Uganda may be a relatively small and landlocked country but is considered one of the most exciting country to visit in Africa. Winston Churchill described her as the “Pearl of Africa” after his tour of the country in the early 20th century. Uganda receives over one million travelers each the year thanks to the incredible biodiversity, weather, landscape and friendly people. The number of tourists visiting the country each year is quite remarkable given that the tourism industry is not yet as developed as that of her neighbors Kenya and Tanzania. One wonders what it will be like when the country’s tourism industry reaches full potential.
Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity and landscape is best experienced in her national parks. There are 10 national parks in Uganda including Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park, Lake Mburo national park, Mount Rwenzori national park, Mount Elgon national park, Semuliki national park and Kibale forest national park. Within these national parks, one can spot mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the big five mammals, a plethora of bird species, common mammals and 13 species of smaller primates. Of all the wildlife in Uganda, mountain gorillas stand out. Uganda has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. They can be seen in two national parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga. Gorilla safaris are very popular with tourists because gorillas are creatures that behave and resemble humans. An experience with gorillas in the wild is considered one of the highlights of a safari in Africa. Apart from gorilla trekking, there are other activities that one can take part in while on a safari in Uganda. They include: –
- Tracking Chimpanzees and other small primates in Kibale forest national park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu forest and Budongo forest.
- Game drives to see the big 5 in the savannah parks.
- Birdwatching in almost all the wildlife conservation areas.
- Visiting historical and cultural sites like the Kasubi tombs, Namugongo shrines, Gaddafi national Mosque, Lubiri/Mengo palaces, the Bahai temple, the Uganda National Museum, Namirembe and Rubaga cathedrals.
- Nature walks and sightseeing.
- Sport fishing on the various fresh water bodies like Lake Victoria and the river Nile.
- Hiking one the various mountains like the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges, Mount Elgon and the three Volcanoes in Mgahinga.
- White water rafting along the Nile river in Jinja.
- Visiting the source of the Nile, bungee jumping, horseback riding and quad biking.
- Boat cruises in Lake Victoria, river Nile and water-bodies found in the National Parks.
- Swimming and relaxing in Uganda’s numerous beaches.
Uganda Safaris – Main places to visit on a Uganda Safari
Murchison falls national park: Formerly known as Kabalega national park, Murchison falls national park is the oldest and largest national park in Uganda. It is located in the northern part of the Uganda. Savannah grasslands are the dominant 
vegetation in the park hence making it excellent for wildlife viewing. Murchison falls national park has different species of animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, elands, warthog and the rare shoebill stork just to mention a few. The park is also home to chimpanzees and other smaller primates which can be sighted in Budongo forest. Apart from animals and primates, the Murchison falls is home to the great river Nile. The river Nile offers opportunities for boat cruises and sport fishing. As the river continues its journey to Egypt, it leaves behind the great Murchison and Uhuru falls. These two magnificent waterfalls are beautiful to behold and great for photography.
Queen Elizabeth National park: This park is located in the western part of the country and is one of the three most popular national parks in Uganda. If you are wondering how it got its name, then you should know that Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1956. Queen Elizabeth national park is blessed with incredible biodiversity and lies on the foot of the great Rwenzori mountain 
Ranges. While in Queen Elizabeth national park, tourists get to see lions, buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, Uganda kobs, antelopes, bush pigs and so much more. Queen Elizabeth is also a birders paradise with over 600 species calling it home. Queen Elizabeth national park has the highest population of tree climbing lions on earth. The boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of a safari in the park. This boat cruise does not only involve sailing on water but also allows tourists to see different marine animal species like hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and countless birds. The Kazinga channel is a 50km water stretch that connects lake George and Edward. Other notable activities within the park include chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge, lion tracking, mongoose tracking, nature walks in Maramagambo forest and visiting the crater lakes.
