Top Wildlife Safari Activities in Uganda

Top Wildlife Safari Activities in Uganda

Uganda is one of Africa’s best safari destinations, offering a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. From tracking endangered primates to spotting the famous Big Five on a game drive, Uganda has something for every adventure lover. Whether you’re on a budget camping safari or a luxury wildlife tour, here are the top activities to include in your Uganda safari itinerary.

1. Primate Trekking – Meet Uganda’s Famous Primates

Uganda is a primates’ paradise, home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and more. Tracking these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is one of the best safari experiences Uganda has to offer.

Gorilla Trekking – A Bucket-List Adventure

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s top wildlife experience, taking you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to observe mountain gorillas up close.

Gorilla permit costs:

• $800 (Foreign non-residents)
• $700 (East African Residents)
• $80 (East African Citizens)

Each trek allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family. For an even more immersive experience, opt for Gorilla Habituation, which lets you spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group ($1,500 per permit).

Chimpanzee Trekking – Meet Our Closest Relatives

Track wild chimpanzees in some of Uganda’s top forests, including:

• Kibale Forest National Park (Best for chimp tracking)
• Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
• Kalinzu Forest & Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park)

Chimpanzee permit costs:

• $250 (Foreign non-residents)
• $200 (East African Residents)
• $50 (East African Citizens)

If you want more time with the chimpanzees, try the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale, where you can spend half a day observing them ($250 per permit).

Golden Monkey Trekking – A Unique Encounter

Golden monkeys, found only in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, are playful and energetic primates that make for a fun trekking experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking permit: $100 (1-hour encounter)
Golden Monkey Habituation permit: $140 (4-hour experience)

2. Big Five Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives

Uganda is one of the few African countries where you can see the Big Five (Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, and Rhinos) in the wild. Game drives in Uganda’s savannah parks offer a chance to spot these animals along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and more.

Top Safari Parks for Game Drives:

• Murchison Falls National Park – Famous for the powerful waterfall, lions, elephants, and boat safaris on the Nile
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Best for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and a variety of wildlife
• Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s most remote and wild park, home to cheetahs, ostriches, and large buffalo herds
• Lake Mburo National Park – Ideal for zebras, elands, and walking safaris

3. Unique Safari Experiences – Go Beyond the Ordinary

For travelers seeking something different, Uganda offers experiential tourism activities that allow for an up-close encounter with wildlife.

🔹 Lion Tracking Experience – Join researchers in Queen Elizabeth National Park to track lions using GPS collars.
🔹 Mongoose Tracking – Observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
🔹 Hippo Census & Bird Counts – Perfect for conservation enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience.

4. Cultural Experiences – Connect with Uganda’s Rich Heritage

Uganda is home to over 50 ethnic tribes, each with unique languages, traditions, and customs. A cultural experience in Uganda allows you to interact with local communities, learn about their way of life, and witness traditional dances and performances.

• Visit Local Communities – Many of Uganda’s national parks are surrounded by indigenous communities who have lived alongside wildlife for generations. You’ll hear firsthand stories of their daily challenges and coexistence with nature.
• Experience Traditional Music & Dance – Enjoy the vibrant beats of African drums, energetic dances, and storytelling performances that showcase Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
• Craft-Making & Cooking Experiences – Participate in traditional activities such as basket weaving, pottery, and cooking local dishes, giving you an authentic taste of Uganda’s culture.

5. Mountain Hiking & Cycling – Explore Uganda’s Stunning Landscapes

Uganda’s mountainous terrain makes it an excellent destination for hiking and cycling adventures. Whether you’re looking for challenging mountain climbs or scenic nature trails, Uganda offers breathtaking landscapes to explore.

Top Hiking & Cycling Destinations in Uganda:

• Mount Rwenzori – Africa’s third-highest mountain, offering stunning glacier-covered peaks and diverse wildlife.
• Mount Elgon – Famous for its crater and breathtaking waterfalls, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
• Mgahinga Volcanoes (Sabyinyo, Muhabura & Gahinga) – Perfect for those looking for short yet rewarding mountain treks.
• Lake Mburo National Park – A great cycling destination, allowing you to explore wildlife and landscapes on two wheels.

6. Birdwatching – Uganda’s Ultimate Birding Experience

With over 1,000 recorded bird species, Uganda is a top birdwatching destination in Africa. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual nature lover, Uganda offers some of the best birding spots on the continent.

Best Birding Destinations in Uganda:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Home to rare Albertine Rift Endemics.
• Mabamba Swamp – The best place to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork.
• Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Park – Excellent for water birds and savannah species.
• Bigodi Wetland & Kazinga Channel – Perfect for spotting rare and migratory birds.

Bird Species You May See:

Some of the most sought-after birds include the Shoebill Stork, Gray Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Giant Kingfisher, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Secretary Bird, Marabou Stork, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

7. Boat Safari Excursions – Explore Uganda’s Waterways

Uganda is home to several lakes and rivers, making boat safaris a must-do activity for spotting hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife up close.

• Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth National Park) – Best for viewing hippos, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
• River Nile (Murchison Falls National Park) – Experience the powerful Murchison Falls and spot wildlife along the riverbanks.
• Lake Victoria & Mabamba Swamp – Ideal for birdwatching and relaxing sunset cruises.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• December to February
• June to October

During these months, the weather is drier, making it easier to spot wildlife and explore national parks without muddy trails. The rainy seasons (March–May & November) can make travel challenging due to slippery roads and trails, but they also bring lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.

Why Book with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we are committed to providing safe, ethical, and unforgettable travel experiences. We focus on:

• Supporting local communities and conservation efforts
• Customizing tours to fit your interests and budget
• Providing experienced guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes

Contact us today to start planning your dream Uganda safari adventure!