Uganda Safaris: Embark on unforgettable safaris in Uganda’s stunning landscapes. Explore game parks, traditional sites, mountains, and natural forests. Witness the beauty of rare bird species and visit the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a sanctuary for mountain gorillas.”
Uganda Tourism Safaris include game parks & reserves, traditional sites, mountains, and natural forests. Traditional occasions like Mbalu, boat riding, and waterfalls. Uganda is a multicultural country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains. The immense Lake Victoria – the principal source of the great River Nile. With abundant wildlife such as chimpanzees, Gorillas, and the famous Big 5 at the 10 Savannah parks. There are over a thousand rare bird species. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Meanwhile, Kidepo Valley National Park contends as the best destination in Africa for wild game drives.
The Republic of Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is located on the East African Plateau. It borders Kenya to the east, and South Sudan to the north. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is to the west. Rwanda is to the southwest, and Tanzania is to the south. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region. It spreads within the Nile basin and hence has an equatorial climate.
Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompasses a large portion of the south of the country. It includes the capital, Kampala. The people of Uganda were hunter-gatherers, unlike the Bantu-speaking populations that migrated to the southern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, in 1894, the area was ruled as a protectorate by the British, who established administrative law across the territory. Uganda gained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962.
Uganda has 60 protected areas, including ten national parks. They are Bwindi Impenetrable, Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and Mgahinga Gorilla. Mt. Elgon, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Semuliki National Park are also on the list.
Safaris in Uganda
Tourism is focused on Uganda’s landscape and wildlife. It is a major driver of employment, investment and foreign exchange. Tourist attractions in Uganda include national game parks, game reserves, traditional sites, and natural tropical forests. Traditional occasions like Mbalu in eastern Uganda, boat riding, waterfalls, etc.
Habituation
Habituation is a process of training or an act to make animals get used to the sight of visitors or a certain situation. Researchers use habituation to understand the animals better.
In Uganda, there is both Gorilla and Chimpanzee habituation.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by researchers/conservationists, and rangers alongside the trekkers. This type of excursion was introduced in 2014 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A gorilla permit goes for US$ 1,500 for this memorable experience. There are only 8 permits available per day, as each gorilla group can only accommodate 4 people. There are 11 habituated gorilla groups, however, only 2 have been put aside for habituation in Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern part of the park.
This habituation experience lets the trekkers spend longer than usual one hour of the gorilla trek with the gentle giants, but 4 hours analysing their behaviour, though not all the gorillas are fully responsive to the programme yet. So some might hide or act unpredictably in the presence of visitors, as it is still an ongoing process. If you are interested in doing such an excursion, ensure to book your permit 6 months in advance to be accorded a date. It is only in Uganda, that you can experience habituating mountain gorillas.
Chimpanzee habituation
Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest. This is more like the gorilla habituation, but you have to be strong-hearted as you get much closer to the Chimpanzees and spend almost half or even all day in the forest with the Chimps. This activity is done by one ranger and a maximum of 4 trekkers.
The permit costs US$200 for foreigners and US$ 70 for East Africans. In Kibale, there is a new chimpanzee group in its young stages of habituation that can be visited for US$ 100 per trek. Visiting this group might be tough, as these chimpanzees are still a bit wild.
The best time for a habituation trip would be the least busy tourist season in March, April, May, October, and November. So there you have it. Would you love to spend more time in the company of these primates? Then habituation is the activity you should opt for. We handle both habituation and tracking permit purchases and can plan for a suitable package once you reach out to us.
Uganda Safaris Highlights.
Mountain gorilla trekking.
Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, particularly in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking experiences allow you to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Chimpanzee Tracking.
It is also home to habituated chimpanzee populations in several national parks, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimpanzee tracking experiences offer the chance to observe these intelligent primates up close.
Big Five Safaris.
Meanwhile, Uganda may not have as many large mammals as some other African countries, it still offers opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in parks such as Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Boat Safaris.
Uganda’s numerous rivers and lakes provide excellent opportunities for boat safaris. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls offers unique perspectives on wildlife and stunning scenery.
Bird Watching.
With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a paradise for birdwatchers. Key birding destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and the wetlands of Lake Victoria.
Scenic Landscapes:
The country has diverse landscapes that encompass lush rainforests, mist-covered mountains, vast savannas, and shimmering lakes. From the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi, the country’s natural beauty is breathtaking.
Cultural Encounters: In addition to its wildlife, Uganda boasts rich cultural diversity, with over 50 distinct ethnic groups. Cultural experiences such as visiting traditional villages, attending cultural performances, and interacting with local communities offer insights into Uganda’s heritage and traditions.
Adventure Activities: Beyond traditional safaris, Uganda offers a range of adventure activities, including white-water rafting on the Nile River, hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, and tracking golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.