If you’re dreaming of a truly wild African adventure, a Uganda safari should be at the top of your bucket list. While Uganda is most famous for its mountain gorilla trekking, it’s also home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking safari parks in Africa.
From spotting the Big Five to tracking chimpanzees and cruising the Nile River, here are the top 5 safari parks in Uganda you shouldn’t miss in 2025:
🦁 1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best for: Classic game drives, boat safaris, and diverse wildlife
Location: Western Uganda (near Kasese & Fort Portal)
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and accessible safari destination. It boasts over 95 species of mammals and 600 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Top Experiences:
- Game drives in the Kasenyi plains to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise, where hippos, crocodiles, and birds abound
- Spotting the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking.
🐘 2. Murchison Falls National Park
Best for: Big game sightings and dramatic scenery
Location: Northwestern Uganda
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, bisected by the mighty Nile River. The highlight? The thundering waterfall where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge before plunging 43 meters.
Top Experiences:
- Safari drives to see elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more
- A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
- Birdwatching for rare species like the shoebill stork
Did you know? This park is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offering incredible biodiversity.
🦍 3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best for: Mountain gorilla trekking
Location: Southwestern Uganda
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of Uganda’s safari circuit. It’s home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Top Experiences:
- Gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these gentle giants up close
- Nature walks and birdwatching (over 350 bird species)
- Cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmy community
Important Note: Gorilla permits must be booked in advance. As of 2025, the cost is $800 per person.
🐒 4. Kibale Forest National Park
Best for: Chimpanzee tracking and primate safaris
Location: Western Uganda
Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is famous for its large population of chimpanzees and other primates.
Top Experiences:
- Chimpanzee tracking or full-day chimpanzee habituation experiences
- Forest walks among 13 species of primates
- Rich birdlife and forest biodiversity
Fun Fact: Kibale also connects to Queen Elizabeth via the wildlife corridor of the Kibale–Semuliki route, making a great multi-park itinerary.
🦓 5. Lake Mburo National Park
Best for: Short safaris and walking safaris
Location: Southwestern Uganda (3-4 hours from Kampala)
Though smaller than other parks, Lake Mburo is perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking a more relaxed safari experience.
Top Experiences:
- Walking safaris with an armed ranger to spot zebra, eland, and impala
- Horseback riding safaris — one of the few places in East Africa offering this
- Boat trips on Lake Mburo to see hippos and water birds
Why It’s Unique: It’s the only park in Uganda where you can see zebras and impalas in large numbers.
🌍 Final Thoughts
A Uganda safari is about more than just ticking off the Big Five. It’s a journey through pristine landscapes, rainforests, and river valleys packed with wildlife and rich culture. Whether you’re looking for gorilla encounters, epic savannahs, or primate adventures, these five parks offer something unforgettable for every traveler.
So grab your camera, pack your boots, and get ready for the safari of a lifetime in Uganda.
