The modern-day Uganda safari packages are sightseeing trips to some of the best African and East African national parks in the Pearl of Africa, Uganda. We bring you the best Uganda safari package for 2026/2027 and beyond.
The best Uganda safari packages comprise an itinerary clearly describing places to visit, attractions to see, activities to do, program and travel lineups, and accommodations among other things to make it easy for tourists to plan their safari holidays.
Some of the notable and fun-filled Uganda safari packages center around Uganda national parks, forest reserves, Uganda game reserves, and prominent tourist places such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Kibale national park, lake Mburo park, Jinja city, Kampala city tours, etc.
Some of the notable and adventure-embedded tourist places and national parks in Uganda are;
Gazetted in 1954 and renamed after Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park after formerly being known as Kazinga National Park, it is a popular African safari destination and one of the most visited national parks in Western Uganda, covering approximately 1,978 sq km and rounding up the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, and Rukungiri.
Protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the national park is known for its diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and bird species such as the Big Five and primates (endangered mountain gorillas), among others, which makes it often related to Serengeti National Park.
This Unesco world heritage site is a treasure trove with several tourist attractions such as the Kazinga channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, tree-climbing lions, the Mweya peninsula, mating grounds for various animals such as the Uganda kobs, the equator, Busonga fishing village, Kyambura gorge, Katwe crater lake views, etc. These always make Uganda safari tours to Queen Elizabeth Park a highlight.
Some of the activities travelers can partake in while on Uganda safari tours to the largest national park in the country include, but are not limited to, day and night game drives, birdwatching and birding tours or excursions, walking safaris, boat cruises, mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, hiking and walks, among other thrilling adrenaline-filled activities.
While on a visit to this magnificent national park on safari holidays, travelers can stay at various accommodation options ranging from luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly lodges or may embark on a stay in tented camps.
The park can be accessed by road or air, with the nearest airport being Kasese Airport.
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the biggest national parks and most visited national parks in the pearl of Africa, Uganda. It is a protected area by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, located in northwestern Uganda approximately 300 km (186 miles) northwest of Kampala.
The Murchison Falls National Park covers an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers (1,503 square miles) blessed with irresistible natural beauties, making the national park one of the best tourist destinations in East Africa.
Some of the most significant things to see at the Murchison Falls National Park that make it a unique safari destination are the famous Murchison Falls forged by the Victoria Nile River flowing over a 43-meter (141-foot) high waterfall through the park and the vast range of wildlife species, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and chimpanzees. These attributes often make people compare it or relate it to the Serengeti National Park.
Tourists taking a safari tour to this adventurous national park, Murchison, can partake in several tourist activities such as hiking and trekking atop the Murchison Falls for stunning landscaped views, walks, walking safaris, boat cruises, and game drives to spot the rare wildlife species inhabited in this national park, like the big five, such as buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, etc.
Relatively, while on a safari tour to the beautiful national park Murchison, travelers can stay at various accommodation options ranging from luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly lodges situated near the national park or sleep in tented camps.
It’s worth noting that Murchison Falls National Park is the only national park in Uganda with waterfalls flowing in the park.
This treasure trove, widely known as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is a protected area by the Uganda Wildlife Authority located in southwestern Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and considered to be one of the best wildlife safari destinations in Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park covers an area of approximately 327 square kilometers (126 square miles), with over 80% of the park covered by dense tropical rain forests (Bwindi Forest) with trees reaching up to 40 meters (131 feet) high.
The famous and dense Bwindi impenetrable forest (Bwindi Forest), which has a favorable tropical climate embedded in it, is a natural habitat for a vast variety of wildlife, which includes endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys like the colobus and vervet monkeys, and various bird species such as the African grey parrot and the blue-headed sunbird.
Travelers on safari holidays in Uganda are highly encouraged to visit this most visited tourist destination, especially those interested in birding activities, walking safaris, track mountain gorillas, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and forest walks, to mention but a few.
