There are several exclusive Uganda safari trails one can take for the ultimate Journey of Discovery in the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is gifted by nature with diverse wildlife, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Unlike other East African destinations known for mass tourism, Uganda Safari tours are exclusive.
There are however renowned Uganda safari destinations that receive a high number of tourists. Even though fun, some adventure lovers seek exclusivity to be able to connect with nature creating everlasting safari memories. It is on this basis that we decided to share with you the top Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails you can take for the ultimate exclusive Uganda safari.
Semuliki Valley Safari Trails
Semuliki Valley is a unique and isolated Uganda safari destination. The park is located in western Uganda laying on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. Semuliki has the only stretch of the lowland tropical rainforest that is connected to the famous Ituri forest in DRC.
The park is a birders’ haven with other 440 bird species. Most of these are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and Central African forests. Semuliki is home to about 53 mammals including chimpanzees and forest elephants among others. There are over 300 butterfly species, 200 moth species, and many smaller wildlife species.
Semuliki Valley has ongoing Volcanic activity and some iconic features attributed to this are the Sempaya Hot Springs. It has a basin of geysers and here you get an opportunity to boil an egg in under 5 minutes. Semuliki is best explored on guided walk following the different safari trails in the Park. Few people visit this area which is why it makes it to the top of Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails.
Rwenzori Mountain Trails
The Rwenzori Mountain is the most underrated Uganda safari destination. The mountain ranges are located in western Uganda along the Uganda and DRC border. All major Rwenzori mountain peaks are snow-capped with several glaciers that are unfortunately receding because of climate change.
Standing at about 5109 meters above sea level is peak Margherita Uganda’s highest point. This peak is also the third highest on the African continent after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Rwenzori has well-developed and Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails to the top of the mountain. These trails even though challenging are the best Journeys of Discovery you can ever take on a Uganda safari.
Mount Rwenzori hiking expedition starts from the bottom of the mountain which is covered with low montane and rainforests. These are home to various wildlife species including primates and the rare three-horned chameleon. As you ascend the mountain the vegetation zones keep changing until you start encountering the glaciers that eventually usher you into the snow-capped peaks. You can hike the Rwenzori in 5 to 7 days depending on your physical fitness. Even if you do not make it to the summit you will still enjoy the hike exclusively.
Our 11-day Rwenzori hiking safari features a 7-day hike to the summit offering some of the best Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails. The safari can be customized further depending on one’s preference and convenience.
MuBwindi Swamp Safari Trails
MuBwindi Swamp is located in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is most famous for its mountain gorilla trekking adventures and wildlife diversity. Beyond the gorillas, you can take on Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails to the MuBwindi swamp for birding.
The swamp has over 26 endemics of the Albertine Rift and it is among the most exclusive Uganda birding safari destination. Some of the notable bird species here include the flycatcher, African green pigeon, African harrier hawk, and the African Green Broadbill among others. The African Green Broadbill is endemic to this swamp and it is therefore the only place to see them.
On a guided nature walks here you stand a chance of seeing the forest elephants and mountain gorillas. This safari trail is also not frequented by many and it is no doubt among the Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails. It is also affordable at only USD 40 for park entrance and USD 30 for Foreign non-residents. East African Citizens and foreign residents have a discounted rate. Our 13-day Uganda Birding safari is one of the best options to explore Mubwindi and other leading safari destinations.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the Ugandan extension of the Virunga Mountains and conservation area. It is these mountains and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and adjacent Sarambwe reserve where you find mountain gorillas. The Virunga Mountains have 3 national parks that are Virunga National Park in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 20 gorilla families with 12 fully habituated and open to tourism. Virunga National Park has 10 gorilla families but it is currently closed because of insecurity in the region. Mgahinga Gorilla Park on the other hand only has 1 habituated gorilla family. Gorilla trekking in all three countries is limited to only 8 tourists trekking to one gorilla family a day. In Mgahinga Gorilla Park you therefore get to trek to that one gorilla family even if you are less than 8 people.
Gorilla Trekking journeys in Mgahinga are among the top Exclusive Uganda Safari Trails you can ever take. More than the gorillas, the park is also home to golden monkeys, birds, and many other mammal species.
Sipi Falls Trails
Sipi Falls lies along the ridges of mountain Elgon in Eastern Uganda. The falls are among the prominent attractions along the Eastern Tourism Circuit in Uganda that are less traveled and therefore exclusive. Sipi Falls has a series of three waterfalls each with a very impressive and magnificent view. These include Sipi which is the highest at 95 meters, Ngasire Falls at 85 meters, and Simba Falls at 74 meters.
All these falls can be accessed on foot on guided nature walks. These exclusive Uganda Safari Trails to Sipi go through coffee plantations a commonly grown cash crop along the Mount Elgon slopes. This is all thanks to the rich volcanic soils the mountain has.
On Uganda safaris to this region, you can engage in several adventure activities including abseiling the Sipi Falls, coffee experiences, birding, hiking, and more. Our 8-day Eastern Uganda Safari is recommended for this and many other safari adventures to Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley National Park.
You can always take on Discovery Journeys to other exclusive safari destinations including Northern Kenya. Contact Us now to start planning your next journey including Rwanda Budget Tours.