Despite the small size of Uganda, Uganda wildlife safaris/wildlife safaris in Uganda are ranked among the best in East Africa! Uganda wildlife safari vacations enable you to explore a country blessed with a diversity of wildlife found in protected areas counting national parks, game reserves, as well as sanctuaries.

Undertaking Uganda wildlife safaris gives you a great opportunity of encountering most of the amazing animals in Uganda, totaling over 345 animal species and many unique features.

On your Uganda wildlife safaris, expect to encounter the Big Five such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalos. Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Crocodiles, Antelopes, Hyenas, Cheetahs, numerous primates, and several bird species can also be spotted.

Most of the game viewing tours in Uganda are done in parks such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Parks. Usually, Uganda wildlife safari tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are a must not miss!

In all the above parks, Uganda game viewing tours normally take 3-4 hours and can be done during the day and also at night. A night game drive allows you to spot elusive nocturnal animals like Leopards, Lions, and Hyenas.

For a rewarding experience, you should supplement gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking on your wildlife viewing tour. These are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale forest national park respectively. Kibale forest national park offers the best chimpanzee trekking tours in East Africa as well as Africa.

Wildlife Uganda safaris are normally done by undertaking game drives. However, boat cruises and game walking Uganda wildlife safaris are possible in some parks.

During your wildlife safaris in Uganda, don’t worry about where to stay! There is a range of accommodations ranging from budget to midrange to luxury. Also, note that these expeditions are possible all year round.

For more about Uganda game viewing safaris, let’s go deeper!

Top Sites for Uganda Wildlife Tours/Best Uganda Wildlife Safari Destinations – Spots

Usually, most travelers are inquisitive about where to go for wildlife safari tours in Uganda.

Below are the top sites you shouldn’t miss out on your game-viewing holidays in Uganda:

1. Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park ranks among the most visited parks for a best game-viewing wildlife safari in Uganda. Probably, this is due to its abundant wildlife!

This mighty Park, Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the legendary River Nile and boasts several bird species and over 144 animals! And among these include the African Big Five game except for Rhinos.

During your Uganda wildlife safari tours in Murchison Falls National Park, 80% of the animals are spotted on game drives in the Buligi game area. Note that, Uganda wildlife safaris in Murchison Park offer you a chance to encounter the highest population of Rothschild’s Giraffes in E. Africa.

Other animals (Uganda wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park) can also be spotted on a thrilling boat cruise down (to the River Nile Lake Albert delta area) and up the bottom of the falls. Note that, this boat trip allows you to explore the mighty Murchison Falls, one of the top attractions in the park!

On your African wildlife viewing tour in Murchison Park, you’ll look out for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Cape Buffalo
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Crocodiles and,
• Numerous Antelopes like Kobs, Hartebeests, Bushbucks, etc.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Dubbed the medley of wonders, Queen Elizabeth Park (QENP) is one of the most visited parks for a game-viewing wildlife safari in Uganda Africa. It also ranks among the best national parks for African wildlife safari adventures.

This Park is home to over 95 animal species. This is the only park in Uganda where you can spot climbing Lions. On your Uganda wildlife safari tours, these are spotted on a game drive in the Ishasha sector.

Normally, most of the game-viewing safari expeditions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are done by undertaking a game drive in the Kasenyi area. While here, visitors can always spot 4 of the Big Five except for Rhinos.

In Queen’s Park, undertaking a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel is a memorable encounter and a must not miss! It gives you a close encounter with numerous animals counting Hippos. Other animals in Queen Elizabeth Park Kazinga Channel can be spotted on the channel banks.

Animals to look for in Queen Elizabeth Park include:

• Lions
• Cape Buffalo
• Elephants
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Hippos
• Giant Crocodiles
• Various Antelope species like Uganda Kob.
• Primates such as Olive Baboons.

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are possible in the charming Kyambura Gorge as well as the Maramagambo Forest.

3. Kidepo Valley National Park

Despite its being isolated, Kidepo Valley National Park is a must-visit site for remarkable wildlife safaris. This scenic Park, Kidepo Valley National Park is famously known as Africa’s true wilderness!

Kidepo national park holds over 77 mammal species, counting over 20 predator species and 28 Kidepo. Among these include Cheetahs, Greater and Lesser Kudus, Black-backed Jackals, Caracals, striped Hyenas, and African wild dogs.

All the Uganda wildlife safari tours in Kidepo Valley Park take place in the golden plains of the Narus Valley.

