Western Uganda safari holiday

Entebbe is the jump-off point for most Uganda safari holidays, as it is home to the country’s only international airport.

It’s also the hub for light-aircraft flights to all the main attractions, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.

Most stays in Entebbe will be short and sweet, providing a place of rest and recharge after a long international journey, ahead of an early flight out the following morning. However, for those willing to stay longer, its location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria provides a charming setting for a buzzing town

Kibale National Park and the surrounding crater lake region is one of the most beautiful and verdant parts of Uganda.

Kibale Forest is arguably the most wonderful place to track chimpanzees in all of East Africa. The forest is home to over 1,450 chimpanzees, many of which have been habituated to humans over the last few decades.

Kibale National Park is home to 13 primate species in total, including red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest also supports an incredible variety of birdlife, as well as large mammals, such as elephants.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is a spectacular national park with a diversity of wildlife and habitat that’s tough to beat.

Uganda’s answer to the big game reserves of Kenya and Tanzania, QENP is the most visited national park in Uganda. With almost 2,000 square kilometres to explore, it’s easy to see why.

The park is located in the west of Uganda and stretches from Lake George in the north east to the Virunga mountains in the south west.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its population of tree-climbing lions, who rest in fig trees. This unusual behaviour can be observed in the Ishasha area of the park in the south west.

The Kasenyi sector of the park, close to Lake George, is home to the greatest density of wildlife, including large herds of elephant, buffalo, and varied antelope, such as the Ugandan Kob.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most magical and evocative safari locations on the planet.

Its name alone conjures up images of mist-covered rainforest, home to the legendary mountain gorillas.

Once at risk of extinction, the gorilla population of Bwindi is now thriving, thanks to tireless conservation efforts and the benefits of international tourism. Today, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than 50% of the world’s wild mountain gorillas.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi is also home to some stunning hiking trails, phenomenal community co-operatives, and colourful birdlife. In short, no Uganda safari holiday would be complete without some time spent here.

No.5 Boutique Hotel is a lovely, modern property, ideally located close to the international airport.

Entebbe is the start and end point for most Uganda safari holidays; No.5 Boutique Hotel provides the perfect sanctuary to catch breath and ease tired legs.

The property is built around a lawned courtyard, complete with an appealing swimming pool for cooling off in the day. The service is excellent and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

Accommodation is provided in a choice of luxury rooms and two-storey apartments. All have air-conditioning and comfortable furnishings. The apartments have the added benefit of a balcony and an open plan living room and kitchenette.

Ndali Lodge is a gorgeous family home that’s been converted to a lodge in the heart of the crater lake region of Western Uganda.

The property sits in the grounds of an old tea estate and is perched on the rim of Lake Nyinambuga, one of the largest crater lakes. The lake famously features on the 20,000 Ugandan Shilling note.

The lodge is accessed via a 60 minute drive from Kasese airstrip and is 45 minutes from the chimpanzee tracking departure point in Kibale National Park.

Activities here are numerous and many involve beautiful scenic walks, exploring the surrounds. Guests can enjoy guided birding walks, or take a lap of the lake, enjoying the wonderful scenery. The lodge staff will also gladly show you around the estate, where you’ll learn about the coffee, cacao and vanilla production that goes on here.

In the centre of the lawn, lies a large swimming pool with a separate child area and stunning views out across the countryside. There’s also an outdoor gym, stand-up paddle boards for use on the lake, a sauna, table tennis, and swings for the children. In short, you won’t be stuck for things to do!

Elephant Plains Lodge is a modern, luxury lodge, located just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Perched upon the western escarpment, the lodge has the most incredible views of the park and Lake George. Set in a private 80 acres, but only 2 minutes away from the park entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy the 270 degree panoramic vistas. The nearby lake Kikorongo serves as a waterhole for buffalo and elephants that come to drink its salty water.

The eight cottages are all fronted with floor-to-ceiling windows and have large verandahs, so you’ll be able to marvel at the views from indoors or out. Furthermore, the two family units can each house 6-8 guests with plenty of space.

Trackers Safari Lodge is a modern, luxury property situated on a hilltop overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, just five minutes drive from the park gate.

Accommodation is provided in log cabins with thatched roofs and wooden floors. Each is equipped with modern amenities and bathrooms, and a terrace overlooking the verdant forest floor. The superior rooms even have their own private jacuzzi.

A big benefit for those travelling as a family is the large swimming pool. At the time of writing, this is the only swimming pool in Bwindi and is for exclusive use by lodge guests.

The poolside clubhouse is furnished with a bar, gym, steam room and massage sala.

At the lodge’s highest point sits the expansive bar and restaurant area. Perched on the top floor, the bar has a huge fireplace as its centerpiece. Outside the balconies have panoramic views of the forest below. A wonderful spot to unwind after a day’s gorilla trekking.

Most visits to Entebbe will involve little more than a welcome meal and perhaps some time by the pool in one of its charming hotels. However, there is much more to enjoy for those who would like to spend a little more time in the city.

Recently, modern shopping malls have been built offering a variety of retail choices. There’s also a scenic golf course to enjoy. The botanical gardens provide an attractive respite in the city centre.

The proximity to Lake Victoria also means that visitors can head out on the lake and enjoy observing the birdlife and wildlife to be found there.

Chimpanzees are endangered, so there aren’t many places left where you can see them in the wild. Luckily, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all feature incredible chimpanzee trekking.

Though the terrain is sometimes challenging, it is also spectacular, and your efforts are rewarded a hundredfold with forest-dwelling wildlife and a number of other primates as well as large numbers of chimpanzees. The birdlife is also outstanding and, in our book, would warrant the hike in its own right.

Your chimpanzee safari will depend on where the family group is on the day. Scouting guides head out early to locate their whereabouts; once they’ve been found, you’ll follow with your own guide.

Boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer a unique perspective on Uganda’s wildlife, especially along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George.

As you glide through the water, spot large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles sunning on the banks, and herds of elephants and buffalo gathering to drink. The channel is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a vibrant array of species on display, making it an unforgettable aquatic safari experience.

The main drawcard is, understandably, the gorillas, so your visit is likely to be planned around your day(s) of gorilla trekking.

Outside of the gorillas, the nearby village of Buhoma offers a range of cultural activities to provide an authentic glimpse into local Ugandan life and traditions.

The Ride for Women co-operative is well worth a visit if you are staying in Buhoma, as is the local children’s art gallery.

Visitors can also embark on community walks to meet the Batwa people, one of the region’s oldest Indigenous communities, and learn about their forest-based way of life. Explore handicraft workshops, taste traditional dishes, and visit local tea plantations to see the cultivation process.