Uganda Safaris

Uganda’s mountain gorillas are found in two national parks in the south-western side; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP). Gorilla permit costs range from 300,000 UG. Shs to $800 US dollars depending on the visitor’s origin. While chimpanzee trekking is more primarily done in Kibale national park, Africa’s primate capital, there are other locations like Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest and Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary in Entebbe for rescued chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee tracking permits range from $40-$250 depending on the nationality and destination chosen. The best time for these two activities depends on personal budget and the packages offered by different tour companies.

Uganda’s rich culture is also a marvel to behold in the cultural safaris. From the different regions of the country with over 56 tribes, this unique safari is done regionally. Central region is the hub of Buganda kingdom with the famous Kasubi tombs (a resting place for fallen Buganda kings), Ndere cultural center for music, dance and drama performances, the beautiful palaces of Mengo (which is the main residence) and many others scattered all over the kingdom. Southwestern region serving you the hardworking hunter-gatherer pygmy culture of the Batwa, an indigenous tribe deeply connected to nature.

North Eastern region offers semi-nomadic Karimojong, lovers of cattle. One gets to experience their way of life, the importance of cattle to them, their rare style of huts called manyattas. Eastern region is known for the famous imbalu ritual (local circumsion) of the Bagisu people, Sebei culture and the ancient caves near Sipi falls. North western region offers rich colonial historical sites like the pyramid in Maracha district containing the remains of a Belgian colonialist, rich Nilotic culture with colorful clothing and foods. All these in a cultural safari.

This is exclusive to Ziwa Rhino wildlife ranch in Nakasongola district, the only sanctuary for white rhino breeding. It is 76km from the capital city Kampala along the Gulu-Murchison highway. Like other endangered species, rhino trekking is permitted by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permits can be got from the ranch via tour operators for fees ranging differently for adults and children with origins in consideration.

Foreigner Non-Resident adults Pay $60, kids pay $30, foreigner resident adults pay $50, kids pay $25, East African resident adults pay 50,000ugsh, kids pay 15,000ugsh and pets are not allowed in Ziwa so as not to spook the animals. Permit booking should be done prior months before to secure a spot in the 7,000 hectares of the illustrious ranch.

The rhino trekking is ranger guided and best done in two shifts; morning at 8-10am and afternoon at 4-6pm when the animals are active and easily sighted. Each shift lasts for about 1-3 hours approximately on foot, though a personal vehicle will take you to the ranch for transfers. Its advisable to wear suitable clothing like long pants and closed boots for the trek, with cameras of course for a beautiful keepsake to take home.

Upon reaching the rhinos, one is advised to watch from a safe distance for safety purposes. Not only is the ranch home to rhinos, but also to a variety of wildlife like oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks and an array of 300 bird species perfect for a wildlife safari.

Uganda is also home to savannah big 5 (lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards) distributed in nearly a third of the national parks in fours. These being Murchison falls national park (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes), Kidepo national park (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes), Queen Elizabeth national park (lions, large herds of elephants, buffaloes, leopards), Lake Mburo national park (buffaloes, leopards, lions) and Ziwa rhino sanctuary (rhino species only).

A safari in any of these is guaranteed for sighting savannah’s most majestic animals. While Uganda’s mountains are also in the package because the savannahs are located strategically in the mountainous and high plain surroundings.

Perfect for hikes and ziplining activities; these are Rwenzori mountains in the south west, dubbed “mountains of the moon”, Elgon mountain in the east, an extinct volcanic giant with lots of cultural stories encircling it, Virunga chain of mountains namely Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo mountains in the far south, bordering Rwanda, home to Mgahinga gorilla national park, mountain Kadam, mountain Moroto, and mountain Morungule represent the eastern region of the country.

Being an east African country with the greatest number of lakes and rivers, Uganda is a premier spot for boat cruises;

• Lake Victoria is largest fresh water lake in Africa, shared by 3 east African countries of uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It offers cruises to the numerous islands with their own personalized attractions like Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, for mainly known for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, Ssese island in northern Victoria, the most premier bird species spot, known for harboring African fish eagle, rare shoebill stork, grey headed gulls to mention but a few. Equator line crossing is also a popular highlight of the Victorian cruises. Assorted water animals like hippos, crocodiles and lizard species are also sighted here.
• Murchison falls National park has one of most powerful and loudest falls in Africa over the Victoria Nile, due to intense series of rapids and white foam. There are two major boat cruises on the river; upstream morning (9:00am) takes tourists to the base of the thundering falls and downstream afternoon (2:00pm), takes a gentler stride to Nile-lake Albert delta route perfect for wildlife viewing, especially in the dry season. Both cruises run for 3 hours each.

These two cruises offer unparallel scenery of vegetation and animals like hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs which love running around in the muddy swamps at the shores.

Experiencing Uganda’s bevy of safaris and tours is worth the time and costs because these are core memories that continue to bring a smile in the evening reminiscing. An adventurous life is a life well lived and Uganda is the buffet for that adventure journey.