To have a memorable adventure-filled Uganda safari experience, it’s important to note that having licensed Uganda safari tour operators is an added advantage, as they can get you the trekking permits and chimpanzee trekking permits with less hustle.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is accessible by road or air, with the nearest airport being Kisoro Airport, with several affordable lodges available around the Bwindi Forest.
Located in the western part of Uganda approximately 320 km (200 miles) west of Kampala and covering an area of approximately 795 square kilometers (307 square miles), Kibale National Park is a protected area by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda famously known for its lush tropical rain forests and diverse range of wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, and birds that have made this dense and lush rainforest in Kibale National Park a natural habitat.
While on a visit to Kibale National Park expedition, it is important to understand that it is one of the best African Safari destinations highly recommended for the best chimpanzee trekking and track mountain gorillas, nature walks, forest walks, and birding watching activities as it has over 12 species of monkeys, including colobus, vervet, and baboons, and over 350 species of birds, including the African fish Eagle, African grey parrot and the blue-headed sunbird, that will leave any wildlife enthusiast and nature lover thrilled.
The Kibale National Park can be accessed by road or air, with the nearest airport being Kasese Airstrip, and tourists visiting the national park can stay at some of the affordable lodges near and around the national park.
It’s important to note that having licensed Uganda safari tour operators is an added advantage, as they can get you the mountain gorilla trek permits and chimpanzee trekking permits with less hustle.
Lake Mburo National Park is another of Uganda’s most visited national parks. It is a protected area in western Uganda located approximately 240 km (150 miles) west of Kampala, covering an area of approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles).
This National Park is a unique travel destination in East Africa because it’s centered around Lake Mburo, a large lake that is home to various aquatic species.
Lake Mburo Park is well known for its diverse wildlife and unique landscape. Some of the wildlife species are zebras, hippos, impalas, and over 300 species of birds ranging from rare to migratory birds and fish species, among other attractions.
Some of the most notable tourist activities done while on safari holidays in Uganda at Lake Mburo Park are game drives, bird watching, boat cruises, fishing, hiking, and nature walks, among other activities.
Tourists visiting the outstanding Lake Mburo Park can access the national park by road or air, with the nearest airport being Mbarara Airstrip and they can stay at the available safari lodging options near the national park or in tented camps.
Mgahinga National Park is another one of the biggest national parks widely visited in Uganda by tourists on safari holidays.
The national park is one of Uganda’s game reserves, conservation areas, and protected areas in the southwestern part of Uganda, nearing the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, famously known for its endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers an area of approximately 38 square kilometers (15 square miles) and is one of the few places in Africa where you can track mountain gorillas and get a glimpse of one of the largest golden monkey populations inhabited in this national park.
Some of the major tourist activities travelers can participate in are mountain gorilla tracking, hiking, endangered mountain gorilla treks, and climbing the mountains surrounding the park, as it’s located in the Virunga Mountains, with three volcanic peaks, namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.
Engage in birdwatching activities and spot over 180 species of birds, including the endangered Rwenzori turaco and African fish eagle, nature walks, walking safaris, and cultural visits to see the Batwa people, an Indigenous community that has lived in the area for centuries.
The Mgahinga National Park is accessible by road or air, with the nearest airport being Kisoro Airport, and tourists visiting have various safari lodging options to choose from.
Located in the northeastern part of Uganda, near the border of South Sudan and Kenya. Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the biggest national parks in East Africa, covering an area of approximately 1,442 square kilometers (557 square miles).
Kidepo Valley National Park is well known for its vast range of wildlife and scenic beauty, that is to say, including leopards, giraffes, tree-climbing lions, elephants, antelopes like the rare greater kudu, cheetahs, hyenas, rolling hills, mountains (including the Lomejusi and Lopetepesi ranges), valleys (including the Kidepo Valley), and rivers (including the Kidepo and Narus rivers), which will leave any traveler mesmerized and in awe.
Kidepo Valley National Park is protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with efforts in place to conserve the natural resources and wildlife. Some of the activities that can be done while visiting the national park are hiking and nature walks, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, game drives, etc.
