The Best of Uganda Safaris

Uganda is a world-class safari destination, celebrated for its lush forests, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary primate encounters. Known as the Primate Capital of Africa, Uganda offers the rare opportunity to trek mountain gorillas, observe wild chimpanzees, and encounter a wide range of forest-dwelling monkeys in some of the continent’s most biodiverse habitats.

From the mist-covered slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the vibrant, primate-rich jungles of Kibale Forest, Uganda invites travellers into a realm where adventure, wildlife, and culture meet.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experience. This life-changing encounter takes place in two world-renowned parks:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi offers unmatched trekking experiences across several gorilla families and sectors. The thick rainforest, rich biodiversity, and high chances of gorilla sightings make Bwindi the prime destination for immersive primate adventures.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the Virunga Volcanoes region, Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, offering a quieter, more exclusive trekking experience. Its volcanic landscapes and dramatic scenery make the trek both intimate and visually stunning.

How Gorilla Trekking Works

Your gorilla trekking day begins with a morning briefing, where Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers explain the guidelines and assign trekking groups.
Guides then lead you deep into the forest as you follow clues left by the gorillas — nests, footprints, and broken vegetation.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you spend one full hour observing them:
• feeding
• grooming
• playing
• interacting within their family structure

This powerful up-close moment fosters a profound connection with these gentle giants and supports the conservation of one of the world’s most endangered species.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is East Africa’s top chimpanzee destination, with Kibale Forest National Park being the highlight. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including:

• Chimpanzees

• Red-tailed monkeys

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys

• L’Hoest’s monkeys

• Blue monkeys

Chimp trekking offers energetic, exciting encounters as you follow these highly social primates through the forest canopy, observing their behaviour, vocalisations, and daily routines.

Other Primate Experiences in Uganda

Uganda’s forests host many more unique primates, making it ideal for travellers seeking deeper wildlife experiences:

• L’Hoest’s monkeys

• Grey-cheeked mangabeys

• Olive baboons

• Red colobus monkeys (in some regions)

• Pottos and bushbabies (nocturnal walks)

These enrich multi-day primate itineraries, combining gorillas, chimps, and additional rare species in a single journey.

Top Uganda Safari Highlights (Primate-Focused)

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

• Primate walks in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

• Nocturnal primate walks in Kibale

• Golden monkey trekking (only in Mgahinga)

• Cultural encounters with the Batwa communities

• Forest nature walks in Bwindi and Mgahinga

(You can add general savannah activities on a different page if needed.)

Why Uganda Is the Best for Primate Safaris

• Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas

• Africa’s highest diversity of primates

• Strong conservation success stories

• Rich cultural interactions

• Warm, welcoming communities

• Ideal combination of forests, lakes, and scenery

Best Time to Visit Uganda for Safaris

Uganda is a year-round safari destination, but the ideal time to visit depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. Weather patterns influence trekking conditions, wildlife behaviour, and forest accessibility — especially for primate encounters. Below is a clear breakdown to guide your travellers.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The dry seasons offer the most comfortable and reliable gorilla trekking conditions:

• June – August

• December – February

During these months, the forest trails are less muddy, visibility is better, and trekking routes are more manageable. Sightings remain excellent throughout the year, but dry periods provide the most enjoyable experience, especially for travellers who prefer steadier walking conditions.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is possible year-round, but the drier months again offer better forest access:

• June – September

• December – February

Kibale Forest is lush even during dry seasons, but reduced rainfall makes the trek smoother and creates ideal photo opportunities as chimps move actively through the forest.

Best Time for Birdwatching in Uganda

Birdwatching thrives during the wetter months, when food is abundant and many species breed:

• March – May

• September – November

These months also coincide with the presence of migratory species, making Uganda a world-class birding destination.

Best Time for Photography Safaris

Uganda’s wet seasons bring dramatic skies, misty forests, vibrant greenery, and excellent light:

• March – May

• September – November

For photographers shooting forest landscapes, primates, and cultural moments, these months produce rich tones and atmospheric images.

For Quieter, Less Crowded Safaris

If your clients prefer exclusive, peaceful experiences with fewer visitors, the following months offer serenity without compromising wildlife sightings:

• March

• May

• September

• November

These shoulder seasons provide great value and quieter trekking groups — ideal for private luxury travel.

Summary: When to Visit Uganda

• Best overall experience: June–August & December–February

• Best for gorillas: June–August & December–February

• Best for chimps: June–September & December–February

• Best for birding & photography: March–May & September–November

• Quiet months (exclusive feeling): March, May, September, November