Uganda often referred to as the pearl of Africa is home to natural beauty and diverse wildlife which can be located in the savannahs and forest areas. Uganda is located in east Africa neighbouring South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and DR Congo, this country offers thriving and enriching wildlife safari experiences on the continent of Africa.
Uganda has ten national parks and 12 wildlife reserves all offering a unique wildlife viewing from primates to the African big five and big cats. Some of the notable national parks are Mgahinga, Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale National Park and more. Some are home to big and small primates, unique birds, big cats and more. During wildlife safaris in Uganda, take part in different experiences such as;
Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Uganda which is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Spending an hour following these gentle giants is amazing as the head of the group-Silverback will be practising leadership skills, some mothers beast feeding, juveniles playing and many more others.
During gorilla trekking, only 8 tourists are allowed to trek with a single gorilla family each day. This means that there are few gorilla trekking permits and this calls for prior booking. There is also a gorilla habituation experience where you get a chance to spend 4 hours in the presence of the beautiful creatures-the gorillas. Only 4 tourists here are allowed to habituate the gorilla family and this is only done in Bwindi National Park.
This experience is not only a thrill to the tourists but also a crucial conservation effort for the gorillas and other wildlife in the park, in a way that the fees collected from gorilla permits support the protection and conservation of these gorillas.
Chimpanzee tracking is known as the close encounter with our closest relatives. To add on the gorillas, Uganda is a prime home for Chimpanzees that can be found in Budongo Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve and the mighty Kibale Forest National Park a home to 13 primates hence called the primate capital of the world. This experience allows tourists to observe the most intelligent primates in the wild as they swing through trees, socialize, and forage. This experience brings in your sight a fascinating glimpse into their complex social life and behaviours while learning the close relationship and connection between humans and chimpanzees.
Golden monkey trekking. To add to the primate watching, golden monkey trekking is another way to enjoy a rare primate species in Mgahinga National Park. This is no specific number of tourists to trek the golden monkeys. These primates are found in the mountain in the bamboo trees.
They jump from one bamboo to another. Some of the members miss tails which are cut in the tree branches since they are so playful. This experience is only done in Mgahinga National Park with a chance of seeing the mountain gorillas.
Bird watching, Uganda offers a wide range of birds which are over 1000 bird species. This means that in any part of the country, you can’t miss spotting birds either parched on a tree or in the air Flying. There are 10 best birding destinations in Uganda and one of them is Mabamba Swamp a great spotting area for the rare shoebill stork. Another place can be Queen Elizabeth National Park a spotting area for migratory birds mainly on the Kazinga channel. Birding is required to be done in the early morning and late evening because they are so active.
Game drives, as primate watching make the highlight of Ugandan safari, the country offers a unique way to encounter the African big five in the wild such as elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards and lions. Game drives are normally conducted in the Savannah National Parks offering stunning endless sceneries and these are done in the morning, afternoon/evening and at night. The big cats, large and small mammals plus birdlife won’t be missed during game drives.
Boat cruises also known as launch trips are carried out on large water bodies in protected areas such as Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Albert Nile in Murchison Falls NP and many more others. This experience gives a chance to spot both water birds and animals like crocodiles and hippos, pelicans, kingfishers, fish eagles and many more. This experience is done in two shifts and these are the morning and afternoon with a chance of enjoying the beautiful view of Murchison Falls the world’s most powerful waterfall in the Murchison Falls National Park.
When to take a wildlife safari in Uganda?
Uganda can be visited at any time of the year. This country has two seasons which are wet seasons and dry seasons. The wet season occurs in March to May and September to November. During this time, trees are fruiting and flowering which means that wildlife will stay at one location but the trails will be impassable since they will be muddy. This is the time to enjoy bird watching.
The dry season occurs from December to February and June to August and during this time, the roads and trails are passable though fruits and other foods are not common which calls for wildlife to move for long distances searching for food. Therefore, the best time to take a wildlife tour in Uganda depends on your interest.
For a memorable wildlife safari in Uganda, please contact us we are ready to take you there.