Tourists on Uganda safari holidays can stay and lodge at some of the comfortable safari lodging options available near the park as it is accessible by road or air, with the nearest airport being Kidepo Airstrip.
Being the only national park gazetted to be a rhino sanctuary in Uganda and one of the best in the African Continent, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is worth a tour while on a visit to Uganda’s target safari. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in the Nakasongola district, approximately 180 km (110 miles) northwest of Kampala and it provides a safe habitat and conservation area for rhinos, protecting them from poaching and habitat loss.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 70 square kilometers (27 square miles) and is home to over 20 southern white rhinoceroses, including both black and white rhinos.
Visitors can take guided walks or game drives to track rhinos, as well as other wildlife like antelopes, monkeys, and birds while on a visit.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is accessible by road, with numerous safari accommodations available for a comfortable stay.
Another of the largest national parks in Uganda and East Africa is the Semuliki National Park, which any adventure-seeking enthusiast must place on their bucket list.
Protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and located in the western part of Uganda near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering an area of approximately 220 square kilometers (85 square miles), Semuliki Park is greatly known for its diverse wildlife species such as monkeys (including chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys), elephants, antelopes (including the rare sitatunga), buffalos, leopards, lions and stunning scenery comprised of the Semliki River, waterfalls, and the Lamia River, among other attractions like the Batuku local communities that have lived within and around the national park for ages.
Some of the tourist activities travelers can partake in vary from boat cruises on Lake Albert to nature walks, game drives, and birding activities, to mention but a few.
Semuliki National Park is accessible by road or air, with the nearest airport being Toro Airstrip and several safari lodging options, including tented camps.
Also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” these majestic mountain ranges are another of the best places for an adventurous safari tour.
Rwenzori Mountains are located in western Uganda, along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the highest peak named Margherita Peak, reaching 5,109 meters (16,763 ft).
Mountain Rwenzori is known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1994. Its Margherita peak is covered in snow with running glaciers despite being close to the equator.
Some of the famous tourist activities that place in the Rwenzori Mountain ranges are hiking and climbing the hike trails up to the summit, wildlife viewing, cultural visits, and local community tours to see Indigenous tribes (Bakonzo people that have lived in the mountains for centuries), landscape photography of the landscapes, etc.
Planning a trip to the Rwenzori Mountains will help one ensure a safe and memorable safari tour. Book your next safari package and itinerary with us, the most trusted tour company.
Some of the tourist activities or things done while on a safari tour in Uganda are adrenaline-filled and always give wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers a lifetime memorable experience. Some of these tourist activities are listed below.
These game drives can be taken either during the day or at night as per arrangement with the tour operator. Tourists can explore national parks and Uganda game reserves in a 4×4 tourist vehicle for wildlife tours to spot several animals like monkeys, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, etc.
Some of the popular places where one can take game drives are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more in their natural habitats and if lucky, one can get to see lions hunting and feeding.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is often done while on Uganda gorilla safari tours and it involves taking a trek or a hike through the dense rainforests and lush greenery to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and gorilla family groups/troops can even witness mountain gorillas basking at water sources.
Some of the famous places to go for memorable gorilla trekking in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which often guarantee tourists memorable Uganda gorilla safaris.
It’s important to book mountain gorilla trek permits in advance for a memorable experience while on Uganda gorilla trekking tours.
This is a fascinating activity that allows tourists to witness the process of habituating wild gorillas to human presence, that is, gradually introducing endangered mountain gorillas to human presence and making them comfortable with tourists who often visit Uganda to watch the mountain gorilla group.
Some of the famous places to go for a memorable gorilla habituation experience are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda (Rushaga Sector, Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo Sector) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and in other countries in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
It’s important to book gorilla habitat permits in advance for a memorable experience while on Visit Uganda gorilla safari tours.
This is a tourist activity that involves following experienced travel guides to find and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment and habitats.
The best places to go to for Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris are Kibale National Park (which has a high concentration of chimpanzees), Budongo Forest Reserve (found in Murchison Falls National Park and has a large chimpanzee population), and Queen Elizabeth National Park (possible in the Kyambura Gorge area)
Tourists can book gorilla tracking permits through licensed Uganda tour operators! This often saves tourists’ disappointments while on safari trips in Uganda or Uganda gorilla safari tours.
