Top Things to Do on a Uganda Safari

A Uganda safari is more than just a holiday—it’s an immersive journey into Africa’s wild heart. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers a rare combination of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters. From tracking gorillas in misty forests to cruising along the Nile and hiking snow-capped mountains, Uganda caters to adventure-seekers, photographers, and culture lovers alike.

Here are the top things to do on a Uganda safari, explained in detail to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

1. Gorilla Trekking

gorilla trekking | must do on Uganda safari

Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

No trip to Uganda is complete without gorilla trekking—one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences in the world. Each morning begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers explain gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and trekking etiquette. You’ll then hike through dense forests, winding up and down steep trails, listening to the calls of birds and monkeys until trackers locate a gorilla family.

When you finally meet them, the reward is priceless: watching silverbacks guard their families, mothers cradle infants, and juveniles play in the branches. The one hour you spend with these gentle giants is unforgettable and often life-changing. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it the ultimate destination for this activity.

Tip: Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla movements, so be prepared with good hiking boots, gloves, and plenty of water.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking

chimpanzee trekking | must do on a Uganda safari

Where: Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge

For primate lovers, chimpanzee trekking is another must-do safari activity. With over 1,500 chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is often called the “Primate Capital of the World.” Guided by expert rangers, you’ll set off early to follow their calls through the forest canopy. Unlike gorillas, chimps are highly active—swinging, running, and foraging in groups—offering dynamic photo opportunities.

In Budongo and Kalinzu, the experience is equally rewarding, with fewer crowds. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park adds a dramatic setting, where the trek descends into a lush valley nicknamed the “Valley of Apes.”

Tip: Opt for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale to spend up to 4 hours with the chimps, watching them wake, feed, and build nests.

3. Game Drives

game drive | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley National Parks

Uganda’s savannah parks rival those of Kenya and Tanzania for big-game encounters but without the crowds. On game drives, a 4×4 safari vehicle takes you deep into the wilderness with expert guides.

• Murchison Falls: Spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and prides of lions, along with hyenas and crocodiles near the river.

• Queen Elizabeth: Famous for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, plus abundant elephants, hippos, and birdlife.

• Lake Mburo: Uganda’s only park with zebras and impalas, also home to elands, giraffes, and leopards.

• Kidepo Valley: A remote, untouched wilderness with cheetahs, ostriches, and dramatic landscapes that few tourists ever see.

Game drives typically happen in the early morning and late afternoon, the best times for wildlife activity and golden light for photography.

4. Boat Safaris

Rafting | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Kazinga Channel, Nile River, Lake Mburo

Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to enjoy a boat safari. Unlike a game drive, here you float along calm waters while wildlife gathers at the shores.

• Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth): A haven for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species.

• Nile River (Murchison Falls): Cruise to the base of the thunderous falls while spotting kingfishers, bee-eaters, and basking crocodiles.

• Lake Mburo: Offers peaceful views and sightings of the elusive African Finfoot.

A boat safari is not just relaxing—it’s the perfect way to combine wildlife viewing with scenic photography.

5. Bird Watching

Bird watching | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Bwindi, Mabamba Swamp, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, and more

Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,000 bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork.

• Mabamba Swamp: The best place to find the shoebill.

• Bwindi: Home to Albertine Rift specials like the African Green Broadbill.

• Semuliki: Brings together Central and East African bird species.

Whether you’re a beginner or hardcore birder, Uganda offers unmatched opportunities to expand your birding checklist.

6. Hiking and Nature Walks | Must Do on a Uganda Safari

Ranges of mt Rwenzori | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth

If you love trekking, Uganda delivers some of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. The Rwenzori Mountains, nicknamed the “Mountains of the Moon,” feature snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Mount Elgon offers gentler hikes with waterfalls and caves, while short nature walks in Kibale or Queen Elizabeth reveal smaller animals, primates, and unique plants.

These hikes bring you closer to Uganda’s ecosystems, from Afro-montane rainforests to volcanic craters.

7. Cultural Encounters | Must Do on a Uganda Safari

Batwa culture | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Communities near Bwindi, Kidepo, and Lake Bunyonyi

Uganda’s diversity shines in its cultures. Around Bwindi, meet the Batwa pygmies, who share their traditions of hunting, dancing, and forest living. In Kidepo, visit the Karamojong, known for their cattle culture, vibrant attire, and warrior dances. At Lake Bunyonyi, explore island communities and enjoy storytelling evenings.

These encounters give depth to your safari, adding a human connection alongside the wildlife.

8. Visiting Waterfalls | Must Do on a Uganda Safari

sipi falls | Must do on a Uganda Safari

Where: Murchison Falls, Sipi Falls

Uganda’s waterfalls are natural wonders. At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges with incredible force, creating a dramatic spectacle. In eastern Uganda, Sipi Falls features three stunning cascades along Mount Elgon, with hiking trails offering panoramic views and chances to visit coffee farms nearby.

9. Exploring Crater Lakes | Must Do on a Uganda Safari

L. Rutoto Crater-lakes-of-Uganda.

Where: Fort Portal & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Formed by ancient volcanic activity, Uganda’s crater lakes offer peaceful escapes. Around Fort Portal, lakes like Nyinambuga and Nkuruba are ideal for hiking, birding, or picnics. In Queen Elizabeth, the Katwe Explosion Craters present otherworldly landscapes perfect for photography.

Conclusion

A Uganda safari blends thrilling wildlife encounters with stunning scenery and cultural richness. Whether it’s gorilla trekking in Bwindi, cruising on the Nile, hiking the Rwenzoris, or meeting the Batwa, the top things to do on a Uganda safari guarantee memories that last a lifetime.

Uganda is not just a safari—it’s Africa at its most diverse, raw, and breathtaking.