Top 10 Must-Visit Uganda Safari Destinations In 2025

Uganda, affectionately known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a country of extraordinary natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife. From the misty mountains home to endangered gorillas to vast savannas teeming with the Big Five, Uganda offers a safari experience unlike any other. If you’re planning your next Uganda safari adventure, here are 10 must-visit destinations that promise unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking)

Without a doubt, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s crown jewel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense rain forest to spend an hour face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a truly humbling and life-changing experience. The park offers various sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo) each with habituated gorilla families, providing ample opportunities for this bucket-list encounter.

2. Murchison Falls National Park (Classic Safari & Powerful Falls)

Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, is a spectacle of nature and wildlife. The park is bisected by the mighty Nile River, which plunges 43 meters through a 7-meter wide gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. A boat safari to the base of the falls offers incredible views of the cascading water, as well as close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a plethora of birdlife. Game drives on the northern bank reveal lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and various antelope species.

3. Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee Tracking Capital)

Renowned as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale National Park boasts the highest density of primates in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking is the main draw here, offering an intimate and exhilarating experience as you track these intelligent apes through the lush forest. Beyond chimps, you might also spot red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, making it a primate lover’s paradise.

4. Queen Elizabeth National Park (Biodiversity & Tree-Climbing Lions)

Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably Uganda’s most popular safari destination, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife. Its open savannahs, wetlands, and forests support a remarkable array of species, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and various antelope. The famous Ishasha sector is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the extraordinary sight of tree-climbing lions. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, is a highlight for birdwatchers and offers excellent wildlife viewing.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park (Untamed Wilderness)

For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda’s remote northeast is a must. This vast, rugged wilderness offers breathtaking landscapes of savannah and mountains, reminiscent of classic East African safari scenes. It’s home to unique species not found elsewhere in Uganda, such as cheetahs and ostriches, alongside lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Its remote location ensures a more exclusive and wild safari adventure.

6. Lake Mburo National Park (Walking Safaris & Zebras)

Unlike many other parks, Lake Mburo National Park allows for walking safaris, offering a unique opportunity to explore the bush on foot. This smaller, easily accessible park is famous for its large populations of zebras, impalas, and elands. A boat trip on Lake Mburo reveals hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. It’s also an excellent stopover for those traveling between Kampala and the gorilla trekking parks in the southwest.

7. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Volcanoes)

Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shares its mountain gorilla population with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Bwindi is more popular for gorillas, Mgahinga offers a unique combination of gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. The park’s volcanic landscapes provide stunning scenery, and it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter gorilla experience or wanting to combine it with another rare primate encounter.

8. Rwenzori Mountains National Park (The “Mountains of the Moon”)

For the adventurous trekker, Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. Home to Africa’s third-highest peak, Margherita Peak, these “Mountains of the Moon” are a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their unique alpine vegetation, glaciers, and stunning waterfalls. Multi-day treks lead through diverse ecosystems, providing unparalleled views and a true sense of wilderness.

9. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino Tracking)

Before the 1980s, Uganda’s rhinos were poached to extinction. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary plays a crucial role in the country’s rhino reintroduction program, making it the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. A visit here offers the unique opportunity to track these magnificent creatures on foot, contributing to their conservation efforts. It’s often visited en route to or from Murchison Falls National Park.

10. Jinja (Adventure Capital & Source of the Nile)

While not a traditional safari destination, Jinja, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is Uganda’s adventure capital and a fantastic addition to any itinerary. It’s famously known as the source of the Nile River, where you can witness the mighty river begin its epic journey. Adrenaline junkies can indulge in white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and quad biking. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile or explore the local markets.

Uganda truly lives up to its name as the “Pearl of Africa,” offering a kaleidoscope of experiences from intimate primate encounters to classic savannah safaris and thrilling adventures. Planning your Uganda safari to these top destinations will undoubtedly create memories to last a lifetime.

To book a rental car and driver in Uganda for your next safari adventure to any of the above tourist destinations- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriveruganda.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.