Things to Do on a Uganda Safari 

Things to Do on a Uganda Safari

Things to Do on a Uganda Safari. Uganda is richly blessed with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable adventure experiences that attract travelers from all over the world throughout the year. From dense rainforests and vast savannahs to mighty rivers and snow-capped mountains, Uganda offers something for every kind of traveler.

With Wild Planet, your Uganda safari becomes a carefully crafted journey that highlights the country’s very best experiences. Below are some of the top things to do on a Uganda safari that you should consider including in your itinerary.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Uganda and a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Often referred to as gorilla tracking, this activity involves hiking through dense tropical forests to locate a habituated family of endangered mountain gorillas.

Each trekking day begins at 8:00 am with a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Visitors are divided into groups of no more than eight people and assigned to a specific gorilla family. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you trek through the forest in search of the gorillas. The trek can last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

Once found, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants as they feed, groom, and interact naturally.

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with approximately 459 individuals. Globally, mountain gorilla numbers now exceed 1,063, found across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Explore Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the country’s most popular gorilla trekking destination. Originally designated as a Crown Forest Reserve in 1932, Bwindi became a national park in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas.

Covering 330.8 square kilometers, Bwindi features four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Gorilla permit availability determines which sector you visit. With Wild Planet, permits, logistics, and accommodation are seamlessly arranged.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies within the Virunga Massif and offers a more exclusive gorilla trekking experience. The park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family and features three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.

Enjoy Game Drives in Uganda’s Savannah National Parks

Game drives offer thrilling opportunities to view wildlife from a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle. Accompanied by a Wild Planet professional guide and an armed ranger, you explore open plains, riverbanks, and woodland habitats over 3–4 hours.

Game drives are conducted in several national parks, each offering a unique safari experience.

Murchison Falls National Park

Located in northwestern Uganda, this is the country’s largest national park. It hosts 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and leopards.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Situated in western Uganda, this park boasts 600 bird species and 95 mammal species. Highlights include tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, hippos, elephants, and scenic crater lakes.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo is Uganda’s most remote and scenic savannah park. It hosts 86 mammal species and 475 bird species, including cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and large herds of buffalo.

Lake Mburo National Park

This compact park in western Uganda is ideal for short safaris. It is home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and over 350 bird species.

Semuliki National Park

Located in western Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley, Semuliki protects a unique lowland rainforest ecosystem with 441 bird species and 60 mammal species.

Relax on Scenic Boat Cruises in Uganda

Boat cruises are among the most relaxing and rewarding safari activities in Uganda. With Wild Planet, all cruises include professional guides and safety equipment.

Source of the Nile Boat Cruise – Jinja

This relaxing cruise on Lake Victoria offers views of the Source of the Nile, Speke Monument, and Nile Bridge while spotting birds along the shoreline.

Murchison Falls Boat Cruise

Cruise upstream to the base of the falls, stopping just meters from the dramatic Devil’s Cauldron. Along the way, spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.

Nile Delta Boat Cruise

This cruise heads toward the Nile Delta where the river meets Lake Albert. It offers excellent chances to see the rare shoebill stork.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

A highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this cruise reveals large concentrations of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and spectacular birds.

Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise

After gorilla trekking, unwind on Africa’s second-deepest lake while admiring terraced hills and 29 scenic islands.

Lake Mburo Boat Cruise

This peaceful cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds.

Track Chimpanzees in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is another flagship Uganda safari experience. Uganda is home to over 5,000 chimpanzees, our closest relatives, sharing 99% of human DNA.

Treks begin at 8:00 am or 2:00 pm, with visitors spending one hour observing chimpanzees once located.

Top Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations

• Kibale Forest National Park – the best chimpanzee destination in Africa
• Kyambura Gorge – located in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Budongo Forest (Kaniyo Pabidi) – near Murchison Falls
• Kalinzu Forest Reserve – the most affordable option

Experience White Water Rafting at the Source of the Nile

White water rafting on the River Nile in Jinja is one of the world’s best adventure experiences. Rafting covers up to 25 kilometers and lasts 4–5 hours, depending on the grade chosen.

• Grade 3 rafting is ideal for families and beginners
• Grade 5 and extreme rafting offer adrenaline-packed action for thrill-seekers

No prior experience is required, and all safety equipment, meals, photos, and transport are provided.

Try Sport Fishing in Uganda

Uganda’s lakes and rivers make it a prime destination for sport fishing, especially for Nile perch. Fishing takes place on Lake Victoria, the Victoria Nile, and Lake Mburo.

Boats and equipment are provided, though guests may bring personal gear. Record catches include Nile perch weighing over 113 kg.

Go Mountain Climbing in Uganda

Uganda offers world-class hiking and mountaineering experiences.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzoris feature snow-capped peaks near the equator. Margherita Peak (5,109 m) is Africa’s third-highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon is an ancient volcano with the largest volcanic caldera in the world. The park offers scenic hikes, caves, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Mgahinga Volcano Hiking

Climb extinct Virunga volcanoes such as Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura for spectacular views.

Plan Your Uganda Safari with Wild Planet

From gorilla trekking and game drives to rafting, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and mountain climbing, Uganda offers extraordinary safari experiences. Wild Planet specializes in designing personalized Uganda safaris that combine adventure, comfort, conservation, and authentic cultural encounters.

Contact Wild Planet today to start planning your unforgettable Uganda safari.