With its rich variety of forest, savannah and wetland habitats, Uganda is arguably Africa’s most diverse wildlife destination. There are jungles inhabited by gorillas and chimps, waterways alive with hippos and crocodiles, and open plains roamed by the iconic Big Five. Which means that here, in one compact safari circuit, wildlife-lovers can hope to encounter all the continent’s most alluring large mammals.

Here are the Best Things to Do on a Uganda Safari

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga Gorilla NP)
2. Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale Forest NP, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge)
3. Rhino Tracking (Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – only wild rhinos in Uganda)
4. Big Five Safaris (Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kidepo Valley NP)
5. Game Drives (Guided/unguided in savannah parks like Murchison Falls & Kidepo)
6. Adventure & Nature Activities
7. Boat Safaris (Nile River in Murchison Falls, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP)
8. Birdwatching (Over 1,000 species, top spots: Mabamba Swamp, Semuliki NP)
9. Mountain Climbing (Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, Mgahinga’s volcanoes)
10. Walking Safaris (Lake Mburo NP, Kidepo Valley NP)
11. Nature Hikes (Bwindi’s rainforest trails, Mgahinga’s bamboo forests)
12. White-Water Rafting (Nile River near Jinja)
13. Canoeing/Kayaking (Lake Bunyonyi, Nile River)
14. Fishing (Nile Perch fishing in Murchison Falls)
15. Cultural Tours (Batwa Pygmy community near Bwindi, Karamojong villages in Kidepo)
16. Coffee/Tea Plantation Visits (Fort Portal, Mount Elgon region)

Top Places to Visit on a Uganda Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the crown jewel of Uganda's wildlife experiences. The Park is famous for gorilla trekking with about half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas calling it home. The things to do on a Uganda safari reach their peak here, as you trek through dense jungle before coming face-to-face with a gorilla family. Beyond primates, the things to do on a Uganda safari in Bwindi include incredible bird watching opportunities, focusing on Albertine Rift endemics that bird enthusiasts travel worldwide to see. The things to do on a Uganda safari here will test your fitness as you navigate steep, forested slopes, but the rewards are beyond description.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park offers the best chimp trekking experience in East Africa. The success rate for seeing chimps here is incredibly high, making it one of the essential things to do on a Uganda safari for primate lovers. I spent a magical morning following a family as they played, fed, and socialized—it's an experience I'll never forget! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Kibale also include spotting a huge variety of forest monkeys and birds. The things to do on a Uganda safari extend to the surrounding areas too, with beautiful crater lakes and tea plantations that provide a stunning backdrop for photographers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines classic savannah safari with boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include searching for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector—a rare behavior only seen in a few places in Africa. I spent hours watching these magnificent cats lounging in fig trees! The things to do on a Uganda safari in this park also include game drives to spot four of the Big Five (no rhino), though notably no giraffe. The things to do on a Uganda safari here offer extraordinary diversity, from chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge to bird watching with over 600 species recorded in the park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park delivers the most dramatic landscape in Uganda. The things to do on a Uganda safari center around the mighty falls themselves, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters. The boat trip to the base of the falls was one of my favorite things to do on a Uganda safari—the power of all that water is simply mesmerizing! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Murchison also include classic game drives with abundant wildlife, including four of the Big Five (no rhino). The things to do on a Uganda safari become even more special with sunrise balloon safaris offering a bird's-eye view of the river and its inhabitants.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda's most remote wildlife sanctuary. The things to do on a Uganda safari here feel more exclusive due to fewer visitors reaching this northern gem. With massive buffalo herds and incredible predator sightings, the things to do on a Uganda safari in Kidepo rival the best of East Africa. I was stunned by the rugged landscapes and the feeling of having this wilderness almost entirely to myself! The things to do on a Uganda safari here include spotting unique northern species like cheetah and ostrich that aren't found elsewhere in Uganda, plus four of the Big Five (no rhino).

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park offers intimate wildlife experiences close to Kampala. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include boat safaris on the lake spotting hippos and crocodiles, plus walking safaris among zebras and antelopes. It's the only place in Uganda where you can do a safari on horseback—galloping alongside zebra was an unforgettable experience and one of my favorite things to do on a Uganda safari! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Lake Mburo also include regular leopard sightings, making it a great place to try to spot this elusive cat. The things to do on a Uganda safari here make it perfect for a shorter trip if you're tight on time.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers three extinct volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include gorilla trekking, though with only one habituated group, permits are limited. I found the golden monkey trekking here to be one of the most underrated things to do on a Uganda safari—these playful creatures are a joy to photograph! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Mgahinga also include hiking the volcanoes for spectacular views across three countries. The things to do on a Uganda safari here connect you with the Batwa pygmy people's culture through their trail experience.

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is your best chance to complete the Big Five. The things to do on a Uganda safari here focus on white rhino tracking with a near 100% success rate. Walking within meters of these prehistoric-looking giants is one of the more heart-pounding things to do on a Uganda safari! The things to do on a Uganda safari at Ziwa also include boat trips to spot the elusive shoebill stork. The things to do on a Uganda safari become complete when you add rhino viewing here to your itinerary, as these magnificent animals were previously extinct in Uganda before this reintroduction project.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Swamp provides convenient wildlife viewing near Entebbe International Airport. The things to do on a Uganda safari here center around boat trips through narrow channels to find the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. I'll never forget holding my breath as our guide silently maneuvered our canoe toward this bizarre bird—one of the most unique things to do on a Uganda safari! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Mabamba also include spotting numerous other waterbirds in this RAMSAR wetland site. The things to do on a Uganda safari can begin or end here, as it's just an hour from the international airport.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park offers a slice of Central African rainforest in Uganda. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include visiting the famous hot springs where water bubbles at boiling temperatures—I watched locals cook cassava in these natural hot pots! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Semuliki also include spotting 35 bird species found nowhere else in East Africa. The things to do on a Uganda safari become more diverse here with opportunities to meet the Batwa pygmy people and learn about their forest lifestyle.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest boasts Uganda's largest remaining mahogany forest. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include chimp trekking with a large population, making sightings very likely. The forest walks here were some of my favorite things to do on a Uganda safari, with the massive trees creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. The things to do on a Uganda safari in Budongo also include incredible birding opportunities that make it a hotspot for ornithologists. The things to do on a Uganda safari here can be combined with a visit to Murchison Falls as they're in the same region.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers community-based tourism adjacent to Kibale. The things to do on a Uganda safari here include guided walks on raised boardwalks through papyrus swamps. The local guides are incredible at spotting primates—I counted eight different monkey species on one walk, making it one of the most rewarding things to do on a Uganda safari! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Bigodi include learning how tourism directly benefits local communities. The things to do on a Uganda safari become more meaningful here as your visit helps fund schools and water projects.

Bugoma Forest Reserve

Bugoma Forest Reserve represents Uganda's newest chimp trekking destination. The things to do on a Uganda safari here feel more adventurous as tourism infrastructure is still developing. I loved the raw, less-traveled feel of the forest trails here—it's one of the more authentic things to do on a Uganda safari! The things to do on a Uganda safari in Bugoma include spotting lots of other primates and birds beyond chimps. The things to do on a Uganda safari help support conservation efforts against deforestation threats facing this important habitat.

Uganda offers unique safari experiences, including mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, classic game drives, boat safaris, and incredible bird watching across diverse ecosystems. Its national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls provide opportunities to see rare wildlife, including tree-climbing lions and shoebill storks. With fewer crowds than neighboring countries, a Uganda safari delivers authentic wilderness experiences with opportunities to connect with local communities.