Spending Christmas in Uganda

Spending Christmas in Uganda: A Magical Safari Holiday

Are you dreaming of a Christmas holiday in Africa? Uganda is one of the best destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. With a rich blend of wildlife, culture, and adventure, Uganda offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore primate habitats, go on thrilling wildlife safaris, or dive into local cultural experiences, Uganda has it all.

In this guide, we’ll share the top things to do in Uganda over Christmas, so you can make the most of your festive season in this beautiful country.

Where to Spend Your Christmas Holiday in Uganda

Primate Tracking: A Christmas Adventure

Uganda is a primate paradise, home to a wide variety of species including Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. Primate tracking is a must-do activity during your holiday, and there are several ways to get up close with these incredible creatures. Key activities include:

• Gorilla Trekking
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Golden Monkey Trekking

These treks are conducted in small groups of 8 visitors per gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and safe experience. We follow strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols to protect both tourists and the primates, making sure your experience is as safe as it is unforgettable.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Christmas Wish Come True

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in the world, and Christmas is the perfect time to make it happen! Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two stunning locations:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For gorilla trekking, you’ll need a permit, with prices as follows:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 800 for East African residents
• USD 85 for East African citizens

A permit gives you access to spend one hour with the majestic mountain gorillas. If you want an even more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas for USD 1500 per person. This is a truly unique opportunity to engage more deeply with the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee Trekking: Explore the Jungles of Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is another amazing wildlife activity in Uganda, and it’s available in several locations:

• Kibale Forest National Park
• Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kalinzu Forest
• Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park

Chimpanzee trekking permits are available at:

• USD 250 for foreign non-residents
• USD 200 for residents
• USD 50 for citizens

During this trek, you’ll have a one-hour encounter with the chimpanzees. For a more in-depth experience, consider the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, available only in Kibale Forest National Park, where you can spend half a day with the chimpanzees.

Golden Monkey Trekking: A Hidden Gem

Golden monkey trekking is a unique and lesser-known activity that is only available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These playful and beautiful monkeys offer an unforgettable experience:

• Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: USD 100 (1-hour encounter)
• Golden Monkey Habituation Permit: USD 140 (4-hour encounter)

Spending time with these rare monkeys is a great way to enhance your Uganda safari.

Gorilla Habituation Experience: A Deeper Connection

For a truly special Christmas experience, try the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This exclusive activity allows you to track semi-habituated mountain gorillas—gorillas that are not fully used to human presence. You’ll have the rare opportunity to engage with them for 4 hours, learning more about their behavior and conservation efforts. This activity is available for small groups of just 4 visitors, ensuring an intimate experience.

Wildlife Viewing in Uganda: A Safari to Remember

Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, and a safari here offers the chance to witness it all. From the vast savannahs to lush wetlands, Uganda’s national parks provide the perfect setting for unforgettable wildlife experiences. Popular parks for game drives include:

• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda’s most visited)

On your game drive, expect to see a variety of animals, such as:

• Tree-climbing lions
• Buffaloes
• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Leopards and more

Each park offers a unique landscape and wildlife viewing experience, making Uganda a top safari destination.

Experiential Tourism Activities: Up-Close Encounters with Nature

Uganda’s experiential tourism activities give you a rare chance to get close to nature and wildlife in a way that goes beyond the ordinary. These activities include:

• Lion Tracking
• Mongoose Tracking
• Hippo Census
• Bird Counts

These activities, offered in Queen Elizabeth National Park, allow you to actively participate in wildlife monitoring while getting up-close encounters with the animals in their natural habitat. Depending on the length of your safari, you can choose one or more of these activities for an authentic, hands-on experience.

Cultural Experiences: Dive into Uganda’s Rich Heritage

Uganda is a culturally diverse country, home to over 50 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions and way of life. During your safari, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local communities and learn about their customs, particularly those living near national parks. These encounters offer insight into how locals have peacefully coexisted with wildlife for generations. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy:

• Traditional dances
• Cultural storytelling
• A deeper understanding of rural life in Uganda

These cultural experiences enrich your visit and provide a deeper connection to Uganda.

Mountain Hiking and Cycling: Adventure Awaits

For those seeking adventure beyond the wildlife, Uganda is an excellent destination for hiking and cycling. The country’s diverse landscape, with rolling hills and majestic mountains, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. Popular hiking spots include:

• Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains)
• Mountains of Elgon
• Sabinyo and Muhavura in the Virunga range
• Mount Moroto

These hikes offer spectacular views and the chance to explore Uganda’s pristine highlands. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are trails for every level of adventurer.

Bird Watching: A Birder’s Paradise

Uganda is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, with over 1,000 bird species recorded across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot rare and exotic birds, including the iconic Shoebill Stork. Top birdwatching spots include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Mabamba Swamp
• Mubwindi Swamp
• Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Alongside these locations, many birds can also be spotted during game drives. Notable species to look out for include:

• Gray crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird)
• Giant kingfisher
• Secretary bird
• Marabou stork
• Pel’s fishing owl

Uganda’s birdlife is both diverse and mesmerizing, making it a must-visit for birding enthusiasts.

Boat Safari Excursions: Explore Uganda’s Waterways

Uganda is home to several stunning lakes and rivers, making boat safaris one of the best ways to experience wildlife from a different perspective. Top boat safari destinations include:

• Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park (including a boat trip to the top of the falls)
• Lake Mburo National Park

These boat trips provide opportunities to see wildlife up close, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterfowl, while also offering a relaxing and scenic way to experience Uganda’s waterways.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

The besttime to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which occur from December to February and June to October. These months offer more manageable weather, with less rainfall and better road conditions for game drives. While Uganda’s climate is influenced by its equatorial location, the drier months make it easier to explore the parks and enjoy wildlife viewing.

Book Your Christmas Safari in Uganda with Excursia Adventures

Looking to spend Christmas in Uganda? At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in creating memorable, personalized safari experiences that take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Uganda’s incredible wildlife and culture.

We are committed to sustainability and positive impact, ensuring that every trip benefits local communities and conservation efforts.

Contact us today to book your Christmas safari and start planning the holiday of a lifetime in Uganda!