Uganda Wildlife Safaris | Wildlife Safaris in Uganda | Uganda Wildlife Safari Places

Where Can I See Wildlife in Uganda? | Where to Enjoy Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours?

There’re numerous sites to enjoy African wildlife safaris in Uganda however, national parks, are mostly visited.

Below are the top sites for game viewing trips in Uganda:

1. Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

Covering over 3,800 km2, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. It’s bisected by the legendary River Nile, the longest river in the world, 6,650km long.

This picturesque park, Murchison Park is among the key sites for wildlife Uganda tour trips. It’s home to over 144 mammal species, counting 4 of the Big Five except Rhinos.

Normally, during Uganda wildlife safari tours in Murchison Park, game animals are spotted on game drives in the Buligi game area. However, a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is also massive! It allows you to spot some amazing animals counting Hippos and giant Nile crocs as well as lovely bird species counting the Red-throated bee-eaters.

Below are the prominent animal species in Murchison Park to look for:

• Giraffes
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cape Buffalos
• Elephants
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Crocodiles plus,
• Beautiful Antelopes such as Hartebeests, Bushbucks, Kobs, etc.

For bird lovers on a Uganda wildlife safari in Murchison, you shouldn’t miss a boat cruise on River Nile to the Nile Lake Albert Delta to search for the Shoebill and other amazing wading birds.

Also, for a rewarding experience, you can go chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest nearby.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda.

This great biodiverse park of Uganda boasts over 95 mammal species counting 4 of the Big Five. It’s also an ideal site for bird-watching Uganda trips with over 600 bird species, the highest population among East African safari destinations.

While on your Uganda wildlife safari trip in Queen, most game animals are spotted on game drives in the Kasenyi area. Game driving in the Ishasha sector is done to spot the elusive climbing tree Lions.

Apart from game driving in Queen Elizabeth Park, you’ll also enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, a fascinating area holding the highest concentration of Hippos in the world.

During a boat trip on the Kazinga channel, expect to encounter several bird species counting the Pink-backed Pelicans.

Here are the prominent animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park to look for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Big Elephant herds
• Cape Buffalos
• Hippos
• Giant Nile Crocodiles
• Hyenas
• Antelopes counting Topis, Kobs, and Bushbucks, among other animals.

Apart from game viewing in Queen Elizabeth Park, you can also enjoy Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Also, nature walks in Maramagambo Forest, and Lion tracking is possible.

3. Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda

Although rich in wildlife, Kidepo Park is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery!

According to CNN Travel, Kidepo is dabbed as the “True Wilderness of Africa”. This is due to its picturesque golden savannah plains almost far better than that of the Masai Mara of Kenya and Serengeti of Tanzania.

Kidepo boasts over 77 mammal species counting all the Big Five except Rhinos. Among Uganda’s national parks, Kidepo is the only place to spot Cheetahs! Also, wild dogs have ever been spotted in this park.

While on your Uganda wildlife safari trips, you can only spot Caracals, Black-backed Jackals, Greater and Lesser Kudus, Bat-eared Fox, and Striped Hyenas in Kidepo.

Below are the animal species in Kidepo national park to look for:

• Zebras
• Cheetahs
• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Giraffes
• Topis
• Hartebeests and,
• Uganda kobs, etc.

Most of the above game animals in Kidepo are spotted in the Narus Valley region.

Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, game walks in the Kidepo Valley area, as well as thrilling cultural encounters with the Karamajongs and IK of Mount Morungole.

4. Lake Mburo National Park

Covering over 370km2, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest park in Uganda however, it holds a viable population of wildlife worth visiting.

Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 68 mammal species counting only 2 of the African safari Big Five (Cape Buffalo and Leopard). In Uganda, this is the only park to find Impalas.

Other game animals in Lake Mburo National Park include:

• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Hyenas
• Elands
• Topis
• Impalas
• Bushbucks
• Waterbucks
• Bush pigs
• Giant Forest Hogs, among other animals.

Please note that:

Lake Mburo National Park is the best place to spot Leopards while on your wildlife Uganda safaris as well as in East Africa. They are best spotted on night game drives.

