Uganda Safari Tours & Holidays

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa that boasts of diverse natural and cultural attractions. It is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as other primates such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys and baboons.

Uganda Safari Holidays introduce you to a land of rich wildlife heritage, with over 1000 bird species and 330 mammal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo).

Uganda’s landscapes are equally varied and stunning, ranging from snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests to savannah plains and crater lakes. Uganda is also known for its friendly and hospitable people, who belong to over 50 ethnic groups and speak over 40 languages.

Uganda safaris offer unforgettable experiences that will expose you to the wonders of nature and culture in this beautiful country. You will have the opportunity to see some of the most endangered and charismatic animals on the planet, such as the mountain gorillas and the tree-climbing lions. You will also enjoy thrilling activities such as game drives, boat safaris, hiking, birding and cultural tours.

You will discover incredible places and landscapes, such as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Murchison Falls, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Lake Mburo National Park, the Lake Bunyonyi, the Kibale Forest National Park, the Kidepo Valley National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

A safari in Uganda will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.

Why Choose our Uganda Safari Holidays?

At Masai Mara Holidays, We are a local company with over 12 years of experience in offering tailor-made, eco-friendly, and affordable Uganda safaris and the wider East Africa. We have a team of well-trained and professional guides who will ensure your safety and comfort throughout your Uganda safari holiday.

We possess a fleet of comfortable and well-maintained vehicles that can handle any terrain and weather condition.

We offer personalized service and attention to detail to meet your needs and preferences. We also have exclusive features that make us stand out.

Our Uganda tours offer flexible itineraries that can be customized to suit your interests, budget and time.

We have a wide range of Uganda safari packages that cater to different tastes and expectations, such as mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, birding safaris, hiking safaris, group safaris, luxury safaris, budget safaris, fishing safaris, camping safaris and community tours.

Our partnership with reputable lodges and hotels that offer comfortable accommodations with excellent facilities and services makes us your go to place for expertly crafted uganda safari holidays

At Masai Mara Holidays, we are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

We work closely with conservation organizations and local communities to ensure that our tours have a minimal ecological impact while contributing to the preservation of Uganda’s natural wonders. By choosing Uganda safaris, you can be confident that your visit is making a positive difference

Things to Do on a Uganda Safari

Safari Tours in Uganda offers you a variety of things to do that will make your trip exciting and rewarding. Some of the things to do on a safari in Uganda are:

Gorilla trekking

Uganda is one of the few places on Earth where you can embark on an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience.

With nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population residing in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, our safari holidays in Uganda provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

This thrilling adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. It is important to note that you need to book your gorilla permit in advance as they are limited and sell out quickly.

Game viewing

This is another highlight of a safari in Uganda. It involves driving through scenic national parks and reserves to see a variety of wild animals in their natural environment.

You can see animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and many more. Some of the best places for game viewing in Uganda are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Boat safaris

This is a great way to explore the waterways of Uganda and see wildlife from a different perspective. You can take a boat safari on rivers such as the Nile or lakes such as Victoria or Albert. You can see animals such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and birds along the banks.

You can also enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls, islands and landscapes. Some of the best places for boat safaris in Uganda are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking

This is another amazing activity to couple up with your uganda tour that will allow you to see one of our closest relatives in the wild.

Chimpanzee trekking involves walking through tropical forests to find and observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

You will be able to see them playing, grooming, feeding and communicating with each other. You will also learn about their behavior and conservation status.

Uganda safari holidays offer has several places where you can do chimpanzee trekking, such as Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Kyambura Gorge.

Adventure safaris

If you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities on your safari holidays in Uganda, you can try some of the adventure safaris that are available.

You can do activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, quad biking, horse riding and mountain biking.

You can also climb some of the mountains in Uganda, such as Rwenzori, Elgon and Muhabura. These activities will give you a thrill and a challenge while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Birding

Uganda Safaris introduce you to a paradise for bird lovers, as it has over 1000 bird species, some of which are endemic or rare.

You can see birds such as the shoebill, the grey crowned crane, the great blue turaco, the green-breasted pitta, the African fish eagle and many more.

You can also see migratory birds that visit Uganda during certain seasons. You can do birding in various habitats, such as forests, wetlands, savannahs and mountains.

Some of the best places for birding in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki National Park.

Cultural tours

Uganda is a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, customs, and languages.

Our Uganda safari holidays offer the chance to interact with local communities, visit traditional villages, and experience authentic cultural performances.

From learning about the Batwa pygmies’ ancient way of life to participating in traditional ceremonies, tourists gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

Some of the cultural tours that you can do in Uganda are:

• The Batwa trail: This is a tour that will take you to meet the Batwa people, who are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa. They are also known as pygmies because of their short stature. They live in harmony with nature in the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. You will learn about their history, culture and challenges.
• The Karamojong tour: This is a Uganda tour that will take you to meet the Karamojong people, who are nomadic pastoralists living in the remote Kidepo Valley. They have a unique culture and lifestyle that is influenced by their environment and cattle. You will learn about their social structure, rituals and values.

