Top 3 Places to Go On Safari in Uganda
If you are an African safari junkie, then your trip across ‘the Pearl of Africa’ should be on your bucket list. Uganda, a beautiful country with her enchanting wildlife, large savannah reserves, and other rare sights and sounds, has way too many fascinations for a small country.
Uganda is usually a dream destination for any ardent safari lover, especially the brave and daring hikers and trekkers. It has some of Africa’s charming and well-kept safari-friendly adventure destinations.
Heading to Uganda for a safari trip?
If you are heading there, exclusively for real and authentic Uganda safaris, then you should be ready for some real, lifelong memories. The name ‘the Pearl of Africa,’ coined by Sir Winston Churchill in 1907, perfectly encapsulates what to expect on a safari trip. And to start you off, these are the three best destinations for a mad safari trip in Uganda.
1. Kibale Forest National Park
Now considered a must-visit adventure destination, Kibale Forest boasts most of Uganda’s wildlife gems, especially the birds and primates. It’s also among the best havens for birdwatchers in Africa. You can go on a safari trip to Kibale Forest any time of the year, although it’s during the dry season (November to February and June to September) that the experience is unforgettable.
If you would like to trek gorillas or catch a glimpse of the rare and now-endangered Red Colobus monkey alongside the cheeky bush babies and Potto, then plan for a Kibale Forest safari trip. Other than the monkeys, chimps and the birds, you may stumble upon bush pig elephants, buffalos, leopards, and duikers.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Yes, I know the name is a little bit intimidating, is another exciting safari destination in Uganda. This park, found in the southwestern part of the country, has hundreds of mischievous gorillas, happily swinging their way up and down the tall native trees.
You can head there with your entire family and safely enjoy the sight of the endangered Silverback Mountain Gorillas, chimps, baboons and other land animals. The park also has lots of native trees, some believed to be over 25,000 years old.
One exciting thing with this spot is the fact that you can mingle with a gorilla family, take as many pictures as you would like and later retreat to your jungle lodge. And as the hospitable guides and trackers will tell you, Bwindi Forest never disappoints.
For trekkers and hikers, however, you should be aware that though this park isn’t really “impenetrable,” trek routes can be muddy. They can be wet and tough to trek, although that’s what lifelong adventure memories are made of!
3. Murchison Falls National Park
There’s something unique and spectacular with a safari trip in Murchison Falls National Park. The type of adventure served at this destination is different from what you would experience in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest or just about any other attraction.
First, the Nile bisects this massive park into two, meaning that in-between your safari is a session of rafting – or swimming if you’ve got the guts. You start by marveling at the wildlife that includes lots of giraffes, crocs, buffaloes, lions, elephants, hippos and waterbucks.
It also has chimpanzees and the rare Colobus monkeys – you will encounter them during your safari excursion. Once done, however, you will top up the excitement with a picturesque sight of the water thundering down 148 feet. A sight to behold, no doubt!
Murchison Falls National Park is the country’s oldest park, having been in existence since 1926. It also has an incredible 76 different species of animals, including the deadly Nile crocs. It additionally has over 450 species of birds.
Accessing Murchison Falls National Park is a breeze. By road, it is about five hours from Kampala.