Here are the game animals to look out for in Kidepo Park:

• Cape Buffalo
• Elephants
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Various Antelopes species like Elands, Topis, Hartebeests, Kobs, Bushbucks, Mountain Reedbucks, etc.

Uganda wildlife safari nature walks in Kidepo Valley offer you an encounter with the Ostriches.

4. Lake Mburo National Park Uganda 

Situated about 228km southwest of Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the most convenient Uganda safaris parks, ideal for Uganda wildlife safari short trips.

Lake Mburo National Park boasts over 68 mammal species. Please note that, on your wildlife tour in Uganda, Mburo is the only park to spot Impalas. Also, In East Africa, Lake Mburo National Park is the best site to spot Leopards, normally on night game drives.

Animals to look for in Lake Mburo National Park include:

• Leopards
• Elands
• Impalas
• Topis
• Bushbucks
• Waterbucks
• Zebras
• Buffalos, etc.

For many years, Elephants and Lions have not been spotted in Lake Mburo National Park. Therefore, it’s one of the parks offering sensational game walking wildlife safari adventures.

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a key site a must not miss during your Uganda wildlife safaris!

This mighty sanctuary is a famous en-route stopover on most of the Uganda wildlife safari trips to Murchison Park.

Ziwa Sanctuary is the only site to spot the wild Rhinos during your wildlife safaris in Uganda. It boasts over 32 Rhinos and while here, visitors can always have Rhino tracking on foot!

Rhino trekking on foot is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on Uganda wildlife tours allowing you to encounter the Rhinos on foot!

While undertaking Rhino trekking on foot, expect to encounter:

• Bushbucks
• Waterbuck
• Oribis
• Warthogs
• Primates such as Black-and-white Colobus, and Vervet Monkeys
• Beautiful bird species like Grey-crowned Cranes, Abyssinian ground Hornbills, Abyssinian Rollers, Barbets, Palmnut Vultures, etc.

What Is Meant By Wildlife Safari?

 A wildlife safari is an amazing adventure expedition to look for wild animals in their thrilling natural environments. They are mostly done in East Africa however, also possible in South Africa.

A safari vehicle is mostly used though in some parts, game walks, and boat trips can be done.

Most tourists undertaking safaris in Africa are interested in spotting the African Big Five (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos, and Rhinos).

Other amazing wild animals to look for include Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Antelopes, etc.

How Many Safari Parks Are There in Uganda? 

There are 10 national parks in Uganda and these include:

1.     Queen’s Park– best known for the Kazinga channel boat cruise and ideal.  And it’s among the most visited wildlife Uganda safaris.

2.     Murchison Falls National Park– is one of the best sites for wildlife safari trips in Uganda. This Uganda safaris park holds the world’s most powerful falls- Murchison Falls- found on River Nile.

3.     Bwindi Impenetrable National Park– a UNESCO world heritage site holding 50% of the endangered Mountain gorillas on earth.

4.     Kibale forest national park- This Park, Kibale National Park is the best area for chimpanzee trekking in Africa. Chimpanzee tracking adventures in Kibale forest national park allow you to encounter man’s close cousins, chimps in their natural habitat.

5.     Lake Mburo National Park- Despite its small size (about 370 km2 area), Mburo boasts abundant wildlife worth visiting on your Uganda wildlife safaris.

6.     Kidepo national park– this is dubbed as true Africa’s wildness due to its scenic and golden natural beauty! It’s worth visiting on your Uganda wildlife safaris.

7.     Mgahinga National Park– is known for gorilla trekking tours as well as golden monkey trekking.

8.     Semuliki National Park- a birder’s haven, home to the Central African bird species.

9.     Rwenzori National Park- holds the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Please note that the Rwenzori Mountains are snow-capped all year round despite their being near the Equator!

10. Mount Elgon National Park- holds Mountain Elgon, the 3rd tallest mountain in Africa.

Where Can I See Wildlife in Uganda?

While visiting Africa Uganda, note that national parks, as well as game reserves, are the ideal sites for game watching tours.

Below is the List of the top visited sites to encounter Uganda’s wildlife:

a.     Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is one of the top-visited Uganda’s parks. It’s home to over 95 mammal species

b.     Murchison Falls National Park: A must-visit site for wildlife tours in Uganda! This great park is home to over 144 mammal species, counting 4 of the Big Five, except Rhinos.

While in Murchison Park, visitors interested in chimpanzee tracking can visit the nearby Budongo Forest.

c.      Bwindi Impenetrable NP: This is a famous site for spotting the endangered Mountain gorillas in E. Africa. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site holding almost 50% of these gentle giants on Earth.

Gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gives you a chance to spot other amazing wildlife.

d.     Kibale National Park: This Park, Kibale forest national park is prominently known as the Primate Capital of Africa. The mighty Kibale forest national park is the best place to spot primates in Africa as well as chimpanzee trekking. It holds over 13 primate species counting Chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Bush babies.

Also, Kibale Forest National Park is the best area for spotting forest birds counting the Green-breasted Pitta.

Other top areas to spot wildlife include Kidepo Park as well as Lake Mburo National Park.

What Wildlife Is Found in Uganda? | What Wild Animals Are in Uganda?

Uganda ranks among the topmost destinations in Africa blessed with a diversity of animals! Over 345 animals in Uganda have been spotted and these include primates and other game animals.

On your safaris, the common wildlife of Uganda includes:

a.     Carnivorous animals: Among the most sought-after carnivore animals include Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Side-stripped Jackals, etc.

b.     Primates: While undertaking your Uganda wildlife safaris, primates to look out for include Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. You can undertake a gorilla trek or chimpanzee trekking adventure for the best encounter.

Also, Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys, and Vervet Monkeys are common.  Bush babies & Pottos are spotted best on nocturnal walks. Kibale Forest national park is the best spot for primates in Uganda.

c.      Various bird species: Like African Fish Eagles, Shoebills, Grauer’s Broadbill, Green-breasted Pitta, Vultures, Turacos, and Herons.

d.     Herbivores animals: Such as Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras, Giant forest Hogs, and various Antelope species.

e.      Reptiles: Counting giant Nile Crocodiles, Pythons, Snakes, and Monitor Lizards.

What Animals Is Uganda Known For?

The Pearl OF Africa boasts arrange of animals totaling over 345 animal species.

Though Uganda holds all those animals, the most sought-after animals include:

1.     Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as Mgahinga national park.

2.     Chimpanzees mostly in Kibale National Park

3.     Lions

4.     Leopards

5.     Elephants

6.     Rhinos

7.     Hippos

8.     Crocodiles and,

9.     Numerous Antelopes like Uganda Kob.

What Is the Biggest Wild Animal in Uganda?

The African Elephant is the biggest wild animal in Uganda. It’s also the world’s largest land animal on earth weighing over 6,300kg.

On your safari vacation, you can spot Elephants in Queen’s Park, Kidepo, and Murchison Falls National Parks.

Please note that the smaller forest Elephants can be spotted in Kibale forest national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest park, etc.

Uganda Big Five-What Are the Big 5 in Uganda?

On your African trip, Uganda is one of the few countries where you can spot the Big Five. These incredible animals were dubbed by the big-game hunters as the most challenging animals in Africa to hunt on foot.

Uganda’s big five include:

1.     Lions

2.     Leopards

3.     Elephants

4.     Buffalos and,

5.     Rhinos

Where Can I See the Big 5 in Uganda?

Uganda is home to the Big Five in Africa and among these include Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lions, and Leopards.

Please note that, on your Uganda wildlife safaris, you can only spot Rhinos in the wild in Ziwa sanctuary.

Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, and Elephants are spotted in: Murchison Park, Kidepo, as well as Queen’s Park.

Uganda Lions- Are There Lions in Uganda?

The Pearl of Africa is one of the best destinations in Africa to spot the King of the Jungle “Lion”.

Lions in Uganda are found in 3 national parks and these include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen’s Park, and Kidepo national park.

Murchison Park holds the highest population of Lions. According to the 2017 census of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Uganda had about 493 Lions.

Where Are Leopards Found in Uganda? | Where do Leopards Live in Uganda? 

Among the East African countries, Uganda is one of the best destinations to spot Leopards.

Leopards have been recorded in all Uganda parks as well as wildlife reserves. Leopards in Uganda are best spotted in Lake Mburo NP however, also possible in other savannah parks.

Uganda Elephants- Are There Elephants in Uganda?

In East Africa, Uganda is one of the ideal sites holding a viable population of Elephants.

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Pearl of Africa holds over 5,000 Elephants today.

Elephants are mostly found in Queen, Murchison, Kidepo, and Semuliki parks.

They can also be spotted in most of the game reserves.

Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda- Where Are the Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda?

While on your Uganda wildlife safari tours, you can only spot tree climbing Lions in Queen’s Park.

Normally, these amazing Lions are found resting up amazingly in big Fig tree branches during the hot hours of the day in the Ishasha sector.

In the whole world, Lions that climb trees are found in only 3 destinations. And among these include Lake Manyara NP, and Serengeti NP all in Tanzania, and the Ishasha sector of Uganda.

