Exploring Uganda’s natural wonders with Rafiki Safaris

Uganda is famed for its mist-shrouded, forest-laden mountains and wide-open savannahs that stretch out over vast expanses. Among the Pearl of Africa’s hidden gems are five national parks just waiting to be discovered with leading safari operator, Rafiki Safaris: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Take an unforgettable gorilla trek to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Tucked away in the south-western part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is incredibly home to over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can trek through this ancient forest, observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and learning about the importance of the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. And whilst seeing gorillas might be the highlight, Bwindi is also home to more than 350 bird species and 120 other mammals.

Marvel at the power of the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park

Located in the country’s north-west, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, covering some 3,840 square kilometres. The highlight is, of course, Murchison Falls, where the River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres with a thunderous roar to produce one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.  The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes and giraffes, as well as crocodiles, hippos and lions. And a great way to take much of it in is through a Nile boat cruise.

Experience the ultimate safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the country’s Ishasha sector. Not only can you spot lions lounging on fig trees, but the park’s diverse ecosystem of savannahs, wetlands, forests and lakes means it is home to over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. Game drives provide visitors the opportunity to spot buffaloes, elephants, leopards and the elusive Ugandan kob, whilst hippos and crocodiles can be found congregating on the banks of the Kazinga Channel.

Witness true African wilderness at Kidepo Valley National Park

Uganda’s remote north-eastern corner is home to one of the most dramatic but perhaps least visited parks. The somewhat isolated Kidepo Valley National Park is nevertheless home to elephants, zebras, cheetahs, ostriches and the rare roan antelope who rely on the Kidepo and Narus rivers. Game drives through the park are rather special and intimate, with hardly any other vehicles in sight, whilst it’s also an opportunity to learn about the Karamoja culture, known for their rich traditions and colourful ceremonies.

Climb the Rwenzori Mountains

There are several ways to climb the Rwenzori Mountains but the 7-day circular tour from the trailhead at Mihunga, followed by an ascent of the Bujuku Valley via Nyabitaba is a great way to acclimatise before reaching the peaks. A traverse of the Scott Elliot and Freshfield passes is followed by a descent through the Mubuku Valley. Climbers can scale the snow peaks though the exceptional scenery offers more than ample reward for their exertions.

Expand your adventure across East Africa

Whilst exploring Uganda’s national parks offers an incredible variety of wildlife encounters and scenic beauty, there’s much to see beyond Uganda’s borders too.  The neighbouring countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda all offer a rich and diverse African experience.

Witness the incredible sight of the Great Migration as millions of wildebeests and zebras pass through Kenya’s Masai Mara, or visit a local Maasai community to experience their culture and way of living first hand.

Rafiki Safaris also takes visitors to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, both UNESCO World Heritage sites that are renowned for their abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Or round off your East African adventure with a visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rafiki Safaris.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.