The Best Wildlife Safaris in Uganda’s National Parks: Uganda being a home of diverse nature and wildlife, is one of the best places to have safaris in Africa. From the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park each park has a special way of presenting wildlife. This is a brief on the best wildlife safaris in Uganda’s national parks, their features, and what you are likely to encounter in each park.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overview:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park situated in southwestern Uganda is one of the most popular destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its diverse and exotic wildlife.
What to Expect:
– Gorilla Trekking: The major activity that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for is tracking the mountain gorillas. The following is one of the most demanding yet rewarding treks which will lead you to the thick forest and face one of the last chimpanzee populations.
– Primates: Apart from the gorillas other primates found in Bwindi are chimpanzees and other types of monkeys.
– Bird Watching: The park is also an interesting destination for bird watchers with over 350 bird species in the park some of which are endemic to the Albertine endorheic region.
Best Time to Visit:
– Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): Preferred because of relatively little rain and better trails for the gorilla tracking.
Tips for Visiting:
– Book Permits Early: Permit for gorilla trekking is a hot cake and this means that one has to book for the permit several months in advance.
– Prepare for Hikes: It is advised that one wears good quality hiking boots and be prepared for a rough hike through the bushes.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Overview:
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is an amazing wildlife sanctuary located in the western part of Uganda and is among the most sought-after tourist attractions in the country. Some of the habitats found in the park are the savannah, forest, wetland, and aquatic habitats such as lakes.
What to Expect:
– Game Drives: Get up close to the wildlife on game drives and view the famous animals of the African Savannah such as the elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards.
– Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: During your safari take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel where you can be able to see the hippos, crocodiles and several species of bird life.
– Tree-Climbing Lions: In the Ishasha sector of the park, you may as well be privileged to see tree-climbing lions which is not a common occurrence in many parts of the world.
Best Time to Visit:
– Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): Suitable for game drives and boat safaris since the roads are less muddy and one can have a better view.
Tips for Visiting:
– Combine Activities: Make sure you have both the game drives and the boat safaris in the park in order to have the whole experience.
– Early Morning Drives: Due to this, it becomes easier to go for game drives in the early morning because that is when Wildlife is most active.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Overview:
Located in the northwestern part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest of all the national parks in Uganda. This park is well known by the spectacular Murchison Falls, through which the Nile River is forced to flow and, thus, plunge down.
What to Expect:
– Game Drives: Murchison Falls is a good place for a game drive and one can be able to see elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelopes among others within the plains.
– Boat Safaris: It is highly advised to take a boat ride on the Nile River to watch Hippos, Crocodiles, and numerous Birds as well as the magnificent Murchison Falls.
– Hiking: To have a different view of the area, it is recommended that you climb up the Murchison Falls to have a great view of the waterfall as well as the surrounding environment.
Best Time to Visit:
– Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): Ideal for game viewing and river cruises because they are more accessible and sight game and wildlife more easily.
Tips for Visiting:
– Combine Activities: Ensure that you have both the game drives and boat safaris in your schedule when you are in the park to see the wildlife and the environment.
– Bring a Rain Jacket: While the dry season is recommended, the weather is rather changeable and particularly during the falls’ area.
- Kibale National Park
Overview:
Kibale Forest which is in the southern part of western Uganda is the only park in the country with the highest population of primates. This city is popularly known as the ‘primate capital of the world’ mainly due to the presence of many primates.
What to Expect:
– Chimpanzee Tracking: Kibale is famous for its chimpanzee tracking, which is rather observing these creatures in their natural environment.
– Primate Species: Besides chimpanzees, Mahale houses twelve other species of primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, and the Lhoetes monkeys.
– Bird Watching: The park is also well known for bird watching with a list of 300+ bird species.
Best Time to Visit:
– Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): Good for primates trekking and hiking since there is less rain and a better trail surface.
Tips for Visiting:
– Wear Appropriate Gear: The forest trails are often muddy so it is best to wear good thick boots and carry an umbrella or raincoat.
– Book Permits in Advance: Chimpanzee tracking permits are also limited and one is advised to book for the same in advance to avoid disappointments.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Overview:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in the southwestern part of Uganda and is one of the sectors that constitute the Virunga massif in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is recognized for its beautiful volcanic features and being home to mountain gorillas.
What to Expect:
– Gorilla Trekking: Mgahinga National Park is another location where gorilla trekking is possible but with fewer tourists thus giving one a more private viewing.
– Golden Monkeys: Golden monkeys that are endangered are also found in the park and one can go for tracking of the monkeys
