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Wildlife safaris in Uganda Africa

Best Wildlife Safaris in Uganda, Africa-Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife safaris in Uganda Africa show the beauty and uniqueness of the extraordinary wildlife in the country. Uganda, often known as the Pearl of Africa boasts innumerable wildlife species for example animals, birds, and plants.

Many tourist destinations, especially the national parks offer the best ways to experience these unique wildlife in their natural habitat as you meet them up close.

The diverse ecosystem creates a favorable natural habitat for the animals, birds, and plants some of which rank among the rarest and most endangered in the country, for example, the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Albertine Rift Endemics, and endemic plants, among others.

Please inquire with our professional tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions for the best Uganda wildlife safari planning today.      

Special Wildlife Experiences in Uganda 

Discover Uganda’s top and special wildlife experiences, bringing you closer to various wildlife species. Wildlife safaris in Uganda can be experienced through safari activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boat cruises, and bird watching as seen below.

1. The Unique Gorilla Trekking Adventures in Uganda 

Uganda Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and it is the highlight of all safari activities in the country.

You will meet a habituated Gorilla family in their natural habitat by purchasing a Gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and with the guide of a ranger, you will track them in the forest.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda 

The Chimpanzee trekking adventures in Uganda are commonly done in Kibale National Park, although it is also possible to have an incredible chimpanzee trekking experience in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Guided chimpanzee treks are an opportunity to explore the different humanlike behaviors of these primates known to be the closest relatives to man with a DNA similarity of 98% to 99%.

3. Game Drives in Uganda 

The game drives in Uganda are one of the major wildlife safari activities of the country in which tourists move in 4×4 safari vehicles as they watch various animals on the different savannahs.

The activity occurs in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Expect various animals like Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, and Antelopes, among others.

4. Boat Cruise Safaris in Uganda 

A remarkable way to watch various wildlife is through a safari boat cruise, especially through the Kazinga Channel in QENP, and a cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Other places to have a wildlife safari boat cruise or experience the rarest canoeing adventures in Uganda are Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo.

Expect to encounter various animals in the waters and the water shores for example the Nile Crocodiles, Antelopes, Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, and various birds like the Shoebill, Hammerkop, Pelicans, and Sunbirds, among others.

5. Bird-Watching Experiences in Uganda 

This is one of the most peculiar wildlife safari experiences exposing you to the unique avian life in Uganda. Uganda protects over 1100 bird species and among them are migratory birds, Albertine Rift Endemics, and Congo Guinea species that you can meet along the water shores, forests, woodlands, savannahs, and the drier areas.

Meet various colorful birds for example the Stoks, Eagles, Kingfishers, Vultures, Sunbirds, and Egrets, among others.

The Top National Parks for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda 

Uganda is blessed with many destinations to experience the best wildlife safaris in the country, ranging from national parks, national reserves, and sanctuaries.

Let us look at the most renowned Uganda wildlife safari destinations below.

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda is among the country’s most popular national parks. The diverse landscapes in the park allow the dwelling of forest animals, savannah animals, and wetland creatures.

The park is home to more than 96 mammal species and more than 600 recorded bird species. A boat cruise, nature walk, or game drive through the park will bring you to watch various animals like Buffaloes, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Antelopes, Zebras, Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, and many others.

Common bird species to watch at Queen Elizabeth National Park are the Shoebill, Black Crake, Herons, Eagles, Pelicans, Egrets, Hamerkop, and Vultures, among others.

You can best explore the Uganda wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, Maramagambo Forest, Mweya Peninsular, and Kyambura Gorge.

2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

The beautiful rich ecosystem of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to some of the most elusive creatures in the world like the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects over 120 mammal species and over 350 bird species which also includes the 23 out of the 24 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Wildlife safaris in Bwindi Uganda will take you to explore the Mountain Gorillas, Monkeys, Antelopes, and a plethora of birds for example the Turacos, Sunbirds, Bee-eaters, Weavers, Kingfishers, Weavers, Nightjars, Cuckoos, among others.

You will explore this amazing wildlife through the Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija sectors.

3. Murchison Falls National Park 

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and the largest Uganda national park famous for the Nile River, the longest river in the world that passes through it.

The Nile River brings to life and supports a plethora of wildlife species like animals and birds.

With over 556 bird species and 144 mammal species, you will be able to watch the Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, and Antelopes, among others.

Common birds to watch at Murchison Falls National Park are the Shoebill, Storks, Egrets, Grey Crowned Cranes, Eagles, Vultures, and Pelicans, among others.

You can explore these wildlife species through the northern sector and southern sectors on game drives, boat cruises, or nature walks.

4. Kibale National Park 

Kibale Forest National Park is also called the “Primate Capital of the World” famous for protecting the endangered Chimpanzees, the closest relatives of humans.

Kibale National Park is home to over 120 mammal species and over 350 bird species, including about 23 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Explore the different other primate species of the park like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Red Tailed Monkeys, and Baboons, to mention but a few.

Watch different bird species of the park for example the Green Breasted Pitta, Lowland Masked Apalis, Handsome Francolin, and the Blue Headed Bee Eater, among others.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park 

This beautiful savannah park isolated in northeastern Uganda is a virgin savannah landscape with over 75 mammal species and more than 470 bird species.

Exploring Kidepo will take you through the Narus Valley and the Kidepo Valley to watch the various savannah animals like Elephants, Elands, Giraffes, Hyenas, Zebras, Uganda Kobs, and Duikers, among others.

Experience the different bird species of the park like the Ostriches, Bee-eaters, Barbets, Hornbills, Falcons, and Weavers.

6. Lake Mburo National Park 

This is the smallest savannah national park in Uganda which is nearest to Kampala, the capital city of the country. It boasts numerous wildlife species that you can watch on game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.

Experience over 68 mammal species and 350 bird species at Lake Mburo NP.

Lake Mburo National Park has the highest number of Leopards, and it is the only Uganda national park protecting the Impala Antelopes. Other animals to watch at Lake Mburo National Park are the Giraffes, Zebras, Elands, Hippos, and a wide range of bird species for example the Waterfowl, Kingfishers, Eagles, Herons, among others.

Other destinations to experience amazing wildlife safaris in Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Pian Upe National Reserve, among others.

The Best Time to Go for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda 

Wildlife safaris in Uganda occur all year round although the best time to have it is during the dry season from about December to February and June to September.

During the dry season, the tracks are dry making the trekking or game drive tracks much easier to pass through. Many animals also gather around the water sources to drink water, thus easy to watch them through the boat cruises.

Nonetheless, the wet season also offers amazing lush green landscapes for tourists for a serene experience.

Conclusion

Wildlife safaris in Uganda provide you with an extraordinary fulfilling breathtaking experience to meet Uganda’s most iconic animal species. The Uganda wildlife safaris will take you to watch Uganda primates, and the extensive savannah wild animals and birds for a memorable adventure.

For the best wildlife safaris in Uganda, inquire and book with a professional tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions today!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What Should you Pack for your Wildlife Safaris in Uganda 

The remarkable safari will need you to pack some of the most necessary things for your trip. These are insect repellent, camera, binoculars, travel documents and permits, notebook and pen, backpack, water bottle, and snacks, among others.

2. What Should you Wear for a Wildlife Safari in Uganda 

Experience a comfortable wildlife Uganda safari by wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts, strong sturdy shoes, a sun hat, and garden gloves.

3. How Many Safari Parks are in Uganda? 

Uganda has 10 national parks.