Also, Lake Mburo Park is the best place to enjoy game-walking safaris in Uganda. Other thrilling activities in Lake Mburo Park include cycling safaris, birding, horseback safaris, and a boat cruise on Lake Mburo.

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place to spot wild Rhinos in Uganda.

It’s home to about 32 White Rhinos however, other game animals such as Bushbucks, Oribis, Uganda kob, Warthogs, and beautiful primate species can be spotted here.

Normally, travelers on Uganda wildlife safari trips visit Ziwa Sanctuary en route to Murchison Park.

Rhino tracking on foot is one of the prominent safari activities in Ziwa Sanctuary. It’s one of the most remarkable safari activities on the African continent.

While on nature walks as you trek Rhinos on foot, you’ll encounter various bird species, counting the Double-toothed Barbet, and Grey-crowned cranes.

Other Places to Enjoy Your Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours From

These places boast abundant wildlife counting, several bird species, and amazing primates. They’re proximately known for primate safaris in Uganda.

Here they include:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris. Also, it’s a haven for birding Uganda safaris, the best place to spot the African Green Broadbill in E. Africa.

This lovely park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts half of the 1,093 endangered Mountain gorillas on Earth! Therefore, it’s the best place for tracking the endangered Mountain gorillas in Africa.

Apart from gorilla trekking Uganda safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you can also undertake nature walks and Batwa community tours around.

2. Kibale National Park- the Primate Capital of Africa

Kibale National Park is famous for Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris. In fact, Kibale forest national park offers the best chimpanzee trekking tours in Africa.

This beautiful tropical rain forest, Kibale National Park is home to over 13 primate species counting over 1500 chimps.

While on your chimpanzee trekking Uganda tour in Kibale forest national park, you’ll encounter several amazing primates such as:

• Olive Baboons
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Blue Monkeys
• Black and white Colobus Monkeys and,
• Bush babies, etc. You can spot bush babies on night forest walks.

More places worth visiting on your wildlife safaris in Uganda include:

3. Mgahinga Park- is prominently known for Mountain gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda. Golden monkey trekking is only possible here.

4. Rwenzori Mountains NP- Prominently known for classic Mountain hiking tours

Mountain Elgon NP- an ideal site for Mountain hiking safaris in Uganda. This is also the 2nd best destination in Uganda to spot Albertine Endemic bird species after Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

5. Semuliki NP- best known for Uganda birding tours

How Many Safari Parks Are There in Uganda?

Uganda boasts 10 national parks counting savanna parks, tropical rainforests as well as mountainous parks. Each Ugandan park holds a unique tourist attraction and is worth visiting.

Here are the prominent national parks in Uganda:

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park– one of the best sites for Uganda wildlife safari trips
2. Murchison Falls National Park– another iconic site for Uganda game viewing holidays
3. Bwindi Park– renowned for gorilla tracking Uganda safaris
4. Kibale forest national park– is prominently known for chimpanzee Uganda safaris and it’s known as the Primate Capital of Africa
5. Lake Mburo National Park– offers one of the best walking safaris in Africa
6. Kidepo Park- holds beautiful scenery and it’s dabbed as Africa’s true wilderness
7. Mgahinga Gorilla NP– another destination for gorilla Uganda safaris. You can go ahead to hike the striking volcanoes here, for example, Muhabura extinct volcano!
8. Rwenzori Mountains NP– boasts the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains and it’s also known for its beautiful scenery.
9. Semuliki NP- it’s an incredible site for bird lovers on top of their Uganda game viewing tours
10. Mountain Elgon NP- just near Sipi Falls, stunning waterfalls in eastern Uganda. This lovely park holds Mount Elgon- an extinct volcano.

How Many Wildlife Reserves Are in Uganda?

There’re 12 wildlife reserves in Uganda. Most of the game reserves are spotted just adjacent to parks and act as buffer zones for animals.

Some of the key game reserves worth visiting on your African wildlife Uganda safaris include Pian Upe, Kyambura Gorge as well as Kabwoya Game Reserves.

Which Is the Smallest Game Park in Uganda?

Mgahinga Gorilla NP is Uganda’s smallest national park covering about 33.7 km2 in southwestern Uganda.

