Uganda Safaris

Uganda Safaris

What comes in your mind when you think of Ugandan safaris? A picture of mountain gorillas in green vegetation? Or a stunning view of Mount Elgon? All these are just a handful of Ugandan tourist destinations with the country being famous for hosting the mountain gorillas and the tree-climbing lions not to mention charming ethnic groups.

Why you should visit Uganda

Uganda has uncountable reasons of being visited by any safari-goer, whose purpose is to explore the untouched destinations.

Uganda beats Rwanda and the DR Congo in terms of gorilla tracking safaris. This country has the largest population of gorillas that are concentrated in its Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Like its name, Bwindi is hard to be penetrated through thus making the locals called it “mubwindi” which means “a place of darkness”. This park is dominated by swamps and wetlands which attracts large number of water birds and wild animals. Bwindi hosts over 800 mountain gorillas inhabiting the mountainous areas, and about 11 groups have habituated successful.

Just 88 gorilla tracking permits are issued per day such that each gorilla family comes into contact with just one group of visitors. The permit costs about $700 per person per day compared to Rwanda where it costs about $1500, and the permit expires after one hour.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is nothing than another paradise for gorilla tracking after Bwindi. It is situated within the Albertine Rift, and is home to some iconic volcanoes making the Virunga Mountains range. This is one is very secluded with little visitors coming there. With just one habituated gorilla family, Mgahinga is a perfect spot for complimenting your gorilla tracking trip with spectacular views of towering volcanoes.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is an interesting destination with wonderful views and experiences. This park is crossed by the equator giving you a rare chance to stand one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other foot in the southern hemisphere.

If that is not enough, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the rare tree-climbing lions (lions of Ishasha). These unique species climb the trees up and rest on acacia branches. These lions also, use their tree-climbing skills when hiding to catch their prey, which are always kobs and antelopes.

This park hosts the largest concentration of hippos inside the Kazinga Channel. Over 600 bird species are found in this park including the majestic water birds. Other wild animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park include elephants, spotted hyenas, leopards, chimpanzees, warthogs, stripped jackals, Uganda kobs, lions, serval cats, topis, buffalos, civet, waterbucks, and the rare sitatunga antelope.

Murchison Falls National Park is well known for its enormous Murchison Falls where its name stem from. The falls flow at high pressure causing the surrounding to tremble. It is a splendid site for picnicking when you order a lunch box.

While Bwindi and Mgahinga are famous for hosting the mountain gorillas, Murchison Falls National Park boasts over 600 chimps. Therefore, if you want to have an unforgettable experience of tracking the chimpanzees, then Murchison Falls National Park is your perfect spot.

Are a birder? Even if you haven’t dreamed of being a birder, you will be one after visiting Semuliki National Park. This alluring destination is dubbed as ‘the true birders’ haven’, is home to about 441 bird species. Some bird species found in this park include dwarf honey guide, blue-crested flycatcher, Sassi’s olive greenbul, white-tailed hornbill, forest ground thrush, and purple-breasted sunbird.

Kibale National Park is very rewarding when you are on primate tracking safari. It is inhabited by the Kanyanchu chimpanzees along with other primates such as monkeys and baboons.

Ugandan safaris are not only focused on wildlife adventures but also cultural tours of Ugandan vibrant tribes. This country is home to four distinct ethnic groups including the Bantu, Nilotic, Hamites, and the Nilo Hamites with the largest group being the Bantu.

The Baganda are the famous among the Bantu ethnic group, best known for their unique ancient rulers called the kabaka which prevailed in the colonial era. Other famous tribes include the Bagisu, Bakiga, Basoga, Jie, and the Lango.

When you should go to Uganda

Uganda is good all year round depending on the things you want to do in this lovely country. The dry season is the best time for most Ugandan safaris, and start from June to October. During the wet season mud accumulate in the parks as well as the mountain slopes making it difficult to conduct some safaris such as gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. Bird watching is exceptional in the rainy season (February to April) as the breeding plumage of many bird species are easily seen.

A holiday is meant to be enjoyed. Uganda gives you an aesthetic experience of exploring a number of destinations within its borders at a very low cost.