What Can You Hunt in Uganda?

Please note that in most of Uganda’s protected areas like parks and game reserves hunting is restricted and it’s a crime. Sport hunting in Uganda is not yet developed!

However, if requested it can be arranged in Karamoja plains in areas like Matheniko, Bokara, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves.

Packing List for Uganda Wildlife Safari Trip

While visiting Africa Uganda for a wildlife viewing trip, you’re supposed to have the following for a charming holiday:

1.     A camera for taking photos.

2.     Pair of binoculars: This helps you view features and animals from a far distance.

3.     Sunglasses, help to protect your eyes from tropical sunlight

4.     Sunscreens also protect your body from strong tropical sun rays.

5.     A sun hat protects you from direct sunlight

6.     Insect repellents, as they help to protect you from all biting insects like Tsetse flies.

7.     Comfortable hiking boots, especially if you’re to have a walking wildlife safari.

8.     Bottled water for drinking to keep you hydrated while on your adventure.

9.     Other miscellaneous documents like a passport and a Yellow fever vaccination card. These are so vital entry requirements into Uganda at Entebbe International Airport and other entry points. Note that, Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main entry point.

Safari Clothes For Your Uganda Wildlife Safari- What to Wear During Your Wildlife Trip in Uganda? 

On your wildlife safari in Uganda, you’re advised to always put on eco-friendly clothes as they blend well with nature. And among these include:

1. Khaki
2. Brown and,
3. Grey

Usually:

a.     Bright colors such as white are not ideal as they easily pick up dust.

b.     Blue attires should be avoided on your expedition as it attracts Tsetse Flies.

c.      Black clothes should also be avoided as they absorb much sunlight, especially, in the dry season.

d.     Camouflaging clothes are considered military attire in most African countries. And therefore, they should be avoided.

Hotels (Safari Lodges) in Uganda to Use on Your Wildlife Viewing Tour 

On your Uganda vacation, don’t get worried about where you’ll stay!

There is a range of accommodations ranging from budget, midrange, and luxury.

a)   Recommended Luxury Lodges to Use

1. Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
2. Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison park
3. Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park
4. Adere Safari Lodge in Kidepo Park

b) Ideal Midrange Lodges to Use –

1. Enganzi Game Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
2. Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Park
3. Kidepo Savannah Lodge in Kidepo park
4. Nga Moru Wilderness Camp in Kidepo national park
5. Lake Mburo Safari Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park

c) Best Budget Lodges to Use –

1. Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison National Park
2. Pumba Safari Cottages in Queen Elizabeth Park Rwonyo Rest Camp in Lake Mburo National Park
3. Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo Park

Best Time to Go to Uganda for A Wildlife   Safari- When to Have A Wildlife Tour in Uganda?

What months are the best to view wildlife in Uganda? Wildlife expeditions are possible all time of the year though, the best time for game viewing is during the dry season.

These months include June-August and December-February. During this time, there’s little rainfall in parks and the trails tend to be mud free.

Also, in this period, grasses dry out and game animals tend to gather around water points thus, ideal sites for game viewing.

Why Do a Wildlife Safari in Uganda? | Is Uganda Good for Safaris?

There’re various reasons why travelers intending to have wildlife tours in Africa should choose to come to the Pearl of Africa!

Here are the reasons why you should undertake game-viewing safaris in Uganda:

1.     In Uganda, you can easily combine a mountain gorilla tour on top of your wildlife trip. This is impossible in other East African safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania.

2.     Also, travelers can easily combine a chimpanzee trekking trip with a wildlife safari in Uganda unlike in other E. African countries. Most of the sites for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are just close sites for wildlife trips.

3.     Also, for bird lovers, it’s easy to combine a birding trip with a game-viewing tour in Uganda.

4.     Further, Uganda is one of the few African countries where you can spot all the Big Five. These include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos, and Rhinos.

5.     Uganda holds numerous fascinating protected areas, unlike other E. African countries like Rwanda. Therefore, the country is worth visiting for a wildlife encounter!

6.     Lastly, Uganda is among the top safest African countries! Therefore, it’s an ideal place for you to visit.

Uganda Wildlife Safari Cost- How Much Does A Safari in Uganda Cost?

Frequently, travelers intending to undertake wildlife expeditions are inquisitive about their safari price!

Note that, all wildlife Uganda safari prices vary due to various factors counting:

a.     The number of days you’ll spend on your wildlife trip: The more the number of days your trip goes, the more its price rises.

b.     Type of vehicle you use on your  Uganda wildlife safari tours: Also, this affects the cost of your wildlife tour. For example, using a 4×4 Land cruiser is more expensive than using a safari van.

