Holiday seasons in special places demand attention; what a time for your safari through Uganda’s wildlife. One of the main options in Uganda and popular experience in East Africa is a wildlife safari. Get ready to explore animals like the endangered mountain gorillas, shoebill stock, Big 5 mammals (African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards), serene Sese islands, unique weather and more.
A safari to explore Uganda’s wildlife takes you to the country’s ten national parks, game reserves and other destinations. The most popular attraction, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the coveted tree climbing lions. Other popular destinations include Murchison Falls National Park, which has the strongest waterfalls on Earth, Lake Mburo National Park which is home to antelope species, Mountain Elgon National Park, a stunning volcano with the largest caldera on its peak, Mountain Rwenzori National Park – a home to three horned chameleons, Semliki National Park – famed haven for birds, and Kibale forest National park which inhabits over 13 primate species including the chimpanzees, Kidepo Valley National Park and more.
Other places not to miss on your Uganda wildlife safari is the source of river Nile-longest River on earth for white water rafting adventure; Ssese Islands on the shores of Lake Victoria – second largest freshwater lake in the world and Virunga Mountain ranges.
Uganda is truly “the pearl of Africa,” as the British wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill once named it. The best hospitality is waiting for you in the hotels, and lodges from indulging in distinctive local delicacies to feeling the actual reward of sleeping besides R. Nile. A tiny landlocked nation in the east of Africa, Uganda is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Rwanda to the southwest. The equator, a hypothetical line dividing the earth in half, passes through thirty different nations with Uganda being one of them.
What to do on your Uganda Wildlife Safari?
A Uganda wildlife safari is perfect for your honeymoon, family vacation, school trip, group travels, camping adventure, and solo trips since you get to experience a lot of what the wildlife has to offer. The activities are listed below.
Bird watching
Learn about the various bird species, including their names, sounds, colors and sizes. 10% of all birds in the world live in Uganda. These can be found along lakeshores, wetlands and swamps. Traveling to these locations with the birding experts can help you recognize the many species, including the distinction between resident and migratory birds.
Bird checklist here includes animals like ostriches, marabou storks, Grey-crowned cranes, geese, ducks, shoebills, the Great Blue Turaco, francolins, wood-doves, eagles, sunbirds, jacanas, and kingfishers. Early in the morning and late in the day, when the sun has set and birds are in their nests, are the finest times to go bird watching.
Game drives
Game drives are a spotlight in Uganda while on a safari to view wildlife. The routes are planned to visit many national parks that inhabit animals. The gem search takes place in a 4WD safari car and lasts for about three to four hours. Lions, African elephants, warthogs, buffalo, various antelope species, sitatunga, zebras, giraffes, hippos, Uganda Kobs, hyenas, and other prominent animals are among the mammals to keep an eye out for. Great pictures of the local flora and fauna at the day’s end.
Boat cruise
If you enjoy water sports, taking a boat tour across the seas of Uganda is fun. The voyage spans the world’s longest river, the Nile, Lake Mburo, and Lake Bunyonyi, as well as the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria. It stands out among other things in Uganda. View a herd of hippopotamuses, crocodiles, a kingfisher, waterbuck, water duck, and other wildlife. A skilled safari guide takes you on a boat cruise in a cruise launch, power boat, or locally constructed canoe. It lasts for 30 minutes and is a safe activity.
Nature walks
Taking a guided nature walk is one method to interact with nature. This is a 1-2-hour stroll over paths that have been marked out, with the camera recording every little aspect of the forest while you take in the lovely sunrays and peaceful surroundings. Fall in love with botany; learn to recognize the sounds and colors of the birds, the flowers, and the breathtaking scenery. It is a fantastic photo opportunity.
Mountain Hikes
Hike to the top of the mountains in Uganda to get the most out of your wildlife safari. It’s time to get some exercise while learning about various animals and plants, including monkeys and birds. You can tour the Rwenzori, Muhabura, Elgon, Gahinga, and other mountains with the assistance of knowledgeable ranger guides and porters.
One of the tallest mountains on African continent is the snow-capped Rwenzori. The summit is accessed to and from in 5-7 days. The three horned chameleons can be found here on a lucky day. Mountain Elgon, which is located in eastern Uganda is the other unusual destination. A one-day trip that offers possibility to spend time at the three impressive Sipi waterfalls.
Primate trekking
Uganda takes pleasure in having the highest global concentration of primate species. It is home to several species including golden monkeys, baboons, grey-checked monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and endangered mountain gorillas that can only be found in Africa. In the western region of Uganda, in the national parks of Mgahinga, Bwindi, and Kibale, primate trekking is possible. Learn about the interaction between humans and apes.
Best time to have a wildlife safari in Uganda
Wildlife safaris are possible throughout the year in Uganda, however the best months for weather are from June to October and from December to February. It is at this time that is easiest to engage in the activities because the rain is low or nonexistent.
What to carry for your Wildlife Safari in Uganda?
Everything you need for vacation, including long sleeve shirts, sturdy hiking boots, a professional camera, binoculars, hand gloves, and bug repellents.
Consider taking a wildlife safari in Uganda. Learn to recognize the verdant flora and animals that can be found in the east, north, south, and west of the country.
