The Best Places for a Safari in Uganda. Uganda is often called the “Pearl of Africa,” and once you visit, it’s easy to see why. This small East African country packs an incredible range of wildlife experiences into a compact space — from mountain gorillas in misty forests to tree-climbing lions on open savannah. Whether you’re planning your first safari or you’re a seasoned traveler looking for something different, here are the best places to go on safari in Uganda.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, Bwindi is where you need to be. This ancient rainforest in southwestern Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Why visit:
- Face-to-face encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Dense, biodiverse rainforest with over 350 bird species
- Small group treks (max 8 people per gorilla family) for a more personal experience
Trekking here isn’t a walk in the park — trails can be steep and muddy — but the reward of spending an hour with a gorilla family makes every step worth it.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most visited national park, and for good reason. It offers one of the most diverse safari experiences in the country.
Why visit:
- The Ishasha sector is famous for tree-climbing lions, a rare sight found in only a handful of places on Earth
- Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel offer close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants
- Savannah, wetlands, crater lakes, and forest all exist within one park
This is a great choice for travelers who want a classic game drive experience combined with something a little unusual.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest national park is built around the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters below.
Why visit:
- Powerful waterfall views, both from above and from a boat below
- Large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and lions
- Boat safaris to the base of the falls double as wildlife-viewing cruises
The park’s size means you can spend days here without covering the same ground twice, making it ideal for longer safari itineraries.
4. Kibale National Park – The Best Places for a Safari in Uganda
Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale is the place to go if chimpanzee trekking interests you more than (or as much as) gorillas.
Why visit:
- Home to over a dozen primate species, including a large and habituated chimpanzee population
- The chance to join a full-day “Chimpanzee Habituation Experience” for a deeper encounter
- Nearby crater lakes and the scenic Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for add-on activities
Kibale pairs well with Queen Elizabeth National Park, since the two are close enough to combine in one trip.
5. Lake Mburo National Park – The Best Places for a Safari in Uganda
Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, and often overlooked — which is exactly what makes it special for travelers who want a quieter, more intimate safari.
Why visit:
- Easily accessible, just a few hours from Kampala or Entebbe
- One of the few parks where walking safaris and night game drives are allowed
- Home to zebras, elands, impalas, and healthy populations of leopards
It’s a great starting or ending point for a safari route, especially for travelers with limited time.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park – The Best Places for a Safari in Uganda
For those chasing remote, untouched wilderness, Kidepo Valley in Uganda’s far northeast is worth the journey.
Why visit:
- Dramatic, rugged landscapes unlike anywhere else in Uganda
- Wildlife found nowhere else in the country, including cheetahs and ostriches
- Very few visitors, offering a true sense of exclusivity and remoteness
Getting to Kidepo takes more effort — usually a short flight — but it rewards travelers with one of the most authentic safari experiences left in Africa.
Planning Your Uganda Safari – The Best Places for a Safari in Uganda
Uganda’s national parks each offer something different, so the “best” one really depends on what you’re after:
- Gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Classic game drives + tree-climbing lions: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Waterfalls and boat safaris: Murchison Falls National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking: Kibale National Park
- Quick, accessible getaway: Lake Mburo National Park
- Remote and off-the-beaten-path: Kidepo Valley National Park
Many travelers combine two or three parks into a single trip, since distances between them are manageable by road or short domestic flights. Whichever you choose, Uganda delivers a safari experience that’s every bit as rich as its more famous East African neighbors — often with far fewer crowds.
