Uganda Safari

Is everything from your desktop to the top of your desk consumed with breathtaking pictures of distant locations and landscapes that arouse the wanderlust in you? Well, Uganda is one such place that dreams and wallpapers are made up of. This little country nestles between Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo and Sudan. Uganda is home to Lake Victoria which is one amongst the largest lakes of the world, and to the Rwenzori mountains which is the tallest mountain range in Africa and is the source of the Nile which is again, the longest river on the planet. With a horde of superlatives in one place and under one name, your best experience awaits you here.

Track down the largest population of mountain gorillas, gape at the mind-boggling abundance of apes, take a stroll on the enchanting promenade by the Lake Victoria, bank on the banks of the River Nile to allure you with its densely forested swamps, fall head over heels in love with the Murchison falls, and drench yourself in an unmatched adrenaline surge as you plunge into the Nile on your raft. Uganda, having been called the pearl of Africa, is surely a site that can excite you. Mark your maps on this little country and it is sure to leave its mark on you.

History of Uganda

Let’s not look past the past, which is sure to leave its trace over a place. Let’s turn a few pages of Uganda’s history to soak in the country’s true essence and blend in with its splendour to the fullest.The people of Uganda started off as hunter-gatherers. They were formally ruled for the first time by the empire of Kitara. Eventually, the source of the Nile became the source of curiosity for traders from afar. Having drawn its fair share of attention, the land was soon under the British East Africa company. It was only in 1914 that many territories came together to shape the country, Uganda. The name Uganda derives its source from the Buganda kingdom that encloses a large portion of the south of Uganda. The country was free of the British rule in 1962.

Today, Uganda hosts a large diversity of ethnic groups, thus exuding a fascinating cultural richness. The population can be predominantly divided into the Bantu speakers of the south, who constitute a majority and the speakers of Nilotic languages from the north.

Uganda is brimming with a myriad national parks and game reserves with enticing promises of wildlife sightings. Hop on a safari and carve through the wildness to witness an overwhelming intimacy with the fascinating creatures of the dense bush. There are totally around 28 protected wildlife areas in Uganda. Read on to know about the hot favourite National parks of Uganda you just cannot afford to miss!

Bwindi National Park

The Bwindi impenetrable national park is the pride and joy of Uganda. Clinging onto the edge of the Albertine rift valley and snuggling in the mist amongst a chain of other valleys, Bwindi is a cornucopia of scenic enticements. Not surprisingly, the park is a UNESCO world heritage site. Wildlife enthusiasts from across boundaries gravitate to the Bwindi park for its popular gorilla tracking. Penetrate the density of these rainforests and venture out on your hot pursuit of the mountain gorillas. Catch the notorious apes in action and observe their eerily human like behavior. Apart from gorillas, you can also count on encounters with chimpanzees, baboons and other species of monkeys. It is also a key location to catch the monkeys and bring home tales of dangling tails. The Bwindi national park harbours 350 species of birds, making it a hotspot for bird watchers.

Murchison National park

The Murchison national park is another spell-binding destination with the Victoria Nile at the heart of it. The river winds through the park and finally gushes through a narrow gorge and delves into a gorgeous seven metre drop with daunting strength. Grinding rocks as it chases the ground, the drop is sure to make your jaws drop. Take a boat trip, row down the Nile and let the spectacle of the Murchison falls arrest you. The river banks are wildlife magnets that allure hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes to the waters and is sure to quench your thirst for sightings. You’re likely to spot four of the big five at the Murchison national park. Other iconic sightings in the park are large herds of giraffe wading through the grasslands and of course, a gathering of chimpanzees yapping away to glory and immersing in their playful habits around their habitat.

Grab your chance at chancing upon the elusive wildlife. Other national parks of interest are the Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale park, Budongo forest, Katonga wildlife reserve, Lake Mburo national park, Kidepo valley national park and many more. A tour in the country of Uganda is bound to leave you spellbound.

