For travelers who enjoy luxury experiences, private tours in Uganda are for you. Dubbed the Pearl of Africa, this is the most beautiful country in Africa. Also, it is renowned for different attractions that range from the 10 national parks and 11 wildlife reserves. These are either savannah or forested conservation areas. Uganda is dotted with unique wildlife, source of the River Nile – longest river on earth and diverse hospitable culture. In addition, the climate is favorable and large water bodies like Lake Victoria, and towering mountain peaks exist.
Uganda has prevailing peace and for a long time since 1986. Peace and security is enforced by a variety of organs. The Uganda People’s Defense Forces, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Local Defense Units are among them. Uganda is also in good terms with her neighbors like D.R. Congo in the west, Kenya in the East, Tanzania and Rwanda in the south and South Sudan in the north.
With that and more, Uganda’s tourism is boosted by different organizations, associations and players. They include private tour operators, Uganda Tourism Board, different tourism institutions, accommodation sites, Uganda Wildlife Authority among others.
Private tours in Uganda therefore can take place in different areas and these can be tailor-made to suit clients’ interests. These safaris normally take place in national parks, communities and cities. There is a lot to do in private tours in Uganda. Bare in mind that they can even be small group tours such as family private tours.
Private tour activities in Uganda.
Game drives are usually carried out in the savannah places of Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls national parks etc. Game drives take place in the open roof 4X4 WD vehicles, in two shifts – morning and afternoon. Each shift takes about 2 to 3 hours and you will be able to spot different animals. Such creatures include lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes like Uganda kobs, bushbucks and waterbucks. These game drives reward you with great moments like the sunset and sunrise, picnic lunch break, bush fruit breakfast etc.
Primate watching.
Big primates to trek and habituate are in the heart of equatorial forests such as Kibale and Bwindi and Mgahinga. They are known for chimpanzees and gorillas respectively. In Mgahinga, golden monkeys live inside. There are other primates that you will meet on your private tour in Uganda. Most of them include vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys among others.
Primate trekking takes an hour while in the presence of a family / troop visited. Chimpanzee habituation takes half a day that of gorillas takes 4 hours. Gorilla habituation can only take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Hot air balloon safari.
This is another adventurous way of spotting savannah wildlife, only done in Murchison Falls National Park. The hot air balloon ride offers visitors a chance to spot wild animals from a bird’s eye. Take 2 hours while flying over the plains.
Upon landing, travellers are treated to a glass of champagne. Meanwhile, non-alcoholics, get offered juice and a cup of coffee. The experience starts and ends with a short game drive from and to the lodge. Now, this is a double experience. An advantage of undertaking a balloon experience is that visitors are flown to the deep, scenic parts of the park. Sometimes, this is where tourist vehicles can hardly reach during a normal game drive.
Boat cruises / launch trips.
These are taken along large water bodies of Uganda. Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo, Albert Nile, River Nile, Kazinga channel, and Lake Bunyonyi. As you take a boat cruise, explore water-loving birds and animals. Get to see creatures like the kingfishers, fish eagles, egrets, hippos, crocodiles among others.
A boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi offers visits to different historical islands such as Bwama Island, Punishment Island among others. The boat cruise in the national parks like Queen Elizabeth lasts for 2 hours. Two shifts are done, the morning and afternoon cruises.
Community and cultural tours.
Uganda has different cultures and among others are Batooro, Batwa, Bakiga, Bagishu, Banyankole and Baganda. All these have unique ways of dressing, dancing, eating, and generally differ in all ways of life. They are normally located around the national parks. Now, they have formed different associations to help them benefit from tourism. Among others are the Isunga Cultural community tours located close to Kibale National Park. This cultural experience exposes the best of Batooro and Bakiga cultures.
Hiking / climbing experiences
Uganda hosts the third highest mountain in Africa – the Rwenzori Mountains, world’s largest Caldera on Mount. Elgon, mount Sabyinyo with its unique summit grants hikers to stand in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda and DRC) at the same time.
Bird watching experience.
This is another incredible adventure to do since the country boasts over 1000 diverse bird species. Birds range from the great blue turacos, green breasted pitta, warblers, vultures and shoebill stork. Birding mainly takes place in areas like swamps, forests, around water bodies, communities among others
Horseback riding tours.
Get horseback rides at Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Fort Portal and Jinja. While on a horseback, visitors go into the wilderness to explore wildlife and landscapes. The experience normally lasts for only 2 hours but filled with rewarding moments.
City tours.
These normally take visitors to tour city-based attractions like museums, local markets, art galleries, casinos and night clubs. For example, in Kampala, visit the national museum, local markets like the Nakasero market famous for fresh fruits.
There are other experiences you can take during private tours in Uganda. Zip-lining, biking tours, nature walks, bungee jumping, beach relaxation, rafting adventure, kayaking, canoeing among others.