It’s the 2nd destination for gorilla tracking in Uganda. Also, note that this is the only place for golden monkey trekking in Uganda.

Which Game Park in Uganda Is Famous?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most famous park in Uganda. It’s renowned for its rich wildlife population (abundant wildlife) raising about 95 mammal species and over 600 birds.

This park is the best place in Africa to spot tree climbing Lions.

Which Game Park Is Famous For Lions in Uganda? | Are There Lions in Uganda?

Lions in Uganda can only be spotted in 3 Ugandan game parks; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Kidepo Park.

Murchison Falls National Park holds the highest population of Lion prides in Uganda.

Lions have been spotted in some game reserves near national parks, for instance, Pian Upe Game Reserve.

Which National Park in Uganda Has Giraffes? | Where Can I See Giraffes in Uganda?

Giraffes in Uganda are only present in Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo national park, and Lake Mburo national park.

Murchison Falls NP holds the highest population of Rothschild Giraffes in Uganda as well as East Africa.

Which Game Park in Uganda Is Famous for Crocodiles?

Murchison falls national park Uganda holds the highest concentration of Nile Crocodiles in Africa. These are mostly spotted in the Paraa region basking along the shores of the River Nile.

Other areas to spot Crocodiles during your Uganda wildlife safari tour include Queen Elizabeth Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Where Can I See Cheetahs in Uganda?

During your Uganda wildlife safaris, Cheetahs are only spotted in the Karamoja sub-region within Kidepo Conservation Area especially, in Kidepo park. Normally they are spotted on a game drive in the Narus Valley area.

The other areas to spot Cheetahs in Uganda include Pian Upe, Matheniko as well as Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserves.

What Are the Big 5 Safari Animals in Uganda?

The Big Five animals in Uganda include Lion, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, and Rhino.

The term Big Five was used by the early hunters in Africa to describe the 5 animals that were the most challenging to hunt on foot.

4 of the Big Five in Uganda can be spotted in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo. On your wildlife Uganda safaris, Rhinos are only found in Ziwa sanctuary.

Where Can I See the Big 5 in Uganda?

While on your Uganda wildlife safari, prominent areas to spot the Big Five include Queen Elizabeth park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Uganda’s wild Rhinos are only found in the Ziwa sanctuary.

Where Are the Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda?

While on your Uganda wildlife safari tours, you can only spot tree climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth Park.

These amazing Lion species are spotted resting up in Fig tree branches during a game drive in the Ishasha sector. Normally, the hot hours of the day offer the best experience.

Globally, Lions that climb trees are found in 3 destinations i.e. Lake Manyara and Serengeti parks of Tanzania and Ishasha region of Queen.

What Is the Biggest Wild Animal in Uganda?

The Cape Elephant is the biggest wild animal in Uganda. It can weigh over 6,300kg, (5-6 tons). Normally, female Elephants are bigger than males and the old female often leads the herd.

On your Uganda game viewing trip, you can spot Elephants in Queen, Kidepo, and Murchison Park.

Are There African Wild Dogs in Uganda?

Although rare, wild dogs in Uganda have been spotted in Kidepo national park by a few travelers. Probably, this is due to Kidepo’s being at the border of Kenya and South Sudan where wild dogs dwell in big packs.

What Can You Hunt in Uganda?

Note that, hunting is restricted in most protected areas of Uganda, in brief, Uganda sport hunting is not yet developed.

However, if interested in this safari experience, it’s possible in Karamoja plains in areas like Pian Upe, Matheniko, and Bokora game reserves. You’ll hunt for Oribis, Jackson’s Hartebeests, kobs, as well as cape Buffalos.

How Long Do Uganda Wildlife Safaris Take?

There is no fixed duration for Uganda wildlife safari tours. However, this depends on various factors including your budget and the activities you wish to undertake.

Note that, wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda can start from 1 day!

For clarity, feel free to email us for more inquiries

What Wild Animals Are in Uganda? | What Wildlife Is Found in Uganda? | What Wild Animal Is in Uganda?

What animals are there to see on a wildlife safari in Uganda? Uganda holds abundant wildlife totaling over 345 animal species counting the lovely primates and other amazing game animals.

Game animals are among the top attractions in Uganda.

