Uganda Safari (Podcast)

Hear about going on safari in Uganda as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jagdeep Sahni about his recent trip to this East African country.

Why should you go to Uganda?

Jagdeep says, “It’s really the big selection of landscapes and natural beauty. If you’re a wildlife or nature enthusiast, it packs a big punch with a broad selection. you see the Savannah wetland swamps lakes. The Nile River has a big presence. And of course, the rainforest with wildlife Uganda is most famous, for primate viewing, especially the endangered mountain gorillas in the rainforest.”

“But you can see the big five in Uganda. So to summarize, the big reason to go is really the variety of safari experiences, game drives, walking safari forest tracks, boat safari, hiking. I describe it as in terms of your experiences per dollar or your experiences per day. Uganda is very compelling.”

Jagdeep describes a one-week itinerary to Uganda with a variety of safari experiences. He flew into Entebbe and immediately headed north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Rhinos are extinct in the wild in Uganda but this project hopes to re-introduce them. He did walking treks to see Rhinos as well as birds like the Shoebill. He also did a canoe ride through the swamp.

His next stop was Murchison Falls National Park near Lake Albert and the border with the DRC. Murchison Falls are formed by a 25-foot narrow channel on the Nile River. There are ranger-led hiking opportunities in the park, including a hike to Freedom Falls. He did an evening game drive where he saw wildlife that included the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.

Jagdeep’s trip was with a guide and driver which can be an affordable option in Uganda.

The next day was a boat safari on the Nile River among the elephants, hippos, and other wildlife, heading up the river to the falls.

In the Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Jagdeep was able to do a Chimpanzee trek, before driving on to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular savanna park in the country. While Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, the lions did not get a copy of Jagdeep’s travel schedule and were out of the country in the Congo at the time of his visit. This park may not have the same abundance of wildlife as in the Serengeti, but it also has very few tourists.

His final adventure was a gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is a strenuous hike to spend an hour with a gorilla family, including in Jagdeep’s case a newborn baby gorilla. He had intentionally saved this best experience for last. Gorilla trekking comes with a $700 price tag, but is worth the money.

For wildlife with more variety in a small country and far fewer tourists, consider Uganda for your next safari adventure.