These walking safaris invite you to be an active participant in your adventure, using all your senses to discover Uganda’s natural wonders. With a range of forest trails and high-altitude hikes, walking safaris offer one of the best ways to connect with the “Pearl of Africa” and its warm, welcoming people. Uganda’s national parks, renowned for their biodiversity, are the perfect backdrop for these excursions, complemented by the country’s pleasant year-round climate and vibrant culture.
Top Walking Safari Destinations in Uganda
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a gem for walking safaris and one of Uganda’s most accessible national parks. Though often underestimated due to its size, the park offers rich rewards for those who explore its savannahs on foot. It’s among the safest parks in Uganda, with fewer predators like lions or leopards, making it ideal for walking excursions. While strolling through the park, you’ll encounter zebra herds, impalas, elands, giraffes, and other grazing wildlife in their natural habitat. These walking safaris allow you to capture stunning photographs of both the wildlife and the park’s striking landscapes.
Kidepo Valley National Park
In northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote wilderness and an exceptional destination for walking safaris. Known for its rugged beauty and unspoiled terrain, Kidepo offers unparalleled opportunities for nature walks. The park’s isolation means that wildlife is abundant and easy to observe. Buffalo herds, distant prides of lions, and giraffes are among the animals you may encounter on foot. Since Kidepo sees fewer visitors, the wildlife remains wild and uninhibited, offering a raw and authentic safari experience. However, it’s essential to stay close to your guide for safety.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzees, offers extraordinary walking safaris through dense tropical forests. As a primarily forested park, walking is the primary way to experience its rich wildlife. On these forest treks, you’ll likely encounter chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. These guided walks through the towering trees provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of these fascinating primates, while the forest’s serenity offers a deep connection to nature.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of Uganda’s most iconic parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers unforgettable walking safaris through its ancient, dense forests. Famous for mountain gorilla trekking, Bwindi allows visitors to spend precious time with these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Several sectors within the park—Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija—offer gorilla trekking experiences, with Buhoma and Nkuringo being the most popular. Beyond the gorillas, walking safaris in Bwindi reveal the park’s natural beauty, from rushing streams beneath the dense jungle canopy to the abundant birdlife and other forest primates. These walks also offer a chance to visit the Batwa community, the indigenous pygmy people of the Congo forest, and gain insights into their ancient culture.
Uganda’s walking safaris present an unparalleled way to experience the country’s rich landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re trekking through misty forests, crossing open savannahs, or climbing rugged hills, these safaris offer a deeper connection to Uganda’s natural splendour, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
