Uganda’s safari potential feels wonderfully untapped. It’s a diverse East African safari destination, where highlights like gorilla trekking can be combined with boating adventures, birding expeditions, primate tracking, and traditional safaris.
Best month to go
When to Visit Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons between June and September, and December to February.
This is also the best time to visit for safaris and game viewing, as the wildlife is easier to spot in the dry season – there is less vegetation and animals gather around water sources.
Shoulder season in late May and early October is a great option for travellers looking to avoid the crowds.
Uganda is a wonderfully diverse safari destination, offering everything from gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trekking to more ‘traditional’ safari activities such as game drives and boating safaris. Many of Uganda’s safari parks are also top-of-the-list destinations for serious bird enthusiasts, whilst away from the parks there are plenty of authentic cultural experiences to be enjoyed.
Eleanor RobertsSenior Safari Specialist
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Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most unique and captivating wildlife experiences. In Uganda, travellers have the opportunity to encounter these rare creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. For a more in-depth experience, the gorilla habituation experience offers a longer, more immersive encounter, as it allows you to spend time with a family in the process of being habituated.
Venture through Uganda’s rainforests to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat, listening to their grunts, hoots, and screeches as they swing through the tree canopy above. Kibale National Park is Uganda’s most popular chimp-tracking destination, while Murchison Falls in north-west Uganda offers a much quieter experience.
Uganda is one of the world’s premier birding destinations, home to over 1,000 recorded species. From the striking gray crowned crane to the rare shoebill, Uganda’s diverse landscapes are a must-see for keen birders. Explore its wetlands, forests, and savannas for unforgettable sightings for both casual nature lovers and dedicated twitchers.
It’s no surprise that the falls are the main attraction in Murchison Falls National Park, and the best way to explore the landmark is on a boat trip along the lower Victoria Nile River. Wildlife sightings are epic from the water – look out for waterbirds, hippo, and Nile crocodile, as well as big game like elephant along the riverbanks.
Embark on hikes around Uganda’s Virunga Volcanoes for panoramic views over forests, lakes, and neighbouring Rwanda and Congo. There is also a chance to spot golden monkeys along the way.
Yellow Zebra are genuine specialists; they know the African bush like the back of their hand.
Brian JackmanSafari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC
Explore Uganda
The Best Safari Parks in Uganda
Uganda offers the chance to experience the “safari of a lifetime” – the country’s wildlife is unique and you can combine gorilla trekking adventures with a classic Uganda safari park. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two of only a few places on the planet where you can go gorilla trekking. In contrast, safari destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls and Kibale offer experiences ranging from big game viewing to boat trips and chimpanzee trekking.
Uganda’s smallest savanna park, home to a variety of wildlife, including leopard, buffalo and over 35 bird species.
Sought after as a safari destination for its population of mountain gorillas, Uganda is one of only a few places in the world where you can meet these amazing mammals. Situated in the south-west of the country, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is dominated by steep hills cloaked in deep forest, which is the ideal home for gorillas. On trekking safaris to Bwindi, you’ll take in the impressive sights of the forest, as well as its other primate inhabitants, including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey, which has a striking white beard. Uganda’s other famed wildlife is the tree-climbing lion, found sleeping in the big fig trees and seen on a Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari.
The property was built under the management of Steve Williams, an Englishman who first laid eyes on Lake Kyaninga while walking through the region on his way to trekking gorillas in Kibale National Park. Immediately Steve saw the potential for a luxury lodge…
Turaco Treetops is a great-value, family-friendly lodge, ideally positioned for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s tropical Kibale Forest. Built for comfort rather than excess, the emphasis here is on warm-hearted hospitality, understated luxury, and a relaxed…
For those looking for something a little different, a more remote and luxurious escape that’s off the beaten track, Nile Safari Lodge is a delightful option! Perched on the banks of the Victoria Nile and 20 kilometres downriver from the impressive, thunderous…
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an excellent option for keen gorilla trekkers, providing other exciting activities too! This property has a fabulous location on a hilltop, on the south-western side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Clouds Mountain Gorilla…
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Mount Gahinga Lodge is conveniently positioned close to the entrance into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park . Children are welcome, but only those aged 15 years and older are permitted to take part in gorilla treks. However, as the property provides a wealth…
Scheduled to open in August 2026, Erebero Hills is a small lodge comprising eight luxury suites with staggering views of the surrounding montane forest and across the valley. It’s ideally located for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the…
It’s a fantastic option for visitors to this exhilarating part of the world. A note of caution, gorilla treks from Nkuringo are some of the most physically demanding in the whole of Bwindi, so be prepared for a physical adventure. However, there are easier…
Apoka Safari Lodge is an excellent option for travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-track safari in a wildlife-rich part of Uganda – highly recommended by Yellow Zebra.
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As its name suggests, it is owned and operated by Lemala, a company whose portfolio includes Yellow Zebra favourites Kuria Hills Lodge and Ndutu Camp. Lemala provides comfortable accommodation in remote settings across Safari Africa. Wildwaters is suitable…
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As its name suggests, this lodge is situated close to Kyambura Gorge. The property is owned and operated by Volcanoes Safaris, which has run camps and lodges across Uganda and Rwanda since 1997. Kyambura Gorge Lodge provides accommodation to suit most types…
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is perfect for travellers hoping for an authentic experience of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Owned and operated by Exclusive Camps and Lodges, the property is described as taking glamping to the next level.
Papaya Lake Lodge has a wonderful location, overlooking the crater lakes of Lyantonde and Kifuruka. This is an elevated position, and guests enjoy views not only of the sparkling waters but also across to the magnificent Rwenzori mountains. The lodge is owned…
In safari terms, Mahogany Springs is a relative newcomer to the area, built and opened in 2011, but it has quickly become a favorite. Owner Barrie Gotch fell in love with the place while visiting and decided he wanted to contribute to the important work of…
This is the latest addition to the impressive portfolio of Latitude Hotels, offering high-quality accommodation in Kampala. It’s an excellent option for stopovers in the city, as well as longer stays.
All gorilla and golden monkey treks, and other activities, are led by knowledgeable guides, who are experts in their field and able to bring you the very best of both Bwindi and Mgahinga. Chameleon Hill Lodge is terrific for travellers who are considering…
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