Planning a perfect game viewing safari in Uganda is a dream come true for many travelers, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country’s jaw-dropping wilderness and wildlife species up close. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari goer, a game viewing trip to Uganda promises diverse ecosystems, spectacular landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with iconic wildlife species such as Hippos, Lions, Leopards, African bush elephants, antelopes, and others.
However, planning your unforgettable game viewing safari can be overwhelming. With so much to see, especially in a country with numerous savannah-dominated National Parks as Uganda, most travelers don’t know where to begin. But we are here to help.
With 2026 around the corner, now is the ideal time to start planning your game viewing safari in Uganda to ensure you make the most of this bucket list safari destination. Our comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about planning your Uganda game viewing safari in 2026, from the best destinations and safari experiences available, the best time to visit, and choosing the right accommodation.
Top safari destinations for game viewing in Uganda
Uganda has 10 National Parks, and the best game viewing experiences are achieved from;
Murchison Falls National Park
Let’s start with Murchison Falls National Park, the most popular of Uganda’s 10 National Parks. It is home to 76 mammal species. Get a map and head to the different waterholes, as there is a network of perennial waterholes that draw large herds of game, from the African bush elephants to the Uganda Kobs.
There are also lions, and even leopards if you are lucky. Lions are one of the sought-after game species in Murchison Falls National Park, and you could see them hunting herds of Uganda Kobs and others around water holes.
Also look out for the Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, Topis, Olive baboons, Cape buffaloes, vervet monkeys, warthogs, and serval cats, among others. Game viewing here can be done via game drives, guided walking safaris, or even boat trips.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is a 197800-hectare Protected Area in western Uganda. It is huge (second second-largest National Park in the country), and easy to explore via game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips for unforgettable game viewing experiences.
Think lions, leopards, African bush elephants, cape buffaloes, Topis, spotted hyenas, jackals, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, Hippos, serval cats, and others.
Kidepo Valley National Park
A good place to spot cheetahs during game viewing in Uganda is in Kidepo Valley National Park, in the remote Northeastern part of the country. Kidepo River and Narus Valley support the largest population of wildlife species, although the entire Park supports over 80 mammal species.
Day and afternoon game drives reveal lions, leopards, Topis, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, Rothschild’s giraffes, African bush elephants, cape buffaloes, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, spotted hyenas, and many others.
Kidepo Valley National Park is also home to rare game such as the Bat-eared fox, common ostrich, Mountain reedbuck, caracal, and many others.
Lake Mburo National Park
Want to see impalas and Klipspringers? Head to Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. This is along the highway heading to other western and southwestern safari destinations, and a perfect stop point for game viewing.
This Park is also very good for seeing leopards, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, and there are thought to be lions. You can also see massive herds of Cape buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, Hippos, and many others.
Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park isn’t a prime big game safari destination, but you can still see extraordinary wildlife species that call the savannah region of the Protected Area home.
We are talking Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Uganda Kobs, bush babies, leopards, warthogs, Defassa waterbuck, Genets, white-tailed mongoose, reedbucks, and others. During the dry season, huge herds of buffaloes and elephants migrate towards the permanent waters of the Protected Area, making for phenomenal sightings.
Best time to visit Uganda for a game viewing safari
Choosing the right time to visit Uganda for a game viewing safari is crucial for a successful travel experience.
This country has two distinct seasons, the dry and wet seasons, each providing an incredible experience. The dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February, is considered the perfect time to visit. During this time, animals congregate around water sources, thus making it easier to spot wildlife.
The wet season, from March to May and October to November, brings about verdant greenery and newborn animals. However, it can also make game sightings more challenging due to denser vegetation.
What to pack for your Game viewing safari in Uganda
Packing for a game viewing safari requires careful consideration to ensure you are well prepared for the wilderness’s varying conditions. Here are some of the essentials you need for unforgettable travel experiences;
Neutral-colored clothing: Talk long and short-sleeved shirts, safari pants, pair/s of shorts in earth tones such as green, brown, and Khaki. These colors help you to seamlessly blend into the natural environment. Also, we recommend avoiding bright colors and dark blue as they attract tsetse flies.
Layers: Regardless of the season, mornings and evenings tend to be chilly, and for this reason, it is advisable to pack some lightweight layers that you can easily remove or add.
Comfortable shoes: We recommend sturdy and breathable hiking boots if you have walking safaris in your itinerary. Also, add sandals for relaxing at the Lodge or while on game drives and boat safaris.
Sun protection: you will need sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin from the scotching sunshine.
Camera and binoculars: A good camera with extra lenses and batteries is handy for capturing the beautiful wildlife during your game viewing tour. Additionally, don’t forget a pair of binoculars for watching birds and animals from a distance.
Insect repellent: Bugs, mosquitoes, and other insects can be irritating during your game viewing tour, especially during the wet season. For this reason, we recommend packing an environmentally-friendly insect repellent.
Other essentials for your game viewing safari in Uganda include a reusable water bottle, energy-giving snacks, a backpack, a wildlife and bird guidebook, and many others.