What Are the Most Popular Uganda Safari Activities

Uganda is a rich African safari destination with a number of safari options to choose and even though it is landlocked country with no coastline, you never miss the ocean. Most folks identify with Uganda as a primate haven with gorilla trekking taking the center stage while others are in for the untamed game spectacle.

Some Uganda safari activities have restrictions in order no minimize the effects of mass tourist to the environment and reduce of the chances of stressing these vulnerable animals. For Uganda safaris to do gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking or golden monkeys trekking, there is a restriction on the number of people allowed to visit per day.

Birding in Uganda is unmatched in Africa with over 1000 bird species identified in the country and the list is still expanding. The longlist of Uganda bird species is attributed to the presence of favorable habitats where they can thrive. Some of the birds unique to Uganda birding destinations include shoebill stork, Albertine endemics, dessert specials like the ostriches and others.

For water activities while on Uganda safari, white water rafting will excite your safari experience, visit the source of river Nile where you can do kayaking or bungee jumping and others. The sundowner on River Nile or Lake Victoria is relaxing. Visit to the Murchison Falls the strongest falls in the world

3 day gorilla trekking Uganda

5 day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

6 day gorilla and game tour in Uganda

7 day gorilla, chimpanzee and game safari

8 day gorilla, chimpanzees and wildlife tour in Uganda

What Are The popular Uganda Safari Activities

Gorilla Trekking or habituation in Uganda

Gorilla safaris are the foremost Uganda safari activities that is gorilla trekking or habituation experience. Gorilla trekking is an adventure where maximum 8 people are allowed to visit a fully habituated gorilla family for an hour. Gorilla habituation is an adventure where maximum 4 tourists are allowed to visit a semi habituated gorilla family for maximum 4 hours.

You need a gorilla permit for either gorilla trekking or habituation adventure and because there is limited supply yet demand is overwhelmingly high, advance booking is required.

In Uganda, gorilla safari activities happen in only two parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These make part of the vast Virunga area which is the only destination where mountain gorillas are thriving in the entire world.

Game safaris in Uganda

The excitement of game viewing while on safaris is best felt in Uganda destinations like Murchison Falls National Park , Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. An early morning start for a game drive in Uganda is an added advantage because you get the opportunity to identify number of animals before they disperse to face the day.

Even though not all animals are found in every Uganda game park, there those common to majority of the parks. Some of the animals you can identify in Uganda National game Parks include lions, leopards, herds of elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, giraffes, oribi, topis, cheetahs, jackals, klipspringer and others.

Using a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle on Uganda safari is an added advantage because the roads in the countryside and tracks in the parks get messy especially during the rainy seasons. Expect the atmosphere to get dusty while on game drive especially when there are more vehicles in the wilderness.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

The chimpanzees have about 98% human genes bringing the closet humans in the animal kingdom so visiting them in there natural home is like having a photocopy of ancient human life. For Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Kibale National Park, kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, kaniyo Pabidi forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Ngamba chimpanzee Sanctuary are some of the renowned for destinations to visit.

You can also plan to do chimpanzee habituation adventure where four hours are allowed with a fully habituated chimpanzee troop. Maximum four tourists are allowed with these chimpanzees to protect them from the effects of mass tourism. Chimpanzee habituation adventure in Uganda is happening in Kibale National Park and Budongo forest.

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda

If you are searching for unforgettable excitement while on Africa safari then golden monkey trekking has you covered. This is a special monkey specie with a body that is larger than the usual monkeys  with golden brown hairs on the lower bottom, and even though they are habituated, they still posses there normal characteristics.

You need a golden monkey trekking permit which you need to book in advance. You can also do golden monkey habituation where maximum 4 hours are allowed with these restless monkeys.

In Uganda gorilla monkey safaris are done in Mgahinga National Park.

Birding In Uganda

Uganda one of the top birding destinations in Africa with a long list of birds so far over 1000 birds registered. The diversity of habitat where these birds thrive is one of the reasons why the list burgeons. A well organized Uganda birding Itinerary with a professional and experienced birding guide gives you the best results during your Uganda birding safari.

Some of the renowned Uganda birding destinations include Bwindi forest, Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mpanga forest, Mabira forest, Mabamba swamp, Kidepo Valley National Park for birds living in arid areas, Musambwa Island, Lake Bunyonyi and others.

Water activities on Uganda Safari

Uganda is landlocked with no coastline however there is a range of water activities you can be part of. Visit exciting beaches around Lake Victoria to relax, white water rafting on River Nile, launch trips to Murchison Falls or Kazinga channelin Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the source of River Nile, bungee jumping, kayaking, tubing and others.

Anglers have a lot to enjoy while on Uganda safari as sports fishing is can also be arranged  but you must obtain a fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Traveling with your own fishing equipment is more comfortable. Hire a boat and captain for the time you are on water. Catch and release method is used while on sports fishing adventure in Uganda for sustainability.

