Uganda has gained global recognition as a popular safari destination. Annually, thousands of tourists visit Uganda and they leave amazed by the popular safari destinations the country has got. From gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to tree-climbing lions experience in Queen Elizabeth National and hiking adventure safaris in Mt. Rwenzori National Park, Uganda is a reliable African Safari destination. Below is a glimpse of the country’s most popular safari activities one can participate in during their Uganda safaris.

Game drives and wildlife safaris in Uganda

Uganda is home to safari destinations that offer the best game drives and wildlife safaris. From the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the grasslands of Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo National Park, travelers get the ultimate wildlife encounters. We cannot fail to talk about the amazing morning and afternoon game drives that take place in Murchison Falls National Park.

During these game drives, travelers explore the park in 4×4 safari vehicles with a pop-up roof for scenic viewing. They encounter multiple animal species such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, zebras, and warthogs, to mention but a few. For parks like Lake Mburo, taking on a horseback riding safari is a signature move for great wildlife viewing during your Uganda wildlife safari or tour.

Additionally, animal enthusiasts go ahead and participate in the amazing night game drives for an insight into the night wonders of the parks. Night game drives allow travelers to dive into the nocturnal life of animals. It is here that you land on a pride of lions hunting down a buffalo or a leopard chasing a gazelle. Such moments are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can be availed to you by taking on the best Uganda wildlife safari tours.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda

For Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, Express Safaris focuses on bringing you the best Uganda primate tours without hurting your wallet. You can create your memories by taking on the Uganda gorilla trekking budget safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. It is also a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is part of the great Virunga massif which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla trekking tours and safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involve travelers entering the thickets in search of a specific gorilla family. Did you know that Mountain gorillas like human beings live in families? Each family is headed by an adult male known as Silverback. As of 2024, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 26 habituated gorilla families. The gorilla trekking activity takes 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. Upon meeting the gorilla family, travelers are given one hour to spend in their presence. Here, you can take as many pictures as you wish. Ensure to strictly follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Book your gorilla trekking permit now and enjoy the amazing safari activity while on your Uganda tour.

Other than the popular Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking safaris take place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro district southwestern Uganda. The park has one habituated gorilla family. It is a reliable safari destination for gorilla habituation in Uganda and Africa.

It is important to note that gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda can be tailored or combined with other Uganda and East Africa safari activities. For example, one can easily combine wildebeest migration and Gorilla trekking safaris in a single trip. Talk to a travel specialist now and make your dreams come true.

Cultural safaris in Uganda

A Uganda safari or tour is not complete without an amazing Uganda cultural tour. Uganda is home to 64 tribes. Each tribe has its uniqueness and they are equally hospitable. Right from the entry point to the rural areas, Ugandan people are welcoming and can make your Uganda safari a memorable one.

Uganda cultural safaris involve visiting cultural villages, historical sites as well as local markets. From the Ik people in Kidepo Valley National Park to the Ankole tribes in Lake Mburo and then the indigenous Batwa communities in southwestern Uganda, cultural safaris are a dream come true. You will take part in the traditional dances, storytelling, making local beer, making coffee, harvesting, and weaving, to mention but a few.

Some of the popular cultural sites one should not miss on their Uganda safari include; Kasubi tombs in Kampala city, Igongo Cultural Centre, the Karimajong communities of Northern Uganda, the Nakayima tree in Mubende, the Bigo bya’mugyenyi, Karambi royal tombs, the Batwa communities in Kabale and Kisoro, to point out but a few. Visiting these places and communities will allow you to appreciate diversity as well as learn about African cultures.

Uganda Birding safaris

Looking for the best birding destination in Africa? Look no further, Uganda is the answer. Uganda is home to over 1000 bird species located in different locations. The Mabamba Swamp offers beautiful birding tours in Lake Victoria near Entebbe International Airport. You will witness the popular shoebill stork alongside other bird species.

Other Uganda popular birding destinations include; Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bigodi wetland in Kibale National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

In these areas, you will be able to spot birds like African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex), African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata), African Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta), African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) and, African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus). You will also encounter the African Pitta (Pitta angolensis), Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis), Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops bulocki), Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae), African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris), Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster), Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus), African Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus), African Blue Flycatcher (Elminia longicauda), White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) and Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis).

Book your Uganda birding tours for the ultimate adventure and enjoy the melodies of these magical species!

Chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda

Are you a primate lover or do you admire seeing them jumping from tree to tree? Uganda offers the best chimpanzee trekking safaris. From the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to Kibale Forest National Park to Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest, a great chimpanzee tour awaits.

With the help of expert Uganda chimpanzee safari tour guides, travelers dive into the life of chimpanzees. They learn about the evolutionary theories suggesting that human beings originated from these chimps. Did you know that chimpanzees share 98.4 of the human DNA? This is the reason behind their easy contraction of human diseases and vice versa.

Adventure safaris in Uganda

Uganda offers special adventure safari activities that should not be missed on your bucket list. These include; zip lining, quad biking, swimming, white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, etc. All these activities are best done in Jinja – the source of the Nile and Murchison Falls National Park. Lake Bunyonyi is also a prime destination for adventurous safari activities in Uganda.

Choosing a safari destination in Africa is quite a challenging task, however, our experience can simplify the work for you. Below are some of the reasons why you should choose Uganda as the best safari destination.

Pristine wilderness: Uganda is blessed with iconic wildernesses. From the thick forests to the savannah plains and wetlands, Uganda should not be missed on your travel list. Uganda safaris in the wilderness give travelers a chance to get off the urban noise and enjoy the breeze of nature.

Iconic primate species of Uganda; Uganda is home to some primate species that can be found in a few places in the world. The best examples are the endangered mountain gorillas found in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks. Taking on a Uganda primate safari gives you a truly rewarding and transforming experience.

Easy-to-combine safari activities: Uganda is one of the few destinations in Africa whose safari destinations and activities can easily be combined. You can tailor your itinerary to combine birding safaris with gorilla trekking tours, game drives, city tours, cultural adventures, etc. in a single trip. This makes Uganda a favorable safari destination in Africa and the world.

Unique tourist destinations and attractions: Almost every tourist attraction is unique in Uganda. Did you know that Uganda is the source of the world’s longest river – the River Nile? Did you know that the world’s strongest waterfalls – Murchison Falls are found in Uganda? Did you know that Mt. Elgon caldera is the world’s largest Volcanic Caldera? Did you know that Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population? These and many more are some of the reasons why Uganda should be top of your travel list.

Off-the-beaten-path experiences: if you compare Uganda to other African safari destinations like Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, Uganda offers better off-the-beaten-path experiences. Uganda’s national parks are not crowded. You will witness the tranquility of the wilderness, and enjoy greater sightings, and sounds of the natural world.

Hospitality of the people: Ugandans are arguably the most hospitable people in East Africa. It is in Uganda where someone will smile at you even when they do not understand your language. Ugandans are always willing to help strangers by offering directions, sharing a meal, and sharing a community challenge. This is why taking on a Uganda cultural experience in Uganda is a rewarding adventure.

Budget-friendly safari activities and accommodation: unlike other African safari destinations, Uganda offers budget-friendly safaris right from the word go. For example, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda goes for 800 USD compared to Rwanda’s 1500 USD gorilla trekking permits. It is easy to get an accommodation facility in Uganda during your trip compared to other African safari destinations. Food in Uganda is equally cheap and can be found anywhere anytime.