
Big Five Safaris in East Africa: Where to See Them
January 12, 2026
Best National Parks for Wildlife Safaris in Kenya
January 12, 2026Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, offers some of the most diverse and rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa. From the iconic Big Five to rare mountain gorillas and exotic birds, the country’s national parks cater to all types of travelers.
Here’s your complete guide to Uganda’s top safari destinations, including where to stay and how to plan your itinerary.
1. Murchison Falls National Park
Why Visit
Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls combines dramatic waterfalls, the Nile River, and savannahs teeming with elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and hippos.

Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options
-
Budget: Red chilli
-
Midrange: Pakuba safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge
Sample 2-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
-
Morning: Drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls
-
Afternoon: Game drive to spot lions, elephants, and giraffes
-
Evening: Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 2:
-
Morning: Boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
-
Afternoon: Optional hiking to the top of the falls
-
Evening: Return to lodge or transfer back to Kampala
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Why Visit
Famous for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, diverse ecosystems, and the Kazinga Channel, this park offers exceptional wildlife variety.
Accommodation Options
-
Budget: The Bush Lodge
-
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (premium wing), Katara Lodge
Sample 3-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
-
Drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth NP
-
Afternoon game drive along open savannahs
Day 2:
-
Morning: Ishasha sector to see tree-climbing lions
-
Afternoon: Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 3:
-
Optional nature walk or birdwatching
-
Drive back to Kampala
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Why Visit
Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering rainforest treks and primate encounters.
Accommodation Options
-
Budget:Rushaga havens Lodge
-
Midrange: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge,Rushaga Gorilla camp
-
Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge,Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge
Sample 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and check-in at lodge near Buhoma
Day 2: Gorilla trekking expedition with expert guides
Day 3: Optional nature walk to spot monkeys and birds, then transfer to Kampala or next park
4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Why Visit
A quieter, less visited park perfect for family friendly gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking, set against the dramatic Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation Options
-
Budget: Community Campsites near Kisoro
-
Midrange: Volcanoes Safaris Camp
-
Luxury: Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge
Sample 2-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and golden monkey trekking
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or optional volcano hike
-
Transfer back to Kisoro or onward to Bwindi
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Why Visit
Remote and untouched, Kidepo offers true wilderness and spectacular Big Five sightings with fewer tourists.
Accommodation Options
-
Budget: Kidepo Safari Camp
-
Midrange: Apoka Safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Karamoja Wilderness Camp

Apoka Safari Lodge
Sample 3-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly or drive to Kidepo, evening game drive
Day 2: Full-day game drives exploring savannah and hills
Day 3: Morning game drive, then return to Kampala via chartered flight
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Why Visit
A smaller park with rolling hills, acacia woodland, and numerous lakes, Lake Mburo is ideal for short safaris and birdwatching.
Accommodation Options
-
Budget: Lake Mburo Campsites
-
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
-
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Rwakobo Rock
Sample 2-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and afternoon game drive
Day 2: Walking safari and boat ride on Lake Mburo
-
Afternoon: Transfer to Kampala
Safari Tips from Adira Safaris
-
Combine Parks: Bwindi + Queen Elizabeth NP is a popular combination
-
Book Gorilla Permits Early: Limited slots for trekking
-
Hire Experienced Guides: Improves wildlife spotting chances
-
Porters Are Your Friend: Especially for steep rainforest trails
Plan Your Uganda Wildlife Safari with Adira Safaris
With a combination of well chosen parks, comfortable accommodations, and expert guides, Uganda offers some of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Africa.
Contact Adira Safaris today to create your personalized wildlife itinerary in Uganda.











