Top 10 Uganda Safari Destinations: Where to Go on a Uganda Safari

Uganda packs rainforest, savannah, snow-capped mountains and the source of the Nile into a country the size of Great Britain, so a first safari can mix very different landscapes. These ten destinations are the ones most travellers build their trips around.

Choosing among them depends on what you most want to see, how many days you have and how much driving you accept. Most itineraries combine three or four of the destinations below, usually one primate forest and one or two savannah parks.

This guide is part of our Uganda districts and towns guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Ten Best Places for a Uganda Safari

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas and the starting point for most Uganda safaris. Gorilla trekking, forest walks and the Batwa trail make it Uganda's signature experience. Read the Bwindi guide.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda's largest and oldest park, where the Nile plunges through a 7 m gap. Boat cruises, the hike to the top of the falls, lions, giraffes and the shoebill. See the Murchison Falls guide and Murchison safaris.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel boat cruises, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, crater lakes and big herds of elephants and buffalo. See Queen Elizabeth.

4. Kibale Forest National Park

The best place in Uganda to track chimpanzees, with thirteen primate species, Bigodi Wetland birding and nearby crater lakes. See Kibale Forest.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park

Remote savannah in the far north-east with mountain scenery, big cats and Karamojong culture. See Kidepo Valley.

6. Lake Mburo National Park

The closest savannah park to Kampala, with zebras, impalas, boat trips and walking and horse-riding safaris. See Lake Mburo.

7. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Three Virunga volcanoes, the Batwa trail, golden monkeys and gorillas on a quieter trek. See Mgahinga.

8. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and multi-day hikes in the legendary Mountains of the Moon. See Rwenzori.

9. Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls

Hiking, waterfalls, coffee farms and caves on the eastern border with Kenya. See Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls.

10. Jinja and the Source of the Nile

Uganda's adventure capital for white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and relaxed river cruises. See Jinja and the Nile.

How to Choose Between Them

Two other stops are worth adding: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for white rhinos on the way to Murchison, and Lake Bunyonyi for a rest after trekking.

Sample Routes Linking the Top Destinations

• Classic 8 days: Kampala, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi; see 8 days gorilla and wildlife safari.
• Short gorilla trip: 3 days in Bwindi.
• Gorillas plus game: 5 days gorillas and wildlife.

When to go matters too: read the best time to visit Uganda, then browse all Uganda national parks and safari packages.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team