Safari
Holidays in Uganda

We love Uganda. For starters, it’s the best place on earth to come face-to-face with an endangered mountain gorilla – a life highlight, just waiting to happen. Picture this, you’re walking through the lush rainforest, the air thick with humidity as every step takes you closer to an encounter you’ll never forget. All of a sudden, your guide tells you to stop and be very quiet. And there, in the clearing just ahead, is a family of mountain gorillas cleaning themselves in the speckled sun as it shines through the trees. Uganda is about more than the gorillas though. Every holiday here promises to be packed full of unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first African adventure, a Uganda holiday is an experience like no other. Chat to Cat, our Uganda specialist here at HA about discovering the magic and beauty of this remarkable country – you won’t be disappointed! Below, she shares some of her favourite national parks in Uganda …     Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Home to half of the world’s remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the must-visit national park for any Uganda holiday. This national park is so famous for its large population of endangered mountain gorillas. Taking off from your beautiful lodge for a guided trek through the forest to find these magnificent creatures is an absolute must here. It can be tough going on the legs, but it’s worth it in the end! Once you’ve finished pinching yourself over your unforgettable gorilla trekking encounter , Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers opportunities for unique gorilla habituation experiences, birdwatching, hiking , cultural tours to the nearby Batwa pygmy community and nearby treks through the bamboo forests in search of the exceptionally rare, golden monkeys. A golden monkey hanging out in the bamboo forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park   Kibale National Park Away from the gorillas, you have so much more wildlife to explore. Head to the beautiful Kibale National Park in the west of Uganda, to trek in search of wild chimpanzees . This national park, a 5-hour drive from Kampala, boasts a population of more than 1,000 of these cheeky primates, so your chances are good! In addition to the chimps, you can also spot warthogs, elephants, adorable big-eyed bush babies and so much more here. Plus, surrounded by volcanic crater lakes, the landscape around Kibale National Park is truly unique and makes a beautiful addition to any Uganda holiday. Birdwatching in Uganda Kibale National Park is said to be home to more than 400 species of bird, some of which are extremely rare and endemic to Uganda. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, keep an eye out for the Cassin’s spinetail, green-breasted pitta, masked apalis, and blue-headed bee-eater – all birds that haven’t been recorded anywhere else in the country. The Bigodi Swamp in Kibale National Park is the place to head to if birdwatching is top of your agenda. Papyrus Gonolek The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run project, set up to protect the swamp area and its birdlife from development. Hundreds of birdwatchers have been lucky enough to glimpse sightings of Papyrus Gonoleks and Congo biome birds.   Queen Elizabeth National Park Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to experience the very best of African wildlife. You’ll take game drives through the spectacular Rift Valley scenery , hop on a boat and cruise along the Kazinga Channel , all the while keeping your eyes peeled for the countless animals around. Afternoon cruises often coincide with the time that families of elephants move down to the river, and you might be lucky enough to spot lions, leopards, hippo and Ugandan kob, too! Don’t miss a visit to the remote Ishasha sector. This region is the best place to go in search of the famous tree-climbing lions. Plus, being so close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, combining a visit here with a gorilla-trekking adventure would work brilliantly for your Uganda holiday.   Murchison Falls National Park If you’ve got the time on your Uganda holiday, we hugely recommend a visit to the Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest of the country. Yes, there will be a few extra transfers to endure, but once there, you’ll be in for a treat. The sight of the powerful River Nile forcing its way through the Rift Valley scenery really is a sight to behold. Take a trip to the top of the falls to get up close and personal with the majestic force of the nile as it crashes its way through the 8-metre gap in the landscape. Combine this with a tranquil boat trip on the river at the bottom of the falls , and you’ll experience this powerful example of nature from all perspectives – with wildlife viewing opportunities throughout, of course. lion cub perched on a termite mound in Murchison Falls National Park   Kidepo Valley National Park We love to get you off the beaten track here at HA, and adding Kidepo Valley National Park to your Uganda holiday itinerary would do just that. Hidden right up in the north-eastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo National Park is as remote as it is beautiful. With semi-arid valleys, distant mountains and open savannahs, it’s the perfect place for a wildlife adventure away from it all. Plus, being so tucked away, this sprawling national park is home to some of the country’s rarest wildlife. On a game drive here, keep an eye out for cheetahs. Kidepo Valley is the only park in Uganda where you can spot these majestic big cats in the wild! It’s not just about the speedy cats though, you can see lions, elephants, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s zebras and warthogs… and with 475 species of bird too, that’s just the start.   Cat is so wonderfully knowledgeable about Uganda. She’s got the first-hand knowledge and experience needed to design a Uganda holiday that’s absolutely perfect for you. So, whether bird-watching is a top priority, or extra time with the majestic gorillas – she can get that sorted. Give her a call today on 01242 253 073 or email [email protected] .     Latest Posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  

