Winston Churchill in his writings in My African Journey, described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa”. The country exhibits warm tropical climate and fertile lands that provide a perfect habitat for the chimps and gorillas that the country is best known for. However, it is also home to a profusion of lesser-known flora, and fauna.
The country is a great place to combine your safari with Kenya or Tanzania. It is less populated by tourists, and a great place to see the Mountain Gorillas. Brace yourself for steeper and harder climbs, but with a reward ahead when you catch a glimpse of a huge gorilla munching nonchalantly on some bamboo!
Your Uganda Safari Experience Starts Here
Seemingly referred to as the pearl of Africa, Uganda is another place that offers one of the most diverse landscapes in Africa, and perhaps the world. It is positioned where the East African savannah meets the Central African rainforest. This position makes it a home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, and the source of the earth’s longest river, River Nile.
Take a safari to this country and experience natural beauty in all its glory; from the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed splendor of Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
You will not get an easier top travel experience in the world where expert local guides and bespoke tours are essential than experiencing a safari. At Truestory Safaris Kenya, a locally owned tour operator, we are appropriately equipped to bring you a memorable impeccable Uganda safari tour or gorilla trekking experience.
Our knowledgeable efficient staff, combined with our customizable and interest-driven packages, deliver one of the best safaris experiences in Uganda.
Top Uganda Safari Experiences
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This park is home to almost half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, forming the main attraction feature here. Get ready for a trek to find these awe-inspiring creatures, and an adventurous up switchback paths in steep mountain rainforest. On the ascent, you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive forest elephants, just one of more than 120 other mammal species in the park.
Some of a few other inhabitants of this dense jungle include the Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, African golden cats, and the rare giant forest hog. For the Birders, they will delight in the over 350 species of birds who habit the lush forest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park has a rich variety of wildlife, with common sightings of giraffe, lion, zebra, hippo, crocodile, and elephants. You will enjoy an exciting sight of the legendary tree-climbing lions, combined with spotting of any of the over 600 bird species that are commonly found here. Besides enjoying a game drive, there is an opportunity to enjoy a delightful excursion of a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Here, you will spot hippos in the water, and enjoy a hike through Kyambura Gorge, which teems with chimpanzees.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
It was once thought to be the source of the Nile. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountains were coined the “Mountains of the Moon” by the ancient astronomer and geographer Ptolemy. The mountain range is mist-covered, offering waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. The range, which isn’t volcanic, stretches for nearly 70 miles, and is a sanctuary for a plethora of rare plants and animals, including over 240 bird species.
The three highest peaks in the range are Margherita (16,760 feet), Alexandria (16,676 feet) and Albert (16,689 feet), all on Mt Stanley, which is the third-highest mountain in Africa. The lower slopes consist of tropical rainforest which gradually transitions to moorlands on the ascent.
Murchison Falls National Park
The Murchison Falls stands at 1,483 square miles, making it the largest of Uganda’s national parks, bisected by the Nile River in a narrow gorge, which then tumbles with thunderous force into Lake Albert. Hikers arrange to be dropped by boat at the base of the falls for a steep hike along the Nile to the top. The reward here comes in the form of breath-taking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Taking a game drive gives one a chance to see large populations of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. Also, spot smaller creatures, including Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi and warthog. Be keen to spot elusive predators here, such as the spotted hyena, lion, leopard, and jackal. Birdwatchers spot more than 450 bird species.
Best Safari Lodges & Tented Camps Tours in Uganda
Kampala Serena Hotel
The Kampala Serena is a true international hotel with a central location and luxury amenities. All rooms are fixed with air conditioning, a minibar, coffee maker, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. There’s also a hair salon, spa, three in-house restaurants, and an opulent outdoor pool.
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
It is a pastel pink resort situated at Lake Victoria, equidistant between Kampala and Entebbe. It has endless porticos and leafy gardens that offers plush rooms, a large pool, tennis courts, golf course, spa and business centre. It is also an excellent choice for families, as it has children’s menus, 24-hour room service, and a children’s pool.
The Primate Lodge
This lodge is comfortable with 16 rooms conveniently located inside Kibale National Park. Here, you can hear the soothing nature sounds of the forest from your room. The accommodation is just five minutes from park headquarters, simplifying your chimpanzee trekking experience because of its proximity. The rooms are clean and bright, offering en-suite bathrooms and mosquito netting for protection from any insects at night.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is a 60-room, two-story facility in Murchison Falls National Park set on a ridge overlooking the Nile River. All rooms have en-suite private bathrooms and are furnished in brass and teak with full-length windows leading onto a private balcony that offers views over the river and the plains beyond it. There is also a large swimming pool with an on-site bar. Cuisine is fresh, and dinners are a four-course affair.
Engagi Lodge
This is where you start your gorilla trek, located just outside Bwindi Park headquarters at Buhoma. The lodge consists of eight simple cottages that overlook the forest canopy. Each cottage has double or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can relax and experience the stunning views at the beautifully appointed bar and restaurant,
Mweya Safari Lodge
This lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’.