Birding activities are some of the most important highlights of a safari vacation in Uganda, which is a perfect paradise for bird watchers. With over 1,000 species to spot, including endemic species, this is a must-do safari activity.
Birdwatching in Uganda can be done in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Mabira Forest.
Some of the bird species one can see are the rare Shoebill Stork, herons, African eagles, and African Green Broadbill, among other endemic bird species.
Book your bird-watching safari package today with us, your most trusted Uganda tour company.
These boat safaris are rides on boats, ferries, and canoes on various lakes and rivers in Uganda intended for easier wildlife viewing, scenery, and landscape captures, among other intentions.
These are carried out on water sources such as Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, Semuliki River, Kazinga Channel, Sipi River, Lake Mburo, and the Nile River.
While on a boat safari, tourists can view wildlife species like hippos, monkeys, zebras, impalas, crocodiles, aquatic birds, waterfalls, stunning landscapes, and scenery.
The cost of boat cruises in Uganda varies from $50 to $200 per person depending on location, safari packages, season, etc.
Visiting local communities is another interesting tourist activity done while on a safari in Uganda that helps people learn about the rich culture of some Ugandan tribes and clans and cultural heritage, among other things.
Cultural visits can be done at museums (the Uganda Museum, Ndere Cultural Centre, and Kabale Museum), historical sites (Kasubi Tombs, Mparo Royal Tombs, and Kibuka Monument), by attending cultural festivals (the Kampala Festival, Bayimba International Festival, and the Nyege Nyege Festival), traditional villages and local community visits, delve into the vast local cuisines and delicacies, etc.
While on a cultural visit in Uganda, one can witness the rare traditions of the indigenous people (Batwa, Benet, and Bambuti) by visiting their villages and attending their cultural performances.
To experience the best of cultural visits and Uganda tours, it’s highly recommended to plan your safari vacation with a licensed tour operator.
Tourists can take challenging hikes and nature walks through the dense forests on the carefully laid out hike trails as they enjoy the beautiful landscapes and scenery on foot.
Some of the places that provide tourists with challenging and beautiful hike trails are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Sipi Falls, Mount Sabinyo, Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kidepo valley national park, Ziwa rhino sanctuary, etc.
Some of the intriguing and unique things to see while on a hike or nature walk are the stunning glaciers, freshwater lakes and rivers (Nile River), snow-capped mountain peaks and summits, breathtaking waterfalls, scenic views, wildlife species, primates (endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys), rare, endangered and endemic bird species, exploring hidden caves and spots, indigenous tribes and their ways of living, etc.
Please note that having a park ranger or tour guide before embarking on a mountain or forest hike is highly recommended and necessary!
Photography activities can be in the forms of wildlife photography, street photography, landscape photography, bird photography, and adventure photography, among other forms and it is another of the interesting activities tourists engage in while on a safari in Uganda.
Some of the places where photographers can capture the most interesting views are Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Bunyonyi, Kibale National Park, Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park, Kampala City, Jinja city, Kasubi tombs, Uganda National Museum, etc.
Some of the most interesting things one can capture while on a photography venture are stunning wildlife species (lions, leopards, elephants, endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and buffalos), lush forest scenery (rain forests, montane forests, bamboo forests, savanna grasslands), glaciers from snow-capped peaks, birds species (Egrets, marabou stalks, and eagles ), stunning waterfalls, hidden caves, hot springs, vibrant street life and markets, cultural attractions, traditional villages or communities, cultural practices, etc.
It’s important to seek authorization from local authorities or attain permissions in some areas before embarking on this tourist activity. Seek counsel and guidance from licensed tour operators and travel guides for a memorable experience
Tourists often try their luck at the fishing game and try to use their hands to catch fish in Uganda’s lakes and rivers while on safari holidays in Uganda.
The best places where one can fish are famous fishing spots, i.e., Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake Mburo, Lake George, River Nile, and other numerous rivers.
