Best time to go for a Uganda safaris : Uganda experiences two weather seasons- the rainy season and the dry seasons. During the rainy season, which usually falls between March tome and October to November, the country gets heavy downpours and short rains. This is not the best time for a safari trip in Uganda as many tourists avoiding due to poor road conditions, muddy trails and slippery paths.
On the other hand, the dry season is a peak travel time for Uganda. It’s the time when most visitors come to the country, and it’s easy to see why. The dry season offers prefect weather with just a little rain, making its ideal for outdoor activities. The vegetation in the park is thinner, allowing for better views and easier navigation. The roads leading to the parks are also clear, making it easy to get around without getting, stuck in mud or slippery tracks
However, the dry season time to go for a Uganda safaris. The months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February are when you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and spot an incredible array of wildlife in their natural habitats.
These months mark the dry spell when it barely rains, and the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, especially in northern regions like Kidepo Valley National Park, northwest’s Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The dry season is when most of the park animals gather at the water sources to drink water.
In the southwestern region of the country, you can find an amazing 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 conditions, making its the ideal time to embark on a gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation or even chimpanzee tracking. It’s easier to see these incredible animals near the water sources, where they come to drink and because the vegetation is sparse, there are fewer places for them to hide.
Many people enjoy visiting national parks from June and September when the weather is dry, and there’s an abundance of food available for wildlife. This time of year, is perfect for those who want to see animal without worrying about rain. If you’re bird watcher, the months from November to April are particularly exciting. During this time, migratory birds from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Siberia make there way to the parks, and the early morning hours are the best for spotting them. You might even have the chance to see rare shoebill stork in the dry months of January, February, and March.
Best safari activities to do in Uganda
Gorilla trekking
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, don’t miss out on the chance to go Gorilla trekking. This incredible adventure takes place in two beautiful national parks in Uganda. That’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. because gorilla trekking is so popular, its a goog ideal to secure your gorilla permit at least 6 months ahead of your visit. While it might seem pricey, many tourists say it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Once you find the gorillas in their natural habitat, you’ll get to spend entire hour watching them interact, feeding, breast-feeding and play. Its a unique opportunity too sees these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. for those who want even more time, you can choose to book gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector, allowing you to stay with the gorillas for up to 4 hours. This is a fantastic way to learn more about their behavior and enjoy a deeper connection with them.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is another highlight and popular activity offered to visitors while on a Uganda safari. This remarkable activity takes place in Uganda’s lush tropical forests like Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu and Kyambura gorge. while on your chimpanzee tracking, you can spend an entire hour observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat on how they feed, care for each other, breasting among others. The cost of permits for chimpanzee tracking can differ based on the specific location you choose to visit in Uganda.
Game drives
Game drives are a popular activity for tourists on Uganda safaris, as they offer the chance to see a variety of wildlife in stunning savannah national parks. Many tourists choose to embark on these drives in the morning, evening and night game drives. Uganda is home to “big five” animals such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and rhinos. Other fascinating animals that you might also encounter in Uganda includes Uganda Kobs, Zebras, Giraffes, Bushbaby, Bushbuck, Cheetah, African palm civet, Aardvark, Dik dik, Forest duiker, Giant eland, Caracal, Greater kudu, Hippopotamus, Hyrax and Impala among others. If you are looking for unforgettable game drives, consider exploring Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park. Each of these parks has its own unique landscapes and wildlife, promising an adventure you won’t forget.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Uganda is an incredible experience, as the country boasts over 1,050 different bird species. This makes Uganda one of the best birding destinations in Africa, with about 10% of the world’s bird species here. Enthusiasts can explore a variety of beautiful sites for birding, including notable parks such as 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 stunning parks provide more opportunities to encounter Uganda’s rich avian life. Other birding sites include Budongo forest, Maramagambo forest, Mabira Forest, Echuya forest, Kalinzu forest, Pian Upe game reserve, Mabamba Swamp, Nyamuriro swamp, Katonga game reserve among others
During your Uganda birding tours, you’ll have the chance to spot bird such as 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 are popular way to explore the country’s beautiful waterways. Boat trips in Uganda are commonly done along the Nile delta in Murchison falls national park as well as the impressive Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park. These boat rides offer a unique opportunity to see wildlife up close. As you glide along the water, you might spot crocodiles soaking up the sun and hippos splashing nearby. It’s also common to see other animals that come to the riverbanks to drink, making these trips an exciting adventure for nature lovers.
Hiking and mountain climbing
Hiking and mountain climbing is another exciting safari activity to embark on while on a Uganda safari. These safaris offer incredible adventures, especially when you explore the stunning Rwenzori mountains and Mount Elgon over several days. If you’re looking for short hiking, one day hikes are available t beautiful places like Sipi Falls, Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura.
What to bring for safari to Uganda
If you’re planning a safari in Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa”, it’s essential to know what to parc once you’ve figured out the best time to go. On the highlight of your trip will likely be trekking the see the mountain gorillas. This isn’t just a casual walk; it requires you to be in good shape because the hike can be quite challenging. Make sure to bring garden gloves, waterproof hiking boots, raincoats, long-sleeved warm clothes, enough drinking water, insect repellents and energy-giving snacks among others. You are advised to book a gorilla permit in advance of 3-4 months before coming to visit the country.