It’s World Animal Day! So, we thought we’d share 9 of our favourite wildlife holiday ideas to inspire you to take a walk on the wild side – responsibly of course! So, whether you want to mingle with mammals, frolic with fishes, meander with marsupials or potter with primates, we’ve got you covered. Our wonderful world is full to bursting with phenomenal wildlife, just waiting to be responsibly encountered and ready to feature in your holiday highlights forevermore. Here are 9 wildlife holiday ideas that are all about ambling with the animals.   1. Trek with the mountain gorillas in Uganda Home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas, your chances of a life-changing gorilla encounter are high in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park . However, planning ahead is a must here: Tight regulations on gorilla tracking permits ensure visitor numbers are limited and the gorillas’ habitat and space are protected. This control over the numbers though, means that you’re guaranteed an exclusive experience even in peak travel season.     2. Elephants, monkeys, birdlife and whales on South Africa’s Garden Route South Africa has to feature on any list of wildlife holiday ideas. Whether you’re keen for a safari to spot the Big 5, a whale watching trip to get as close as possible to the giants of the deep, or a fun-filled family day out at one of the many wildlife sanctuaries, you’re in for a treat here. South Africa’s Garden Route has it all: Brilliant whale watching opportunities (best between July and November), breathtaking scenery and walks, as well as excellent elephant , bird and monkey sanctuaries to enjoy. Get close to these magnificent animals and learn all about what the centres are doing to protect South Africa’s beloved wildlife. Read more >   3. Meet the locals of an underwater world in the Maldives The Maldives might not come to mind straight away when you’re thinking about wildlife holiday ideas. However, when you look beneath the waves there’s a whole colourful world of magical underwater wildlife to discover. With crystal clear waters and rainbow-coloured fish, our Maldives expert, Rebecca, recommends OBLU at Helengeti resort for the most wonderful coral reef just waiting for you to explore… Read more >   4. Witness the largest gathering of Asian elephants on earth in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park Throughout the year, large numbers of Asian elephants can be seen in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park . Minneriya National Park sits to the northeast of Sigiriya and offers a welcome change of scenery from the ancient ruins that dominate the area. The park is home to the large and ancient Minneriya Tank, and it boasts an enormous variety of habitat and wildlife, covered in dry tropical forest, grasslands and wetlands. Its main draw and principle attraction are the elephants, particularly during the dry season. Between July and September, when the smaller water holes have dried up, the elephants gather in huge numbers, more than anywhere else on earth. Head to Sri Lanka to witness a wildlife phenomenon you’ll never forget. Read more >   5. Spot the ‘Big 5’ and more in Tanzania’s Serengeti If you’re looking for wildlife holiday ideas that will get you up close and personal with Africa’s Big-5; Tanzania is just magic. Whether this will be your first time on safari or you’re a seasoned pro, your Serengeti experience will stay with you for a lifetime. Combining wildlife wonders with top-notch comfort, this holiday idea will see you exploring the high wildlife density of Tarangire , the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park , the staggeringly beautiful Ngorongoro crater and the unfathomable vastness of the Serengeti . Talk to our specialists about visiting at the right time of year to witness the great migration too! What’s more, once you’ve been blown away by more African wildlife than you could wish for, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar make the perfect end to a perfect holiday. Read more>   6. Cloudforests, the Amazon and the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Taking in the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest , Ecuadorian Amazon and the fearless animals of the Galapagos , this 14-day itinerary is the dream for wildlife enthusiasts. With incredible wildlife to uncover, dramatic scenery to be wowed by, thousands of different types of flora and fauna to learn about and encounters with some of the most intrepid animals on earth, this wildlife holiday idea really does have it all. An expedition to the Galapagos islands is something we believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. There will be snorkelling trips to see colourful marine life in the morning, strolls through the highlands to spot tortoises and boat rides to see blue-footed boobies nesting in the rocks. You’ll be accompanied throughout by your naturalist guide who is on hand to answer questions and will give details on the geology and wildlife of each destination. Fortunately, there are strict measures in place to protect this fragile ecosystem, so that visitors have as little impact as is possible. Read more>   7. Explore the jungles of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Quite simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula is unmatched anywhere else in the country. This isolated