Uganda wildlife safaris are rewarding and remarkable due to the existing wildlife species, diverse plants, birds, and the extraordinary landscape. The pearl of Africa as Winston Churchill described Uganda is located in east Africa. It is one of the places to find some endangered species. Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking are the top activities done on a Uganda wildlife safari. However, other activities like birding, game drives, and adventurous activities can be done during the safari.
Though Uganda is a landlocked country, it has a great climate since it is crossed by the equator. Most Uganda wildlife safaris occur in the dry season from June to September and December to February. During these months there is little or no rainfall making it easier for travelers to maneuver most places in the country. Most roads in the parks are not sealed therefore, during the dry season also known as the peak season for tourism it is easier to trail.
Many activities are available ranging from tracking primates, sighting the Big 5, birding, and other adventurous activities. Travelers have a wide range of choices depending on their age, preferences, and the time they wish to spend on a safari. Some of the activities to do are;
Gorilla trekking is one of the most done activities on a safari in Uganda. Two national parks host gorillas making the country have the highest population of the gentle giants. Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the only places in Uganda where tourists can see the mountain gorillas. There are 22 habituated gorilla families open for tourism however one must acquire a permit before engaging in the activity.
Uganda is considered the primate capital since it has a population of over 5,000 chimpanzees. Kibale National Park has the largest population of chimps and is the most visited area for this activity. However, there are many other places to see chimpanzees during a Uganda wildlife safari. Places like Bugoma forest, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo forest reserve, and Ngamba Island. Travelers must acquire permits to participate in tracking chimps.
With over 1050 bird species, Uganda is one of the places to visit for a birding safari. Uganda is a birding paradise given its tropical climate and many bird species call it home. Some are permanent residents while others are migratory birds from North Africa and Europe. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the most visited areas for birding. Birders interested in Shoe bill stork can visit Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria.
Game drives are the most enjoyable way of executing a Uganda wildlife safari. 4 savannah parks in Uganda are great for a game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park in Uganda and is well known for the tree climbing lions. Travelers interested in the Big 5 can only achieve this goal by visiting Murchison Falls National Park since it is the only area where you can get an opportunity to see the Rhinos. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located near Murchison making it possible for travelers to track rhinos which had come to extinction.
Uganda is the adventure capital of East Africa, and being the source of the Nile has attracted the most adventurous travelers to visit. Activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, abseiling, boat cruising, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and many more can be combined with a wildlife safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park known as the medley of Wonders is the most visited savannah park in Uganda. It is well known for tree-climbing lions, it sits on the floor of the Rift Valley and is surrounded by lakes, escarpments, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Many activities can be done in this park like boat cruising, game drives, hot air ballooning, chimpanzee trekking, and lion tracking.
Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas and is the only place to experience gorilla habituation. The park has more than 20 gorilla families which are available for trekking. Other activities like hiking, birding, and cultural encounters can also be done in this park.
Kibale Park also known as the primate capital is located in western Uganda and gives the highest success rate of tracking chimps than nowhere else in the world. There are other primates found in this forest including black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, and many more. Activities like hiking, chimpanzee habituation, nature walks, and birding can be done in this park.
Kidepo Valley National Park gives the true African wilderness; it is the least visited park due to its location however it has some species that cannot be found in other parks. CNN ranked Kidepo among the top 3 African safari destinations since it has less human interference. The Karamajong tribe which is more like the Masaai tribe lives around the park and they can be visited for a cultural encounter after a Uganda wildlife safari.
Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in Uganda that offers walking, horseback, and cycling safaris. It is the smallest park conveniently located near Kampala city on the Mbarara Masaka highway. The park contains a lot of woodland since there are no elephants and the beauty of this park is that it has 5 lakes and sports fishing can be done.
Uganda receives tourists throughout the year, however the best time to visit for a wildlife safari is during the dry season. June to August and December to February are the peak seasons for tourism. The parks usually receive many guests during these months. However, Uganda wildlife safaris are achievable in other months but the challenge is there is usually a lot of rain. This makes it difficult to maneuver since most roads in parks are not sealed.
There are many available options for accommodation ranging from luxury lodges to budget motels. Depending on your time for arrival, most international tourists start their safari with an overnight stay in either Kampala or Entebbe. Regarding your destination, a tour operator arranges and books your accommodation prior to your trip. If you are visiting and doing a self-drive safari, one can opt to rent a car
with a rooftop tent or sleep in any town near the park they are visiting. Some parks have places/areas designated for camping therefore one can carry a tent.
Uganda is landlocked with one International airport, Entebbe International Airport, which is usually the entry point. Travelers visiting for Uganda wildlife safari usually hire a tour operator who arranges the safaris from transportation, accommodation, and permits. If you are a solo traveler there are many ways of achieving your goal, first and foremost there are cabs available for hire at the airport that can take you to either Entebbe or Kampala for an overnight stay. You can rent a car for a self-drive or take a bus to the nearest town neighboring the park you intend to visit. Upon arrival, hire a local tour guide or take a cab, taxi, or bodaboda to the park.
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