During your trip, the common wildlife in Uganda includes:

1. Primates: While on your Uganda wildlife safari, key primates to look out for include the endangered Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, & Golden Monkeys. Chimp tracking adventure in Kibale forest national park offers is the best place for Uganda primate safaris
2. Carnivorous animals: On your wildlife Uganda safari trip, the prominent carnivorous animals include Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, and Cheetahs.
3. Herbivores animals: Such as Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Rhinos, Giant forest Hogs, plus numerous Antelope species.
4. Beautiful bird species: Counting Shoebills, African Fish Eagles, Turacos, Kingfishers, Herons, and Vultures, etc.
5. Reptiles: Such as giant Nile Crocodiles, etc.

What Animals Is Uganda Known For?

Even though this country holds various mammal species, most travelers visiting Africa Uganda are interested in:

1. Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as Mgahinga Park
2. Chimpanzees- mostly spotted in Kibale forest national park during chimpanzee trekking adventure
3. Lions
4. Leopards
5. Elephants
6. Rhinos
7. Giant Nile Crocodiles
8. Hippos and,
9. Various Antelopes counting the Uganda kob.

Uganda Wildlife Safari Cost- How Much Does A Safari in Uganda Cost?

There’s no fixed cost for a Uganda wildlife safari! 

This is because, there’re various factors that influence the price of a wildlife Uganda tour vacation counting the duration of your trip, your group size, and the means of transport you wish to use.

Also, the accommodation class and activities you wish to do on your Uganda game viewing trip greatly influence this cost.

Feel free to email us for more inquiries about your game viewing safaris in Uganda!

What to Wear for Uganda Wildlife Safaris?

While on your Uganda game viewing trips, there’s no need to worry about what to put on!

Below is how to put on while on your Uganda wildlife safari:

• Light environmental friendly clothes: We recommend Khaki, brown, and grey. Bright colors stress game animals and black absorbs much heat.
• Comfortable hiking boots: These are so ideal while on walking safaris for example, in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
• A sunhat: Protects you from direct scorching sunlight especially while on walking safaris for instance in Lake Mburo park
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from strong sun rays during the dry season in Murchison national park, or Queen Elizabeth Park.
• Sweaters: Help to keep you warm during the chilly mornings or in the evening.

Note that: It’s ideal you avoid body-revealing clothes. They’re against Uganda’s culture! Women shouldn’t put on knee-covering clothes.

Packing List for Uganda Wildlife Safaris – What to Pack for a Wildlife Tour in Uganda

As you plan to undertake a wildlife safari in Uganda, there’re some essential items you should have!

Below are some of the items you should have during your Uganda game viewing trip:

1. Documentations and miscellaneous: Among these include entry requirements to Uganda such as a valid passport, and a yellow fever vaccination card.
2. A camera having extra batteries: ideal for photo shooting while on your game viewing Uganda tour.
3. Binoculars: Helps in viewing distant features while on your Uganda wildlife safaris
4. A backpack: Keeps all your daily essentials such as a camera, insect repellants, rain jacket, and other documents safe.
5. Insect Repellent: Protects you from biting bugs, for example, mosquitoes, especially in tropical rainforests like Kibale forest national park.
6.  Sunscreen: Safeguards your skin from strong tropical sun rays
7. Rain poncho: Plays a vital role in case rains find you along a game walk, for example, in Lake Mburo National Park. Also, it’s ideal during chimpanzee trekking adventures in Kibale forest national park.

Hotels in Uganda to Use on Your Wildlife Viewing Tour

During your wildlife viewing trip in Uganda, don’t get worried about where to stay! This country holds several accommodation facilities in most regions (in towns,  parks, and game reserves),  ranging from luxury to midrange, and budget lodges.

Here are the:

Popular Luxury Lodges in Uganda

1. Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park
2. Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison park
3. Adere Safari Lodge in Kidepo park
4. Mweya Lodge in Queen

Top Midrange Lodges in Uganda

1. Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Park
2. Nga Moru Wilderness Camp in Kidepo
3. Enganzi Game Lodge in Queen
4. Kidepo Savannah Lodge in Kidepo park

Best Budget Lodges in Uganda

1. Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison Park
2. Rwonyo Rest Camp in Lake Mburo Park
3. Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo Park

What Is the Best Time for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda?