Kidepo Valley National Park: Kidepo valley national park is Uganda’s hidden gem. It is found in the north-eastern park Uganda – along the border with Sudan and Kenya. Because of its isolation, distance away from Kampala and history as one of the bases of the infamous rebel Joseph Kony, the park has kept many visitors away. Those who can endure the long journey from 
Kampala or Entebbe will be rewarded with stunning scenery and wildlife that are found nowhere else in the country. It is testament to the remarkable biodiversity that CNN listed Kidepo national park as one of the best in Africa. The park offers so much for those who are interested in game viewing experience and the Africa that we dreamed of – unspoiled and pristine. Kidepo consists of mostly short savannah grasslands hence making it easy for tourists to cover the vast park. Kidepo has four of the big five animals (lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards). It is the only national park in Uganda where one can see cheetahs, wild dogs and ostriches. The game drives in the morning and evening are very rewarding because of an abundance of wildlife species. Because it is remote and less visited, you get to enjoy the park without the crowds. Away from wildlife, there is also an opportunity for an amazing cultural experience with the Karamojong community living close to the park. The Karamojong are nomadic pastoralists who depend on their cattle for almost everything. Their culture and way of dressing is similar to that of the Masai in Kenya.
Bwindi impenetrable National park: Bwindi is situated in the Kigezi highland, southwest of Uganda. In recent years, Bwindi Impenetrable national park has become the most visited national park in Uganda. Within this thick green forest are half of the total population of mountain gorillas in the world. Because of the remarkable biodiversity and mountain gorillas, Bwindi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Park. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered and listed by the International Union of Conservation for Nature(IUCN). Tourists visit the park from all corners of the earth to have a close encounter with these majestic primates. Bwindi Impenetrable national park also has other wildlife species like chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, other smaller primates, forest elephants, leopards and forest hogs just to mention a few. Bwindi is one of the leading birding destinations in Uganda with over 300 species.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga is an alternative destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It is also found within the Kigezi region, next to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi group). This group is one of the largest and has 4 silverbacks. Tourists can expect to have a wonderful experience observing this gorilla family because of the many members. Mgahinga national park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. These rare species of monkeys are endemic to the Virunga region. Golden monkeys look very cute with their gold coats. Tourists love them because of their cuteness, playful nature and endangered status. Visitors to Mgahinga National Park also have an opportunity to conquer 3 of the Virunga mountains – Muhavura, Gahinga or Sabinyo.
Kibale Forest National Park: Kibale is one of the largest natural rain forests left in Uganda. Known as the “primate capital of the world”, Kibale has the highest concentration of monkeys in the country. There are 14 different species of primates including the common chimpanzee, red-tailed monkeys, pottos, colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabey. Chimpanzees are what attracts most tourists to the park. Chimpanzees are part of the wider ape family. Along with bonobos of Congo, they are the 
closest relatives to man. They are very intelligent primates with the ability to use a variety of tools to get food or fight off potential enemies.
Kibale is arguably the best place to observe wild chimpanzees in the world. The chances of seeing them are higher than anywhere else because there are 4 habituated groups living close to the park offices. In total, Kibale has about 1500 individual chimps. Apart from chimps, Kibale is also home to elephants, giant forest hogs, leopards, reptiles, butterflies and a variety of birds. Outside the main forest is the great Bigodi wetland sanctuary which also has different species of monkeys and one of the greatest collection of birds in Uganda. After visiting the sanctuary, visitors can then go for a cultural experience in the nearby community where local dance, drama and music are organized.
Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo national park is the nearest park to the capital Kampala (where most Uganda safaris start from). The park derives its name from Lake Mburo which supplies water to the park animals and vegetation. Lake Mburo National Park is easy to access the park – especially for those who have come for workshops and seminars in the county. While on a safari in Lake Mburo national park, visitors can go for game viewing to see animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, elands, leopards and birds. The park also offers a boat ride experience on Lake Mburo where tourists can spot aquatic birds and animals like crocodiles and hippos. Lake Mburo is the only park that allows tourists to observe wildlife on a horse, Quad bike or on foot.
Mount Elgon National Park: Mount Elgon National Park is found in the eastern part of the country. Everything is centered around Mountain Elgon – The second highest mountain in the country and one with the largest caldera on earth. Mount Elgon is surrounded by great volcanic features, waterfalls, warm springs and forests. The wildlife on the mountain slopes include elephants, duikers, antelopes and small primates (Vevert monkeys, Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys). Climbing to the top Mount Elgon takes between 4 to 5 days. If you are visiting Eastern Uganda, this is one place you must visit. You will not only climb the mountain but also experience the Bagisu culture, visit the Sipi falls and enjoy the beautiful scenery is Mbale district.
