Wildlife viewing is one major reason why thousands of travelers visit Uganda for a holiday. Uganda is known for its outstanding and authentic African safari experiences given its magical wilderness areas where huge concentration of wildlife species thrives. Uganda is comprised of 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves and each of these wilderness areas offer distinct game viewing experience to visitors on Uganda wildlife safari. Most of Uganda’s pristine national parks inhabit wide range of wildlife including 342 mammal species, reptiles, amphibians, 1080 bird species, 1200 butterfly species to mention but a few.
Where to go for wildlife viewing in Uganda
Wildlife viewing in Uganda is best done in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth national Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki National Park. A visit to these parks on Uganda wildlife safari allows you to explore diversity of wildlife species including among others the big African game, antelopes, birds while also enjoying the breathtaking landscape and sceneries of the area. Because most of the wildlife viewing tours in Uganda are conducted in the national parks, visitor safety is very essential and these wildlife safari destinations are safe to visit. They are monitored and well-protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is found in Northwestern Uganda and expands up to 3893sq.kms making it the largest of all the ten national parks in the pearl of Africa. It prides itself as refuge to over 76 mammals including elephants, cape buffaloes, leopards, lions, antelopes such as Uganda kobs, Jackson hartebeests, bushbucks; giraffes, warthogs; 451 bird species including shoebill storks, bee-eaters, kingfishers; primates like chimpanzees olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys that thrive in Budongo Forest.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
While on Uganda wildlife viewing safari in Murchison Falls National Park the best lodges to spend a night include Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge/Bwana Tembo Safari Camp/Fort Murchison (Mid-range), Red Chilli Rest Camp/Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget).
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is set in northeastern Uganda about 12 hours’ drive away from Kampala. It is one of the perfect wildlife viewing safari destinations in Uganda and visitors embark on game drives along the Narus Valley or Kidepo Valley. Each of these wildlife tracks reward travelers with distinct experiences. The wildlife species to expect to see while on game viewing tour in Kidepo National Park include the Rothschild giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes like Uganda kobs, water bucks; birds, hyenas and many others. This park is also perfect for night game drives which get you a chance to see different wildlife species including dik-dik, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is in western Uganda about 6 hours’ drive away from Kampala. It is a home to African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions plus the tree climbing lions, antelopes, over 620 bird species, hippos, crocodiles to mention but a few. Game drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park are conducted along Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha area. You can also take part in a launch trip along Kazinga Channel where you get to see different water dwellers.
Lake Mburo National Park
This is another exceptional wildlife safari destinations in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park is 4 hours’ drive away from Kampala and it is by far the most reachable safari destination in Uganda. It inhabits over 350 bird species, different antelopes, giraffes, zebras and many others. This park is perfect for game drives, boat cruise and each safari experience offer distinct experiences.
How to go for wildlife viewing in Uganda
Game viewing safaris in Uganda are best conducted in a 4×4 safari van or land cruisers with pop-up roof for you to have clear view over diverse wildlife species. Alternatively, you can opt for aerial wildlife viewing, boat cruise.
What you should pack for wildlife viewing in Uganda
The essential items to consider in your packing list for wildlife viewing safari in Uganda include camera with extra battery, binoculars, insect repellents, safari hat, valid passport, sun glasses, toiletries, safari clothes and many others.
Best time to go for wildlife viewing in Uganda
Wildlife viewing in Uganda is open to tourists all year round. However, most visitors prefer the dry season which begins from June to September and December to February. During this season, there is low rainfall and most wildlife species converge at the few water spots to drink water thus offering the best view at different species of wildlife. The wet or rainy season is ideal for birders and it commences from October to November.