The charm of Uganda safari activities lies in its astounding diversity and may be this explains why its sometimes referred to as a country gifted by nature. The prime Uganda safari activity is gorilla trekking where tourists get to meet the only leftover mountain gorillas living in the world. Uganda is a primate haven in Africa hosting chimpanzees, different monkey species and others.
Uganda has a variety of vegetation zones and habitats that favors bio diversity giving several wild animals to thrive within its boundaries. This backs up the fact that Uganda has over 10 National Parks and several game reserves open for game drives.
Cultural diversity as Ugandans have a diverse culture distinguished by tribe, traditional institutions including kingdoms, chiefdoms, ethnicity and more. Despite the differences in the life and cultures of the people of Uganda, in general, they are known in Africa to be very friendly and welcoming.
Uganda has several freshwater bodies that serve a similar purpose to the oceans and seas. Even though Uganda is land locked, while on Uganda safari, there are so may water activities to do like white water rafting launch trips, Kayaking, beach activities, visit source of River Nile and more.
Activities To Do on Uganda safari
Gorilla trekking and Gorilla habituation Experience
Uganda’s top safari activity is gorilla trekking as the country is one of the only three countries in the world that host the only leftover mountain gorillas in the world. During gorilla trekking maximum 8 tourists are allowed to have one hour with the fully habituated gorilla family.
Gorilla habituation experience is another encounter with the mountain gorillas you can choose to do on Uganda safari. During gorilla habituation experience maximum 4 tourists are allowed to accompany a team of researchers to search and spent four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.
Two Uganda Parks only are homes to the mountain gorillas that in Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park part of the wider Virunga area. Each of these Uganda gorilla habitats has gorilla families open to the public with so far approximately 23 gorilla trekking families and 4 gorilla habituation experience families.
Game safaris in Uganda
A wide range of game can be seen in any of the 4 Uganda game parks while on game drive and in game reserves too. It is best to start the game drive in Uganda early morning or late afternoon. Some of the Uganda game parks include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park.
While on a game drive during Uganda safari, you may encounter animals like lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, zebras, Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, reedbucks, oribi, Uganda Kobs, leopards, hyenas, hartebeests, cheetahs, aardvark and more.
Note that all animals are not found in all the National park as there some endemic to a particular Uganda national park.
For a game drive in any of the Uganda National Parks, use a 4×4 wheel vehicle in good condition one which is terrain resistant.
Chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experience in Uganda
Get an opportunity to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda where tourists are allowed one hour in the wilderness with the fully habituated chimpanzee community. Uganda is home to a population of over 5000 chimpanzees living in different part s of the country.
Chimpanzee habituation experience is another activity you can be part of while on Uganda safari where maximum 4 tourists are allowed to accompany a team of researchers to spend four hours with a semi habituated chimpanzee community.
Some of the chimpanzee habitants in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest, Budongo forest, Bwindi forest, Kaniyo Pabidi and others.
Water activities on Uganda safari
Several fresh water lakes and rivers create a favorable location for tourists on Uganda safari to enjoy water activities. Even though Uganda is a land locked country with no sea or ocean, the water bodies in it are a good substitute for where to do water activities while on safari.
The source of River Nile is in Uganda on lake Victoria Jinja district but you can get there by boat.
The launch trips in Queen Elizabeth national park or Murchison falls National park are the highlight of safari activities in these Uganda National park. Along the banks of Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park, you watch a variety of birds that flock this spot. The launch trip in Murchison falls National Park gets you to the best point of the entire River Nile course as recognized by explore Sir Samuel Baker
White water rafting during Uganda safari is remarkable as you peddle through the rapids on a tube boat along the course. No need to have white water rafting experience but follow instructions from instructors on ground.
Kayaking, beach activities, Sports fishing, bungee jumping, tubing, swimming and other water activities can be added to the water safari activities to do in Uganda.
Birding in Uganda
Uganda is a rich Africa birding destination with a population of over 1000 birds a number that is paralleled by none in Africa. The bird diversity in Uganda is attributed to the variety of habitants around the country that favor the survival of these birds.
While on a Uganda birding safaris, you may spot birds like the shoebill a rare bird, saddle billed stork, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, handsome Francolin and more.
Some of the Uganda birding destinations include Mpanga forest, Mabamba forest, Mabira forest, Musambwa Island, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale forest and more
Mountaineering Safaris In Uganda
Uganda has several highlands where mountaineering activities can be arranged ranging from one day to more days. The Mountain Rwenzori is the highest mountain in Uganda with its highest peak as Magherita at over 5109 meters above sea level. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori takes about 7 days return trip.
Other highlands open for hiking safari in Uganda include Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura, Sabyinyo, Elgon and others. A guided hike on any of these mountains gets you to see the wonderful features and surroundings that form the topography of these highlands.
Cross check with the guiding lists and carry your hiking gears where necessary while on a hiking safari in Uganda.
