The wild heart of Africa is calling—and it’s not where you think.
When you picture a safari, your mind might wander to the plains of Kenya or the Serengeti skies of Tanzania. But for travelers in the know, Uganda—home to gorilla trekking, over 1,070 bird species, lush landscapes, and year-round perfect weather—should top your safari trip list.
It’s the only place where East African savannah meets lush equatorial rainforest, offering unmatched diversity in wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. Uganda is the safari destination quietly stealing the show. From misty mountains to lion-studded savannahs, it’s wild, soulful, and refreshingly uncrowded.
Here’s why Uganda deserves a top spot on your safari destinations list:
1. Meet Mountain Gorillas in the Wild
No wildlife experience comes close to standing meters away from a mountain gorilla silverback in the dense, tangled forests of Bwindi. Uganda is home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas, and tracking them is equal parts adventure and awe.
You’ll hike through misty jungle with expert guides, listen for rustling leaves, and when you finally meet them—gentle eyes watching you through the foliage—it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
Best time to go: June to September or December to February
But thanks to Uganda’s pleasant climate, gorilla trekking is possible year-round
2. More Than Just Big 5 — Uganda Is Big 10
Yes, you’ll spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and maybe even leopards. But Uganda adds gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, shoebills, and other rare species to your checklist. It’s one of the few countries where you can see primates, predators, and world-class birdlife on the same trip.
With over 1,070 bird species, Uganda is a true birder’s paradise—perfect for seasoned twitchers or curious travelers who enjoy spotting flashes of color in the canopy.
3. Landscapes You Didn’t Know Existed
Uganda is not just safari plains. This is the source of the Nile, the home of the Rwenzori Mountains with its tropical glaciers, and the meeting point of rainforests, wetlands, crater lakes, and savannah.
Take a boat beneath the thunder of Murchison Falls, hike misty ridges near Fort Portal, or relax at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic highland lakes.
And for thrill-seekers: Uganda offers the best year-round white-water rafting in Africa, and arguably the world—on the Nile River near Jinja.
🛶 Perfect for active travelers and adventurous families.
4. Travel All Year Round
Uganda’s equatorial climate means it’s pleasant and green throughout the year. Temperatures usually range from 22°C to 30°C (71–86°F), and even during rainy seasons, travel remains very possible.
Unlike other safari countries with harsh dry or wet seasons, Uganda is a true year-round destination—great news for anyone planning a trip during school holidays or outside peak months.
🌿 Expect cool nights, sunny mornings, and nature in full bloom.
5. It’s Still a Hidden Gem — But Not for Long
Unlike more famous safari countries, Uganda still feels raw, real, and wonderfully uncrowded. Fewer safari vehicles, more intimate wildlife experiences, and a deeper sense of connection to the land and people.
But that’s starting to change. With new boutique lodges, improved access, and rising interest in primate tracking, Uganda is one of 2025’s most exciting safari frontiers.
Ready to Experience Uganda in 2025?
Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, Uganda will surprise you. It’s welcoming, wild, and filled with moments you’ll carry home in your heart.
Let Nandi Adventures create a journey that goes deeper than the guidebooks. Get in Touch to plan a safari that’s uniquely yours.