Uganda
Unrivalled Uganda
Uganda offers a greater diversity of wildlife, people and landscapes than any other African destination, placing Ugandan safaris amongst the richest experiences Africa has to offer. Uganda is home to quickly varying landscapes: semi-deserts in the northeast, lush lowlands fringing the shores of Lake Victoria, the mountain rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Rwenzoris (the Mountains of the Moon) in the south-west.
Such diverse topographies create habitats for a kaleidoscope of unique wildlife. Lion, leopard buffalo, giraffe, elephant giraffe and a variety of antelope common, including the endemic Uganda kob all roam the savannahs, whilst the forests are home to chimpanzees, ten species of monkeys and the mountains are the kingdoms of the endangered mountain gorilla.
Whilst the mountain gorillas are Uganda’s most talked about asset, Uganda is considered the continent’s finest birding country, with some 1,000 recorded species, and amongst them the extremely rare shoe-billed stork.
High Season
Dec-Feb & Jun-Sep
Low Season
Mar-May Oct & Nov
Experiences
Activities in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking
Water Sports
Bigodi Swamp Forest Walks
Primate Trekking
Boat Cruise
Helicopter Safaris
Cycling Tours
Waterfall Hike
Kayaking
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Tea Plantations
Lion Tracking
Community Visits
Vanilla Farms
Rhino Tracking
Horseback Safaris
Nature Walks
Batwa Cultural Experience
Butterfly Trekking
Birding Safaris
Sport Fishing
Golden Monkey Trekking
Salt Lake
Check Uganda’s National Parks below where you can experience these amazing activities
Highlights
Uganda’s national parks
BIWNDI FORESTS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National
Park
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo National Park
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Semuliki National Park
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
KAMPALA CITY
Explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is thought to be one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. It has an eco system that defines the very essence of the continent and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site. The forest floor is damp and laden with leaf mould, matted vegetation and fallen vines, which serve to trip you as you clamber up and down the slippery slopes in search of half the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
Experiences
Highlights at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking
Cycling Tours
Guided Nature Walks
Birding Safaris
Butterfly Trekking
Batawa Cultural Experience
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Luxury
It is remote. It is beautiful. It is intimate. And at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it is Uganda’s highest lodge. Guests at Clouds stay in their own cottage. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets.
Gorilla Heights Lodge
Luxury
The Lodge is some 3 kilometers from the main entrance to the Volcanoes National Park in Northwest Rwanda near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali. The site itself is approximately one kilometer from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the site.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Luxury
The Lodge is some 3 kilometers from the main entrance to the Volcanoes National Park in Northwest Rwanda near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali. The site itself is approximately one kilometer from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the site.
Bwindi Lodge
Luxury
The Lodge is some 3 kilometers from the main entrance to the Volcanoes National Park in Northwest Rwanda near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali. The site itself is approximately one kilometer from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the site.
Buhoma Lodge
Luxury
The Lodge is some 3 kilometers from the main entrance to the Volcanoes National Park in Northwest Rwanda near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali. The site itself is approximately one kilometer from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the site.
Mahogany Springs
Luxury
Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting. With some of the most luxurious accommodation in East Africa the feeling that you will experience when staying here is beyond compare.
Explore Murchison Falls National Park
Located in western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is an unspoilt area famous for where the Nile is suddenly forced through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment producing a torrent of white water. Go for an incredibly scenic boat ride on the Victoria Nile that takes you to the bottom of the falls. The boat ride will reward you with game associated with water such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and plenty of birds like the Kingfishers.
Experiences
Highlights at Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drives
Birding Safaris
Boating Safaris
Rhino Tracking
Sport Fishing
Waterfall Hike
Chimp Trekking
Nature Walks
Ballooning Safaris
Cultural Experience
Camping
Hiking
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Paara Safari Lodge
Luxury
Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Each of the rooms is a haven of style and serenity, complete with balcony and private bathroom.
The safari décor of the lodge still reflects the bygone era of early explorers, enshrined with a modern touch. The luxurious pool overlooks the winding River Nile below, which was the setting for the classic Hollywood movie “The African Queen” (starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart).
Chobe Safari Lodge
Luxury
Located in the Murchison Falls National Park, this Five Star lodge is undoubtedly the gem in Uganda’s crown of tourism destinations. The breathtaking panoramic views, coupled with the sounds of the River Nile’s magnificent rapids, sets the scene for an adventure that will impress even the most discerning of visitors.
