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liesje
Visited:
August 2010
Reviewed: Sep 8, 2011
I liked the things we saw in Uganda, but Tanzania was better.
The parks are very nice (I especially liked Kidepo Valley) and you´ll never see a crowd!
Jean-Pierre
US
Visited:
December 2009
Reviewed: Sep 7, 2011
20-35 years of age
The parks were more affordable than other countries. The country is small so it is easy to travel from Kampala, the capital, to the parks. The wildlife is diverse and the birding is fantastic. Best of all the Ugandan people are friendly and accomodating.
As it's a small park the number of different animals is limited but that makes one focus on more than just the big five.
So Many People!
The climate is hot and humid for much of the time, so loads of light clothes is the order of the day. We had clothes washed a few times on our trip, and that made travelling lighter. Be ready for muddy streets, and tropical downpours, but you will be back to sunshine and dust within a few hours!
Uganda is a very green country, you will get to see just about everything growing there. It is seemingly possible to get 2 crops of potatoes per year from the same field. You will see many small households growing subsistance food right beside their homes, and you'll also see huge commercial tea farms.
The accomadation varies wildly. You can find small
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inexpensive bed and breakfast type places, and also plush luxury lodges. Many of these are a little dated and some are a little basic, but the food is generally very good. In a few weeks of travel, we had no tummy upsets, and really liked most of the dishes.The road network is a bit haphazard, and off the main routes the roads may only be passable outside of the rainy season, so take this into account while planning. Traffic in Kampala is hectic enough to make Italians flinch.
The wildlife parks were superb. The tree climbing lions in QENP are well worth tracking down, and the Gorilla's are a "must see".
Overall, it's a great destination. Some of the parks can arrange walks with the rangers, and this is a superb experience as you get to hear and smell live in the game parks much more intimatly than when in the back of a Toyota or Landrover.
Marcus Richardson
DE
Visited:
September 2006
Reviewed: Sep 6, 2011
Email Marcus Richardson | 35-50 years of age
Not like other safari destinations!
My primary reason for going on safari to Uganda (and Rwanda) was to see the mountain gorillas, and that experience is worth a whole review in itself, so all I'll say about that here was that it was an extraordinary, wonderful experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Truly the highlight of my trip by far.
Also magical were walks
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in the forests, hearing chimpanzees shrieking in the trees, and coming close to them (with great care!). Those forest treks really made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Lots of fascinating monkeys to see and hear in those magical forests too.Another highlight for me (in one of the forest treks) was the encounter at the bat cave in Maramagambo Forest (although the last I heard it has been closed to the public due to health fears).
I opted to take a camping safari, rather than lodge-based. It's truly the best way to experience the magic of the bush. There is nothing quite like lying in your tent at night, listening to the sounds of lions roaring nearby, monkeys shrieking in the trees, and hippos grazing on the grass outside your tent. There are no fences and "safe" enclosed campsites - you are truly amongst nature. One night a group of elephants came into our camp, another night it was lions. Not for the faint-hearted, but truly extraordinary, and you don't experience these things in lodges. Also, it's worth bearing in mind that camping safaris are quite luxurious - I had a very comfortable tent set up for me every night, complete with bed and wash-stand. Showers and toilets were portable and therefore not luxurious, but on the other hand you can only laugh and feel the wonder of the bush when a baboon steals your toilet paper... Food was excellent, all transported along with us vacuum packed for freshness as part of a very impressive logistics operation that accompanied our safari as it moved around the country.
Some "normal" game drives were also included in this safari, and while perhaps not as spectular as others I have been on in East Africa, there was still some excellent game viewing to be had. Highlights of game drives included the incredible tree-climbing lions (seen several times), a leopard strolling in front of our vehicle, and of course the spectacular birds (even as a non-enthusiast I couldn't help but be blown away by the incredible birdlife). Guides were very hard-working and dedicated, always making every effort to find the most elusive wildlife and get us up close, but always respecting nature at the same time. They were very, very few other tourists around, so we didn't experience the "20 vehicles surrounding a lion" phenomenon that often blights safaris in the more popular safari destinations.
In short, I can say that Uganda is perfect for the more adventurous safari-goer who wants to do something a little different (more on the wild side). If you're willing to get wet, muddy, bitten by ants, and exhausted in order to get up close, on foot, to some of the most wonderful and rare creatures on earth, this is the place. For me, Uganda is all about spine-tingling experiences in magical forests, and getting face to face with the wildlife, with no vehicles or fences to separate you. I've never been anywhere quite like it.
ddarbela
US
Visited:
December 2010
Reviewed: Sep 5, 2011
A hidden gem in the rough !
Uganda wildlife is rich. You have to venture to the national parks for most of the action. The scenery is spectacular from the rolling hills to savannah, as well as the scenic Lake Victoria vista's, and forests there is a lot to take in. Accommodations can range from super luxury hotels in Kampala, and some of the upscale accommodations in the safari lodges. However more affordable accommodation can be found depending on personal tastes. Transportation is available but can be challenging given the state of infrastructure. A good destination for the eco-tourist who is willing to give up the creature comforts for the sake of beauty.
Mauro Luiz de Souza Aviz
BR
Visited:
May 2026
Reviewed: Jun 15, 2026
Email Mauro Luiz de Souza Aviz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful
Impeccable service. I recommend the tour. Driver knew the itinerary and was very functional.
LH
CA
Visited:
May 2026
Reviewed: Jun 13, 2026
Email LH | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip in early May
I planned my trip using Safari Bookings and chose Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours. They were excellent. Be sure to check out what wildlife you would like to see as each National Park is different.
Newton
UG
Visited:
July 2018
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2026
Email Newton | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa
Named by Winston Churchill himself, Uganda more than earns its legendary nickname. Tucked in the heart of East Africa, it is one of the continent's most rewarding and diverse travel destinations — compact enough to explore thoroughly, yet rich enough to fill a lifetime of adventures. I witnessed this during my Fam trip when I had an Idea of starting a tour and travel company, we visited different destinations like Bwindi for Gorilla trekking, Kibale for chimpanzee trekking,hiked Rwenzori mountains, Murchison falls national park among others, all the Uganda'' people are welcoming from different cultures