Uganda Cultural Safari
Uganda has diverse culture and it’s a unique experience you get while on cultural safari in the country. Ugandans are distinguished by tribe, cultural institutions, ethnicity and more but despite these differences, they live in harmony.
Some of the notable cultural institutions of Uganda include Busoga Kingdom, Buganda Kingdom, Bunyoro Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, Tooro kingdom and more. There are several chiefdoms in Uganda too. Despite these diverse cultures people in Uganda are proud of their heritage.
It is better to single out a niche culture you wish to understand during the Uganda cultural safari so that you do not have too much to collect from the so many tribes, ethnic groups in Uganda.
Religious safaris in Uganda
Uganda has freedom of worship and this explains the ever springing religious denominations in the country. For religious studies about Uganda, you have to be aware of where your interest lies and what you want to find out.
The Namugongo Uganda martyr’s shrine is one of the top religious destinations to add to the Uganda safari destinations to visit. At Namugongo several young men were burnt to death alive by the then King Mwanga who accused them of disobedience against his authority substituting it with religion.
Most of the major religions in Uganda have headquarters like the protestants at Namirembe cathedra, Muslims in Kibuli or Old Kampala, Roman Catholics at Rubaga cathedra, Seventh day Adventists at Namungoona and others. The traditionalists are also free to worship in Uganda.
Educational Visits In Uganda
Uganda has one of the oldest Universities in Africa called Makerere University that has over the years been attended by different dignitaries in Africa including Nkwame Nkuruma, H.E.Kagame of Rwanda and others.
A walk through the gates of Makerere University with different historical buildings and structures is like walking in education history of Uganda. Several schools in Uganda offer education at different levels like pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary and more. To visit any education institution in Uganda, you need to seek permission from the authorities.
Kampala city tour
While on a visit to Uganda, you can take on a Kampala city tour. Kampala is Uganda’s main capital city where most activities and operations that run the country are generated. To do a Kampala city tour, you need an early morning start to catch up with jam time and be able to reach most destinations on your itinerary.
Some of the places to visit on Kampala city tour include Namugongo Martyr’s shrine, Uganda Museum, Mengo Kabaka’s place, Naggalabi coronation grounds, Kasubi tombs, religion centers, Kabaka’s manmade lake in Ndeeba and more.
Tips To A Successful Uganda Safari
Book the necessary permits for your Uganda safari including gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, park entrance and more. Uganda safari permits sell out fast because there supply is limited.
Organize the Uganda safari itinerary in advance to avoid panic at the last minute. Do book the safari accompanying logistics like accommodation, transport in advance in order not to run out of options at the last minute.
Cross check with the Uganda safari packing list and take keen interest in specific wear that is recommended for that activity so as not to get into trouble when the activity starts. To do gorilla safari or chimpanzee safari or Hiking that lasts some days in Uganda has specific attire to wear.
Do a health check up before a Uganda safari to find out if you are fit to participate in some activities. In case you need to bear some level of fitness before some Uganda safari activities like gorilla safaris, chimpanzee safari, mountaineering and more, engage in some simple exercises while preparing for this safari.
Apply for the necessary Uganda visa in advance when planning this safari even though it can be acquired at immigration on arrival. At times the ques on arrival are too long and this may be time wasting especially if your Uganda safari is starting on arrival.
Book a professional and experienced driver guide during Uganda safari so that you enjoy your trip beyond expectations and make it memorable.
What to Pack for Uganda safari
In general, below this is the packing list for a Uganda safari
Safari attire
Safari hat
Energy bites
Warmers
Backpack
Insect relent
Toiletries
Camera
Light wear to change into
Foldable drinking water bottle
Torch
Flip flops
Extra fully charged batteries
Water proof bag where to keep your stained shoes
How much is the cost of the Uganda safari
The cost of the Uganda safari varies with activity that is the cost of a gorilla permit ranges from $800 to $1500. Cost od chimpanzee permit of Uganda varies from $50 to $300 depending on destination and activity to engage in.
Do not forget to pay recommended Uganda park entrance fees where necessary as this is compulsory for entrance into Uganda National Parks. Some Uganda safari activities have park entrance fees within the permit cost.
Do not forget the cost of other safari amenities like accommodation cost, transport cost and more. For a successful African safari adventure, you need to book necessary logistics in advance so that you do not run out of options of your comfort and budget.
Carry some hard cash for on ground purchases during your Uganda safari like the tipping, personal expenses and more.
How Safe Are Uganda Safaris
Uganda is a safe safari destination with most destinations having guides to take you through the details of these spots. More information about these Uganda safari destinations is provided by the local guides who understand the native language and have lived to see some of the information about these destinations manifest.
For Uganda National Parks and other wildlife reserves, there are ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority who offer security to wildlife, visitors and others. Each Uganda safari destination has guidelines which every tourist is expected to adhere too. Breaking the law while on Uganda safari is tantamount to a penalty. When in a game drive avoid stepping out of your vehicle without an accompanying ranger guide.