Uganda Safari 2020

Uganda Grand Trip 2019 (15 Top Destinations and Accommodation)

Many have been told that Gorilla trekking is the epitome of a Uganda safari adventure, I cannot dispute that truth, but what if there is more to explore not just about Uganda (by tales of other people) but more than you can ever anticipate to see in Uganda by yourself.

Uganda can be sub divided into planes and forests. Most of the game parks in Uganda lay in the savannah planes. It is in these planes where almost all the game drives are done to spot both plane and tree climbing lions, Leopards, Elephants, giraffes, Impalas, kobs among other amazing wildlife of Uganda.

Whenever you mention Africa, people think of savannah planes; but what lies in and beyond the savannah planes of Uganda? Below are the 15 places that should never miss of your Uganda safari.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Mountain Rwenzori National Park
• Mountain Elgon National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Semuliki National Park
• Jinja Excursions
• Mabira Forest
• Pian Upe Game Reserve

1. Queen Elizabeth National park (Tree Climbing Lions)

The park is a hybrid of forests and planes, making it one of the indispensible destinations for an ultimate pearl of Africa experience. Queen Elizabeth national park has been the most visited park in Uganda for the last ten years and because of its proximity to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park safaris are often coupled with gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Tree climbing lions are commonly the highlight of queen Elizabeth national park game drives. However there is a special arrangement where you can specifically go for Lion tracking at a special fee.

Boat cruise on Kazinga channel is one of the highlights of the Queen Elizabeth safari. It gives you the opportunity to spot countless hippos upon the shores of forty kilometer long kazinga channel.

The beauty with sailing upon streams is; they are not as bumpy as lakes, this is because the water in the streams is always freely flowing to certain direction. This applies to the Kazinga channel which connects Lake George to Lake Edward.

Besides the hippos, Queen Elizabeth national park animals include;  African Elephant, Buffaloes, and Antelopes such as Impala, waterbucks, among several other antelopes can be spotted on the shores of Kazinga channel.

Still about Kazinga channel, a pair of binoculars is essential for special one of the kind birding experience. Hundreds of bird species including but not limited to; African Jacana, black crate, saddle billed stork, sitting cisticola, white backed vulture, long crated eagle, black billed bustard among hundreds of other species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, Bandas and Campsites)

To fully explore the 1,978 square kilometer Park, it might take you not less than three days making accommodation so crucial during your expedition. Queen Elizabeth national park accommodation ranges from Luxurious to budget.

Luxurious accommodation includes; Mweya safari lodge, Jacana lodge, Ishasha wilderness camp and Kyambura game lodge.

Budget accommodation includes; mweya hotels, Ishasha bandas, hippo hill camp, Kitandara hippo hill camp, king fisher camp, Ihamba safari lodge, samba safari lodge.

2. Bwindi Impenetrable national Park (Gorilla Trekking)

Bwindi impenetrable national park has over the years been known for gorilla trekking and it is for this reason why most visitors are down cast whenever they fail to secure gorilla trekking permits.

However though the park is mainly known for gorilla trekking, it was ranked by CNN travel as the best place to visit in the whole world for reasons beyond gorilla trekking.

For instance, in the April 2019, CNN travel ranked Bwindi impenetrable forest national park as one of the top two hiking destinations in the whole of Africa. This implies that besides gorilla trekking, tourists should also start considering going for a hike in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

It relatively cheaper to explore Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in regards to hiking, and bird watching. There are always chances of encountering other wildlife species indigenous to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park including but not limited to forest elephants, buffaloes, and several monkey species.

The 331 square kilometer park remains one of the most unexplored parks in Uganda because of the over shadowing that comes by reason mountain gorilla trekking. If a visitor could only set out to explore Bwindi impenetrable forest national park beyond mountain gorilla trekking, they would have the best experience that the tropics of Uganda could ever offer.

Batwa cultural experience is one of the things that compliment the wild experience of the unbeaten paths of Uganda. Batwa experience grants a chance to explore eco sport hunting, honey harvesting among several other activities.

