Uganda
The Pearl of Africa
Bwindi's ancient mist forests. Kibale's wild chimpanzees. Murchison Falls thundering over the Nile. Uganda is the most wildlife-dense country in Africa, and almost nobody talks about it.
Uganda Wildlife Safari
Uganda is East Africa's most biodiverse safari destination, protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority across 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, and 13 wildlife sanctuaries. The country holds nearly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, sheltered in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the edge of the Albertine Rift, a population shared with neighbouring Rwanda. Kibale Forest harbours one of Africa's densest chimpanzee populations, with an exceptionally high sighting success rate. In the north, the Nile forces through a gorge at Murchison Falls before widening into one of Africa's great wildlife rivers. Queen Elizabeth National Park straddles the equator, its Ishasha sector home to lions that climb fig trees. Plan your visit with our gorilla trekking timing guide. Uganda's bird list is among the richest in Africa.
Uganda's Parks & Wild Reserves
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Kibale Forest National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Semliki National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Mount Elgon National Park
Who Lives in Uganda's Wild
When to Come to Uganda
Tailor-Made Uganda Safaris
Explore More Destinations
Uganda. The Safari Most People Haven't Found Yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda?
Uganda's top gorilla trekking destinations are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi alone is home to nearly half the world's mountain gorilla population and offers separate trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
When is the best time to visit Uganda for a safari?
The best times to visit Uganda are during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer easier trekking conditions in Bwindi, better wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the most reliable park access.
How do I get gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest cost USD 800 per person per trek. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and must be booked in advance, especially for June to September when demand peaks. Orika Africa handles permit booking as part of every Uganda safari package.
What wildlife can I see in Uganda besides mountain gorillas?
Uganda is home to an exceptional diversity of birds and primates, including chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector, hippos and crocodiles along the 40km Kazinga Channel, and the Big Five across Murchison Falls National Park.
