildlife. This park offers a variety of safari activities, from game drives to boat safaris.

Best Time to Visit:

The dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, offer the best conditions for game viewing in Murchison Falls.

Activities:

• Game Drives: Explore the park's diverse habitats on game drives. You can see a wide variety of animals including buffaloes, lions, giraffes, and elephants.
• Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari on the Nile River to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Enjoy stunning views of Murchison Falls from the water.
• Hiking to Murchison Falls: Hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Witness the powerful force of the falls as the Nile River plunges 45 meters into a narrow gorge.

Queen Elizabeth National Park- A Diverse Wildlife Haven

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's most popular national parks, offering a diverse range of wildlife and stunning scenery. This park is known for its tree-climbing lions, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and abundant birdlife.

Best Time to Visit:

The dry seasons, from January to February and June to September, are ideal for game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

Activities:

• Game Drives: Explore the park's diverse habitats on game drives. Spot lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of other wildlife.
• Boat Cruises on the Kazinga Channel: Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. 
• Tree-Climbing Lions at Ishasha Plains: Visit the Ishasha Plains to see the park's famous tree-climbing lions. These unique predators often climb trees to rest or hunt.
• Bird Watching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder's paradise, with over 600 species recorded. Look out for the shoebill, the great blue turaco, and the African fish eagle.
  for more content read this website Bird Watching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder's paradise, with over 600 species recorded. Look out for the shoebill, the great blue turaco, and the African fish eagle.
  for more content read this website Plan Your Uganda Safari With Us

Plan Your Uganda Safari With Us

At Good Earth Tours, we specialize in offering immersive and eco-friendly safari experiences tailored to nature enthusiasts. Our Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari package allows you to explore Uganda’s untamed beauty over six days. With door-to-door service, you’ll journey from Kibale Forest to Bwindi, and enjoy close encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees, and more.

Package: Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Duration: 6 Days

Highlights:

• Exclusive gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles
• Professional English-speaking guide

Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari: Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest

Depart from Kampala, driving west through Mubende and arriving at Fort Portal for lunch. Continue to Kibale Forest for a Nocturnal Walk to track Galagos, Bush babies, and Night Jars.

Driving Distance: 5 hours

Activities: Walking in Kibale Forest

Accommodation and Meals: Ndali Lodge (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Kibale Forest

Morning eco-walk in Kibale Forest to see chimpanzees, red colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. In the afternoon, enjoy a swamp walk at Magombe.

Activities: Primate tracking

Accommodation and Meals: Ndali Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Kibale Forest to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Drive through the Ishasha Plains, known for tree-climbing lions, en route to Bwindi. Picnic lunch along the way.

Driving Distance: 6 hours

Activities: Game drive through Ishasha Plains

Accommodation and Meals: The Gorilla Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After a briefing by park rangers, begin your gorilla trek (2–10 hours). Enjoy a full hour immersed in the presence of these incredible creatures as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

Activities: Gorilla trekking

Accommodation and Meals: The Gorilla Resort (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Bwindi to Kampala

Return to Kampala, stopping at Mbarara for lunch and at the Uganda Equator for photos and shopping.

Driving Distance: 8–9 hours

Accommodation and Meals: None (Breakfast, Lunch)

Conclusion

Uganda is a dream destination for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike. From the awe-inspiring experience of standing just feet away from mountain gorillas to the thrill of exploring the diverse landscapes filled with incredible wildlife, a safari in Uganda offers memories that last a lifetime. 

With Good Earth Tours, you can be sure your journey will be seamless, comfortable, and full of adventure. Our expert guides, carefully crafted itineraries, and commitment to responsible tourism ensure you'll have a rich, immersive experience in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Book your Uganda safari with us today!

Eva Maro