Uganda is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife come together here. On a safari holiday through Uganda, you’ll drive past herds of giraffes at sunrise, watch elephants bathe in the Nile, and hear chimpanzees call deep in the forest.
You’ll also meet welcoming communities and sleep under starlit skies.
This article takes you inside what to expect from Uganda safari holidays — from epic wildlife sightings to personal stories that make this country unforgettable.
Why Choose Uganda for a Safari Holiday?
Uganda offers the complete safari experience — not just wildlife, but also rich culture, rainforests, and encounters with great apes. Unlike Kenya or Tanzania, where plains dominate the landscape, Uganda shifts constantly: from savannahs to jungles, crater lakes to volcanic slopes.
There’s also the people. Ugandans are known for their warmth, hospitality and unshakable joy. As one of our regular Dutch clients puts it:
“For me, it always feels like coming home when I’m in Uganda —
not just because of the land, but because of the people.”
Our Top 3 Safari Destinations in Uganda
There are over ten national parks in Uganda, but these three stand out for us — both for their biodiversity and unforgettable atmosphere.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Hidden in Uganda’s far northeast, this park is surrounded by mountains and feels completely remote.
Few tourists make it here, making wildlife sightings more intimate. You might spot cheetahs, giraffes or elephants — but part of the magic is just the silence and space.
“Driving through Kidepo gives you this deep sense of freedom and smallness.
It’s one of the most untouched places in East Africa.”
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
On the road to Kidepo lies a lesser-known gem. The animals here are still wild, not used to vehicles, and that makes sightings even more thrilling. Pian Upe Wildlife reserve is the only place in East Africa where you can see the Roan Antelope, and also, cheetahs roam here more openly than in other parks.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest park is home to massive herds of giraffes, elephants, lions and hippos. A favourite experience? Having a packed breakfast at the Hippo Pool, surrounded by wildlife. Or taking a boat safari on the Nile — either upstream to the falls or downriver to the delta in search of the rare Shoebill Stork.
What You Can Expect During Your Uganda Safari Holiday
A typical Uganda safari includes:
- Morning and afternoon game drives in 4×4 vehicles
- Optional boat safaris, nature walks or birding excursions
- Stays in eco-lodges, tented camps or community-owned accommodations
- Primate tracking (chimpanzees or gorillas, depending on your route)
- Campfire dinners and storytelling at night
Every day brings a new location and a new kind of beauty. From misty forests to golden grasslands, Uganda surprises you at every turn.
Suggested Itineraries for Uganda Safari Holidays
We’ve selected our 3 most-loved safari routes in Uganda. Each is crafted by our local team and ready to inspire your own adventure. Click through for details, prices and day-by-day plans.
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Who Travels with Elgon Safaris?
Elgon Safaris welcomes all kinds of travellers, but we often accompany:
- Solo travellers who want personal space and reflection
- Friend groups looking for shared adventure
- Birders and photographers seeking rare species
- Repeat travellers to Africa, looking for something different
“A Uganda Safari Holiday like this creates a bond. You’ve shared something that few others will ever experience — and even if they do, it will never be quite the same.”
Common Misconceptions About Uganda Safaris
“Uganda is all the same”
Far from it. Uganda has over 50 tribes, with different traditions, languages and ceremonies. The Bagisu, for example, are known for their Imbalu initiation ritual — a deep cultural experience for those who witness it.
“You’ll definitely see all the animals”
Wildlife is unpredictable — and that’s part of the thrill.
“Spotting a lion in high grass that matches its fur takes skill and silence. That’s what makes every sighting a shared success between guide and guest.”
Practical Tips for Your Safari Holiday
Best time to go:
- June to August & December to February (dry seasons)
- Green season (March–May, Sept–Nov): lush, quiet, and photogenic
Health and safety:
- Yellow fever vaccination required
- Malaria pills strongly advised
- Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen
Visa
- East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, only Uganda is also available
- You can get both at the Uganda E-immigration System.
“After a 10-day round trip, guests often say they’ve seen so much — and still want to come back.
That’s the magic of Uganda.”
Fall in love with the Pearl of Africa.
Let Elgon Safaris show you the places and people that make Uganda unforgettable.