Uganda • Safari Guide
Uganda Safari Guide: Gorillas, Chimps, Tree-Climbing Lions & the Nile
Winston Churchill called Uganda "the Pearl of Africa", and a Uganda safari shows you why. In one trip you can sit with mountain gorillas in an ancient rainforest, follow chimpanzees through the trees, find lions resting in fig trees and cruise the Nile to the foot of a thundering waterfall. It's greener, wilder and far less crowded than Africa's classic safari countries.
Uganda at a glance
- Best for: mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and primates, birdlife, varied landscapes
- Top parks: Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo
- Best time: June to September and December to February
- Ideal length: 8 to 12 days
- Gateway: Entebbe International Airport
- Combine with: Rwanda, Kenya or a Zanzibar beach finish
The best places to visit on a Uganda safari
Mountain gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi's misty rainforest is home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek here is the highlight of most Uganda safaris. Read our complete guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Chimpanzees
Kibale National Park
Kibale is one of Africa's best places to track chimpanzees, with around 13 primate species, including red colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys. Combine a chimp trek with a walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run birding trail.
Tree-climbing lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most varied park has savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, where a boat trip brings you close to hippos, buffalo, elephants and birds. In the southern Ishasha sector, lions are famous for resting in the branches of fig trees.
The mighty Nile
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest park, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge. Game drives, river cruises and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way. See our Murchison Falls guide.
Zebras and walking
Lake Mburo National Park
A compact park between Kampala and Bwindi, with zebras, impalas, eland and walking, cycling and horseback safaris. It's the ideal stop to break up the drive.
Remote wilderness
Kidepo Valley National Park
In the far northeast, Kidepo is one of Africa's most remote and beautiful parks, with dramatic mountain views, lions, cheetahs and very few visitors. It's best reached by light aircraft.
Adventure
Jinja and the source of the Nile
Uganda's adventure capital for white-water rafting, kayaking and boat trips to where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. Read about Jinja adventures.
Uganda parks compared
| Park | Best for | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Bwindi | Mountain gorillas | 2–3 |
| Kibale | Chimpanzees, primates | 2 |
| Queen Elizabeth | Tree-climbing lions, boat safaris | 2 |
| Murchison Falls | The Nile, the falls, big game | 2–3 |
| Lake Mburo | Zebras, walking safaris | 1 |
| Kidepo Valley | Remote wilderness | 2–3 |
A classic 10-day Uganda safari
Day 1: arrive in Entebbe.
Days 2–3: Kibale for chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland.
Days 4–5: Queen Elizabeth, with a Kazinga Channel cruise and Ishasha's tree-climbing lions.
Days 6–8: Bwindi for gorilla trekking and a community walk.
Day 9: Lake Mburo or Lake Bunyonyi to relax.
Day 10: return to Entebbe, or fly to the coast for beach time.
Short on time? Domestic flights connect Entebbe with airstrips near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison and Kidepo, turning long drives into short hops.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda is a year-round destination. The drier months, June to September and December to February, are best for gorilla and chimp trekking because forest trails are less muddy. The rainy seasons, around March to May and October to November, bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent birding.
Practical tips
- Permits: gorilla and chimp permits are limited, so book months ahead, especially for June to September.
- Entry: most visitors need an eVisa. Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination, so check current entry and health rules before you travel.
- Health: see a travel clinic several weeks before your trip for malaria and vaccination advice.
- Fitness: trekking can be steep and muddy, so some walking practice helps.
- Birding: with over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a top birding destination. See our best birding destinations in Africa.
Still deciding where to go in East Africa? Read our Kenya Safari Guide, Kenya vs Tanzania Safari or Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.
A silverback looks up from his breakfast of leaves, meets your eyes for a long, quiet moment and goes back to eating. In the Pearl of Africa, that moment is where the love story begins.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uganda good for a safari?
Yes. Uganda combines mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, the Nile and classic savannah wildlife, with far fewer visitors than many other safari destinations.
How many days do you need for a Uganda safari?
Eight to twelve days is ideal to see gorillas, chimpanzees and at least one savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls. A short gorilla-focused trip can be done in three or four days.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
June to September and December to February are the driest months and best for gorilla and chimp trekking, although Uganda can be visited all year.
Can you see the Big Five in Uganda?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo in parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Rhinos are found at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Uganda?
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Check current entry and health requirements with a travel clinic before you travel.
Plan your Uganda safari with us
Tell us your dates and wish list, and we'll secure your permits and design a Uganda safari around you.
Explore Uganda Safaris East Africa Safaris WhatsApp Us