All About Uganda Safari Guide, Facts, Culture, Destinations, Wildlife
Uganda travel guide provides a complete safari guide/insight into how best you can explore everything about the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is without a doubt one of the epic destinations to explore in Africa. Uganda boasts of its abundant wildlife, vibrant cultures and traditions, diverse adventure opportunities, and more.
Uganda has plenty for tourists to explore and experience. Beyond wildlife, expect to experience the off-beaten beauty and rich heritage. Uganda is home to lush rainforests, scenic wetlands, and savannas where a huge concentration of wildlife resides.
Top Uganda Safaris & Tour Packages
About Uganda as a country
- Uganda is a landlocked state in East Africa.
- The country code is +256.
- Currency: Uganda Shilling
- Capital: Kampala
- Official Languages English & Kiswahili
- President: H.E. Yoweri Museveni
- Prime Minister: Hon. Robinah Nabbanja
- Population: Over 49 million
- Religion: Different religions exist in Uganda including Christians, Islam, Judaism, Baha’i & more. Christianity forms the largest religious group in Uganda.
The people
Uganda is comprised of different tribal groups. It is regarded as a boiling pot of cultures for a good reason. The indigenous people in Uganda include the IK, Batwa, the Benet, the Karamojong, and the Basongora. Unfortunately, they are not recognized as indigenous people.
Additional tribes to expect to explore on Uganda safari include the Baganda, Acholi people, Gisu, Banyankole people, Bagwere, Basamia, Bakiga, Sabiny, Iteso, and others.
Overall, Uganda is comprised of 56 tribes which makes it a vibrant cultural safari destination in Africa. Each tribe has a unique culture, traditions, and practices to showcase.
Ethnic groups in Uganda –the Pearl of Africa
The main ethnic groups in Uganda include the Nilotics, the Bantu, the Nile Hamites, and the Hamites. The Bantu is the biggest ethnic group.
Quick Facts about Uganda
- An excellent bird-watching or birding destination with over 1080 species of birds.
- Home to over half of the world’s remaining 1063 mountain gorillas.
- One of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in Africa.
- Home to the Big 5 game –the African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions (including the tree climbing lions), leopards, and rhinos.
Destinations to explore in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Stretching across a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home of varied unique species, most of which are found nowhere else on earth or very scarce. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the far South-western border of Uganda and Congo.
Bwindi is a splendid Uganda safari park set on the edge of the rift valley with an elevation range of 1160 m and 2607 m, featuring mist-covered hillsides where the country’s oldest and biodiverse rain-forest (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) dating to over 25000 years is found.
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for exhilarating birding tours, mountain gorilla trekking, nature/forest walks, and the Batwa cultural experience. Explore More.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is a rainforest Uganda safari protected area, located in the Kisoro district. The park is found on the extreme Southwestern side of the country, bordering Rwanda and Congo.
It occupies the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), an exceptional region that also encompasses Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park in Congo and Rwanda respectively.
The size of Mgahinga & when it was gazetted: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is compact by size, occupying around 33.7 sq.km of land area. Its status quo as a Uganda safari or National Park in Uganda were attained in 1991 after upgrading from being a Game Sanctuary.
Experience the best of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching, Garama cave walk, gorge walk, Batwa trail experience, and others. Explore More.
Kibale National Park
Visit Kibale National Park in Uganda for a captivating chimpanzee habituation experience, chimpanzee tracking, birding, forest walks, and community tours.
Spanning over 795sq.km, Kibale National Park in Kabarole, western Uganda boasts of over 13 primate species and is Africa’s best chimpanzee.
Kibale National Park (Kibale Forest National Park) for Uganda safaris: No destination on earth beats Kibale National Park when it comes to magical primate encounters, and primate adventures – such as chimpanzee tracking/trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience.
Kibale National Park is without doubt Africa’s best spot to see chimpanzees in the wild – a distinct encounter from the usual that many have had while at the zoo. Explore More.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact protected area located in Western Uganda and accessing it is possible on the Kampala-Mbarara route, about 4 hours drive. The park spreads covering over 260 sq.km making it one of the smallest savanna parks in Uganda but features a distinct eco-system. It is surrounded by western districts like Kiruhura, Mbarara, Lyantonde, and Isingiro.
Lake Mburo National Park is compact but features unique habitats consisting of acacia woodland, rocky outcrops, wooded and open savannas, dry hills, Lakes, and papyrus swamps. Its diverse habitats support a range of interesting wildlife making it a special place to enjoy Uganda safari.
Established in 1983, Lake Mburo National/Wildlife Park consists of over 68 mammals, 350 bird species making it an amazing African safari destination. The park gets its name after Lake Mburo one of the largest fresh water lakes. Explore More
Kidepo National Park in Uganda
Boasting of over 77 mammal species, numerous reptiles all roam freely in the magical savannas of Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is rich in wildlife including the lesser and greater kudus, elands, striped hyenas, the Rothschild giraffes, gazelles, elephants, cape buffaloes, reedbucks, duikers, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, jackals, roan antelopes and more.
Kidepo National Park prides itself on its over 475 bird species. A special birding safari in Kidepo is a remarkable opportunity to sight include Nubian woodpeckers, Karamoja Apalis, pygmy falcons, yellow-billed hornbills, Abyssinian rollers, Egyptian vultures, Kori bustards, Karamoja Apalis, Verreaux’s eagle, ostriches, yellow spotted Petronia, Northern carmine, straw-tailed whydahs, red-cheeked cordon-bleu, Bruce’s green pigeon, red-winged pytilia, eastern pale chanting goshawk.
