Guide to Luxury Safari Trips to Uganda

Thanks to the country’s location at the meeting point of the eastern savannah and western jungle ecosystems, Uganda offers excellent terrain for safari adventures, from the classic game drives through grasslands in search of lions or elephants to trekking through lush rainforest to see mountain gorillas. 

But to guarantee an incredible safari experience, make sure you come prepared. Below, check out our guide to luxury safari trips to Uganda.

What is a Luxury Safari Vacation?

A luxury safari vacation is something to experience at least once, especially if you love wildlife. Unlike traditional safaris that can be cumbersome, requiring you to juggle permits, book tours and accommodations, and face other uncertainties, luxury safaris will take all the work out of planning your trip, allowing you to enjoy a memorable holiday experience, customised according to your needs and interests.

With luxury safaris, you can take the trip at your own pace. You will not have to adhere to pre-set tour schedules. In addition, you can change itineraries quickly or adjust them according to your preferences, weather conditions, and other factors. For instance, if you find it too hot to go on a game drive, you can schedule move the safari for another time. 

The best part about a luxury safari is you will stay in some of Uganda’s most luxurious accommodations equipped with luxury amenities like an infinity pool, where you can enjoy a relaxing dip after a game drive. Confidentiality and discretion are paramount, and your privacy, location, and other details about your trip will be kept private. There will be concierge services and a personal butler attending to your every whim.

When is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Uganda?

The best time to go to Uganda for a luxury safari is between the two dry seasons, December to February and June to August. These are the best times for trekking to see chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. The best time for game viewing in the savannah parks of Uganda is at the end of the dry seasons, between February and March and September to mid-October, when wildlife gathers around water sources.

What to Expect from a Safari in Uganda? 

Uganda is the best destination to experience an authentic African safari adventure. On your safari in Uganda, you can expect a mix of adventures, and gorilla trekking often tops the list. Because of this, you can expect to find many companies offering amazing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, suitable for those seeking a unique break.

A luxury safari trip to Uganda can include mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, two of the most popular places to see mountain gorillas up close. Your adventure may also include walking with chimpanzees living in the rainforest of Kibale. After your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you can go for a private game viewing drive in one of the areas four safari parks.

Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Uganda, where you will trek to remote safari jungles to search for great apes, including the famous chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Uganda’s rainforests are home to 20 primate species, with Kibale Forest National Park having the highest density of primates.

The most incredible primates you can encounter on your luxury safari adventure in Uganda are the mountain gorillas, which dwell in two regions in the country’s southwestern area. Expect a ten-hour drive from the city centre to reach the starting point of your trek. You will then trek for an unspecified time through steep terrains and lush jungles to reach the area where the gorilla family forages. Sure, it can be tiring. However, the rewards of walking beside a giant mountain gorilla in the middle of a lush jungle can make it all worth it.

Chimpanzee trekking is much easier than mountain gorilla trekking. During this trek, you’ll visit the dwelling place of habituated chimpanzees in navigable terrain in the forest of Kibale. Local experts will guide you through the rainforest and allow you to mingle with the primates for up to an hour.

What to Pack for a Luxury Safari in Uganda

Depending on what you wish to do on your luxury safari trip to Uganda, part of the preparation involves planning what to pack. But it’s worth noting that since every trip differs, you may need to pack extra stuff depending on your activities.

Since Uganda is generally warm and sunny all year round, light clothing should be sufficient for most of your trip. Long sleeve shirts or tops and pants are most suitable, especially for mornings and evenings when bugs and mosquitoes are present. Otherwise, any warm clothing should be fine.

Pack a pair of comfortable hiking shoes since you will be hiking for most activities, such as gorilla trekking. Choose low-cut hiking shoes that can withstand long hikes. If you are buying a new pair, slowly “break it in,” so when you finally wear it for your safari, you will feel comfortable during your safari.

Don’t forget to pack sun protection. Remember, Uganda lies around the equator, so you must bring something to protect you from the scorching sun. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses will also come in handy.

What Wildlife Can You See in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are the animals you’ll encounter on your luxury safari trip to Uganda, especially if you go for gorilla trekking. In the Kibale Forest National Park, you could come across different species of primates jumping through its forest canopies, such as the red-tailed monkey, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus.

While Uganda may not be famous for game drives in Africa, it has impressive wildlife within its safari parks. On a typical safari game drive, you can expect to spot buffalos, herds of elephants, different species of antelopes, zebras, giraffes, lions, and leopards. 

A boat ride on Kazinga Channel will likely include encounters with pods of hippos along the shallow riverbanks, hundreds of waterbirds, and humongous crocodiles.