Nile Safari Lodge
Luxury
Nile Safari Lodge is a World class eco-friendly lodge serving our guests with high quality hospitality and services.
They can cater for up to 25 guests at the lodge at any one time, so you are guaranteed peace and quiet, as well as excellent customer service at all times. Choose Nile Safari Lodge for its unique experience over the River Nile.
Bakers Lodge
Luxury
Opened in 2015, Baker’s Lodge boasts ten beautifully appointed safari suites on raised decks, set along the southern bank of the mighty Nile River. Named after the English explorer Samuel Baker – the first European to view and name the Murchison Falls – the lodge rests amongst large shady trees and wetland areas. Guests enjoy an abundance of bird life along the water’s edge and hippos and elephants are regular visitors.
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National park has an astonishing number of species almost 100 types of mammals and 606 different bird species with the Kazinga channel said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos. Other wildlife includes warthogs, buffalo, antelope, giant forest hog, kob, topi waterbuck, elephant and leopard.
Experiences
Highlights at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ballooning Safaris
Cultural Experience
Chimp Trekking
Boating Safaris
Birding Safaris
Game Drives
Salt Lake
Nature Walks
Lion Tracking
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Mweya Safari Lodge
Luxury
Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Luxury
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Luxury
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness.
Set next to the Ntungwe River, each of the camp’s ten spacious canvas tented rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river. All rooms are en suite with hot ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand basins and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.
Explore Kibale National Park
Kibale Forest is home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa 13 species including 500 chimpanzees. There is an abundance of birds with 325 species and you will have an encounter of fluttering butterflies everywhere with the park boasting 144 different species. The swampy clearings and grasslands are home to buffaloes and antelopes, while the slopes hide the elusive forest elephant.
Experiences
Highlights at Kibale National Park
Chimp Trekking
Chimp Habituation
Birding Safaris
Community Visits
Vanilla Farm
Bigodi Swamp Forest Walks
Salt Lake
Nature Walks
Cultural Experience
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Kyaninga Lodge
Luxury
You can experience the beauty and romance of this unexplored region, while staying in the height of luxury and elegance. Nine exclusive cottages made from hand carved logs, superb dining, and a wealth of adventures await.
Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge
Luxury
Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge was designed by a Ugandan man with a deep passion for sustainability. Together with an American business partner, they created a place where they could provide guests with a highly exclusive, African experience and environmentally conscious hospitality.
Papaya Lake Lodge
Luxury
Papaya Lake Lodge offers nine spacious and bright cottages. All are situated on the extinct volcano crater’s slope and have breathtaking views of Lyantonde Lake. Each cottage offers complete privacy, hidden from view by a natural screen of green treetops.
Crater Lodge
Luxury
The well-appointed Crater Safari Lodge is situated in a prime location on a hill overlooking the second largest crater lake in Uganda. The views from the lodge are breathtaking, and the 21 rooms (deluxe chalets or standard cabanas) either have a full or partial view of the crater lake below.
Explore Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.
Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.
Experiences
Highlights at Kidepo Valley National Park
Game Safaris
Nature Walks
Birding Safaris
Cultural Experience
Mountain Hiking
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Apoka Lodge
Luxury
The rooms at Apoka have been built with comfort in mind. Everything is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views across the savannah. With inside sitting rooms and private verandas there are plenty of places to relax, read and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets, extra large plush towels, over-sized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.
Adere Safari Lodge
Luxury
Our accommodation offers 20 self-contained charlets sleeping a maximum of 20 pax in single rooms, with a comfortable lounge where you can read our in-house book collection.
Explore Lake Mburo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.
Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.
Experiences
Highlights at Lake Mburo National Park
Game Safaris
Boating Safaris
Nature Walks
Horseback Safari
Birding Safaris
Cycling Tours
Sport Fishing
Cultural Experience
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Mihingo Lodge
Luxury
Mihingo is a luxurious, family owned lodge in a magical setting adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500 million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape. Designed to blend in with its fragile surroundings, this environmentally friendly lodge offers comfort, relaxation and the experience of being at one with nature.