You can come for Uganda wildlife safaris all year round however, we recommend a dry season in June to Early September and December to February.

During this season, game viewing in most parks counting Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park is at its best! Game animals can be easily spotted and tracks for game drives are mud free.

This season is also ideal for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park as well as gorilla Uganda safaris in Bwindi. Rains are fewer!

But, note that this is always the peak season! National parks are usually crowded and tourism products are costly.

While in the wet season, national parks are crowd-free and tourism products are cheaper counting accommodation.

Is Uganda Good for Safaris? | Why Do a Wildlife Safari in Uganda?

Undeniably, Uganda is among the top amazing destinations in East Africa a must not miss on your visit to Africa. This is due to its thrilling safari activities and attractions.

Below are the reasons why you should undertake a game viewing trip in this country:

1. In Uganda you can easily combine a wildlife tour with a gorilla trip or chimpanzee tracking- This is impossible in African safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
2. Bird lovers on the Uganda tour can easily combine bird watching with Uganda game view adventures. For example, this is possible in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls NP.
3. In this country, you can spot all the African safari Big (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, cape Buffalo, and Rhino). Among others include Giraffes, Hippos, Cheetahs, Zebras, Antelopes, and Hippos.
4. This country holds numerous fascinating attractions- Among these include snowcapped mountains, stunning waterfalls, and fascinating people.
5. It holds many safari destinations unlike its neighbors counting Rwanda. Thus, this country is worth visiting for memorable wildlife encounters.
6. This country is pretty safe, unlike other East African countries like DR Congo.
7. Wildlife Uganda tour trips are relatively cheaper compared to other East African countries like Kenya, DR Congo,  Tanzania, and Rwanda.
8. This country is one of the best places for white water rafting and Bungee jumping in Africa. All these are done along the mythical River Nile in Jinja.

What Is Meant By Wildlife Safari?

An African wildlife safari is a lovely adventure allowing you to visit wild animals in their captivating natural habitat. In Africa, East Africa is the best area for wildlife safari adventures but, it’s also possible in southern African countries like Botswana.

This adventure is mostly taken on a game drive, however, nature walks and launch trips are possible.

While on this tour, you’ll look out for Lions, Leopards, Leopards, Buffalos, Rhinos, Giraffes, and Zebras.

Best Safari Companies in Uganda for Wildlife Safaris

While planning a wildlife Uganda tour, you’re advised to use a reputable tour operator! This tour company will help you in organizing Uganda safaris i.e. book your accommodation, etc.

He also helps in organizing your airport pick-up from Entebbe International Airport. This airport, Entebbe International Airport is the main entry point in this country.

• Here are some of the best Uganda wildlife safari tour operators:

  1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
  2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
  3. Safari Uganda Safaris

Best Uganda Wildlife Safaris | Popular Top Wildlife Tours in Uganda

There’re numerous Uganda wildlife tour packages all organized to offer you a notable African safari adventure. These lovely trips can be tailored to suit your travel need.

Below are some of the best Uganda wildlife safari packages:

• 3 Days Lake Mburo Park Safari Uganda Tour
• 3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Kibale National Park
• 6 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari – Murchison Falls & Kibale Forest National Park
• 6 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas Trekking and Wildlife Tour
• 6 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Queen & Kibale
• 7 Days Uganda Safari
• 10 Days Best of Uganda Safari
• 12 Days Uganda Safari
• 13 Days Safari in Uganda 
• 14 Days Uganda Trip
• 16 Days Uganda Safari Vacation
• 18 Days Uganda Safari Holiday
• 21 Days Uganda Safari Trip

To wind up, taking Uganda wildlife safaris is the best way of exploring the fascinating wildlife of Uganda. It’s a captivating adventure allowing you to spot most of the game animals in Uganda counting all the Big Five.

For a memorable experience, you should combine your Uganda wildlife safari with gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, birdwatching, and community tour expeditions.

ENDEAVOR TO EMAIL US FOR ANY INQUIRIES ABOUT YOUR UGANDA WILDLIFE SAFARI!