ClickCeaseUganda Wildlife Safari Guide - Natural World Safaris
  • Settings:
Menu

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Uganda is an incredible destination for all-round wildlife-watching. A plethora of experiences can be enjoyed, against a stunning backdrop of volcanoes, crater lakes, fog-filled forests, reed-lined channels and lush savannah.

A relatively small country, Uganda's landscapes are intense, and this means its wildlife offering is unexpectedly huge. Mountain gorillas are its most famous inhabitant, of course, and they are what lures many safari-goers here. Chimpanzees, baboons, lions, hippos, elephants, eagles, buffalos, rhinos... keep flicking through your field guides, and there are few creatures you won’t find shuffling through Uganda’s rainforests, swamps and grasslands.

Mountain Gorilla Tracking

Uganda is widely known for its mountain gorilla population - a key draw to the country. With just over 1,000 of these gorillas left in the world, over half of these can be found on Uganda’s western edge, in the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Working with our expert local guides, we take you on a journey through the bush for anything from 2 to 10 hours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma, Mgahinga or Nkuringo) in search of these amiable primates. Permits are limited and you will only be able to spend up to an hour in the company of these majestic animals before heading back to your lodge with the tale of a lifetime.

Chimpanzees

These apes are our closest living relative (aside from bonobos) sharing approximately 98.8% of our DNA. Tracking the closest primate to mankind, the chimp, is a thrilling experience as they swing through the forest, drum on buttresses, and hoot to their fellow troop members. Despite their noise, they can be fairly elusive and hard to spot! To see them in slightly less strenuous circumstances, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers an incredible opportunity in the near-wild circumstances and by visiting you will contribute to the conservation of their habitat and, indeed, the species survival. Alternatively head to Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge where you can track these cheeky chimps in the wild providing for one of the best chimpanzee tracking experiences on the continent.

Monkeys

Whilst out on safari in Uganda, any tourist will quickly learn to keep personal belongings out of the reach of nimble-fingered baboons. Highly intelligent, these primates can jump through open windows in safari vehicles and grab a packed lunch for a quick snack. Baboons however are not the only smaller primates seen in Uganda. Ververt monkeys, black and white colobus and golden monkeys can all be spotted in national parks.

UGA St Uganda Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Photocechcz

Uganda’s Big Five and Birdwatching Highlights

Uganda offers rewarding Big Five safaris without the need to cross borders. National parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are home to elephants, buffalo, leopards and lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, one of only two places in Africa where this rare behaviour is seen.

For birdwatchers, Uganda is a top destination with over 1,000 bird species. Highlights include the elusive shoebill stork found in the wetlands of Murchison Falls, the grey-crowned crane, goliath heron, and vibrant red-throated bee-eaters. Birding safaris in Uganda are among the best in Africa for both endemic and rare species.

Talk to a Gorilla Specialist Today

Why Natural World Safaris for your Uganda Safari

Location Icon Why Nws

Tailor-Made Safaris

Our safaris in Uganda are built around your interests — whether that’s tracking mountain gorillas, seeking tree-climbing lions, or cruising the Kazinga Channel. We work with hand-picked guides and lodges to create seamless itineraries that balance adventure, comfort, and conservation.

Star Icon

Wealth of Experience

With decades of experience operating gorilla and chimpanzee trekking expeditions, we know Uganda’s forests intimately. From the misty slopes of Bwindi to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, our expert team and trusted local partners ensure you’re in the right place at the right time for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Conservation Minded

Conservation Minded

We only work with ethical operators who share our commitment to protecting Uganda’s endangered species and wild landscapes. By supporting community-led conservation and staying in eco-conscious camps, your journey helps preserve the country’s natural heritage for generations to come.