And while at these fishing spots, one can catch some Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, and mudfish using the commonly used fishing methods, which are bottom fishing, trolling, casting, and fly-fishing using fishing gear (rods, reels, lines, and lures).
Please note that there are several local regulations (catch limits, size restrictions) that one needs to abide by after securing a fishing permit or license from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
For a memorable fishing experience, it is necessary to hire a fishing tour guide and also ensure you wear life jackets for safety on waterbodies.
Take a horseback ride in the countryside for a unique perspective of the landscape and scenery.
Horseback safaris and rides are available in several national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo Park. These have experienced horse-riding guides and well-trained horses that ensure safe and enjoyable experiences.
While on a horseback safari in Uganda, one gets to explore the diverse wildlife species such as lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitats.
Intending to embark on a horseback safari adventure in Uganda, it is important to book a safari package in advance with a licensed tour operator to ensure a memorable experience.
Tourists can engage in several adventure sports such as kayaking, quad biking, cycling and mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or bungee jumping for a complete safari tour and an adrenaline-filled experience in Uganda.
These activities are offered in several locations in Uganda, such as Jinja City, Kampala City, Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Victoria, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo Park, Kidepo Valley Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, etc.
Consult a licensed Uganda tour operator for safari packages that include adventure sports one is interested in for an ultimate adventure-filled safari.
When on safari in Uganda, tourists can stay at various safari lodging options ranging from budget range, midrange, and luxury lodges. And some of the best lodges to stay at during Uganda safaris are:
This is one of the best Uganda safari accommodations that offers luxurious stone and thatch cottages with excellent views of several wildlife species, including monkey species (red-tailed monkeys, white colobus monkeys). It is also a perfect spot and assembly point for chimpanzee trekking activities in Kibale Forest National Park.
It’s highly recommended to book a safari package that includes lodging options in advance through a licensed Uganda tour company or tour operators to avoid disappointments.
Booking safari trips to Uganda, a travel and safari destination on the African continent, is quite simple.
Once you’ve made all the necessary preparations, set out on your safari in Uganda and relish the unforgettable experience! Remember to book your safari tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season, which is between June and August and December and February, when the weather is perfect for most of the outdoor tourist activities like gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife viewing.
However, if interested in activities like watching migratory birds and enjoying lush landscapes, the wet season, which runs from September to November, is ideal.
Please note the dry season is a peak season and prices are quite high, while the wet season is less expensive.
You are advised to carry a comfortable travel bag with lightweight and breathable clothing, preferably cotton or linen, that covers the shoulders and knees or legs. These may be:
Please note that carrying and wearing colorful clothing isn’t advisable when going near wildlife species!
When packing for a summer trip to Uganda, it is important to have these essentials as well.
To attain memorable Uganda safaris and adventures, the average price and cost of a safari in Uganda is US$ 200 per person per day. Permit to see the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda costs US $ 700 per person per day. The cost of a golden monkey permit in Uganda is US $ 60 per person per hour. Budget or cheap Safari accommodation is $ 100 per night.
The best months for safaris in Uganda are the dry season months (June-August, December-February). This is generally considered the best time for most travelers, with warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall. The dry season offers optimal conditions for mountain gorilla treks, wildlife safaris, and other outdoor activities
Compared to other African countries or East African countries, Uganda is relatively good for Uganda safaris, offering a more varied travel experience.
A 10-day Uganda Wildlife Safari often involves or engages you in mountain gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and boat cruises in Uganda’s best game parks.
A breathtaking experience awaits you as you embark on a safari tour to the pearl of Africa. Book your next Uganda safari package with us, the best Uganda tour operators for a guided safari tour and memorable experience!
Cate
Samuel
Situated in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a land of staggering contrasts. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Great Rift Valley, the biodiversity here is unmatched.
As you browse our safaris to Uganda and Africa at large, our dedicated team is here to handle every logistical detail—from securing your gorilla tracking permits and arranging comfortable safari lodge accommodations to providing rugged 4x4 transport. Contact our expert planners today to begin designing your 2026 or 2027 East African adventure.
