GORILLA TREKKING

The highlight of an african vacation safari in Uganda is trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas. Nearly half of the worlds remaining gorillas live in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park thus making the country one of the best places in the world for this extraordinary experience.

The gorilla trekking activity includes moving in the thick rainforest with an experienced ranger search of the mountain gorillas until you find the gorilla family. Spending an hour in the company of these gentle giants is one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on earth.

Tourists in search of a deeper experience, Uganda provides the gorilla habituation experience which is a unique opportunity where tourists spend up to 4 hours with the semi habituated gorilla family.

This activity allows tourists to observe how gorillas slowly adapt to human presence while learning about their behaviours, social structures and survival in the wild. This encounter makes Uganda top choice for an african vacation safari.

CLASSIC GAME DRIVES

While gorillas are Uganda’s star attraction, the country also delivers outstanding african safari game drives. Uganda is home to 10 national parks each with distinct ecosystem that rivals its neighbours.

• Queen Elizabeth national park; Famous for its rare tree climbing lions in the ishasha sector and its large herds of elephants, buffalo and Uganda Kob. With over 600 bird species, it is also a paradise for bird lovers, combining game drives with birdwatching in one Africa’s richest ecosystems.
• Murchison falls national park; Uganda’s largest park where the Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge to form the thunderous Murchison falls. The game drives expose lions, giraffes, elephants and the secretive leopards. Tourists can as well enjoy the boat cruise on the Nile and spot hippos wallow, crocodiles slide in the waters and the various bird species.
• Kidepo valley national park; A remote treasure often described as Africa’s most authentic wilderness. Its location means fewer tourists thus making it perfect for tourists seeking a raw african vacation safari experience. The park is home to cheetahs, ostriches and massive buffalo herds set against breathtaking savanna landscapes.
• Lake mburo national park; the national park is small in size but rich in flora and fauna. It’s a haven for zebras, eland, Topis and many more. Its closeness to the Kampala city makes it perfect for short safaris or just a stopover on long journeys.

The national parks makes sure that the country Uganda provides not only primate trekking but also african safari game drives including the big five and far beyond.

CHIMPANZEE TREKKING AND PRIMATES OF UGANDA

Uganda is often referred to as the primate capital of the world with over 20 primate species. Contrary to the mountain gorillas, chimpanzee trekking is another hotspot of an african safari in Uganda.

Tourists on an african vacation safari in Kibale national park tend to trek in the thick tropical forest in order to watch the chimpanzees within their natural habitat. The adventure is thrilling and captivating listening to their loud pant hoot echoing within the canopy before even observing them jumping from one branch to another.

Other primate species in Uganda include the rare L’hoests monkey, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and the black and white colobus monkeys. This primate diversity offers Uganda an edge over many other safari destinations thus offering tourists more than just the big five.

BIRD WATCHING

For bird enthusiasts, Uganda is nothing short of paradise. Boasting with over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is ranked among the top birding safari destinations in Africa. from the wetlands of Mabamba swamp to the savannahs of queen Elizabeth national park and the riverbanks of Murchison falls, birding is seamlessly woven into the safari experience.

Some highlights include;

• The elusive shoebill stork, a prehistoric looking bird that is one of Africa’s most sought after species.
• The lively great blue turaco which is frequently recognised as one of the continent’s most attractive bird
• The famous african fish eagle, its unique call is a soundtrack to many tourists on an african vacation safari.

Birding safaris in Uganda appeal to both casual observers and serious ornithologists. Whether on boat ride along the kazinga channel or a guided nature walk in the forest, birdwatching adds colour and life to every african vacation safari.

CULTURE AND PEOPLE

No african vacation safari is complete without cultural immersion and Uganda’s people make it especially rewarding. Uganda is recognised as one of the countries with good hospitality in Africa and thus provides genuine opportunities to tourists to interact with local people and their traditions.

These cultural experiences include;

• A visit to the Batwa pygmies who are known to be as the original forest dwellers of Bwindi Forest.
• Have fun with their traditional music, dance and storytelling within villages neighbouring to the national park.
• Obtaining knowledge about the Ugandan crafts, farming methods and different foods.

All these experiences enhances an african vacation safari in Uganda thus increasing on a personal aspect that is far beyond wildlife experiences. Tourists tend to leave the safari with memories of animals and scenery but also have a link to the people and their culture.

ADVENTURE AND SCENIC BEAUTY.

Uganda as a country is not all about the wildlife, it’s also about the scenery, adventure and thrilling beauty. The country was nicknamed, “The pearl of Africa” which shows its unique natural diversity.

• The Rwenzori mountains; this are popularly known as mountains of the moon, these snowcapped peaks provide a difficult trek, alpine scenery and the chance to spot the unusual flora and fauna.
• Lake Victoria; this is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and it provides fishing, boat safaris as well as lake side relaxation. The water body is surrounded by towns which as well offer cultural insights and local hospitality.
• Crater lakes; these are situated in western Uganda and these magnificent volcanic lakes are perfect for hiking, canoeing or simply chilling.
• The Nile River; the Nile River that flows in the north from Lake Victoria is a centre for rush activities. In jinja which is often known as the adventure capital of east Africa, tourists tend to love white water rafting, kayaking and the bungee jumping.

Therefore, tourists in search of an african safari that exceeds game drives, Uganda provides the ideal blend of adventure, landscape and exploration.

WHEN TO VISIT UGANDA

Uganda can be visited year round but the best season for safaris and trekking are the dry months

• December to February
• June to September

During these months trails are more manageable, wildlife congregates near water sources and conditions are excellent for photography. However, even in the rainy seasons, Uganda’s landscapes remain green and beautiful thus ensuring rewarding experiences for those who prefer quieter travel periods. This flexibility makes Uganda one of the most reliable choices for an african vacation safari at any time of the year.