With Batwa experience, you get to explore and learn about the life of the ancient inhabitants of this UNESCO cultural site in ways that are beyond reasonable doubt worth committing to memory.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, Bandas and camps)

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has a number of lodges and cottages plus camping sites ranging from budget, to mid range to luxurious accommodation. However it is important to choose accommodation in relation to your tracking sector; that is; Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhijja and Buhoma.

These include; Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Engagi lodge, Gorilla Resort, Mahogany springs camp, Bwindi Guest House, Bwindi View Bandas, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, Gorilla Friends Lodge, Jungle View Lodge among several other lodges and camps.

3. Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee Tracking)

Kibale forest national park is another tropical forested destination in Uganda. It is mainly known for Chimpanzee tracking and habituation.

The park has proved to be one of; if not the best chimpanzee tracking destination in the whole of East, central and the rest of Africa with 95% probability rate of spotting the chimpanzees in the wild.

Uganda is home to about 5,000 chimpanzees distributed in sanctuaries, Zoos and protected areas such as parks. Kibale forest national park is home to over 1450 chimpanzees which can be tracked any time of the year.

However to have a 360 experience of Kibale forest national park, you might have to find some accommodation since it might take you a minimum of three to four days to fully explore the 776km²  park.

Besides chimpanzee tracking and habituation which might take from 3 hours to a full day; the park offers Hikes, Nocturnal forest walks, Nature walks, Amabere caves explorations, Forest and swamp bird watching, village walks, Crater lakes encounters, Tales of Nakayima tree (Witchcraft, culture and legends) among several other explorations.

Kibale (Forest) National Park Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, Bandas, and Campsites)

To fully explore Kibale forest national park, you will have to first make a decision on where you will be spending your nights. You can choose to sleep in Fort portal town which is a 30 to 40 minutes drive to Kibale National Park or a little beat closer to the park.

Like other parks, accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park ranges from Luxurious, mid range to Budget. This includes but not limited to: Primate Lodge Kibale, Kanyanchu River Camp, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve, Sebitoli Camping Ground, Safari Hotel Bigodi, Kibale Safari Lodge, Crater Valley Kibale Lakeside Resort, Mantana Tented Camp, Chimps’ Nest, , Nyinabulitwa Resort and Safari Camp among several other lodges and camp sites.

4. Murchison Falls National Park (Murchison Falls)

Murchison falls National Park is the biggest park in Uganda with almost all the animals you can find in Queen Elizabeth national park apart from the tree climbing lions. It is the only park in Uganda that gives you the opportunity to spot Africa’s Big five in the same locality.

Murchison Falls National Park size is 3,893 km^2; however even with this vast amount of land, the rhinoceros are still absent due their extinction in the wild. It is for this reason that a few kilometers away from Murchison falls, Ziwa rhino sanctuary was set to breed rhinoceros peradventure in future to release them back into the wild.

Apparently, on your quest of the big five in Uganda, you will first encounter the Rhinoceros at Ziwa rhino sanctuary before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park to spot Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes and the African Elephant.

The boat cruise upon the Victoria Nile is often the highlight of Murchison Falls National Park. This comes along with a hike next to the cliff of Murchison falls

Murchison Falls Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, hotels and camps)

Murchison falls National Park has a number of lodges, hotels, and campsites ranging from luxurious, midrange and budget accommodation which includes but not limited to: Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison Safari Lodge, GeoLodges Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Yebo safari camp, Red Chili rest camp, Budongo Ecolodge, UWA Campsite, Boomu Women’s group Bandas among several other lodges and campsites.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park (Cheetahs and Planes)

Kidepo valley national park is one of its kind, seated on a land expanse of 1,442 square kilometers; the park is home to Giraffes, Buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Impalas among several other antelopes

The weather is Kidepo valley national park is relatively different from all other parks in Uganda. It is also because of its sceneries that it has featured several times on CNN travel as one of the best parks in the whole of Africa.