and remote outcrop of land juts out into Pacific Ocean is blanketed in dense rainforest offering the most intense biodiversity in all Central America. It’s a little tricky to get to, but the rewards make the effort more than worth it. This wildlife holiday idea has been carefully designed with real wildlife enthusiasts in mind, following a route that showcases a wide variety of natural habitats and some of the best reserves in the country. The Corcovado National Park receives regular acclaim for the sheer number of bird and mammal species recorded here. And exploring the jungle throughout the peninsula provides opportunities to spot all four of Costa Rica’s species of monkey, two-toed sloths and other curious mammals such as anteaters and tayras. Reptiles and unusual insects abound, whilst bird lovers will also delight in the sight of scarlet macaws soaring above black-sand beaches or the opportunity to glimpse unusual species such as the black-cheeked Ant tanager, almost impossible to see anywhere else in Costa Rica. Read more>   8. Hang with the orangutans in Borneo Borneo is one of the best places on earth to see orangutan in the wild. Sepilok in particular, is famous as one of the world’s best orangutan viewing locations, home to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where the animals roam freely in the rainforest and often swing by the centre at feeding time, allowing visitors a heart-warming encounter. Nearby there is also the option to visit the excellent Sun Bear Conservation Centre , and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where you will learn more about the vital part these creatures play in the ecosystem and the efforts made to protect them. Read more >   9. Track the endangered black rhino in Namibia Namibia is an enlightened eco-tourism destination and their Save the Rhino Trust is one of Africa’s most celebrated conservation bodies. Visiting the Desert Rhino Camp in the Palmwag area of Damaraland to track the magnificent black rhino on foot, really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll feel honoured to have. The 450,000-hectare Palmwag Concession is a remote and very special place, home to Africa’s largest remaining population of endangered black rhino. Guests at Desert Rhino Camp have the privileged opportunity to track these fabulous animals with a skilled guide, often accompanied by a researcher for the Save The Rhino Trust, a pioneering conservation body in Palmwag for close to 20 years. The excursion begins with a leisurely nature drive, while trackers work in the background to locate rhinos. They will then radio your driver who takes you to within a short distance of the animal without causing disturbance through engine noise. Then comes the really exciting bit, as you leave the vehicle and walk as close to the rhino as possible, without startling it or causing any danger to human life and limb! This is a thrilling activity and a real treat, genuinely one of the most unique and exciting things you can do in Southern Africa. Read more >     We’re at the end of the phone to help you plan that unforgettable holiday, packed to the rafters with pinch-yourself wildlife encounters.  So, email us or give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat to our travel-loving team about your holiday ideas. We’d love to help!    

We’ve done it again! This week majestic  Uganda has been added to our portfolio of destinations! So, we thought we’d share our recommended ’10 days in Uganda’ classic itinerary to celebrate! As a small but growing tour provider, we love nothing more than adding a new country to our list. A great deal of thought and work goes on behind the scenes before we consider doing so. We pride ourselves on being specialists in each destination we offer. So, we’d only launch a new country when we know we can offer incredible trips backed up by the personal experiences and knowledge of our team. Uganda – frequently heralded as ‘the jewel of Africa’ – is a stunning and fascinating country to visit. A kingdom of many awe-inspiring landscapes, from lush rainforests and never-ending African plains to roaring waterfalls and mountainous backdrops, its beauty is undeniable. Above all though, it is without a doubt one of the best places on earth to see primates in the wild. With opportunities to track endangered mountain gorillas and walk with wild chimpanzees as well as multiple safari options, Uganda is a wildlife-enthusiasts dream destination. This Ugandan itinerary put together by Emma, our Uganda specialist here at HA, aims to hit all the highlights whilst making sure you really get a feel for the country. Every trip we design is 100% bespoke to you and what you want to get from a holiday, so this really is just one option. If you like what you see but fancy tweaking it a little to really suit your needs, give Emma a call to plan your perfect Uganda adventure. Let’s go!   A Perfect 10 days in Uganda Day One – Uganda awaits Your adventure starts with an overnight flight from the UK to Nairobi. Flights take between 10 and 12 hours. So you’ve got plenty of time to put your feet up, indulge in a host of in-flight movies and feast on multiple bags of peanuts today!   Day Two – Explore Entebbe, the gateway to Uganda This morning you’ll hop on a connecting flight to Entebbe – (don’t worry, this one’s only a little over an hour!). Although smaller than neighbouring capital Kampala, Entebbe is home to the country’s main airport. For that reason, it has become the central hub for visitors arriving in and leaving Uganda. On arrival, you’ll be met by a friendly local guide and will have the chance to explore some of the highlights of the area. It’s undeniable that you’re going to be beside yourself with excitement for the wildlife adventures to come, but there are some sights worth visiting in Entebbe first to whet your appetite. Entebbe is a city perching on the Northern shores of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria. You could head across the lake this afternoon to the Mabamba Swamps , hop in a canoe and challenge yourself to spot the rare and elusive African Shoebill. Or give yourself the perfect introduction to the country with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre . This 72-acre complex was established in 1994 to protect and rehabilitate local wildlife and will allow you your first glimpse at a chimpanzee.   