Uganda Safari Guide: Gorillas & Wildlife - World Holiday Vibes Blog

Some areas have a specific purpose for wildlife viewing. Then there are places that draw you into the world of wildlife.

Contents

Why Uganda feels different Gorilla trekking: the experience you remember What else can you see on an ‘Uganda safari’?When is the best time for an Uganda safari?How fit do you need to be for gorilla trekking?Gorilla permits plan before the rest A safari route I would recommend What should you bring?Responsible tourism matters here Is Uganda worth visiting for a safari?Final thoughts FAQ

Uganda is one of those places.

Envision waking to the freshness of the dawn before the sun rises, and mist coating the hills. Beyond the woods a bird calls. Your guide shows you a path going beneath dense green foliage. You walk a few silent steps, and all at once the forest is alive in a new way.

This is Uganda.

Uganda is a rainforest nation, an open savannah, volcanic mountains, rivers and extraordinary wildlife—a side of Africa that can seem wonderfully personal. You could start the day finding lions on the plains and finish next to a peaceful lake. The next morning you could be strolling through the old-growth forest looking for the Mountain Gorillas.

If you are looking for more than just a game drive, an Uganda safari combines some of the best of East Africa in one trip.

If seeing gorillas in the wild is a dream, Uganda deserves a place on your travel list.

Why Uganda feels different

When you leave the hustle and bustle of the roads behind, Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” and for good reason.

Landscapes rapidly change. Forests merge into savannah and great lakes lie in the midst of green hills. This country is also home to an outstanding wildlife population and over 1,000 recorded bird species.

However, it is the combination that makes Uganda particularly attractive.

Then you can enjoy classic safari moments with elephants, buffalo, lions and hippos and take a different world of primates. The chimps swing through the forest canopy and the mountain gorillas live amongst the lush undergrowth of south-western Uganda.

This combination makes Uganda particularly appealing when planning a safari,and this is where an uganda travel guide comes in handy. The choice of one national park is not the only thing about Uganda. The magic lies in combining various landscapes and experiences.

For those who want a more extended African safari experience it also makes sense to consider the east Africa safari guide and how Uganda can be accommodated with Kenya or Tanzania.

Gorilla trekking: the experience you remember

But, if you ever thought you would meet mountain gorilla in their natural habitat, then Gorilla trekking is about more than simply seeing an animal.

Gorilla trekking is a walk into their world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the top attractions. Bwindi is especially renowned and has approximately half the population of mountain gorillas in the world. It has trekking areas such as: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

The gorilla trekking safari can be around 2 to 7 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is found and the weather conditions in the forest. Visitors are generally given an hour to watch habituated family members once they reach a habituated family.

The hour can pass much faster than you expect.

A silverback might lie down, under the trees. A young gorilla may climb over plants, play with another young gorilla or just stare back at you. You start to see that this is no show for visitors. You have the opportunity to take a peek into the lives of a wild family for a few moments.

Which is why gorilla trekking safaris are so special.

Bwindi or Mgahinga?

While both parks provide gorilla trekking, it may be a different experience.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the older of the two and has several trekking sectors located in the park’s woods. This provides travellers with more options when it comes to where they can stay and where they can trek.

Situated in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides a contrasting environment, and, to some extent, the dramatic volcanic scenery. The park is also home to golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes.

My advice is, don’t just go by pictures

Check your full travel plan, your hotel, your transfers and the kind of scenery you want to be greeted to! It’s a trip you won’t soon forget if it’s not well planned.

What else can you see on an ‘Uganda safari’?

Although you’re looking for gorillas, this is not all you’ll find.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

For a traditional African safari experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a great option.

Look for open plains, woodland, wetlands and the imposing Rwenzori Mountains in the background. A game drive may result in sightings of elephants, buffalo, lion, antelope and more.

A boat ride down the Kazinga Channel is one of the most memorable experiences at the park. You can see elephants, buffaloes and hippos coming down to the banks of the water from the water.

One of those times that there is no rush to anywhere. Simply sit, watch and let Africa unfold around you.

Murchison Falls National Park

Further north, Murchison Falls provide another type of drama.

Before falling through the falls, the Nile narrows to a gorge, making one of the nation’s most magnificent natural spectacles. Both boat rides down to the base of the falls and the viewing of the falls from different angles around the waterfall are promoted by Uganda’s tourism authorities.

Add a game drive and you’ll have a great contrast: The plains and the great strength of the Nile.

Kibale Forest

Kibale Forest is recommended for travellers who are fascinated by primates.

The lush forest is one of the popular destinations to have chimpanzee experiences in Uganda. It’s quite a different pace listening on the forest floor for the calling of the canopy than a game drive!

However, if gorillas are your emotional highlight, then chimpanzees can be your playful counterpart.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Then there is Kidepo Valley, for those who wish to venture off the beaten path on safari.

Kidepo is located in the north-eastern part of Uganda with extensive plains, steep mountains and isolation. It may be an interesting option for tourists who have visited other well known safari destinations in Africa before.

It is also a reminder to Uganda that it has more than just its gorilla forests.

When is the best time for an Uganda safari?

No one month is better than another for all visitors.

The drier seasons are often sought after as the routes and roads may be easier to drive on and walk across, especially between the forests and the safari areas. But Uganda has an equatorial climate and hence rain can fall during the dry season as well.