Mountain Rwenzori National Park: The key attractions in the park are the Rwenzori ranges of mountains. They are the highest ranges of mountains in Africa. The highest peak Magherita stands at an altitude of 5109metres above sea level. The Rwenzori mountains have snow-capped peaks and is why they were nicknamed “mountains of the moon”. The snowy peaks catch the eye from hundreds of kilometers away. Apart from the Rwenzori ranges of mountains, the park has different species of animals including chimpanzees, smaller monkeys, birds, antelopes, reptiles, lakes and rivers. The mountains have vegetation that is unique to the area.
Other Uganda Safari destinations
A part from the national parks, there are also other things to do and places to visit while on a Uganda safari. These are normally complementary places and help to enrich traveling experiences in the country. They include: –
Lake Bunyonyi: This fresh water lake is found in the Kigezi region (southwest of Uganda) and close to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Many travellers use it as a resting place after spending time tracking gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and second in Africa after Lake Tanganyika. It has over 29 islands where different lodges and resorts have been built for tourists to relax and wind. While visiting Lake Bunyonyi, a traveller can go for boat rides, canoeing, birding, island hopping, nature walks and simple relaxation close to the scenic lake. The scenery and tranquillity around Lake Bunyonyi makes it perfect for lovers and families.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: This is the only place where rhinos can be sighted in Uganda. It is located in Nakasongola district along the road leading to Murchison falls national park. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda’s national parks in the 1980’s and this sanctuary was set up in the 1990’s to ensure pave way for their re-introduction in the wild. The breeding project has resulted into over 20 white rhinos. While at the sanctuary, visitors spend 2 hours watching the rhinos graze as they ask questions from the Rangers. A visit to the Ziwa rhino sanctuary allows tourists to view all the big 5 mammals while on a Uganda safari. The sanctuary sits on a vast piece of land with many other wild animals hence giving visitors a feeling of being in a national park.
Jinja source of the Nile: The Nile river is famous all over the world because of its role in the earliest civilizations. It is the longest river in the world with its source on Lake Victoria (in Jinja city of Uganda). The Nile river starts its long journey from Uganda and continues all the way to Egypt. Like any water body, the Nile river offers many adventurous and adrenaline raising activities. Thousands of visitors go to Jinja each year to see the source of the Nile, take part in white water rafting, sport fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, quad biking and tubing the Nile. A visit to the source of the Nile is a highlight of a tour of Jinja. To get to the actual source, one has to get into a boat which goes all the way to a monumental landmark.
Sipi falls: Three large waterfalls make up what is known as the Sipi Falls. The falls are located on the slopes of Mount Elgon and in the district of Kapchorwa. Each is special in its own way and visitors will be left in wonder as they watch the majestic falls. The waterfalls are surrounded by breath-taking scenery (landscape and vegetation). As one travels back to Mbale or Kampala, they are rewarded with jaw dropping views of the great Karamoja plains and sheer size of Mount Elgon. The Sipi Falls and surrounding area will reward those who enjoy photography and film-making.
Ssese Islands: The Ssese Islands consist of over 80 islands found in Lake Victoria (the largest inland fresh water body in Africa). The most visited island is Bugala (Where Kalangala district is situated). Bugala island is often mistaken to be Ssese island yet it is just one of the many islands. Within the islands are different resorts where visitors can go for a weekend getaway. While in one of the beautiful 
islands, visitors focus on having fun and forgetting about all their worldly problems. The activities to engage in while at the Islands are camping, swimming, quad biking, fishing, canoeing, boat rides, nature walks and sightseeing.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre: This Centre started as a zoo but was later upgraded to a wildlife education centre. The Centre is located in Entebbe town, along the shores of Lake Victoria. The Centre has almost all the animals found in the country and tigers from India. It is a very interesting place to be and a perfect place to get a glimpse of all that Uganda has to offer in terms of wildlife. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre was designed and built to offer the same feeling of being out in the wild.
