For most travelers, the answer is southwest Uganda. This is where you will find Uganda’s most famous wildlife experiences. It is also the only region where you can track mountain gorillas. You can visit either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both offer unforgettable gorilla encounters. Beyond gorillas, you can also enjoy guided forest walks, golden monkey tracking, and volcano hikes.
A popular combination is Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can go on game drives in search of elephants, buffalo, and the famous tree-climbing lions. You can also take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of the best places in Uganda to see hippos and wildlife up close.
In Kibale National Park, you can track wild chimpanzees. The forest is also home to several monkey species, countless birds, and beautiful crater lakes.
Not interested in gorillas? Then a different route may suit you better. One of our favorite alternatives combines Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This itinerary gives you an excellent chance of seeing all of the Big Five.
Looking for something more remote? Head to the far northeast. Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Africa’s hidden safari gems. It is wild, remote, and incredibly rewarding. Here, you can enjoy spectacular wildlife viewing without the crowds. You can combine Kidepo with a visit to the traditional communities of Karamoja, the beautiful Sipi Falls, or even a white-water rafting adventure on the Nile near Jinja.