Citizens of most countries require a Visa to enter Uganda. This can be easily obtained on arrival at the country’s international airports (Entebbe International Airport). It is essential that you have a clean and recent US dollar bills to pay for the Visa. Bills that are damaged with tears and holes, or bills dated prior to 2006, may be rejected by customs. Have all your travel documents and confirmations at hand, this will keep the process smooth and quick.

You have the option to choose a “Single Entry Visa” which costs about 50 USD and is valid for a period of 90 days. If you have plans of visiting Kenya and Rwanda, you can opt for the “East African Tourist Visa”. This will cost about 100 USD and give you multiple entry access to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for a period of 90 days.

The table below sums it all up for you -


Vaccinations -
All travellers visiting The Republic of Uganda must have a valid Yellow Fever Immunization card before their arrival. In case you have skipped getting this immunization, you will have to take it at the airport.

Striking at the right time can make all the difference between ‘Ow’ and ‘Wow’ on your trip to Uganda. A lot is determined by whether the weather plays on your side. So, stay ‘clock wise’ and block your calendars at the right time to tip the odds in your favor. Although there is no escape from rainfall throughout the year, the relatively dry season between June to August and December to February is the ideal time window that you're looking out for. The popular favorite season lies between June to September. With clear skies to invite you, steer clear of harm's way and make the most of your adventure. Whether it's trekking or tracking, the dry season is your best shot at catching the wild.

The wet season, which falls between the months of March to May and September to November , comes with a fair share of 'if’s’ and 'but’s’. Although it is easier on your pockets to travel during this low season, stay warned of slippery trails, tricky treks and untraversable roads. However, it is the perfect time to grab some appealing discounts on gorilla tracking permits to squeeze together a budget friendly adventure. Luckily for you, the animals are not migratory and hence, you’re sightings aren’t going to be highly compromised.Crossed by the equator, Uganda’s average temperature is a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius.

The best time to plan your Uganda adventure-

Queen Elizabeth National Park

- Gazetted as the Queen Elizabeth National Park after the Queen’s visit in 1954, it was previously comprised of isolated game reserves created around the two lakes - George and Edward. Using the 40-kilometre long natural Kazinga channel that connects both lakes, the area was made into a national park that consisted of the most diverse animal population within Uganda. The Queen Elizabeth National Park now houses over 90 species of mammals, the highest in Uganda. It also is home to 10 species of primates and over 600 species of birds. It also stands as the most diverse areas for bird watching in all of Uganda. It is home to some rare species of primates like the colobus monkey and the L'hoest's monkey. It is also one of the very few places in the world where you can find tree-climbing lions! You can also find Chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, while the Equator also crosses through the national park. Not only this, there are land and water safaris to offer to tourists at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Clearly, a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is filled with myriad experiences and would equate to one of those unmatched moments in life.

Lake Mburo National Park

Situated conveniently off the highway that connects Entebbe and Kampala to Western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a must-visit wetland ecosystem brimming with flora and fauna. With several lakes and water bodies in the entire area, it forms a much-needed wetland that attracts a host of wildlife from the nearing area. At 260 square kilometres, it also stands as the smallest savannah national park existing in Uganda. With everything from game drives to various safaris on road, this national park is the ideal place for a one or two-day safari. Originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and had a topsy-turvy history of poaching and hunting until it was re-gazetted in 1986. The bounds of the national park consist of five lakes with a total of 13 other lakes in the area. This forms an extensive 50-kilometre long wetland ecosystem that house more than 300 species of birds along with antelopes and land mammals. The lakes are scattered in between vast expanses of woodland and offer a completely unique experience to everyone who visits it.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While the generic idea of a safari in Africa would comprise of an endless plain with dry grass, big predators stalking helpless prey and a heat warming sunset to cap it off, there is quite a lot more to offer in this continent. You might not even believe what you are in store for when you step a little high up into the rolling forests of Uganda, where one of the most majestic and endangered species of primates resides - Mountain Gorillas. Not only this, it is completely different from anything you would’ve seen in your life. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of those national parks that is one of a kind. An 8-hour drive from Entebbe will bring you to the rolling hills in Southern Uganda where the Bwindi national park is located. It is in the vicinity of several other national parks with a similar terrain of mountains and deep valleys with lush vegetation like the Mgahinga National Park as well as the Virunga National Park. However, the Bwindi national park is the most famous, the most diverse and the largest of its kind in Uganda. The gorilla tracking experience an adventure unique to Uganda only.