Other birds of interest on Kidepo Valley National Park birding safaris: white-billed buffalo weaver, African mustached francolin, Clapperton’s francolins, superb starling, secretary bird, fox kestrel, Ethiopian swallow, silver bird, red-billed ox-pecker, little green bee-eaters. Birding sites of Kidepo NP: Lomej Hills, Namamukweny Valley, Mount Morungole, Kanangorok Hot Springs, Lonyili Mountain, Apoka Tourism Centre and more. Explore More.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park in East Africa is located in the Northwest of Uganda. From the heart of Kampala city, it is about a 6-7 hours drive to Murchison Falls NP inclusive of stopovers en route. It is 3840 sq.km in size and a home to the world’s powerful falls – Murchison Falls. The Park spreads covering the Northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley encompassing the sweeping escarpment of Bunyoro. Originally, it was established as Game Reserve in 1926 making it not only the largest but also the oldest Protected Area.
In 1952, Murchison Falls National Park was officially gazetted as a National Park in Uganda. It is also the largest of the 10 parks in the country, stretching to cover the districts of Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The Park is divided into two by the River Nile that flows via it creating the Northern & Southern sections. It gets its name from Murchison Falls – named by the then British Explorer “Sir Samuel Baker.”
Boasting its abundant wildlife, a visit to Murchison Falls National Park presents a variety of opportunities for nature lovers to encounter their dream animals. From the big game – bush elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards to antelopes – such as Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribis, and more. Explore More.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore and experience Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)– A Medley of Wonders in Uganda. In our complete guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we bring you everything you need to know about this spectacular savanna Park – from its size, location when it was gazetted/established, location, tourist attractions, the people & cultures, activities, best time to visit, accommodation, how to get there.
The 4 sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
- Ishasha Sector to the South (primarily known for tree-climbing lions & topis).
- Kasenyi Sector – The northern sector is best preferred for game drives.
- Kyambura Gorge sector – where you find a tropical forest inside a gorge.
- Mweya Peninsular – found in the Northern bank of Kazinga Channel.
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for an unforgettable game drive, boat cruise, birding, nature walks, and community visit. Explore More.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is Uganda’s most biodiverse forest park and distinct African safari destination. Perched at the border of Lake Albert on the Northern side and to the South-east, Rwenzori Mountain ranges, the iconic Semuliki National Park in Uganda is waiting for you to immerse yourself in its unique rainforest to discover its hidden African gem.
Plan your Semuliki National Park safari with your expert – Premium Africa Safaris and enjoy exclusive African experiences. Established in 1993, Semuliki National Park is exceptionally stunning and its surface area spans 220sq.km.
Semuliki Park in Uganda is located in the extreme Western part of the country. The park is a remarkable home to a lushly extensive section of Ituri Forest. Among the numerous species of wildlife in the Semuliki National Park are 53 distinct mammal species: they include; Explore More.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is every trekker’s dream destination on an African safari or Uganda safaris. The picturesque Rwenzori Mountains National Park, officially declared a UNESCO Heritage Site is most visited for breathtaking mount climbing or trekking adventure. This magical park is where the legendary Rwenzori Mountain ranges are located with Margherita (5109m) – being the highest peak.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is found in Kasese district, Western Uganda and it is at the extreme border with D.R. Congo.
The legendary Mount Rwenzori – a snow-capped block mountain is where it gets its name. Also, popularly referred to as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains is the third (3rd) highest mountain in Africa.
The amazing bit about the Rwenzori Mountains is that it offers the most challenging mountaineering or trekking adventures. The Rwenzori Mountains Park became a Uganda National Park in 1991 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was declared in 1994.
Around 2008, it was designated as a Ramsar site and it is an amazing destination to enjoy an unusual Uganda safari experience.
Size – Rwenzori Mountains National Park sits on a land area of approximately 996 sq.km. The park shelters distinct vegetation zones making it one of the scenic protected areas.
These exist at varying altitudinal ranges, especially the bamboo forest, groundsels, snowfields, alpine highland glaciers, moorland, lobelias, heath, lobelias, and more.
Seventy (70) mammal species live in the diverse habitats of Rwenzori Mountains Park. The park contains 6 Albertine endemic species, 4 species endemic to Mount Rwenzori. Explore More.
Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is distinct from other Uganda safari parks. It is globally recognized as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
The park lies at the border between Uganda and Kenya, a few kilometers from Mbale city, Eastern Uganda.
Mt. Elgon National Park is a unique park consisting of Mount Elgon – an extinct volcano and also one of the oldest natural features with a record of eruption dating back to about 24 million years.
Stretching up to about 1145sq.km, Mount Elgon National Park gets its name from Mount Elgon. Mt. Elgon is Uganda’s second-highest mountain range after the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon and rises at the height of 4321m.
Unlike Mt. Rwenzori in Western Uganda – a block mountain, Mt. Elgon is completely a volcanic mountain. It is one of the most remarkable hiking safari destinations in Africa.
Mt Elgon National Park is run by 2 East African states – Uganda and Kenya. Both sections were gazetted differently – on the Ugandan side, this pristine park was established in 1992, and Kenya in 1968. Mount Elgon National Park Eastern Uganda sits on a land area of about 1145 sq.km. Explore More.
About Us
Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd (Limited) is a well-established tour company with passionate and dedicated team. We are the leading organizers of sustainable and the most memorable private gorilla safaris and wildlife tours in Uganda and the rest of East African region. Explore more About Us and how to book a trip.