A Uganda safari is becoming highly sought after with its diversity of wildlife and incredible bird life. Uganda’s landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and warm friendly people are what makes this country the shining pearl of Africa. It is a country with fantastic natural scenery. And a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. It is home to the big 7. The big 5 plus gorilla and chimpanzee. With more than half of the worlds mountain gorilla population. 3 UNESCO world heritage sites. The mighty River Nile providing the adventure seeker with some grade 5 rapids. That will make your hair stand on end. The worlds most powerful waterfall – Murchison Falls. Africa’s 3rd highest mountain in the snow capped Rwenzori mountains. The worlds largest tropical lake – Lake Victoria. The worlds largest mahogany forest – Budongo. And spans the equator for year round warm temperatures.
Uganda is a small (approximately the size of Great Britain), landlocked country. It is bordered by Sudan to the north, Congo to the west, Rwanda and Tanzania to the south. And Kenya to the east. The capital Kampala is sprawled across seven hills and 40km from the international airport of Entebbe. From the moment you arrive, it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination. Entebbe is located on the forested shore of island-strewn Lake Victoria.
A Uganda Gorilla Safari
What makes Uganda such a unique safari destination is its remarkable concentration of primates. The highest on earth. There are approximately 1100 surviving mountain gorillas in the wild. More than half of these are found in Bwindi, Uganda. Gorilla tracking is a year-round activity, with no season as such. The rain forest is moist. It rains very often in Bwindi; even in the dry season.
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park but definitely not its least popular. It is the second location to track mountain gorillas in Uganda. The Mgahinga trek is quite different from Bwindi. This is because it is a hike that is done along a range of ancient volcanoes. Mgahinga is where gold meets silver. And this is indeed seen in how silverbacks and golden monkeys share a close range of habitat. Golden monkeys are a unique species that is endemic to this part of the world. Track Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys here.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees, scientifically known as Pan troglodytes, are captivating and intelligent primates. They share approximately 98-99% of their DNA with humans. This genetic similarity places them among our closest living relatives. Offering a unique opportunity to gain insights into our own evolutionary history and behavior. Found in the forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, chimpanzees exhibit complex social structures, tool usage, and communication. In Uganda, they can be tracked in the following areas: Kibale National Park known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” which is a haven for chimpanzee lovers, Budongo Forest Reserve located in Murchison Falls National Park The Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Rwanda, they can be tracked in Nyungwe National Park.
Golden Monkeys
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda, the golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are a captivating species. That paint the forests with their vibrant colors and playful antics. These remarkable creatures are a unique subspecies of the blue monkey. And are endemic to the Albertine Rift region of East Africa. Renowned for their stunning appearance and intriguing behaviors, golden monkeys have captured the hearts of both locals and tourists. In Uganda, these playful creatures can be tracked in the dense Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Uganda Birding Safari
Uganda has over 1,000 bird species. Some of which are endemic to the country; mainly in the Albertine region. These constitute 67% of Africa’s and 11.1% of the world’s total population. Making the country a must-visit for bird lovers. Some of the most interesting birds include: Crested crane (recently named ‘Gray-crowned crane’), Shoebill, Wattled plover, Saddle Billed Stork, Pelican, African Pygmy Geese; and Narina’s Trogon.
Gray-crowned crane in Uganda
These special birds; such as the Shoebill. And the numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley. They are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. The huge bird list is so remarkable given the small size of the country of over 235 000 km². This makes it arguably, the richest African birding destination.
Fishing is also a major attraction to Uganda. With the Nile Perch being the prize catch (largest freshwater game fish in the world).
Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda to enjoy a horse safari in a National Park.
People and culture
Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot. As evidenced by the existence of more than 30 different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups. And an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art, and handicrafts. Uganda is a friendly country with rolling green hills, huge rivers and lakes, and rugged mountains. There is a remarkably low level of crime and hassle directed at tourists.
Uganda is very progressive in its developments as an environmentally friendly destination. With community-based Ecotourism projects mushrooming. And a mood of social enlightenment characterized by the progressive and much-lauded policies towards curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. And promoting women’s rights.
A guide on when to visit Uganda for a safari
Uganda experiences a temperate climate even though the majority of the country is within the Tropics. With temperatures between 16 – 26’C for the majority of the year; from April until November. However, during the warmer months of December until March; temperatures reach in excess of 30’C. Uganda’s climatic seasons always change from year to year. However, it is always a little dry throughout the year. Apart from the rainy seasons between April to May and September until November.
The short but sweet 6 night Uganda Discovery safari takes you to five remarkable National Parks. Including Kibale Forest where you’ll set off to trek for chimpanzees with the chance to see all 13 primates in this area. A brief morning in Queen Elizabeth NP …
The Best of Uganda Tour is a 8 day scheduled tour departing from Entebbe. Searching for endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. And multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife. Including tree …
On these 4 day Fly-In Uganda Gorilla Safari packages, you will get to interact with one of 5 habituated gorilla troops. And experience the beautiful ecosystem of Bwindi National Park. We have 5 options to choose from so there is most likely one that will …
Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorillas combines two safaris in the Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Knock off two wishes on your bucket list in one trip! This is using Sanctuary Retreats luxury camps …