When we speak of Kidepo valley national park, guest remain indecisive on whether to choose Serengeti national park over Kidepo valley national park. Without the great migration in Serengeti, Kidepo valley national park remains the best choice of an African Safari.

Kidepo Valley National Park Accommodation (Lodges, hotels, and Camp sites)

Accommodation in Kidepo valley national park includes: Nga’ Moru wilderness camp, Apoka Safari lodge, Kidepo safari Lodge, Kakine Self-catering Campsite, and Apoka Rest camp among other spaces.

6. Rwenzori Mountains National Park (Vegetation and Sceneries)

Rwenzori Mountains are the highest mountain in Uganda with Margherita as the highest peak lying at 16,762 feet above sea level. The mountain has a diversity of vegetation making it one of the best places in Uganda in terms of sceneries.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park Accommodation (Lodges and campsites)

Rwenzori Mountains national park is one of the least visited parks in Uganda. Probably this is as a result of lack of exposure regarding the beautiful sceneries in the mountains.

Accommodation in this park includes but not limited to: Trekkers Hostel/Rwenzori Trekking services, Rwenzori Mountains Safari Lodge, GeoLodges Equator Snow, Ruboni Turaco View Camp, Ruboni Community Camp among several other lodges and campsites.

7. Mountain Elgon National Park (Sipi Falls)

Mountain Elgon National park is one of the most populated parks in Uganda. The park has suffered the most deforestation in all among all parks in Uganda but with the help of Uganda wildlife authority; measures have been undertaken for the last 20 years to rejuvenate the park.

As of today, the park is one of the leading hiking destinations in the whole country with Sipi falls as the major highlight of all hiking expeditions in mountain Elgon national park.

The park is located in an hour’s drive from Mbale town giving visitors a choice to either spend a night in Mbale town or find accommodation and camping sites in the park.

Mountain Elgon National Park Accommodation (Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Camp sites)  

Sipi falls being one of the highlights of Elgon national parks, there are camp sites, lodges and hotels that are mainly labeled sipi falls accommodation and lodges. This ranges from budget, midrange and luxurious.

Accommodation in Elgon mountains national park includes but not limited to; Masha Hotel, Savanna Guest House, Forest Exploration center Bandas, student hostel and campsite, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Twilight campsite, Moses’ campsite, The crow’s Nest camp, Lacam Lodge, Sipi falls Resort, Sipi River lodge, Sasa River camp, Mbale Resort Hotel, Rose’s Last Chance, Kayegi hotel, Green Gardens, Wash and Wills Country Home, New Mt. Elgon view Hotel, Kapkwata Guesthouse, and Suam Guest House among other spaces.

However there some other small highway lodges in Mbale that might cost you US$30 with bed only

8. Lake Mburo National Park (Antelopes)

Lake Mburo National park is mainly known for antelopes. These include but not limited to Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Duikers, Zebras, Impalas, Uganda kobs, Elands, Topis among several other antelopes.

A lauch trip (Lake Mburo boat trip) in Lake Mburo national park also comes with a game drive where you can spot African Elephants, Buffaloes, crocodiles, Hippos among several other animals upon the shores

Due to Lake Mburo National Park’s Location, it is one of the leading destinations for weekend travels. This is because you can leave Kampala in the morning, to Lake Mburo national park and back to Kampala in the same day.

Lake Mburo National Park Accommodation (Hotels, Safar Lodges, Campsites and Bandas)

Luxurious, Midrange and Budget Lake Mburo national park accommodation includes: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Eagles Nest Lake Mburo, Mihingo lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Conservation Education center, and Mantana Tented Camp, courtyard internation hotel, Novella Hotel and spa, Mujo suites and many others.

9. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorilla Trekking)

Mgahinga gorilla national park though not as popular as Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, it is the second best mountain gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. Based on its environment; it is easier to spot gorilla clearly in Mgahinga than it is in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Accommodation (Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Campsites)

Accommodation in Mgahinga gorilla national park includes; Birdnest at Bunyonyi Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Countryside Guesthouse Kisoro, Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel

10. Jinja Excursions (White Water Rafting)

Jinja town is the home of Adventure travel in Uganda ranging from Bungee jumping, white water rafting, Kayaking upon the Nile, Golfing, Sport fishing among several other water activities.

Visiting the source of the Nile is usually the highlight for Jinja excursions. This comes with a boat cruise to the source of the Nile; that is a point at which the Nile is distinctively and vividly seen separate from the waters of Lake Victoria

Jinja Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, campsites and hostels)

Accommodation in Jinja includes but not limited to: Igar plaza Hotel, Living water Resort, Brisk Hotel Triangle, Royal Paradise Hotel, Hotel Paradise on the Nile, Hotel Indo caribbeans, source of the Nile suites, Source Garden Hotel Jinja, 2Friends Jinja guest house, Billionaires suites, Chel and Vade Hotel, Kingfisher safari resort Hotel, Signature Hotel apartments, Tourist  bay Hotel, Nile Hotel Jinja, Jinja base camp, Explorers River camp, Jinja Basecamp, BP training centre and campsite among several other accommodation spaces.

11. Mabira Forest (Zip lining)

Mabira forest is one of the biggest natural forests in Uganda covering over 300 square kilometers. The forest comes handy in a number of wild activities worth your exploration.

This includes Zip-lining, Forest Mountain biking, camping, Nature walks, Forest bird watching, Monkey tracking as well as chilling upon several streams in the forest.

The streams are linked to Ssezibwa falls which are also a few Kilometers before Mabira Forest. The falls offer a gorgeous sight of the falls accompanied with Buganda cultural heritage sites worth the exploration.

Mabira forest activities might take you two to three full days to fully explore and experience the unbeaten paths of this natural forest.

Mabira Forest Accommodation (Lodges and campsites)

Accommodation in Mabira forest includes; rain forest lodge, griffin falls camp, Bushbaby lodge, The liz Motel, Lakeside adventure park, Villa Anona guest house, Bohemia Resort Ltd, Tulina river side treat, Luhan suites among several other lodges.

• Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National park is one of the least visited parks in Uganda. It is for these particular reasons why tourists who want to avoid tourist crowds often prefer to discover Semuliki national park animals, sceneries and birds at the expense of parks such as Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park.

Attractions in Semuliki national park include: Semuliki national park hot springs, Semuliki forest; one of the places that make birding in Semuliki national park indispensible on your Uganda birding itinerary, Hiking and nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and Bambuti pygmies.

Semuliki hot springs are the highlight of the Semuliki national park, and considering the location of semuliki National park, it can be paired with tours to Queen Elizabeth National park and Lake Mburo National park.

Semuliki National Park Accommodation (Hotels, Safari Lodges, Hostels and campsites)

Accommodation in Semuliki National Park includes: Semuliki safari lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge, Kirimia Guesthouse, National park bandas and campsite, Rwenzori unique Eco Tourism camp among several other accommodation spaces.

• Pian Upe Game Reserve

Pian Upe game reserve is one of the most undiscovered wildlife destinations in Uganda. It is the biggest game reserve in Uganda and the second biggest wildlife protected area after Murchison falls national park.

Like Kidepo valley national park, Pian Upe game reserve is home to Cheetahs, leopards, among several other wildlife species found in other parks of Uganda. The highlight for pian Upe game reserve is the Roan antelope which can only be found in this game reserve.

The stunning sunsets are worth the wait, you can never match it to any other sunset in the wild. It might take you about 3 full days to explore Pian Upe which makes accommodation an indispensible alternative.

Pian Upe Game Reserve Accommodation (Safari Lodges, hostels, hotels and campsites)

When it comes to accommodation in Pian Upe game reserve, you can opt for accommodation in Mbale town, and Kapchorwa or camp at US$5 to US$15 per day.