Uganda

Uganda is a vast country and lends itself perfectly to exploring with your own guide or driver. Not only does this allow you to get to know the great natural diversity, but it is also the way to follow daily life in Uganda in an approachable way. In between the parks, there are all kinds of fun cultural trips and visits to make, a trip without this cultural aspect would really sell the country short!

That natural diversity is finger-licking good: great safari wildlife, spectacular bird life, and many primates, including chimpanzees and the amazing mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

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On safari in Uganda

Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” as it was called by Winston Churchill, is characterized by a relatively dry and flat savannah in the north. Green mountains in the west and vast dense and remarkably lush forests can be found in the central region. The country is home to an amazingly diverse array of African wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla, which can be found in the impenetrable Bwindi Forest. A popular spot for wildlife spotting is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to four of the Big Five, colorful flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can fix their adrenaline with numerous activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horseback riding. Add to that the friendly locals, burgeoning culture and a capital full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants. It’s easy to see why Uganda has earned itself a reputation as ‘Africa’s friendliest country’.

Nature reserves in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular savanna park in Uganda. It is a great location to see lions, including tree-climbing lions. For a safari, it is one of the best destinations to go to. Why even more. A great diversity of habitats, including: lakes, savanna grasslands, forests and wetlands. And the largest variety of large mammals in the country. Balloon safaris, Chimp tracking, boat trips, follower spotting and four of the ‘Big Five’; everything is possible.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

A safari to Bwindi Forest is a visit to one of the most special places on earth. Since 1994, the park has welcomed travelers from around the world to experience epic gorilla tracking. Experience for yourself the magic of gorilla country. But also special variety of flora, amazing wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and pristine rivers..

Climate Uganda

Uganda has a subtropical climate because of its location on the equator. The average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius. In December, January and February it is even a bit warmer. In Uganda, rain can persist throughout the year. There are two rainy seasons in Uganda: March and April, and in October and November. The great advantage of this is that it brings out the green character of the country. The chimpanzees descend on the food, especially the fruits, that grow on the trees. The best time to visit Uganda is between the rain seasons.

Map Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The most popular savanna park in Uganda and the best place to see lions, including tree-climbing lions. Encounter a wide variety of habitats including: lakes, savanna grasslands, forests and wetlands that serve as home to the largest variety of large mammals in the country.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

As the name suggests, the park was established to protect the rare mountain gorillas that live in the dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered 'golden' monkey. The park is not only important for wildlife, but also has tremendous cultural significance, especially for the indigenous Batwa pygmies.

Lake Mburo National Park

A very special place; every part of it is alive with variety, interest and color. Lake Mburo contains a vast swamp area and is home to several species of mammals and birds found nowhere else in Uganda.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha and includes the main part of the Rwenzori mountain range, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of the most beautiful alpine regions in Africa.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the most important conservation projects in Uganda. The sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where visitors can track the endangered white rhinos on foot and up close.

Mount Elgon National Park

Home to more than 300 bird species, including the endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating a vast transboundary nature reserve declared a Man & Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Murchison Falls National Park

Best known for the most powerful waterfall in the world. Every second, the equivalent of 200 bathtubs full of water is forced through a gorge less than seven paces wide. The pressure is so great that the ground vibrates around it.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo valley national park is an important birding area in Uganda with nearly 450 bird species. It is a dream destination in Uganda for birding expeditions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located at the junction of the plains and mountain forests, Bwindi covers over 32,000 ha. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with over 160 tree species and more than 100 fern species. It is also home to many species of birds and butterflies, as well as many endangered wildlife, including the mountain gorilla.

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    Reviews

    After a personal and enthusiastic visit by Oscar at our home, he quickly mapped out a wonderful trip, completely based on our wishes. Just before we left, we received the navigation and a detailed itinerary. Even though we were looking forward to this immensely, we never imagined that the trip through this beautiful country would be so special! During this trip, we did the Garden Route by rental car from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and then from Johannesburg via the Panorama Route (a private reserve), the Kruger National Park and Swaziland, to the coast. Except for the flights, Oscar arranged everything for us down to the last detail. He allowed us to be able to see and experience the different facets of South Africa in one trip. The views of oceans, mountains and reserves from the accommodations or in the areas were often too beautiful and special to explain in words. The long car rides (which were necessary to cover the enormously long distances in South Africa) were not a problem at all due to the carefully selected itineraries. To sum up: a very nice trip that we owe to Oscar’s dedication, experience, enthusiasm and network.

     

    Worth mentioning: We had only booked a rental car in advance from the third day. But because the weather in Cape Town was quite bad we wanted the car a day earlier. Oscar was able to arrange this for us within a few hours, and without any problem the car was at our accommodation the next day. Then when we couldn’t get the navigation to work, Oscar again helped us arrive at our destination before dark.

     

    From day one to day fourteen everything was arranged perfectly, every detail and every mile according to the booklets. Fantastic nature and views, campsite’s and lodges very well organized and perfectly matched! The self-drive concept is recommended to everyone, exciting but also very relaxing, because you become one with everything you encounter. Oscar thank you so much for this wonderful trip and we will definitely use your services again soon!

    In December we took a trip through South Africa put together by Oscar, which was organized to perfection. From Johannesburg we traveled via the “Drakenberg Route” to the “Greater Kruger”, where an unforgettable safari awaited us. Oscar had booked a beautiful lodge for us, where we were completely pampered. A great experience, where we were amazed every day by the impressive nature. Seeing the Big Five, accompanied by amazing rangers and people at the park, was an experience beyond all our expectations. The Ngala reserve booked by Oscar did everything they could to make the most of our trip, from breakfast in the jungle to searching for leopards at night, amazing!After the safari we flew back to Johannesburg and then on to Port-Elizabeth. Here we started the flower route with Jeffreys Bay as our first destination. A beautiful surf spot, where Africa Safaris had booked a cozy family hotel for us. After several more wonderful nights in Swellendam, and Hermanus we traveled further to the wine region of Stellenbosch / Franschhoek. Again a fantastic place, with wonderful wineries, super food, and a wonderful hotel. Finally, we concluded our trip in Cape Town, where again we were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation booked for us and were able to fully enjoy this living metropolis. With the help of Oscar we were able to have a trip to remember. Through an orientation meeting, Oscar was able to completely tailor the trip to our needs, all hotels, and accommodations were fantastic. Totally organized, in the most beautiful places and completely carefree.Thanks again for this great experience!

    Our trip through Namibia in January 2017.What a beautiful country! Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful with intense colors and breathtaking views. The trip was perfectly put together by Oscar Haartman and extensively documented. Adventurous and unforgettable! We drove about 3000 km with 2 cars incl. tent on the roof. The alternation of campsites and lodges was absolutely fine. The beautifully located campsites also made camping an experience! Kalahari desert, Sossusvlei, few days coast and Etosha game reserve, how much we enjoyed! Thank you Oscar for your great service and guidance, you gave us a great trip!