Uganda is one of the popular safari destinations for wildlife safaris in Africa, especially for primate safaris. Despite the small size of this country, Uganda is home to about 345 different wildlife species that can be spotted during Uganda wildlife safaris/ Uganda Safaris. Wildlife safaris in Uganda offer visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s diverse and unique wildlife species that can be spotted in the diverse range of ecosystems. Wildlife Safaris in Uganda are best done in National Park and Game Reserves. Some of the popular National Parks for a Uganda wildlife safari include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including the African elephant, African lion, Nile crocodile, spotted hyena, and African buffalo. Other notable wildlife species in Uganda include the leopard, chimpanzee, mountain gorilla, and giraffe. If you are interested in the Big Five African Animals, Uganda will surely not disappoint you as it has all the Big Five Animals.
Besides the country’s large wildlife populations, Uganda also has a diverse birdlife population. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is regarded as a prime destination for bird watching in Africa, having 10% of the total African bird population. Some of the notable bird species in Uganda include the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and the red-billed quelea. Here is all you need to know about Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
Among the most thought-of wildlife in Uganda are the mountain gorillas and Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tourist activities in Uganda. Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas that live in the tropical rainforest in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking is a must-include in your bucket list when planning a safari to Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda involves hiking through Uganda’s dense forests to track and observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This activity is conducted in two national parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to over 50% of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, guaranteeing gorilla sightseeing during Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris.
To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you need to have a permit, which can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a registered tour operator like Acacia Safaris Limited. Only a limited number of permits are issued per day, and visitors are accompanied by park rangers and trackers to ensure that they are safe and do not disturb the gorilla habitats. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
Apart from gorilla trekking, Uganda is also home to other primates that can be tracked, such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity in Kibale National Park, where visitors can explore the jungle and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Other national parks where visitors can track primates include Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park.
Uganda is a diverse and ecologically rich country and is home to a variety of carnivores, including several species of big cats. Here are the different carnivores and big cats found in Uganda and where they can be seen during Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.
Lions (Panthera Leo): (One of the Big Five African Animals) Lions are the most iconic big cats and can be found in Uganda’s major National Parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. These majestic creatures are known for their social behavior, forming pride consisting of multiple individuals. Safari-goers have the opportunity to spot lions during game drives or guided walking safaris in these parks. For the best lion sighting experience in Uganda, visit Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha Sector and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Leopards (Panthera pardus): (One of the Big Five African Animals) Leopards are known for their elusive and solitary nature. They are widespread across Uganda, inhabiting various ecosystems such as forests, savannahs, and national parks. Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park are some of the best places to spot leopards. Night game drives or early morning game drives increase the chances of encountering these beautiful predators.
Although cheetah populations in Uganda are relatively small, they can still be found in Kidepo Valley National Park. These stunning big cats are known for their incredible speed and distinctive coat patterns. Spotting a cheetah during a safari is a rare and thrilling experience, making it a rewarding sight for wildlife enthusiasts.
African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus): Also known as painted dogs, African wild dogs are highly endangered and face numerous conservation challenges. Uganda has a small population that can be found in Kidepo Valley National Park and occasionally in Murchison Falls National Park. During your Wildlife Safaris in Uganda, you can enjoy guided walks or game drives within these parks since they offer a chance to encounter these unique carnivores.
Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta): Hyenas may not be classified as big cats, but they are fascinating carnivores that can be seen in several Ugandan National Parks. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are home to both spotted hyenas and the rare striped hyenas. The best way to encounter these cats is through guided night drives in the park.
Uganda is home to a diverse range of herbivores, including various antelope species that grace its landscapes. If you are planning a Uganda wildlife safari, expect to encounter some of the following species in Uganda’s National Parks and Game Reserves.
Uganda Kob: The Uganda Kob is a medium-sized antelope found in open grassland areas, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. They are known for their stunning coats, featuring a reddish-brown color and spiraled horns.
Jackson’s Hartebeest: This large antelope species can be found in the savannah areas of Uganda, notably in Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Jackson’s Hartebeest is recognized by its unique long face, high shoulders, and curved horns.
Waterbuck: The majestic Waterbuck is a common sight near water sources, such as rivers and swamps, found in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. They have a distinct shaggy, reddish-brown coat and impressive, ridged horns.
Eland: Elands are the largest antelope species in Uganda and can be observed in Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. They possess magnificent, spiral-shaped horns and a light brown coat.
Topi: Topis are found in savannah and grassland habitats, especially in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. These antelopes have a chestnut-colored coat with a purplish hue and curved horns.
Uganda is also home to other wildlife including; African buffalo, African bush elephant, Nile hippopotamus, Giant Eland, Ugandan Kob, Ugandan Red Colobus, African elephant, Black-and-white colobus, Uganda Mangabey, Sitatunga, Burchell’s zebra, Rothschild’s giraffe, African savanna hare, Bushbuck, Common hippopotamus, African forest buffalo, Uganda kob, Common warthog, African leopard, African wild dog, African forest elephant, Ugandan Shrew, African pygmy squirrel, Beecroft’s four-toed jerboa, African grey duiker, Black duiker, Red duiker, East African Oryx, White rhinoceros, Black rhinoceros, Impala, Topi, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Cape buffalo, African civet, Spotted hyena, African golden cat, Nile crocodile, African rock python, African spurred tortoise, Olive baboon, Vervet monkey, Patas monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, Uganda mangabey, Chimpanzee, Olive colobus, and Puku. Wildlife Safaris in Uganda can be conducted all year round and Acacia Safaris Limited has the best packages for you. Plan your Wildlife Safari to Uganda with us and experience life-changing moments.