Best time to go on a Uganda safari

Best time to go on a Uganda safari : Uganda has two distinct weather seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. In the rainy season, typically occurring from March to October or November, the country experiences significant downpours and brief rain showers. This is not an ideal time for a safari trip in Uganda, as many tourists are avoiding it due to poor road conditions, muddy trails, and slippery paths.
Conversely, the dry season represents a prime travel period for Uganda. This is the period when the majority of visitors arrive in the country, and the reasons are quite apparent. The dry season provides perfect weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The park’s vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views and facilitating easier navigation. The roads that lead to the parks are clear, allowing for easy navigation without the worry of getting stuck in mud or on slippery paths.

Nonetheless, the dry season is the ideal time to embark on a safari in Uganda. During the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, you can experience abundant sunshine and observe a remarkable variety of wildlife in their natural environments.

The upcoming months signify a period of minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is particularly true in northern areas such as Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest, Lake Mburo National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the dry season, the majority of the park animals congregate at the water sources to quench their thirst.

In the southwestern region of the country, you can discover incredible gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. During the dry season, the trails are dry and not slippery, and the roads to the parks are in good condition, making it the ideal time to embark on gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, or even chimpanzee tracking. These remarkable animals are more easily observed near water sources, where they gather to drink, and the sparse vegetation provides fewer hiding spots.

Numerous individuals take pleasure in exploring national parks between June and September, a time characterized by dry weather and a plentiful supply of food for wildlife. This season is ideal for those looking to observe wildlife without the concern of rain. For bird watchers, the period from November to April offers a thrilling experience. At this time, migratory birds from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Siberia arrive at the parks, with the early morning hours being the prime time for observing them. There is a possibility of spotting the rare shoebill stork during the dry months of January, February, and March.

Best safari activities to do in Uganda

Gorilla trekking

If you are considering a trip to Uganda, be sure to seize the opportunity to experience Gorilla trekking. This remarkable journey unfolds within the stunning landscapes of two national parks in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are remarkable destinations. Due to the popularity of gorilla trekking, it is advisable to secure your gorilla permit at least 6 months prior to your visit. Although it may appear expensive, numerous travelers assert that it’s an unforgettable experience.

Once you locate the gorillas in their natural habitat, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an entire hour observing them as they interact, feed, breast-feed, and play. It’s a unique opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. For those seeking additional time, you have the option to book the gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector, which permits you to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas. This is an excellent method to gain insights into their behavior and foster a more profound connection with them.

Tracking chimpanzees

Tracking chimpanzees stands out as a significant and sought-after experience for visitors during a safari in Uganda. This exceptional activity occurs in the verdant tropical forests of Uganda, including Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu, and the Kyambura gorge. During your chimpanzee tracking experience, you have the opportunity to spend a full hour observing these captivating creatures in their natural habitat, witnessing their feeding habits, social interactions, and nurturing behaviors, among other activities. The price of permits for chimpanzee tracking varies depending on the particular location you select to explore in Uganda.

Game drives

Game drives attract many tourists on Uganda safaris, providing an opportunity to witness diverse wildlife in breathtaking savannah national parks. Numerous tourists opt to take these drives during the morning, evening, and night game excursions. Uganda boasts the presence of the “big five” animals, including Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Rhinos. In Uganda, you may come across a variety of captivating animals, including Uganda Kobs, Zebras, Giraffes, Bushbabies, Bushbucks, Cheetahs, African palm civets, Aardvarks, Dik diks, Forest duikers, Giant elands, Caracals, Greater kudus, Hippopotamuses, Hyraxes, and Impalas, among others. For unforgettable game drives, consider exploring Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Every one of these parks features distinct landscapes and wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Uganda offers an extraordinary experience, with the country home to more than 1,050 distinct bird species. Uganda stands out as a premier birding destination in Africa, hosting approximately 10% of the world’s bird species. Birding enthusiasts have the opportunity to discover a range of stunning locations, including prominent parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Mt. Elgon National Park. These beautiful parks offer numerous chances to experience Uganda’s vibrant birdlife. Additional birding locations encompass Budongo Forest, Maramagambo Forest, Mabira Forest, Echuya Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Pian Upe Game Reserve, Mabamba Swamp, Nyamuriro Swamp, and Katonga Game Reserve, among others.

On your Uganda birding tours, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of birds, including the Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Knob-billed Duck, African Pygmy-Goose, Western Crested Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Handsome Spurfowl, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared-Dove, Four-banded Sandgrouse, White-bellied Bustard, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Montane Nightjar, and Great Cormorant, among others.

Boat trips

Boat trips in Uganda offer a delightful opportunity to discover the country’s stunning waterways. Boat trips in Uganda typically take place along the Nile delta in Murchison Falls National Park, as well as the remarkable Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These boat rides provide a distinctive chance to observe wildlife intimately. As you move gracefully across the water, you may catch sight of crocodiles basking in the sun and hippos playfully splashing in the vicinity. It is quite typical to observe various animals visiting the riverbanks for a drink, transforming these excursions into thrilling experiences for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking and mountain climbing

Hiking and mountain climbing are thrilling activities to experience during a safari in Uganda. These safaris provide remarkable experiences, particularly as you journey through the breathtaking Rwenzori mountains and Mount Elgon over the course of several days. If you’re seeking short hikes, one-day options are accessible to stunning locations such as Sipi Falls, Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura.

What to bring for safari to Uganda

If you’re planning a safari in Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” it’s important to understand what to prioritize once you’ve determined the best time to visit. The highlight of your trip will likely be trekking to see the mountain gorillas. This is not merely a leisurely stroll; it demands that you be physically fit, as the hike can prove to be quite demanding. Be sure to pack garden gloves, waterproof hiking boots, raincoats, long-sleeved warm clothing, sufficient drinking water, insect repellents, and energy-boosting snacks, among other essentials. It is recommended that you secure a gorilla permit 3-4 months prior to your visit to the country.