Uganda's Safari Destinations
Discover the Pearl of Africa’s most breathtaking national parks and wildlife reserves.
Where the Wild Roams Free
From savannahs to rainforests, journey through Uganda’s diverse safari landscapes.
Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers the ultimate primate experience.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb
Uganda’s most popular safari destination featuring diverse ecosystems from savanna to forest and the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec-Feb, Jun-Sep
Uganda’s largest national park featuring the dramatic Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec-Feb, Jun-Sep
Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb
The closest savanna reserve to Kampala, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including the only place to see zebras in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb
A stunning, high-altitude park within the Virunga Mountains, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and dense montane forests crucial for endangered primates.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Sep-Mar
National Park
Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers the ultimate primate experience.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb
Uganda’s most popular safari destination featuring diverse ecosystems from savanna to forest and the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec-Feb, Jun-Sep
Uganda’s largest national park featuring the dramatic Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec-Feb, Jun-Sep
Kibale Forest National Park
Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb
The closest savanna reserve to Kampala, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including the only place to see zebras in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb
Park
A stunning, high-altitude park within the Virunga Mountains, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and dense afro-montane forests crucial for endangered primates.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Sep-Mar
Park
Kidepo is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses. Vast savannas, rugged mountains, and dramatic desert-like landscapes create a safari paradise home to rare species found nowhere else in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Sept–Mar
Lake Mburo offers unique activities including walking safaris, boat cruises, horseback riding, and biking. Its acacia woodlands, lakes, and savanna plains provide a peaceful escape with easy access from Kampala.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Home to East Africa’s only true lowland tropical rainforest, Semliki offers incredible biodiversity, steamy hot springs, and rare Congo–Guinea forest species. This is one of Uganda’s most unique birding and nature destinations.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec–Feb, Jun–Jul
Kidepo is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses. Vast savannas, rugged mountains, and dramatic desert-like landscapes create a safari paradise home to rare species found nowhere else in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Sept–Mar
Lake Mburo offers unique activities including walking safaris, boat cruises, horseback riding, and biking. Its acacia woodlands, lakes, and savanna plains provide a peaceful escape with easy access from Kampala.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Home to East Africa’s only true lowland tropical rainforest, Semliki offers incredible biodiversity, steamy hot springs, and rare Congo–Guinea forest species. This is one of Uganda’s most unique birding and nature destinations.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Dec–Feb, Jun–Jul
The Mountains of the Moon feature snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and surreal vegetation zones. A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering world-renowned hiking and Africa’s most scenic mountain trekking.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jan–Mar, Jun–Jul
National Park
The Mountains of the Moon feature snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and surreal vegetation zones. A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering world-renowned hiking and Africa’s most scenic mountain trekking.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jan–Mar, Jun–Jul
The closest savanna reserve to Kampala, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including the only place to see zebras in Uganda.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb
Park
A stunning, high-altitude park within the Virunga Mountains, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and dense afro-montane forests crucial for endangered primates.
- Key Wildlife:
- Best time: Sep-Mar
Explore Uganda's National Parks
Discover the locations of Uganda's most spectacular wildlife destinations and plan your perfect safari adventure.
Uganda Wildlife Viewing Calendar
Find the best time to visit Uganda's national parks based on wildlife viewing opportunities and weather conditions.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🔴 | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Murcison Falls National Park | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🔴 | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Kibale Forest National Park | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Kidepo Valley National Park | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
🟢 Excellent 🟡 Good 🔴 Challenging
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Compare wildlife viewing opportunities accross Uganda's top national parks.
Accommodation Options
From luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps, find the perfect place to stay during your Uganda safari.
Luxury Lodges
Experience the ultimate in safari comfort with our selection of luxury lodges offering exceptional service, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views.
Mid-range Lodges
Comfortable and well-appointed accomodations offering excellent value with private facilities, good food, and attentive service.
UGX 550K – 1.1M /night
Budget Options
Clean and comfortable budget accommodations including simple lodges, bandas, and campsites for travelers looking to maximize their safari experience.
Essential Safari Tips
Make the most of your Uganda safari experience with these helpful tips and recommendations.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
- Sturdy hiking boots for gorilla trekking
- Rain jacket and warm layer for cool mornings
- Sun protecting (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Inspect repellent and basic first aid kit
Healthy & Safety
- Consult your doctor about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Always follow your guide's instructions around wildlife
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Keep important documents and medication in your carry-on
Photography Tips
- Bring a zoom lens (at least 200mm) for wildlife shots
- Pack extra batteries and memory cards
- Use a bean bag or monopod for stability in vehicles
- Protect your gear from dust and rain
- Ask permission before photographing local people
Photography Tips
- Bring a zoom lens (at least 200mm) for wildlife shots
- Pack extra batteries and memory cards
- Use a bean bag or monopod for stability in vehicles
- Protect your gear from dust and rain
- Ask permission before photographing local people
Ready to Explore Uganda's Wildlife?
Contact our safari experts to plan your perfect Uganda adventure. We'll help you choose the right destinations,
accommodations, and activities to create your dream safari experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Uganda safaris and destinations.
The best time to visit Uganda for wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best game viewing as animals gather around water sources and the forest trails are less muddy, making activities like gorilla trekking and safaris more enjoyable.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Gorilla trekking can involve hiking through dense forest, climbing hills, and navigating uneven terrain for 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. If you’re generally active and can handle a long walk, you should be fine. Porters are also available to assist you during the trek.
The ideal length for a Uganda safari is 7 to 10 days, especially if you want to combine gorilla trekking, game drives, and cultural experiences. However, shorter safaris of 3 to 5 days can still offer incredible wildlife and scenery, depending on the parks and activities chosen.
Gorilla trekking involves tracking mountain gorillas in dense rainforests like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s usually a once-in-a-lifetime experience and more physically demanding.
Chimpanzee trekking, on the other hand, takes place in forests like Kibale National Park. Chimpanzees are more active and move quickly, so the experience is more fast-paced and often noisier.
Both are unforgettable, but the key difference is the type of primate and the nature of the trek.
Yes, Uganda is considered safe for tourists. The country is known for its friendly people, rich culture, and stable tourist regions. National parks and tourism sites have security measures in place, and local guides are trained to ensure your safety. As with any international travel, it’s always wise to follow local guidelines, travel with reputable tour operators, and stay updated on travel advisories.