Uganda’s safari holidays entirely depend on various natural attractions and cultural sites. It features 10 national parks both savanna grassland and forested protected areas and each of them offer refuge to distinct wildlife species right from savanna wildlife to forest primates. Besides, protected areas, there are also other areas that get visitors off the usual environment while on safari in Africa.
Below are some of the 10 best safari destinations in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
The spectacular Murchison Falls National Park features as Uganda’s largest national park and one of the best savanna grassland conservation areas. It refuges over 1000 Rothschild giraffes, lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, antelope families all of which have boosted wildlife safari in the park. It also comprises of Budongo forest where you can track chimpanzees and do bird watching on specifically the rare bird species. You can also engage in sport fishing as well as nature walks, boat cruise, hiking to the top of the Nile and many more and while on safari to the park or on your way back to Kampala you can also pay a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to spot out rhinos that make up the total of five big game in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s second largest national park and it is credited for its four of the big five game including the unique tree climbing lions as well as different wildlife, over 620 bird species are also confined within this stunning destination. Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park serves as connecting point to most of visitors on gorilla adventures to the southwest- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and many other tourist sites.
Kidepo Valley National Park
This is situated in extreme northeast of Uganda and it is credited for its wilderness experiences given that its biodiversity remains untouched. The park features as one of the best for safaris and it is of no doubt that this protected area has been known for its authentic African experiences. The park receives the least number of visitors each day making it one of the least crowded sites that you should consider in your travel plan. This protected area has featured as the 3rd best national park in Africa and it is mainly blessed with the four of the big four game that Uganda offers to the world and many more.
Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park
For the most excellent mountain gorilla adventures in Africa, these are the two of the protected areas that shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. They offer refuge to over 480 individuals of rare mountain gorillas that Uganda is famous of and the main activities to engage in these parks include gorilla trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience which is conducted in only Bwindi. Visitors can also engage in birding as well as golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Around these UNESCO sites, you will also engage in cultural experiences in the Batwa community.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is where West African jungles meet East Africa. The park is regarded as a capital of primate in East African given its over 13 distinct primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees that thrive in the park. It refuges more than 350 bird species including the green breasted pitta and several African pittas, more than 200 butterfly species, forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards and many others.
Lake Mburo National Park
The park is situated in western Uganda and features as the closest national park to Kampala city center. Lake Mburo National Park is undeniably one of Uganda’s smallest protected areas and one of the perfect spots for you to find zebras and most of the eland antelopes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, otters, leopards and others.
Uganda’s tropical Islands
The Ssese Islands are truly the hidden secrets of Uganda. Over 84 distinct islands make up Ssese Islands and they feature among the 10 top most sought after and hidden secrets that Uganda has in offer. The Islands are situated within Lake Victoria and offer the best relaxation and chilling atmosphere for visitors on Uganda safari. It offers travelers a chance to also engage in local fishing, boat cruise, hikes, biking and many other exciting and enjoyable activities. Bulago Island is one of the most incredible islands that you should consider visiting. The Island is next to the luxury Pineapple Bay Resort.
Adrenaline adventures in Jinja
Jinja is situated around the mighty source of the Nile and it is best referred as a capital of adrenaline adventures for many reasons. The prominent adventures to try out in this place include white water rafting, Kayaking, bungee jumping, boat cruise, sun set cruise, jet boat rides up and down the rapids, River surfing, quad biking, horse back rides, cycling and others.
Scenic Lakes
If you are interested in exploring Uganda’s scenic Lakes then Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Lake Victoria plus numerous crater lakes at Queen Elizabeth National Park shouldn’t miss out in your bucket list. Lake Bunyonyi refuges over 29 spectacular islands each of which comes with unique attraction for visitors on Uganda safari to explore. The Lake is features as scene from Lord of the Rings and offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and chilling out for visitors on gorilla safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. As you chill, never miss to taste its crayfish which is mainly prepared in most of the lodges around the Lake. You can also try out canoe ride to one of the Lake’s incredible Island which rewards visitors with birds and other amazing species.
The Sipi falls at Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon and Sipi falls are natural wonders that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on safari to Eastern side of Uganda and visitors can engage in adventures to the Sipi falls, nature walks, hikes, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and others depending on visitor’s interest. You will need at least 4 days to explore in depth what the great eastern region offers to the world.
There are many interesting and attractive sites that are worth exploring on Uganda safari including the Semuliki National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and many tropical rain forests that come with amazing primate species.
In conclusion, for first time travelers to Uganda, there is a lot more waiting for you to explore while on safari in Africa right from wildlife, open savanna grasslands, forests, primates, Lakes, River Nile and many more. Check out the Uganda Safari Info for more information about the different safari destinations that are exceptionally the best spots that you should if you are realize your dream with authentic African experiences.