I wouldn’t rule out the wetter months for gorilla trekking.

Forest paths can be dirty when it’s raining, but the forest can be very fresh and atmospheric when it rains. It isn’t about the weather so much as it is about an awareness that you’re going into an environment that is natural.

During the drier part of the year, coupled with careful planning of an itinerary, a combination of these factors may be a sensible choice for a first trip.

The key is to consider the experience that you’re interested in most, instead of simply picking out a “best time” on a generic calendar.

How fit do you need to be for gorilla trekking?

This is one question worth taking seriously.

Gorilla trekking is not an ordinary walk through the forest.

UWA classifies the activity as moderate fitness and treks take approximately 2-7 hours.

The forest may be steep, muddy and rough. It is possible to walk uphill, cross over roots and be surrounded by dense vegetation.

You don’t have to be a sportsperson.

Wearing appropriate footwear, clothing, water and having a realistic picture of your capabilities can make it so much more comfortable. Take your time – your guide and trekking team are there to help you through the experience.

Keep in mind that the journey is the journey.

The scenery is sometimes so spectacular, that the trip itself is as memorable as the gorillas.

Gorilla permits plan before the rest

In Uganda, Leaving it until the last minute is not a wise approach.

Permits are mandatory for gorilla trekking and it is regulated. For official guidelines on Uganda Wildlife Authority offers official advice on reservations and permits, both at its offices in Kampala, and via officially communicated channels.

Gorilla trekking permits have different rates depending on traveller category and the applicable UWA tariff. Check the latest Uganda Wildlife Authority rates before booking.

That’s why I suggest picking your gorilla trekking date at the start of your trip and planning the rest of your trip around this date.

Don’t just take flights and leave it at that.

A tour that includes both primates and classic wildlife can make for a wonderful first trip.

Begin in Entebbe, giving you time to get over your plane ride and enjoy a gradual introduction to Uganda.

Then head towards Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Then, take a drive to Bwindi for your gorilla trek, southwards.

If time permits, stop at a couple of nights at Lake Bunyonyi or at another pretty location on the way back to Entebbe.

The appeal of this route is the variety: you move from forest and savannah to lakes, mountains and finally gorilla country.

Forest.
Savannah.
Lakes.
Mountains.
Gorillas.
Wildlife.

You don’t race between parks – you have a journey through Uganda.

Take the time to head north towards Murchison Falls or aim for Kidepo Valley for an ambitious trip.

If you need wider inspiration, then check out the Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide and compare your options with Kenya Safari Guide and Tanzania Safari Guide to determine which East African combination is most suitable for you.

What should you bring?

Keep it practical.

A sturdy pair of walking shoes is much more useful than a pair of fashionably elegant shoes for gorilla trekking. Long pants and long-sleeved layers will prevent contact with plants and insects. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket as the weather in the woods can turn stormy in a flash.

Other helpful resources include:

A small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking trousers
- Binoculars
- Camera with spare batteries
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection
- Small first-aid kit
- Neutral-coloured clothing

Don’t overload the bags. Moving between parks and lodges will be a pleasure thanks to travelling light.

Responsible tourism matters here

The best way to have a meaningful wildlife encounter is for the animals to be the first.

Follow your guide’s instructions when approaching gorillas and other wildlife. Stay away, do not move quickly towards an animal, and never chase an animal to take a picture of it.

Select a licensed and responsible operator. When you check out an operator before you book a tour, you may find the Uganda Tourism Board’s list of licensed tour companies helpful.

This is important because gorilla tourism is intertwined with conservation and local communities. Your visit is more than just a holiday. It forms part of a wider tourism system that supports protected areas, guides, staff and local communities.

Is Uganda worth visiting for a safari?

Yes, for me at least… when you’re looking for an African experience that is both varied and nature-focused.

If you take a traditional safari, you’ll have amazing sightings of wildlife. At Uganda, those moments are yours to experience; there are also moments that involve walking through rainforest, hearing chimps in the canopy and standing quietly near a family of gorillas.

It’s a tough pair to forget.

It’s not exactly a Uganda safari if it’s just about checking off the animals. It’s about the quality of the encounters that are made.

It’s the elephant that is between the trees.

Side-by-side of your boat in the hippo surfacing.

The distant call of a chimpanzee.

Vapor over the forest.

And finally, a gorilla looking directly towards you.

That’s when Uganda is no longer a place on a map, but a memory.

Final thoughts

Put Uganda at the top of your list of countries for an African holiday with wildlife, landscapes and a spirit of discovery.

This is an uganda travel guide and it should be your starting point but do not attempt to see all the parks in one go. Plan complementary experiences and enjoy the time in between.

But if you’re coming for gorillas, make it happen and plan it out. The forests in Uganda are no place to rush. They say slow down to them.

Listen. Look carefully. Allow the jungle to teach you, one leaf at a time, one sound at a time, one never-to-be-forgot-one at a time.

If you’re planning another trip in Africa, you might want to check out the east africa safari guide – particularly if you’re contemplating a Uganda safari followed by a trip to Kenya or Tanzania.

Sometimes the safari that you want to do isn’t the one where you check off every animal in your list. but the one packed with true world holiday vibes that you still keep talking about after you get back home!