Day Three – Arrive in Bwindi Another quick flight this morning as you hop on a connection to Bwindi. As there’s so much to see, flying between the main sights leaves you much more time for those all-important animal encounters. We want to really make sure you get the most out of these 10 days in Uganda. Without doubt the opportunity to spend time with majestic gorillas will be the focus of your time in Bwindi; but before the excitement of that tomorrow, it’s worth taking some time to explore the surrounding areas… If you’re a keen birdwatcher, grab your binoculars and enjoy a guided bird walk through the lush tropical rainforests. There are an incredible 350 species of bird said to live amidst the green, so your bird-spotting eyes will most definitely be kept busy! With so much of your visit to Uganda focused, quite rightly, on the incredible wildlife, you might choose to take a day to get under the skin of the local communities. Join a guide and explore the suspended forest walkways as you get more of a feel for the beautiful area and the Batwa people who live in the surrounding villages. Learning about their culture and way of life will give you a valuable insight into what it’s like to live on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest. Make sure you get plenty of kip tonight as two incredible (but strenuous!) days with the gorillas await!   Day Four – Explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest The day has arrived! Uganda is one of the best places in the world to come face to face with our fuzzy primate relatives. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the Serengeti of Uganda, with around 400 incredible mountain gorillas calling the forest home. Mountain gorillas are the most endangered of all the apes in the world. With less than 1,000 left on this earth, having the opportunity to see them in the wild really is a true honour and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. For the good of the gorillas, the local authorities in Uganda have put strict limits on how many visitors can trek with the animals at any one time. This helps ensure the gorilla’s home still feels like home to them as well as giving you a more personal experience. When we chat with you about ideal travel dates, we’ll recommend the best area of Bwindi to stay to ensure you can get permits for your party. Imagine trudging through the hidden paths of the forest, the close air and noises from deep in the bush submerging you fully in this new environment. Out of nowhere, your guide stops, you’ve come across a family of gorillas. This is sure to be one of the most humbling moments of your life, being in the presence of these awe-inspiring animals as they go about their daily life, happy with you there, sharing their morning with you. The hike isn’t easy, but you are more than rewarded for your efforts. Plus, you’ll have expert guides and porters to help with your gear alongside you every step of the way, keeping you safe and ensuring you have the best experience possible in this remarkable part of the world.   Day Five – Discover the Bwindi Waterfalls or get even closer to the gorillas with a full day habituation experience If you fancy a bit more exploring today, why not take a trip to one of the nearby lakes or waterfalls? Gorillas are definitely top of the bill in Bwindi, but they’re not all it has to offer. Consider going on an adventurous forest walk along the Munyaga River Trail (accessed from the North Gate) or the Rushaga Trail (more convenient if you’re staying in the South!). Whichever trail you choose, prepare to be enchanted by the sounds of the forest as the rising heat of the day burns off the early morning mist and you make your way through the green. If you’re lucky you might see a family of colobus monkeys swinging through the vines above your head or perhaps spot rare African green broadbill flitting between the leaves. However, if you are craving a little more time with the gorillas (and no one would blame you!), for even more of a majestic and personal experience we really recommend the gorilla habituation experience. This is a very special full-day excursion and is completely private. Join a team of rangers and researchers as they trek deeper into the forest and track down lesser-visited gorilla families. You get to spend an incredible four hours with the animals on this trip, learning about their habits and lifestyles as well as how the researchers work to introduce new groups of gorillas to human visitors. There aren’t many places in the world where you can spend this amount of time with a species that is so endangered. And today you have the opportunity to add this showstopping experience to your memory bank. This is a spellbinding and humbling excursion not to be missed.     