This is because these have different fuel consumption.

c.      Accommodation class you’ll use on your Uganda wildlife safari: Using luxury accommodation rises your trip price while going for budget minimizes the cost of your Uganda wildlife safari adventures.

d.     The number of people on your wildlife Uganda safaris: The cost of a Uganda wildlife safari increases with the number of people undertaking a trip. This is because it calls for expenses like accommodation on your Uganda safaris.

However, traveling as a group on your Uganda wildlife safari tours minimizes your expenditures as it allows sharing expenses. For example, accommodation and transport costs on your Uganda wildlife safaris.

Other Amazing Safaris in Uganda to Accompany on Your Wildlife Tour-

For a thrilling Uganda wildlife safari experience in Uganda, it’s ideal you top up your trip with any of the following safari:

1. Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours

Normally, this is the top highlight of all the Uganda safaris! It’s a memorable adventure allowing you to visit the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In the whole world, gorilla tours are only possible in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

However, Mountain gorilla trekking Uganda safaris offers the most thrilling experience.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking Trips

This is also a must not miss adventure on your Uganda holiday! It gives a chance of encountering endangered chimps in the natural environment.

Chimp tracking tours in Uganda are best done in Kibale National Park, though Uganda chimp tracking tours are also possible in other areas like Kalinzu Forest.

3. Cultural Tours

On your wildlife Uganda trip, it’s always ideal to accompany a cultural experience encounter. This gives you a golden opportunity to explore unique Uganda’s culture!

In your Uganda tour, some of the prominent cultural experiences include:

• A community tour of Bigodi village around Kibale Park. It’s usually done after chimpanzee tracking.
• Visiting Batwa (Pygmy) people around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is also a community tour!

4. Mountain Hiking

For adventure lovers on Uganda tour adventures, don’t miss adding a mounting hiking experience to your wildlife trip!  The snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains (5,109m a.s.l.) offer the best international hiking experience.

During the Rwenzori hike, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of stunning waterfalls, beautiful vegetation, and lakes.

You can also decide to hike Mount Elgon on your Uganda tour. It’s an extinct volcano with beautiful scenery in Eastern Uganda. It requires no previous hiking experience and while here, you’ll enjoy great views of stunning waterfalls e.g. Sipi Falls.

More Amazing Experiences Worth Undertaking in Uganda  Include:-

5.     Nature walking tours for example, in Kyambura Gorge as well as Maramagambo forest in Queen Elizabeth Park. This is so ideal for nature lovers on a Uganda tour.

6.     Bungee jumping into River Nile- the world’s longest river.

7.     Ziplining in Mabira Forest

8.     Kayaking and tubing on River Nile, etc.

Best Uganda Wildlife Safari Companies to Travel With on Your Trip

While planning to visit Africa Uganda, it’s ideal you choose a dependable safari company to book your Uganda tour vacation!  It has to be having great experience in organizing Uganda safaris and below are the best Uganda tour operators to use:

1.    Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd

·        Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

·        Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com

2.    Wild Gorilla Safaris

·        Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

·        Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com

3.    Safari Uganda Safaris

Website: www.safariugandasafaris.com

4.    Africa Safaris Tours

·        Website: www.africasafaris-tours.com

Here Are Some of the Best Uganda Wildlife Safari Packages for You:

1.   2 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Tour

2.  3 Days Murchison Park Uganda Tour

3.   4 Days Chimpanzees And Wildlife Safari Uganda Tour

4.  5 Days Uganda Tour Safari

5.  7 Days Uganda Safari Tour

6.  8 Days Uganda Safari Tour

7.  5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari And Chimpanzee Tour

8.   8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

9.  10 Days Uganda Safari Tour

10. 9 Days Uganda Safari

11. 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour

12. 14 Days Uganda Safari Tour

13. 15 Days Uganda Safari Tour

14. 16 Days Uganda Safari Tour

15. 18 Days Uganda Safari Tour

In summary, wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda are among the top amazing experiences worth undertaking on your Uganda tour holiday!

This memorable encounter allows you to spot a variety of animals in Uganda. And among these include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, etc.

For a rewarding experience on your Uganda tour, you’re advised to add a chimpanzee or gorilla trekking tour to your wildlife trip in Uganda. Most of the Wildlife safaris in Uganda are done at Murchison Park, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks.

Book with us now for a memorable Uganda tour vacation! Please, feel free to email our responsive team with any inquiry about your Holiday