For swimming experience, a visit to lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest and Bilhazia free water body in Uganda is worth the attempt. Ssese Island or Bulago Islands in Lake Victoria are some of the safest spots with clear water where you can enjoy swimming

Mountaineering on Uganda safari

Mountaineering on Uganda safari is a fitness testing African adventure as the country is dotted by highlands of various levels including those you can hike in hours, for a day and more. You need to bear some level of fitness to enjoy the entire experience. Every hike on Uganda safari must be led by a ranger guide because just in case you encounter anything harmful.

Some of the mountaineering destinations you can include on Uganda safari include Mountain Rwenzori which is also referred to as the mountains of the moon, Mountain Elgon, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, the fort Portal highlands and others.

In case your Uganda mountaineering adventure is to take days, advance booking is necessary and hiring a porter is very important. Carry the necessary hiking equipment like the hiking axe.

Nature Walks And Site Seeing During Uganda Safari

For nature walks or site seeing in Uganda, you need to book in advance and include a ranger guide too. There is much to see in the wilderness from nature, to the stunning features around these highlands, the birds, different types of plants, large and small water bodies, and others. it is best to follow the trails constructed by early visitors in the wilderness so as not to  create new routes.

Cultural Visits On Uganda Safari

During a Uganda safari, you can do a cultural visit as the country has diverse cultures that you can enjoy. During the visit in Uganda, you may get the chance to learn more about the cultures of people like a visit to the Bulange mengo palace, kabaka’s lake, Toro place, Bugembe Bisoga kings palace and others.

You may be part of some traditional ceremonies in Uganda like traditional weddings, cultural rituals, food preparations and others. You need to identify which cultural activities you hope to engage in while on a visit in Uganda

When Is The Best Time To Do A Uganda Safari

Uganda is open for safaris any time however for outdoor activities the dry season is most preferred that is June, July, August, September, October when the environment is bright and vibrant. For game safaris, the tracks in the Uganda game parks are more exciting to drive through with chances of seeing more animals even from a far. The vegetation is generally lower giving you an opportunity to enjoy the stunning features in these parks.

Most tourists visit Uganda in the peak season which is normally the dry season and due to high demand, options of logistics that support the Uganda tours also run out. For Uganda Gorilla safaris, chimpanzee safaris or golden monkeys safaris, the permits may also run out of supply in the peak season yet these are the only tickets that allow access you to these Uganda primate destinations. 

Donot be put down by the wet season in case you are planning a Uganda safari because there are some special at most destinations during this season. For the wet season in Uganda, it is normally March, April, May and November with more rains expected to fall. In some Uganda safari destinations, it is infant fiesta as the grass is taller and this is a hiding spot for these vulnerable creatures.

If you have a limited budget but wishing to do a Uganda safari, the low season may be that suitable opportunity as some facilities may offer discounted costs. Even those wishing to have less or no outside company while on normally shared Uganda safaris like gorilla, chimpanzees or golden monkey safaris may have more chances in the low season.

How To Book A Uganda safari

To book a Uganda safari, you need to select what you wish to do first as Uganda has a long menu of safari activities you can consume but holiday time factors may limit you. From the basket of Uganda safari activities, you may even mix some of the activities and majority of the Uganda National Park have more than one activity.

For gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey safaris in Uganda, you must secure the permit as this is the only confirmation to either of these activities. The game drives in the Uganda game parks are best started early morning when most animals are still close to there night hideouts. So booking accommodation to use on Uganda safari within or closer to the destinations is very important.

Select when to do the gorilla, chimpanzees, wildlife safari, mountaineering adventure and others. Chose the people to do the Uganda safari with for advance planning.

When you send us your enquiry with these Uganda safari details at Arch Safaris And Tours, our safari consultants get back to you in the shortest time possible. We work with you in putting together an affordable but memorable African safari.

How much is the cost of Uganda safari?

The cost of Uganda safari varies with what safari activities you intend to be part of as there are numerous options. For Gorilla, chimpanzees or golden monkeys safaris in Uganda, the cost of the permits is compulsory no matter which safari package you choose. At the moment, the cost of Uganda Gorilla permit is $ 800, Chimpanzees trekking permit is $200 and Golden monkey safari is $60 per person.

For Uganda game safaris, you must pay park entrance fees which at the moment ranges from $40 to $45 per person depending

The accommodation costs during Uganda safari also vary with category that is luxury, Mid-range or basic. Most of these accommodations facilities up country serve Full board services however there are those that offer other service options too. For gorilla safari experience on Uganda safari, spending the night within or closer to the destination gives you chance to get to the briefing point in time. Other costs that may be considered on Uganda safari may include transport, on ground payments especially on optional activities not included in the itinerary, personal experiences, tipping and others. We encourage our clients to tip generously as this is a token of appreciation and encouragement to the rangers and others service providers you meet on ground.

Book Now