Day Six – Drive to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park and spot the famous tree-climbing lions A bit of a drive today, but it will be worth it when you finish your day at a beautiful lodge in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. After two hours on the road, break up the drive with a morning stop off at the Ishasha Community Project. You’ll get a taste of the real, rural and authentic Uganda here. Spend some time getting to know the local people of Ishasha, hear about how they go about their daily lives and live in harmony alongside Uganda’s wildlife. More importantly, you can take the time to learn about the innovative ways they’re working to pull themselves out of poverty. This really will be such a worth-while and inspiring visit. Hop back in the car as you make your way into the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park , Uganda’s most visited national park. Spanning just shy of 2,000 square kilometres, this natural wonderland boasts a multitude of spectacular but contrasting landscapes and is teeming with wildlife. From lions to elephants, you won’t be short of spotting opportunities here! Soon after entering the park, make a stop off in the remote Ishasha sector for a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions. If you’re lucky enough to come across a male, take note of their very impressive and distinctive black manes. After adding these amazing mammals to your ‘spotted list’, drive on to your lodge and settle down for the evening.   Day Seven – A full day of animal spotting An early start today for what is sure to be yet another highlight of your time in Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, a safari in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park is sure to impress. After a delicious bite of breakfast, jump in a 4×4 and head out with your friendly safari guide ready to explore this vast park. These guides are true experts in their field, having spent years on end studying the animals and their habitats. Whether it be about an animal you encounter, a track on the road or a peculiar plant – you’re sure to learn a fun fact or several on the way! The national park is home to around 95 mammal species and countless birds. Some of the amazing animals you could hope to encounter on your game drive include; buffalo, hippo, crocodile, elephant, leopard, lion and chimpanzee. You could go on a safari drive every day for a month and come across something different and wonderful every time. You’re absolutely in for a treat. After a filling lunch, mix things up a little with a leisurely boat safari on the Kazinga Channel . This truly is an idyllic way to spend a balmy afternoon; floating down the peaceful waterways, passing hippo and crocodile cooling themselves off the banks of the national park. What a day! Travel back to your lodge as the sun falls below the horizon for a hearty dinner around the campfire. Chat about your day until the sky fills with stars and your bed is calling.     Day Eight – Trekking with the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge After a much-needed sleep, wake early for your next primate encounter. This time with primates who share an incredible 90% of their DNA with us, the chimpanzee! Dust off your hiking shoes and walk into the incredible Kyambura Gorge for a morning of chimpanzee trekking. You’ll be accompanied by some very experienced guides who know how to read the chimps’ tracks and predict their movements – giving you the best possible chance of seeing them! Tracking these chimps means you go where they go. Queen Victoria National Park is famous for its volcanic features so you could find yourself negotiating steep gorges or traipsing through dense jungle. You’ll need a fair level of fitness to keep up with the chimps here! After lunch, take a drive (and a well earned rest!) to Kibale Forest National Park in Western Uganda. Keep your cameras handy on the journey because you’ll cross the equator on this trip. It’s not every day you do that! The lush, evergreen rainforest of Kibale is surrounded by dramatic volcanic crater lakes and set beneath the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains. The forest is home to 70 forest mammals including elephants, buffalo and antelope, 13 species of primate and an incredible 375 species of bird, making Kibale Forest one of the top bird-watching destinations in Uganda. Take a few hours this afternoon to walk around the Bigodi Swamps, looking up through the ceiling of palm trees as you go, seeing how many different bird species you can spot.     Day Nine – Get your final fix of the primates You couldn’t see your last full day in Uganda pass by without spending a little more time with the chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park is by far the best place to see chimpanzees, with around 1,500 living in the area and 80-90% of treks achieving successful sightings of the furry primates. So you should absolutely be able to end your Ugandan wildlife adventure on a high here. This final adventure involves a 2-5 hour trek through the thriving forest, the length depending entirely on where the chimpanzees are and how deep into the jungle you need to venture to see them. Once found, the rangers allow visitors to observe the chimps for one hour before leaving to let them go about their business. Being so closely related to us, observing these incredible creatures is nothing short of mesmerising. The way they move, eat and interact all bear such close resemblance to us, you may well feel like you’ve got more in common with these primates than you were expecting!     Day Ten – Hometime On the last of your 10 days in Uganda, sadly the time has come to start your long journey back to the UK. Choose between a lengthy drive or a fast flight back to Entebbe airport before boarding your flight back home. Whenever Emma returns from some time in this amazing kingdom, she spends her journey home ogling over her gorilla photos and pinching herself over what she’s just experienced. We reckon you might just be doing the same!   We hope this suggested 10 days in Uganda has given you a good idea of the remarkable experiences this country has to offer. If you’d like to find out more give us a call on 01242 253 073, we’d love to start designing a trip perfect for you.