Wildlife safaris in Uganda
Uganda is gifted with a variety of attractions that have brought people from all over the world to the pearl of Africa with the aim of viewing and experiencing the beauty of nature in this country. The wildlife safaris in Uganda are ranked as one of the best in East Africa.
Several safari tours to different destinations will make your stay in Uganda memorable.
Uganda has about 342 mammals 10 national parks and 12 Game Reserves each having its uniqueness.
On a wildlife safari in Uganda, you will explore the different ecosystems, ranging from the savannah grasslands that are best explored by driving through the vast lands The game drives will give you opportunities to see animals like lions, Leopard, Buffalos, elephants, White Rhinos in the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary, giraffes, and zebras, Different species of Antelopes like the Uganda kobs, oribis, Impalas and many small savannah inhabitants. The forested ecosystems have different Primates like Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, baboons, different monkey species, and many more.
To enjoy a wildlife safari in Uganda, you will need a local expert who will help you dive into the lovely nature the country has as you explore different kinds of wild animals. You can engage in either a short or long Wildlife safaris in Uganda to get an awesome experience of the African wilderness. You can enjoy the wildlife safaris in a group, solo, or as a couple.
The wildlife safaris are mostly done during morning hours and during the day, this is because the animals are usually active around these hours which makes it possible for tourists to view them. It is advisable to do these Wildlife safaris in Uganda in a 4-wheel vehicle for a better drive-through.
Places For wildlife safaris
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western region of Uganda. The park spans the districts of Rukungiri, Kasese, Rubirizi, and Kamwenge. It has over 95 mammals and 10 species of primates that make your safari memorable.
The park harbors 4 out of 5 the big five animals, buffalos, Lions, Leopards, and Elephants. There are also other animals like the Hippopotamus, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, crocodiles, warthogs, and many more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is said to harbor over 10,000 buffaloes and these walk-in herds. The park also has about 2,500 African elephants
Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park is carried out in the Kasenyi plains because of its beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife.
There is another sector called Ishasha sector which is located in the south of the par5k, and here you will get the opportunity to view climbing Lions, Ugandan kobs, and Warthogs which can be spotted at Mweya peninsular. There is also chimpanzee trekking that is done in the Kyambura Gorge a Game Reserve within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park offers Day and Night Game drives. The night game drives are usually done with an armed ranger for security reasons.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. It lies in the northwestern part of the country. The park is known for its unique Wildlife safaris in Uganda. Besides that, it is known for its magnificent waterfall which is the most powerful in the world. The volume of the water is about 300 cubic meters per second.
This national park has more than 73 animal species including the big 5 animals, Rhinos, leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants. Other wild animals to spot on your safari are the Rothschild giraffes, Ugandan kobs, Hyenas, Hartebeests bushbucks, Oribis, warthogs, and a wide range of bird species.
You will also encounter primates in this national park that dwell in the Budongo forest. There are over 610 chimpanzees, patas monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, and more.
You can book a 3, 6, 7, or 10-day Safari to Murchison Falls depending on how much time you have in your schedule.
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons of December to mid-February and June to July. offer you a clear view of the game because the park is dry. Game drives are smoothly carried out unlike in the wet seasons where game tracks are slippery and muddy.
You can access this wildlife safari either by road or Air. From Kampala, there are two options of routes Kampala-Masindi route which is about 282 km and is approximately 4 hours. The Kampala- Hoima route takes approximately 5 hours to arrive at Murchison Falls National Park. There are charter flights which are in Kajjansi Entebbe to Chobe Airstrip or Pakuba Airstrip.
Other places for a wildlife experience in Uganda include Lake Mburo commonly known for its whelming numbers of Zebras and Impalas, and Kidepo Valley National Park within northern Uganda known for Rock climbing lions and beautiful scenery. Kibale National Park is the chimpanzee Capital and home to numerous small primates like red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will encounter the white Rhinos and this place has about 32 Rhinos living there.
