Where to Go on Safari in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Bwindi is Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destination and one of the most important places in the world for mountain gorilla conservation. Trekking through this ancient, tangled forest to spend time with a habituated gorilla family is one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. For those wanting a deeper and more immersive primate experience, southern Bwindi also offers gorilla habituation, allowing you to spend extended time with researchers and rangers observing a family not yet fully accustomed to human presence.

Bwindi’s different sectors each offer a slightly different feel. The south tends to suit those wanting a more adventurous and often more exclusive experience, while the eastern side offers excellent access to the forest and combines well with wider western Uganda itineraries.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Search for rare golden monkeys on foot in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga offers a quieter alternative to Bwindi for gorilla trekking and adds a different cultural and wildlife dimension to a Uganda journey. Set high in the Virunga foothills, it is also one of the best places to track golden monkeys and to spend time with Batwa communities, whose history is deeply bound to these forests.

This is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine primates with a stronger cultural element, or who are looking for a less-visited setting than Bwindi.

Queen Elizabeth National Park 

For further epic wildlife encounters, head to western Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts five different habitats from misty lowland jungles to open savannah and soaring mountains. Cruise along the freshwater Kazinga Channel on a boat safari, or head out on a game drive in search of lions, leopards, elephants and hippos during a showstopping adventure.

In the Ishasha sector, the park’s famous tree-climbing lions are one of Uganda’s most sought-after sightings. Kyambura Gorge, meanwhile, offers the chance to track the so-called “lost chimps” in a dramatic forested chasm. Queen Elizabeth pairs particularly well with Bwindi, allowing you to combine classic safari with gorilla trekking in one well-balanced journey.

Kibale Forest

Observe chimpanzee interactions in Kibale

Kibale Forest is one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking and has one of the highest concentrations and diversity of primates in Africa, with 13 different primate species. Tracking chimpanzees here is thrillingly different in character from gorilla trekking: noisier, faster-paced and often wonderfully unpredictable.

Kibale works especially well for travellers who want to focus on primates, and it combines naturally with Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes nearby.

Murchison Falls National Park

Another unmissable highlight is Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gap in the escarpment before plunging dramatically below. Boat cruises here are among the most iconic in Uganda, bringing you close to the base of the falls as well as to hippo, crocodile and prolific birdlife along the riverbanks.

On safari, expect opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant and giraffe across the savannah. Nearby Budongo Forest adds yet another primate dimension, with rewarding chimp trekking in a beautiful mahogany forest. This is one of Uganda’s most varied regions and a strong option for those wanting to combine a classic wildlife safari with river scenery and primates.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Watch giraffe cross the savannah in Kidepo ©  Anne Marie Weeden

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to Kidepo Valley National Park in north-eastern Uganda for panoramic views, raw open landscapes and an abundance of animals. This is one of the most remote and atmospheric parks in East Africa, lying close to the Kenyan border and feeling entirely distinct from Uganda’s greener west.

Kidepo is particularly rewarding for travellers who want a more classic savannah safari within Uganda, with ostriches, cheetahs, large herds and exceptional birdlife all adding to its appeal.

Mabamba Swamp

Near Entebbe, on the fringes of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is one of Uganda’s finest birding excursions and one of the best places in Africa to search for the extraordinary shoebill. Exploring its papyrus channels by small boat is a gentle but memorable experience, and an excellent addition at the start or end of a Uganda journey, particularly for birders.

Why Travel to Uganda with The Explorations Company

This is where our expertise makes the difference. Uganda is not a destination to rush through or approach generically. Gorilla permits, park pairings, road and flight logistics, seasonality and trekking difficulty all play an important part in shaping the quality of the experience.

We know how to combine Uganda’s headline primate encounters with its quieter wildlife areas, including birding or cultural experiences, without diluting the journey, and how to match the best guides, lodges and timing to the person travelling. Whether you want to focus on gorillas, chimpanzees, classic safari, birding or a combination of all four, we can ensure your time in Uganda feels richly layered, seamless and deeply rewarding.

When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?

Uganda is rewarding throughout the year, but the drier months are generally the easiest for travel and trekking.

June to September is one of the best times to visit, with drier weather conditions, better wildlife visibility on safari, and easier climbing and hiking for gorilla trekking with less mud underfoot. January to February is also a very good time to travel, particularly for those wanting to combine wildlife safaris with primate trekking in more comfortable conditions.

The wetter seasons broadly run from March to May and September to November. These months can bring superb birding, lush scenery and shorter gorilla treks at times – the gorillas may remain at lower altitudes where food is more readily available. Chimpanzee trekking and wildlife viewing are still possible, but trail conditions can be muddier and road transfers slower in some areas.

As ever in Uganda, the best time to visit depends on the balance you want between primates, classic safari, birding and ease of travel.

Make a Difference

Uganda is a destination where conservation and community are inseparable. From gorilla conservation and chimp protection to Batwa cultural initiatives and local community partnerships, there are meaningful ways to ensure that travel here supports both people and wildlife. Our role is to guide you towards experiences that feel grounded, respectful and worthwhile.

Discover our Impact Programme

Uganda Safari Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uganda good for a first safari?

Yes. Uganda is not your typical choice for a first safari, but it is an excellent choice for travellers who want more than a classic safari alone, combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, birding and savannah wildlife in one destination.

Is Uganda good for a family safari?

Yes, for families with older children and teenagers (the minimum age for trekking to see the gorillas is 15 years old). A well-planned itinerary can balance primates, boat trips, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences very successfully.

What is the difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga?

Bwindi is the main gorilla trekking destination and also offers gorilla habituation in the south. Mgahinga is smaller and only has one gorilla family, so gorilla trekking is often paired with Batwa experiences and golden monkey tracking.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari in Uganda?

Absolutely. Queen Elizabeth National Park pairs particularly well with Bwindi, while Kibale, Murchison Falls and Kidepo can all be added depending on your interests and time. You can also combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with visiting Kenya.

What are the accommodation options like in Uganda?

Uganda offers a very appealing range of accommodation, from refined forest lodges near the gorillas to smart safari camps and riverside lodges in the parks. The best properties are chosen for their atmosphere, access and guiding rather than excess.

How do you get to Uganda and travel between regions?

Most journeys begin in Entebbe, with a mix of light aircraft and road transfers used to connect the different regions depending on the shape of your itinerary.