People often ask us what they should really not miss on a safari to Uganda. That is a difficult question. Uganda has so much to offer. Still, we gave it a try. Below you will find our top 10 safari experiences in Uganda.
Top Experiences In Uganda
1. Gorilla Trekking
The undisputed number one. Almost every tourist who comes to Uganda does some gorilla trekking. And for good reason. Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas live in the wild. The others are Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But Uganda offers the most natural, affordable, and immersive experience.
Your day starts early. You drive to the park headquarters. You meet your guides and trackers. Then you head into the forest. The hike can be easy. Or challenging. Every trek is different. You walk through thick rainforest. The air is fresh. The forest is alive. Then suddenly, everything stops. The guide raises his hand. And there they are. A gorilla family. Feeding. Resting. Playing.
They are huge. Yet gentle. Powerful, yet calm. You watch them for one magical hour. You see their expressions. Their movements. Their emotions. It feels deeply personal. Almost spiritual. Gorilla trekking is not just an activity. It is a privilege. One you will never forget.
2. Chimpanzee Tracking
If gorillas are calm and gentle, chimpanzees are lively and energetic. Uganda is the best place in Africa to track wild chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is the most famous location. But there are other excellent areas too. Chimpanzees live high in the trees. They move fast. Very fast. You hear them before you see them. Loud calls. Branches shaking.
Then suddenly, they appear. Swinging. Running. Climbing. They are incredibly human-like. Their faces. Their hands. Their expressions. Chimpanzees are social animals. They groom each other. They play. They argue. Sometimes they sit close to you. They watch you. They study you. Chimpanzee tracking is exciting. Dynamic. And full of energy.
3. Boat Safari to Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s safari highlights. And the boat safari is one of its best experiences. The Nile River flows calmly at first. Wide and peaceful. Then everything changes. The river is forced through a narrow gap, only seven meters wide. The water explodes downward. This creates Murchison Falls. The most powerful waterfall in the world.
The boat safari takes you toward the base of the falls. Slowly. Quietly. Wildlife is everywhere. Hippos surround the boat. Crocodiles lie along the banks. Elephants come to drink. Buffalo gather near the water. Birdlife is incredible. Fish eagles. Kingfishers. Herons. As you approach the falls, the sound grows louder. Mist fills the air. The power of nature is overwhelming.
4. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is different. And that is exactly why it is special. This is the only park in Uganda where you can do walking safaris, cycling safaris, and horseback safaris. You are not just watching wildlife from a car. You are part of the landscape. You walk among zebras. You cycle past giraffes. You ride horses near antelope. Lake Mburo National Park feels peaceful. Open. Relaxed. It is a perfect place to slow down and to connect with nature. Many travelers start or end their safari here. It is close to Kampala and easy to combine with other parks.
5. Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is one of Uganda’s hidden gems. From above, Queen Elizabeth National Park looks dry and open. But then the land drops away. Inside the gorge, everything is green. Lush. Dense. You walk down into the forest. The air becomes cooler. The sounds change. Birds call from above. Hippos grunt below. Chimpanzees live here. They are not always easy to spot. But the walk itself is magical. Kyambura Gorge feels untouched, wild, and mysterious.
6. Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its lions, especially the tree-climbing lions. But there is a more special way to see them. You join a ranger and a researcher. They are studying the lions. Monitoring their movements. This is not a normal game drive. You can go off-road. You can get closer. You learn about lion behavior. Their social structure. Their hunting habits. It feels educational, personal, and very rewarding. With luck, you may also spot leopards or hyenas. This experience is about understanding wildlife. Not just seeing it.
7. Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are rare and beautiful. They live only in the Virunga Mountains. In Uganda, they are found in Mgahinga National Park, the same park as mountain gorillas. The trek takes you into volcanic landscapes, through open areas, and then into bamboo forest. Golden monkeys live in large groups. Sometimes up to 80 individuals. Once you find them, they are everywhere. Jumping. Playing. Feeding. They are used to people. So, you can get very close. Golden monkey trekking is less known, but just as special. It is also more affordable and easier than gorilla trekking.
8. Crater Drive in Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only about animals. It is also about scenery. One of the most beautiful routes is the Crater Lake Drive. You pass ancient volcanic craters, filled with blue water. The views are wide and open. The sky feels endless. This drive is perfect in the afternoon, especially with a sundowner. It is calm, romantic and very photogenic.
9. Hiking Mount Moroto
Mount Moroto lies in eastern Uganda near the Kenyan border in the Karamoja Region. This area is still untouched by mass tourism and that is its beauty. You hike through remote landscapes. Wide plains. Rocky hills. You meet the Karamojong people. They live traditionally. Close to the land. The hike can be challenging but the reward is huge. Stunning views. Cultural encounters. True adventure. Mount Moroto is for travelers who want something different.
10. Kampala City Experience
Kampala is Uganda’s capital. It is busy. Loud. And full of life. A guided city tour shows you the real Kampala. Not just the surface. You visit local markets. You taste street food. You meet people. You explore cultural sites. The Buganda Kingdom Palace. The largest mosque in East Africa. With a local guide, everything makes sense. You move with confidence. You experience the city like a local. Kampala is chaotic but it is warm and welcoming.
Uganda Has So Much More
The top 10 is complete. But even with the top 10, we are actually doing Uganda a disservice. You could easily drive around here for months and see something new every day. Still haven’t finished reading about Uganda? We’ve written numerous blogs about it. For example, about Uganda’s national parks, safety in Uganda, and the best time to travel to Uganda.
We are Choose Uganda Safaris
A group of seasoned Uganda safari experts. We are builders. Entrepreneurs. Travelers. Adventurers. We love beautiful places. And those beautiful places become even more beautiful when we can share them with others. That’s why we organize safaris here in Uganda. So if you are considering coming here for your dream trip to Uganda– call, text, or email us. We will be more than happy to help you get started. Want more tips about your safari to Uganda? Then browse our blogs.
