When it comes to going on safari, most travelers will picture the classic safari game drive. You venture into the savanna in the early morning in the company of your guide, winding through the game reserves in search of East Africa’s prolific wildlife.
But why stop there? Here are some of our most popular safari activities in Uganda, from bush breakfasts to primate trekking, boat safaris, and more.
#1 Gorilla Trekking
When it comes to a safari in Uganda, gorilla trekking is often a main draw. Hike into the mountain forests of Bwindi National Park in search of East Africa’s endangered mountain gorillas. You’ll be in the company of experienced rangers and expert trackers, and once you find the gorillas, visitors are able to spend an unforgettable hour with them in their native habitat.
See what it’s like to spend a day gorilla trekking, or explore where & when to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
#2 Chimpanzee Trekking
Humans share up to 98% of their DNA with chimpanzees, which makes seeing these primates in the wild even more fascinating. Chimpanzee trekking is available in:
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kyambura Gorge or nearby Kalinzu Forest)
- Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park
Trekking typically takes between two to four hours, and is done in the company of an expert ranger. It’s worth noting that the trek requires participants to be at least 15 years old. For those who choose not to make the trek, a visit to Ngamba Island off the shores of Lake Victoria is another chance to see these incredible great apes.
#3 Boat Safari
Watch as herds of elephants come to the water to drink, bathe, and play. Witness groups of hippos submerge themselves, ears flickering and jaws opening in displays of strength. See crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, Cape Buffaloes wallowing in the mud, and weaver birds perfecting intricate nests above the shore.
Every boat safari in Uganda is unique:
- Launch from Murchison Falls National Park to cruise along the Nile, stopping at the base of the falls to disembark and hike up for a spectacular view.
- In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel is a waterway rich in wildlife and ideally located for travelers interested in primate treks and game drives as well.
- On Lake Mburo, enjoy an off-the-beaten path experience that’s also the perfect stopover on your way back from gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- On Lake Victoria, canoe safaris or birdwatching in Mabamba Swamp are a chance to take in both culture and incredible bird life, just minutes from the international airport.
And the possibilities continue–fishing excursions and whitewater rafting trips are just a few other options that can be arranged.
#4 Bush Walk
A bush walk—or nature walk—on safari is a different kind of experience. While a game drive might allow you to approach wildlife more closely from the comfort and safety of your vehicle, a bush walk allows you to get off the road and stretch your legs while exploring the local terrain.
Some bush walks are more wildlife focused, while others are a chance to learn about the region’s flora and fauna from a new perspective. A few of our favorites include…
- In Lake Mburo National Park, watch as herds of zebra cross the grasslands to find water in the early morning, and learn about animal tracking and local plant life from your ranger guide.
- After gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, hike the nearby volcanoes that form the region’s stunning landscape.
- In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, embark on hikes to visit a waterfall or search for bird life among the trees.
- While at Kibale Forest National Park, take a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands in search of primates and bird life in this important wildlife corridor.
#5 Golden Monkey Trekking
These little-known, highly entertaining primates are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, an off-the-beaten path destination in southwestern Uganda. Trekking begins in the morning and can take several hours in all, but you’ll be able to spend up to an hour with the Golden Monkeys once you find them. The trek is done in the company of a ranger and expert trackers. The minimum age for Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda is 15 years old.
And because Mgahinga is home to one of Uganda’s habituated mountain gorilla families, we recommend pairing your Golden Monkey trek with a visit to see the gorillas, as well.
#6 Rhino Tracking
As one of the successful rhino sanctuaries in East Africa, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also offers the only opportunity to track the Southern White rhino in Uganda. Located approximately halfway along the route from Entebbe/Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, it’s an excellent place to stop on your way to Murchison Falls.
Rhino tracking can be done on foot or in your vehicle, with the company of a ranger, and takes about 1-2 hours. The sanctuary is home to other wildlife as well, including Bush Duiker, Oribi, Waterbuck, Colobus monkey, Vervet monkey, and numerous bird species.
#7 Bush Meal
Enjoy an intimate dinner lit by candles or lanterns in the midst of the wilderness. Or, take in breakfast with a view—whether it’s at the top of Murchison Falls or overlooking the open grasslands as the sun rises overhead. Either way, dining in the bush is the ultimate safari luxury.
#8 Cultural Visit
Uganda is filled with opportunities to experience its vibrant culture and rich heritage. A few examples include:
- City tours: Explore Kampala on a guided tour. Browse local craft markets, experience a traditional dance performance at the Ndere Center, or tour the city’s historic landmarks along its bustling streets.
- School visits: See a day in the life of Ugandan youth with a visit to our partner school in southern Uganda.
- Village walks: Embark on a village walk with your guide for an informal way to see daily life firsthand.
- Batwa Cultural Trail: Visit with Uganda’s ancient hunter-gatherer tribe to learn their traditions and heritage, including their traditional hunting methods, cooking, and songs and stories.
- Tea & Coffee Plantation Visits: Tour the tea or coffee plantations of Uganda to see how the ingredient for the world’s favorite beverages are traditionally grown, harvested, and processed.
Whether you’re watching a heart-thumping traditional dance performance, visiting with a local village leader over a cup of tea, or trying your hand at basket weaving, you’ll find that Uganda has earned its reputation for having a warm and generous culture.
#9 Game Drive
Of course, game drives are the quintessential safari activity.
Explore the wilderness in the company of your guide in a private 4×4 safari vehicle. Game drives typically take place in the early morning or early evening, when the temperatures are cooler and the wildlife is more active. However, depending on the park, you might opt for one longer game drive (with picnic lunch in tow), or head out after sunset on a night drive in search of leopards and nocturnal wildlife.
Looking for more safari ideas in Uganda? Get inspired by browsing our itineraries or exploring the country. Every Hornbill safari is customized to meet your travel needs, so contact us to create your own private tour.
