Uganda is a popular destination in Africa for travelers seeking an unforgettable safari experience. A big reason for this is the variety of terrain and fauna which can be found throughout the country. Tourism-review.com presents seven destinations worth exploring when on Uganda safari.
Situated in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park protects land along the shore of Lake Albert and around Murchison Falls, a surging column of water created by the Victoria Nile as it falls over a 43 meter tall narrow cliff.
When you aren't enjoying this spectacle, there are plenty of native animals to check out here – from elephants, hippos, and chimpanzees to over 451 species of birds, wildlife thrives in this lush corner of Uganda.
Want to see this place in comfort? Plan your visit either between the months of June to September or January to the middle of March, as the weather is most likely to cooperate during these times.
Looking for a place for your Uganda safari which strikes a balance between noteworthy geography and opportunities to view wildlife? If the presence of fellow tourists doesn't bother you, planning a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park may prove to be a smart decision.
Featuring the remains of volcanic craters, some of which have formed lakes since becoming dormant, this reserve will pique the interest of geologists, while those who come for the safari will have plenty of encounters with a variety of mammals.
These include leopards, lions, elephants, chimpanzees, hippos, and buffalo. In addition to these animals, you'll also find the Nile crocodile and over 500 bird species – as such, those interested in the latter should keep their binoculars at hand throughout their visit, as they will be able to cross specimens off their list frequently.
When the Uganda safari holiday should cover more of the savannah, Kidepo Valley National Park is the right place to be. Home to 500 types of birds and 77 mammal species like giraffes, ostriches, and hartebeests, there are plenty of animals to gawk at here, and plenty of excellent sight lines throughout the park.
When you aren't out on safari, though, there's more to do here than that – this park is home to the Ik, and indigenous tribe who have inhabited these lands for countless generations. If you've got a chance, get your guide to introduce you to some and gain a whole new perspective on the area and perhaps even life in general.
Once you have interacted with them, take a dip in the Kanangorok Hot Springs. Piping hot at a temperature near 50 degrees Celsius. They may be tough for some to stand, but those who do will benefit from the curative properties the Ik have indulged in for eons.
Located in the western parts of Uganda, the wetlands of Lake Mburo National Park provide a rich environment for a variety of flora and fauna to thrive. While it is a bit on the smaller side compared to other game reserves and national parks, it is home to over 300 bird species and mammals like zebras, warthogs, impalas, jackals, and leopards.
As for geographic features, Lake Mburo is the most dominant, as it is part of a 50-kilometer-long series of wetlands, which draw plenty of animals throughout the year, but especially during the dry season. It's a great place to see a wide variety of different species which call this area home.
Want to see the elusive mountain gorilla while in Uganda? Those like yourself often choose to base themselves in Lake Mutanda. A small lake sitting 1,800 meters above sea level, it is a peaceful place to stay while planning excursions into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
It may be smaller than its bigger cousin (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), but it also offers visitors the chance to track golden monkeys and to interact with the Batwa, the original inhabitants of this area – a perfect Uganda safari.
Famous the world over for its sizable population of mountain gorillas, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a hotly sought-after safari for those visiting Uganda. It is not popular just for the gorilla safaris which you'll get to see but for the adventure of getting there. The opportunity to view the highly intelligent primates in their natural environment will make the funds you spend on this trip worth every penny.
Living amidst old-growth forests which have been standing for hundreds of years, you may be preoccupied with checking out our genetic relations, but don't forget about the rest of the park, as this forest is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.
A park which protects a tropical rainforest sitting between 1,100 to 1,600 meters above sea level, Kibale Forest National Park is known for harboring a variety of primates – 13 species to be exact.
In addition to these, one can also spot warthogs, mongooses, African golden cats, and otters here. Although they are not residents of the park, lions will occasionally migrate into the park in the season to feed on unsuspecting herbivores.