Exciting safari activities to experience in Uganda 2025/2026
Exciting safari activities to experience in Uganda 2025/2026; Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, stands out as an exceptional destination for those looking to embark on a safari. It boasts a myriad of activities, including primate trekking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, cultural tours, and mountain climbing. For thrill-seekers, there are exhilarating options such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, quad biking, and sport fishing, making it a truly exciting place to explore. Uganda boasts 10 national parks that await your exploration during a safari. These include Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Exciting safari activities to experience in Uganda 2025/2026
Embarking on a journey to observe gorillas in their natural habitat
Gorilla trekking stands out as a premier safari experience in Uganda, inviting tourists to embark on foot into the lush tropical rainforest in pursuit of the habituated mountain gorillas. Once these magnificent creatures are located, visitors are granted the incredible opportunity to spend one hour in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both nestled in the stunning southwestern region of the country. Adventurers eager to embark on a gorilla trekking experience must first secure a permit. The cost is 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Embarking on a journey to trek with chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking is a thrilling experience in Uganda, second only to gorilla trekking. It invites visitors to venture into the lush tropical rainforest, seeking out the chimpanzees. Once located, guests can spend an hour immersed in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital, as well as in Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. Visitors eager to embark on a chimpanzee trekking experience will need to acquire permits in Kibale Forest National Park. The cost is 250 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 200 USD per person for foreign residents, and 200,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge are priced at 50 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 40 USD per person for foreign residents, and 30,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Exciting excursions/ Animal observation
Embarking on a game drive offers an exhilarating experience as visitors venture into the national parks in a comfortable pop-up safari vehicle, accompanied by a skilled driver guide. Game drives in Uganda take place in stunning savannah national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. during the game drives, you will be able to view animals like lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bush bucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, topi, reedbucks, giant forest hogs among others.
Golden monkey trekking
Exciting safari experiences to explore in Uganda 2025/2026
Golden Monkey
Golden monkey trekking is an exhilarating and captivating experience that you can partake in during your safari in Uganda. Golden monkey trekking takes place exclusively in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and begins bright and early with a briefing on the rules, regulations, and expectations at the park headquarters. Adventurers eager to embark on golden monkey trekking will need to obtain permits, priced at 100 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 80 USD per person for foreign residents, and 60,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Exploring the heights of the mountains
Uganda boasts a variety of mountains that beckon tourists eager for thrilling climbs. Adventurers can explore the majestic Rwenzori National Park, home to the third highest mountain range, tackle the impressive Mount Elgon with its expansive caldera, or conquer the trio of volcanic peaks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.
Embark on a thrilling boat cruise
A boat cruise offers an incredible experience during your safari, as Uganda boasts a wealth of stunning lakes and rivers to explore. Embarking on a boat cruise in Uganda offers a variety of thrilling experiences across its stunning water bodies. You can explore the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, glide over the expansive Lake Victoria, navigate the serene waters of Lake Mburo, journey to the Source of the Nile, discover the Nile Delta, venture to the base of the falls, or enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, among many other exciting options. On the boat cruise, you will have the chance to soak in stunning scenery, spot fascinating animals such as hippos and Nile crocodiles in the water, and encounter buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and giraffes along the shores. Keep an eye out for water birds like the elusive shoebill stork, kingfishers, cormorants, fish eagles, and hornbills, among others.
Observing birds
Uganda boasts an impressive array of over 1,080 bird species, including unique Albertine rift endemics, savannah dwellers, forest inhabitants, and water birds, establishing it as a premier destination for bird enthusiasts. There are different birding areas in Uganda that bird lovers should visit during their bird watching safari include, Mabamba swamp, Budongo forest, Bigodi wetland, Mabira forest reserve, Semuliki national park, Murchison falls national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo national park, Bokora Matheniko wildlife reserve, Rwenzori mountain national park, Lutembe bay wetland, Mpanga forest reserve among others.
Immersive journey
A cultural tour in Uganda offers an exciting opportunity for travelers to engage with the local community. Uganda boasts a rich tapestry of around 54 tribes, with vibrant cultures waiting to be explored. Notable groups to experience include the Batwa, Karamajong, IK, and Bakiga, each offering unique insights into their traditions and way of life. On this cultural tour, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, exploring traditions and lifestyles. You will visit traditional homes, savor local dishes, discover the art of making banana beer, hear ancient stories, and enjoy captivating performances, among other exciting experiences.
Uganda also presents a variety of thrilling safari activities such as sport fishing, white water rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, bungee jumping, tubing, quad biking, and mountain biking/cycling, among others.
Best time to visit Uganda
Embarking on safaris in Uganda is an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the dry season, particularly from June to August and December to February, stands out as the prime time for adventure. During these months, the national parks are less affected by rainfall, ensuring that access roads, gorilla trekking paths, chimpanzee trails, and hiking routes are dry and navigable, making your explorations seamless and enjoyable. During the dry season vegetation in the savannah national parks will be short which gives you an opportunity to view different wildlife species clearly.
Uganda can also be visited in the low/rainy season in the months of March to May and October to November because that the best time for bird watching where bird lovers will be able to view variety of colourful and migratory bird species.
