Wildlife You Can See on a Uganda Safari: Primates, Big Game, Birds and More
Uganda packs primates, big game and birds into a compact country.
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas, but its parks also hold chimpanzees, elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes and an exceptional bird list. Each park specialises in something different, which is why most itineraries combine two or three.
Use this overview to match animals to places, then follow the links to detailed guides and fees. For the complete picture see Uganda's national parks and big five safaris in Uganda.
At a glance
- Primates: Gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale
- Big game: Elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos in the savannah parks
- Birds: Shoebill, forest and water birds
- Tip: Combine a forest park with a savannah park
Big Game and Predators
Elephants, buffalo, hippos and Uganda kob are widespread in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls; Ishasha is known for tree-climbing lions. Giraffes, and a wide mix of antelope, are seen in other parks. Rhinos can be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Kidepo is wilder and quieter.
Birds
Uganda's bird list is long. The shoebill is a highlight: shoebill tracking and Mabamba Swamp. See bird checklist and best months and birding tours.
Boats, Walks and Night Wildlife
Water-based viewing: Kazinga Channel and boat cruises. On foot: walking safaris. After dark: night drives and walks. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Ready to plan? Tell us your dates, compare Uganda safari packages or return to the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda safaris homepage.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- 5 Day Primates, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
- 1 Day Jinja Tour
- Best Uganda Safari Holidays & Vacations for 2026 & 2027
- 8 Best Safari Experiences in Uganda
- Downloadable Safari Resources
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Uganda National Parks: Where to Go and What to See
- Big Five Safaris in Uganda
- Uganda Primate Safaris: Gorillas, Chimps and Golden Monkeys
- Rwanda Safari and Travel Guides: Gorillas, Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera and Kigali
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
- Uganda Travel Guide: Practical Planning for Your Safari
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
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