An infinity pool overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland, impala, warthogs, bush buck and zebra can be seen at the waterhole.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
Experiences
Highlights at Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mountaineering
Community Experience
Nature Walks
Hiking
Bakonzo Village
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Equator snow lodge
Luxury
A luxurious lodge accommodation at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains, built parallel to the Mubuku River and surrounded by the exceptional eco-system that the Rwenzori Mountains are famous for.
Explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
Experiences
Highlights at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Mountaineering
Birding
Watching
Batwa Trail Experience
Golden
Monkey
Trekking
Hiking
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Luxury
Mount Gahinga is the perfect base to go gorilla tracking on the Ugandan side of the Virungas, track the rare golden monkey, climb a volcano, walk through local villages and most of all to share the culture of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest.
The charming property, inspired by traditional design and building techniques, has been re-imagined in 2019: the lounge, dining room, and gardens have been remodeled, and two new deluxe bandas have been launched.
Explore Semuliki National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
Experiences
Highlights at Semuliki National Park
Game Viewing
Birding Watching
Guided Nature Walks
Batwa Trail Experience
Hot Springs
Forest Walks
Primate Trekking
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Semliki Safari Lodge
Luxury
Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, it piques curiosity and inspires discovery.
Semliki is secluded and intimate. With a maximum of 18 guests we promise excellent service and attention to detail…and an unforgettable experience.
Nyati Game Lodge
Luxury
Nyati Game is Located in Semuliki Wildlife reserve right at the shores of Lake Albert Nyati Game Lodge is a luxury Tented Camp nestled in the unspoiled beauty and breathtaking midst of wildlife. The only safari lodge with a natural sand beach for that sun tan you’ve been missing or just take long beach walks into the sunset
Explore Mount Elgon National Park
Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet.
The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.
Experiences
Highlights at Mount Elgon National Park
Mountaineering
Birding Watching
Hiking
Community Visits
Mountain Biking
Sipi Falls
Rock Climbing
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Sipi River Lodge
Midrange
Within this picturesque setting you will experience intimate fireside dining, a comfortable reading lounge, an airy veranda, and a bar stocked with beers, wines, and a fine selection of single malt whisky.
Explore Kampala City
The city gets its name From Impala (Aepyceros melampus) a medium-sized African antelope that used to roam the jungles where Kampala seats today. Located just 40 Km from Entebbe International Airport, Kampala will amaze you with its beauty, culture and hospitality before you venture the rest of the country.
The city boasts of many attractions visitors warmly explore everytime they visit Uganda; including the National Museum, the famous Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s Lake, Bulange Mengo, Kabaka’s palace (Lubiri, Mengo), the Uganda National Cultural Center, various religious centers like Bahai Temple, Kibuli & Gadaffi Mosques, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Catholics Cathedral, Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, various shopping malls and night clubs.
Experiences
Activities in Kampala City
- Namugongo Martyrs Visit
- Uganda Museum
- Gadafi Mosque
- Bahai Temple Visit
- Kasubi Tombs Visit
- Makerere University visit
- Independence Monument.
- Kabaka’s Lake Visit
- Kings Palace Tour
- Rubaga & Namirembe Cathedral Visit
Hotels & Lodges
Stay at one of our recommended
luxury lodges & hotels
Kampala Serena Hotel
Luxury
Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, it piques curiosity and inspires discovery.
Semliki is secluded and intimate. With a maximum of 18 guests we promise excellent service and attention to detail…and an unforgettable experience.
Emin Pasha Hotel
Luxury
Nyati Game is Located in Semuliki Wildlife reserve right at the shores of Lake Albert Nyati Game Lodge is a luxury Tented Camp nestled in the unspoiled beauty and breathtaking midst of wildlife. The only safari lodge with a natural sand beach for that sun tan you’ve been missing or just take long beach walks into the sunset
Protea Hotel Kampala
Luxury
Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Luxury
Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, it piques curiosity and inspires discovery.
Semliki is secluded and intimate. With a maximum of 18 guests we promise excellent service and attention to detail…and an unforgettable experience.
Pearl of Africa Hotel
Luxury
Nyati Game is Located in Semuliki Wildlife reserve right at the shores of Lake Albert Nyati Game Lodge is a luxury Tented Camp nestled in the unspoiled beauty and breathtaking midst of wildlife. The only safari lodge with a natural sand beach for that sun tan you’ve been missing or just take long beach walks into the sunset