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Safari in Uganda

These are the most beautiful and fun national parks

From gorillas in the jungle to tree-climbing lions and herds of buffaloes roaming the hills in Kidepo National Park: safari in Uganda is anything but ordinary. We’re taking you on a tour of Uganda’s most stunning national parks. Ready for some adventure?

Uganda might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of going on safari, but that’s exactly what makes it such an incredible surprise. No crowds of tourists here, just raw nature, unique wildlife, and a big dose of culture. Things might be a bit less polished than in the more popular neighboring countries, but that only adds to Uganda’s charm. It’s authentic, wild, and full of adventure.

Kidepo Valley National Park: Uganda’s hidden gem

Kidepo. Tucked away in the remote northeast of Uganda, this wild and dramatic park is one of the most untouched in the whole country. It’s far from civilization, and that’s what makes it so special. No mass tourism here, just pure safari vibes. You’ll need to bounce around in a 4x4 for a few hours to get there, but trust us, it’s totally worth it.

Like we said before: Kidepo is full of buffaloes. You might even find them walking through your lodge’s backyard or hanging out during your bush dinner! You’ll also find lots of zebras here (along with Lake Mburo, this is one of the best places to see them), and if you’re into birds, look out for ostriches too. There is a very big chance you’ll find them strotting around. 

Kidepo isn’t just about nature, it’s also about culture. This is home to the Karamojong people, who host a yearly cultural festival in September. Karamojong from Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya gather to celebrate traditions that have been passed down for generations. The nearly forgotten IK tribe also lives here, isolated in the mountains of Mount Morungole. If you’ve got a day to hike up there, you’ll quickly see why they’ve stayed so remote.

All in all, Kidepo might just be Uganda’s most "Charlie-style" park—perfect for anyone who loves real adventure and mixing wildlife with authentic cultural experiences.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Tree-climbing lions and boat safaris

Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most popular and visited park, and for good reason. It’s got everything that makes a safari amazing. Endless savannas? Check. A boat ride through hippo-filled waters? Definitely. Lions that climb trees? Yup!

But wait, there’s more: the Kazinga Channel. This waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is the perfect spot for a relaxing boat safari. Glide through the water and watch elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and tons of hippos. Oh, and bird lovers, take note: this place is a dream with over 600 species! Are you ready with your binoculars?

With the misty Rwenzori Mountains in the background, this park is picture-perfect. Yes, it’s more well-known than Kidepo, so a bit less “off the beaten track,” but it’s absolutely worth including. A classic safari!

Lake Mburo National Park: Small, but oh, so charming

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest national park, but don’t underestimate it. What makes it so special, despite its small size? You can go biking, horseback riding, and walking among zebras! Not just another jeep safari, but an active, fresh experience.

You’ll spot tons of birds here too, and if you’re lucky even impalas, warthogs, and hippos. Even better: 20% of your entrance fee goes straight to local community projects like schools and health clinics. So your trip helps make a difference.

Lake Mburo is perfect if you like to stay active and travel in a sustainable, sporty way.

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Murchison Falls National Park: Where nature roars

Welcome to Uganda’s oldest and largest national park! Murchison Falls is jaw-dropping. Not just because of the animals, but also thanks to the crazy powerful waterfall. Here, the Nile squeezes through a gorge just 8 meters wide, then crashes down 45 meters with a huge roar. It’s wild!

You can also do a boat safari here, just like in Queen Elizabeth, but this one is next level. Floating down the Nile with hippos and crocs all around? Yes, please. The park is home to 76 different mammal species, and with fewer tourists than in southern parks, it feels more remote and wild.

Want to see loads of wildlife and feel the power of one of the world’s strongest waterfalls? Then don’t skip Murchison!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Face to face with gorillas

This park is a bit different from the others on the list. You’re not going on a jeep safari here (or hopping on the back of a boda in real Charlie-style), but you go for a hike deep into the forest.

Why? One reason: gorillas.

This 25,000-year-old rainforest is home to around 459 mountain gorillas, which is nearly half of the world’s entire population. Meeting one in the wild is a humbling and unforgettable experience.

But Bwindi has more to offer: chimpanzees, forest elephants, and rare antelopes. It’s also rich in culture with the Bakiga people who live in the green hills surrounding the forest and are known for their deep connection to the mountains.

Bonus: Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main reason to come here? Gorillas, of course. But you’ll find way more than just that.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: More Gorillas, Fewer People

Right next to Bwindi is the smaller but equally amazing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s part of the Virunga Mountains, right on the border with Rwanda and Congo. Here you’ll find not just gorillas, but also the rare golden monkeys, super playful and brightly colored primates that live only in this region!

You’ll also meet the Batwa pygmies, who share ancient knowledge about forest life. They consider the African fig tree sacred, and it plays a big role in their spiritual and cultural life. Oh, and did we mention the three dramatic volcanoes towering high over everything else?

Want to see gorillas, but without the crowds that head to Bwindi? Then start heading to Mgahinga. Plus, you’ll get some rich cultural experiences too.

So, safari in Uganda?

Uganda offers safaris that are full of surprises. From savannahs to rainforests, from zebras to gorillas, from boat rides to biking with wildlife,... this country is still refreshingly free of mass tourism and full of authentic adventure, stunning nature, and real culture.

So, are you ready for a safari that’s just a tad different from the usual? Let us know, and let’s start planning your off the beaten track Uganda trip!

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