Murchison Falls National Park

Enthusiasts from across the globe gravitate to this enchanting game park with the captivating Murchison falls having stirred the wanderlust in them. Being at the heart of the park and unquestionably its claim to fame, Murchison falls is sure to fall on the bucket lists of many travel connoisseurs. Lose yourself as you watch the dauntless white Nile explode through a narrow gorge from an outlet of the Lake Victoria and collapse into a mystifying wall of mist, blushing with the hues of the rainbow and drenching you with awe. The vigorous, rock grinding drop is surely a jaw dropping sight. Fall in love with these falls as its splendour encloses upon you and renders you speechless. Embrace the unmistakable heartthrob of the landscape and let it calm your qualms with it's mere intensity. Close your eyes and listen to the gurgling of the Nile, with the subtle hissing of its wildlife in the background. The drive to the National park is about 320 Kms and takes about 6 hours to reach from Entebbe. The wait is totally worth it once you see how mesmerizing the falls are. Claim the enticing odds of meeting four out of the big five, which includes lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. The park is brimming with as many as 76 species of mammals and over 450 species of birds. Be it in the winds, the waters or on land, this national park hosts a surprise anywhere you look.

Kibale National Park

Situated near the city of Fort Portal in Southern Uganda, the Kibale National Park is one of the most sought after locations when it comes to Chimpanzee tracking for tourists as well as Chimpanzee conservation and rehabilitation. With the national park comprising of areas in altitudes 1100 to 1600 metres, the Kibale National Park houses 13 species of primates in approximately 750 square kilometres of land area. It takes approximately 6 hours to cover the 330 kilometre distance from Entebbe to the south-eastern border of Uganda; people often fly to Kasese and drive north from there too. The national park and adjacent game reserve are located in the middle of the lush and rich forest belt of eastern Africa containing areas of lowlands as well as montane forests. While the national park is known for its chimp tracking, there are quite a few other species of rare primates that belong here. The red colobus monkey as well as the L’Hoest’s monkey are a couple such species that can be found in the lush forests of the Kibale national park. Not only is Kibale known for the largest population of the red colobus monkey, there are other birds and mammals that are found there. Native birds like the dusky crimsonwing and the blue headed sunbird can also be found at the Kibale national park. Having understood that wide variety of animals that call the Kibale national park home, it is apt to delve into those animals that have made Kibale famous - our closest relative, the Chimpanzee.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located in the Nakasongola district in the Kafu river basin, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as a flag bearer for the cooperative effort to conserve the Rhinoceros. A collaborative effort between the Rhino Uganda Fund, the Uganda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ziwa Ranchers Limited, the sanctuary aims to establish a safe environment where the Rhinoceros can breed and flourish. Unlike many safaris in Africa, the Ziwa sanctuary is a walking safari. At approximately 7000 hectares of land, the Rhinos have ample area to flourish and co-exist. It forms one of the most densely populated rhino areas in the world. In fact, a guided nature walk around the sanctuary makes for fantastic viewings of animals as well as plants. Animals such as Bushbuck, grey Duiker, Oribi, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Hartebeest, black and white Colobus, and various reptiles such as large monitor lizards and butterflies can be found all around the sanctuary, but requires an expert to spot them at different areas and at different times of the day. A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also goes a long way in contributing to maintain and elevate the practices performed to conserve the rhino that were very close to extinction just a few years ago. Our acts of support for these animals will go a long way in the long-term future of their species.

