Top Safari Activities to Do In Uganda Besides Gorilla Trekking

Uganda has a lot to offer to the world other than gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A visit to Uganda never disappoints, from exhilarating adventures to normal game drives. Uganda is one splendid destination of interesting things for every one on an African safari. We bring to you the things you should expect in Uganda other than gorilla trekking . 

Bird watching

This is one of the factors that differentiate Uganda from the rest of birding destinations. In Uganda, birds are spotted every where meaning no need to move far looking for birds. A total of 1080 bird species including the most world wanted birds all exist in Uganda and it houses over 60% of the bird species on the African continent and 11% of the world’s bird species. The most birds to spot in Uganda are African green breasted pitta, Karamoja Apalis, Rwenzori turacos, Black bee eaters,  and many more.

Game drives

For any nature loving traveler on safaris,  Uganda is worth no doubt one of the best places that are worth visiting for the big game drives. Game drives in Uganda are best enjoyed in  the country’s splendid national park like Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo Valley national park, Lake Mburo national park and Queen Elizabeth national park which is the home of over 80% mammals like tree climbing lions. Tourists who engage in game drives in Uganda are highly exposed to large mammals like spotted hyenas , Impalas, African bush elephants, lions, Topis, Oribis, Warthogs,  Rhinos (at zawi rhino sanctuary) Jackson’s hartebeest and many more.

Hiking mountains

Uganda is an exceptional mountaineering destination Africa prides its of. The best mountaineering adventures in Uganda are spotted in Mount Rwenzori with its peak Margherita (5107m), Mount Elgon with wagagai peak (43210m) perfect for those interested in long mountaineering experiences, short hiking places are spotted around Mgahinga gorilla national park with its three volcanoes sabyinyo 3645m, muhabura 4127m and Gahinga 3474m.

Golden monkey tracking

Besides Gorilla Tracking, Mgahinga Gorilla national park also supports other safari activities like Golden Monkey tracking one of the top safari experience you should not miss on your bucket list. Golden monkeys range from with in the greater Virunga religion and in Uganda, they only trekked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which also offers habituation experiences.

Chimpanzee trekking

Uganda chimpanzee trekking is one of the best safari experience to add on your journey to Africa, A visit to Uganda will give you a chance to encounter some of the sought after primates in the world. Uganda shelters over 5000 chimpanzee making it an incredible chimpanzee safari destination. In Uganda, the chimpanzees are spotted around Kibale Forest national park with 795sq.km extensive to the forest park that shelters about 1500 chimpanzees, Budongo forest at Murchison falls national park with over 800 chimpanzees, Kalinzu forests reserves, Kyambura gorge and Toro- Semuliki wildlife reserve .chimpanzees can also be sighted in the habituation currently offered in Kibale Forest and Budongo forest.

Hot air balloon tours

In Uganda, hot air ballooning is conducted in Queen Elizabeth national park only. It is mostly done by the honeymooners or those looking for a life time memory / adventure. You can also enjoy sunrise or post sunrise hot air balloon practices which is accompanied by bush breakfast or some times without .sunset hot air balloon starts at 4:00 pm though it doesn’t come with any accompaniment.

White water rafting

All white-water rafting adventures  in Uganda are conducted around at the source of river Nile, if you are an adrenaline seeker, Uganda is far the best place worth visiting for the life time. Come and experience the waters of the Nile river as you raft through its beautiful rapids especially grade 4 and 5. There are several other adrenaline activities besides white water rafting like river surfing, jet boating, Bungee jumping and many more.

Cultural safaris

There are best ways to explore Uganda on cultural tours including visiting kasubi tombs, Uganda museum, Ndere cultural center and Batwa cultural heritage. Since Uganda offers better cultural tour options, expect authentic African cultural experiences ,African norms, explore unique traditions, cultural dances and practices .  The other cultural site to visit are Bagisu region for Imbalu cultural practices, Kings palace in mengo, Nakayima tree and many more.

Boat cruise tours

Uganda has got you sorted with boat cruise safaris, if you’re interested in the most recreational activities. Boat cruises are mostly done in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park on kazinga channel a narrow stretch that connects lake George with lake Edward, source of river Nile in jinja, Lake Victoria and lake Mburo national park. Boat cruise exposes you to a range of wildlife in the park and importantly viewing hippos, crocodiles swimming and other aquatic birds.