Uganda Safaris

Safaris in Uganda often center on one or more of the country's national parks, each with its own unique landscapes and characteristics. Queen Elizabeth National Park, also known as the "Pearl of Africa," is the nation's most-visited park and home to nearly 100 mammal and more than 600 bird species. Geographical features from crater lakes to swamps provide habitat for monkeys, leopards, hippopotamuses and antelope, while elephants roam between here and neighboring Kibale National Park. In western Uganda, Kibale protects the evergreen forest along with the common chimpanzees and other large primates that thrive there.

Poaching once threatened buffaloes, hippos and other mammal populations, but these animals now flourish along the water banks within Murchison Falls National Park. Along the Victoria Nile, this park offers a stunning view of the 120-foot Murchison Falls. Bird watchers may prefer Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of the country's savannah parks, where a surface of 20 percent water makes for great bird-watching throughout the year. Tourists can enjoy nature trail hikes or boat trips, residing in campgrounds and permanent tent facilities.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contains more than 325 square miles of dense jungle forest, and has been designated as a World Heritage Site due to its natural importance. Nearly half of the world's population of endangered mountain gorilla subspecies lives here.

Uganda safaris are available year-round, although the best trekking, hiking and game-viewing periods are during the dry months of June through early September and late December through February. Since Uganda lies on the equator, daytime temperatures in most parts of the country are consistently warm all year. Temperatures can be much cooler in the higher altitudes of Uganda's mountains, however, especially at night. The rainy seasons peak from mid-September to November and from March to May, and gorilla tracking during these times can be nearly impossible.

Listed below are the safaris that visit Uganda; click any vacation name for dates and prices. You can narrow your selection with the Safari Search box above.

Following are safaris that take place entirely in Uganda:

Uganda Safaris	Total Days	Company	Quality*	From**
Gorilla Trek	3	GAP	Budget	$1,089
Gorilla & Volcano Trek	4	GAP	Budget	$1,349
Uganda: Gorilla Encounter	5	A & K	Deluxe	Call
Uganda, Pearl of Africa	8	African Tvl	Deluxe	$3,595
** Price per person based on double occupancy, not including air, on select dates.

Following are safaris that include Uganda and one or more additional countries:

Uganda Safaris	Total Days	Company	Quality*	From**
Rwanda & Uganda 2009	8	SITA	Deluxe	$5,645
Kenya & Uganda Safari Adventure	14	GAP	Budget	$1,499
African Adventure (Southbound)	45	Intrepid	Budget	$3,630
African Adventure (Northbound)	45	Intrepid	Budget	$3,640
Africa Encompassed (Northbound)	60	Intrepid	Budget	$3,390
Africa Encompassed (Southbound)	60	Intrepid	Budget	$3,390
** Price per person based on double occupancy, not including air, on select dates.
* Key to Quality Ratings Uganda safaris are classified according to the quality of amenities and accommodations. Budget = Uganda safaris typically range from $60 to $250 per person, per day, plus airfare. First Class = Uganda safaris typically range from $150 to $500 per person, per day, plus airfare. Deluxe = Uganda safaris typically range from $175 to $850 per person, per day, plus airfare. Luxury = Uganda safaris typically range from $400 to $1,150 per person, per day, plus airfare.