Destination: Uganda

Explore this fascinating East African country with us

Offering incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife, and culture, Uganda is packed with wonderful destinations, superlative experiences, and exceptional accommodation options. An Anderson & Harvey safari to this wonderful East African nation is bound to impress and we pride ourselves on creating exceptional Ugandan itineraries that encapsulate the vibrant spirit of this fascinating country. Let's find out more about it...

There's no doubting Uganda's appeal as a safari destination. It's renowned the world over for being home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park its crowning glory. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws visitors from across the globe every year in search of unique interactions with these incredible great apes.


Gorilla trekking is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The excitement of navigating the rainforest, guided by skilled trackers, culminates in an extraordinary hour spent with a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Observing mothers cradling their young, playful juveniles exploring the undergrowth, and powerful silverbacks overseeing their group is a profoundly moving experience that highlights Uganda's remarkable conservation efforts.


But there's so much more to Uganda than gorillas and its diversity extends beyond the ancient forests of Bwindi. Kibale National Park, for example, is a lush rainforest that's home to an incredible array of primate species - the most famous of which is our closest "relative" - the chimpanzee. Here they can be seen literally swinging through the canopy, their calls resonating through the dense foliage. Red colobus monkeys, with their striking black and red fur, leap between branches, while L'Hoest's monkeys shyly pose for photographers.


More 350 bird species inhabit Kibale, from the elusive African pitta to the vibrant great blue turaco. For thrill-seekers, a canopy walk through Kibale rainforest, crossing suspended bridges high above the forest floor, offers a unique perspective of the lush vegetation and the chorus of birdlife below.


For a different experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a more traditional safari experience, with the added drawcard of offering boat-based safari options on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway teeming with hippo and crocodiles, and surrounded by lush savannahs and woodlands filled with elephant, buffalo, and diverse bird species. Here lions climb trees, creating unique photo opportunities!


Murchison Falls National Park also provides a fabulous African safari experience, with its vast savannahs and acacia woodlands filled with wildlife, including herds of elephant, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and exceptional birdlife. Predators like lion and leopard add to the allure of this world-class safari destination. The park's highlight is Murchison Falls, where the nascent Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. It's here you can also see the spectacular shoebill stork - a top "tick" for avid birders!


For those seeking adventure, Uganda offers challenging hikes such as the ascent of Mount Elgon, a dormant volcano with stunning panoramic views. Reaching the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking vistas.


On the cultural front, Ugandan cuisine is a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. Savour "luwombo," a stew of meat or fish cooked in banana leaves with vegetables and spices, a staple of Ugandan cuisine. Enjoy "rolex," a popular street food consisting of an omelette rolled in a chapati, or try "matoke," steamed and mashed plantains served with a savoury sauce. Ugandan coffee, renowned for its rich and aromatic flavour, is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts.


Uganda's cultural tapestry is as rich as its natural beauty. The country is home to over 50 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, music, dance, and crafts. The Baganda, the largest ethnic group, are known for their vibrant ceremonies and intricate bark cloth creations. Traditional dance and music performances, featuring instruments like the adungu (a type of harp) and the embaire (a large xylophone), provide a captivating insight into Uganda's cultural heritage.


From a cultural perspective, the vibrant capital city of Kampala is a destination worth exploring, offering a dynamic blend of urban experiences, cultural interactions, and historical exploration. Numerous tours are available to help visitors make the most of their time in this bustling city. From guided city tours that take you through the heart of Kampala, exploring its key landmarks and historical sites, to arts and food tours delving into the bustling markets and local art, music, and restaurant scene, there's something for everyone.


Get in touch to chat to us about putting together a Ugandan safari for your clients.

Stone Town first!

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The soul of the Serengeti

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Every year, without fail, the images begin to circulate. Wildebeest launching themselves into the Mara River, crocodiles surging through churning brown water, the chaos and the courage of thousands of animals crossing at once.

Uganda - a land of unlimited adventure

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Uganda has long been associated with gorilla trekking, but reducing it to a single experience undersells its importance within East Africa. Uganda can stand confidently on its own or add powerful contrast when paired with Kenya or Tanzania.

Why East Africa still defines the classic safari

February 25, 2026
For many, the idea of an African safari begins and ends with East Africa. It is here that the original safari routes took shape, where endless savannahs stretch to the horizon, and where wildlife encounters unfold on a scale that still feels almost cinematic.

Designing year-round Serengeti safaris

January 28, 2026
The Serengeti is often defined by the Great Migration, but a well-crafted safari reveals that this vast ecosystem has so much more to offer. From rolling grasslands and rocky kopjes to riverine forests and wetlands, the Serengeti supports year-round wildlife activity, creating opportunities for memorable encounters.

10 essential building blocks for a great safari

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There is a moment every good safari itinerary should deliver. That quiet click, when everything suddenly makes sense. Flights line up. Landscapes flow. Wildlife encounters feel earned rather than staged. For all of us, this moment does not happen by accident.

The return of the rhino

December 9, 2025
The sight of a black rhinoceros moving silently through the bush is among the rarest and most thrilling moments on any East African safari. Once widespread across the region’s great plains, forests and highlands, both black and white rhinos suffered catastrophic declines in the 20th century due to relentless poaching.

On the trail of predators

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The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem stands as one of the most iconic wildlife landscapes in the world, a sprawling expanse of savannah, riverine forest and kopjes that has shaped our understanding of Africa’s great predators.

On the trail of the painted wolf

November 20, 2025
Few animals embody the spirit of Africa’s wild places quite like the painted wolf (Lycaon pictus) also known as the African wild dog. Their mottled coats of black, brown, white and yellow create a living mosaic that is as unique as each individual.

Lakes of life

November 20, 2025
East Africa is famously associated with sweeping savannahs and spectacular wildlife migrations. Yet its landscape is also defined by a remarkable constellation of lakes, each a vital ecosystem offering unique wildlife.