Top Safari Attractions in Uganda

Uganda has many safari attractions that will make your trip worthwhile and memorable. Some of the safari attractions in Uganda are:

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

This is one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, which make up more than half of the world’s population.

It also has other primates such as chimpanzees, monkeys and baboons. It also has over 350 bird species and 200 butterfly species. It is one of the best places for gorilla trekking and birding in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park

This is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Uganda. It is famous for its spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges 43 meters into a pool below.

It also has a diverse wildlife population, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and many antelopes. It is one of the best places for game viewing and boat safaris in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is Uganda’s most visited park, covering an area of 1978 square kilometers. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which can be seen in the Ishasha sector. It also has a large population of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and birds.

The park has diverse habitats, such as savannah, wetlands, forests and volcanic features. One of the highlights of the park is the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, where boat cruises offer spectacular views of wildlife and birds along the banks.

Lake Mburo National Park

This is the smallest national park in Uganda, covering an area of 260 square kilometers. It is located close to Kampala, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The park is home to zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, warthogs, hyenas and leopards.

It also has over 300 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park has five lakes, where visitors can enjoy boat rides, fishing and canoeing. The park also offers horseback riding, quad biking and nature walks as alternative ways of exploring the wildlife and scenery.

Lake Bunyonyi

This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda. The lake is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands of various shapes and sizes. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded.

The lake is also a popular destination for relaxation, swimming, kayaking and cultural tours. The lake has several lodges and campsites that offer stunning views of the lake and the islands.

Kibale Forest National Park

This is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park covers an area of 795 square kilometers and has one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world.

Besides chimpanzees, the park also hosts 12 other primate species, such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park also has over 300 bird species and 70 mammal species, including elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs and duikers. The park offers guided chimpanzee tracking tours that allow visitors to observe these intelligent and social animals up close.

Kidepo Valley National Park

This is one of the most remote and unspoiled parks in Uganda, located in the northeastern corner of the country near the border with South Sudan and Kenya. The park covers an area of 1442 square kilometers and has a rugged landscape of mountains, valleys, plains and rivers.

The park is home to some of the rarest and most endangered wildlife in Africa, such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, wild dogs, ostriches and roan antelopes. It also has over 470 bird species, making it one of the most diverse birding destinations in Africa. The park offers game drives, nature walks and cultural visits to the local Karamojong people who live in traditional huts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common inquiries about safari in Uganda:

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

Uganda has a tropical climate that is generally warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are two rainy seasons (March-May and September-November) and two dry seasons (December-February and June-August) that may affect your safari plans.

The best time for Uganda safari Holidays depends on what you want to see and do. For gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, the dry seasons are preferable, as the trails are less muddy and the visibility is better. For wildlife viewing, the rainy seasons are better, as the vegetation is greener and the animals are more active. For birdwatching, any time of the year is good, as different birds migrate or breed at different times.

How much does a safari in Uganda cost?

The cost of a safari in Uganda varies depending on the type, duration, season and quality of the safari. Generally, Uganda tours are more expensive than in other East African countries, mainly because of the high cost of gorilla and chimpanzee permits.

A gorilla permit costs $700 per person and a chimpanzee permit costs $200 per person. A typical safari package in Uganda ranges from $1000 to $5000 per person for a 3-10 day tour, including accommodation, transportation, park fees, guides and meals. However, you can also find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your budget and preferences.

What are the visa requirements for Uganda?

Most visitors to Uganda need a visa to enter the country. You can apply for a visa online prior to your arrival since the visa on arrival was banned. The visa fee is $50 for a single-entry visa and $100 for a multiple-entry visa.

You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa that allows you to visit Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for 90 days for $100. You need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages, a yellow fever vaccination certificate and proof of onward travel to obtain a visa for Uganda.

What are the health and safety precautions for Uganda?

Uganda is generally a safe and stable country to visit, but you should exercise caution and common sense when traveling. You should avoid traveling at night, walking alone in unfamiliar areas, carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, and engaging in political or religious discussions.

You should also be aware of the risk of malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, cholera and rabies in Uganda. You should consult your doctor before traveling and get the recommended vaccinations and medications. You should also drink bottled or boiled water, eat well-cooked food, wash your hands frequently and use insect repellent to prevent diseases.

Popular Uganda Safaris Tours & Holidays

We have crafted our Uganda safaris to give you the ultimate experience of the “Pearl of Africa”! You’ll get the chance to come across mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and be dazzled by the amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our safari tours in Uganda are the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Uganda.