Lake Bunyonyi

Unbeknownst to many, this is nature’s treasure trove tucked to safety in South-west Uganda, just south of Kabale ideal for people from all schools of life as it offers a potpourri of activities. Lake Bunyonyi is a quaint place with ethereal beauty dotted with 29 islands in varied sizes and unique shapes amidst the plush green of the surrounding hills. While a lot can be done to in Lake Bunyonyi, let’s delve deep to get an insight about this place. Located between the two districts of Kisoro and Kabare and close to the border of Rwanda, it is a freshwater lake with the reputation as the second deepest lake of Africa. With the depths varying between 144ft to 2952ft, swimming in this lake is truly an unmatched experience as you surrender yourself to depths of water.

Jinja - The Adventure Capital Of Africa

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, an adventure enthusiast, an adrenaline chaser or an unstoppable extremist, Jinja is one of the wildest of havens for the rebel in you to revel in. Unwind over the winding Nile and emerge white-faced from your white water rafting expeditions, take your leap of faith and plunge into the Nile on a life transforming Bungee jump, treat yourself to a trot along the banks of the Nile and traverse through hills, valleys, forests, plantations and other astounding sections of the river banks on an exciting horseback safari. Besides hosting a bountiful of lip-smacking thrills for the adventure hungry, Jinja is also brimming with some of the best social spots and a happening nightlife for you to unwind in, after chasing your hot pursuit of adrenaline rushes. Spend a long day by the long river and then wash down your fatigue with a fulfilling bottle of beer and see it through to its bottom. Some popular favorites of the late hour are the Bourbon, Spot6, Babez, the 2 Friends bar and a myriad of other clubs and pubs. Stay rest assured that your leisure does not take a backseat at Jinja. Head back home with a head full of awesome and awe inspiring memories from the most thrill infused and scenic lands of Africa.

Kibale National Park

Lake Bunyonyi

Bwindi National Park

Murchison Falls

The official local currency in The Republic of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. However, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere for and are even the preferred currency for transactions over 100USD. Just as in the case of obtaining your visa, currency bills that are dated post 2006 in an undamaged condition are recommended.

Visa and Mastercard facilities are in their infancy and will only be available at high-end stores and hotels. Expect for the commission to be added to your bill. You can also use Visa and Mastercard in many ATMs. However, Ugandan ATMs only dispense Ugandan shillings and $300 equals a wad that barely fits in your pocket. It’s also possible to purchase US dollars with a credit card, but expect a fee of 4 to 5%.

With misty mountain ranges, green volcanoes, dense river banks, open Savannah grasslands, winding rivers, disarming waterfalls, pristine lakes, chilling glaciers, promenades, parks and impenetrable rainforests woven into its design, Uganda is truly a lot in a little. When compared with the rest of the African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda paints the magnificence of the continent with a unique shade of its own. The country is more of a quiet and calm destination that puts your pieces at peace. Being a happy go lucky location detached from boisterous crowds and masses gives it an edge over the rest, for passionate, soul searching expeditions. Like the country itself, the people of Uganda are warm and more receptive in comparison. Also, Uganda is slightly easier on your purse strings when mapped against other travel destinations in Africa.

While it offers game drives and promises of big five sightings, it also lets you chase the wild trail, track chimps and gorillas in pristine valleys, soak in the dense rainforests bathed in the hues of a splendid tropical sun and remain mystified by the mist.

Locations like the Lake Bunyonyi and the Murchison falls have rendered many travel connoisseurs speechless. This little country seems to hold a soul stirring surprise around every corner. Set out for Uganda and let the soaring mountains heal everything sore. Unwind by a still lake that instills a sense of completeness in you and watch all your inhibitions melt away as you lose yourself to the soothing beauty of this endearing land.