Uganda Travel Guide Best Time To Visit
Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Uganda.
The best time to visit Uganda is between June to August and December to February, which is during the Dry seasons. Wildlife viewing is at its peak. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet, and one can't avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.
June to August & December to February Dry Seasons
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This is the best time for gorilla trekking because these are the drier months
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In the savannah reserves, there is less vegetation and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot
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Even during the high season (June to September) the parks don't feel crowded
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The skies are clear; there is less rain and more sunshine
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Gorilla permits need to be booked very far in advance
March to May & September to November Wet Seasons
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The scenery of the savannah reserves is greener – it's low season, resulting in lower rates
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Although wildlife in the savannah reserves is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
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There are many newborn animals
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Some of the roads get very bad and cars often get stuck; forest trails can become slippery and challenging
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You won't be able to change your expensive gorilla permit if it pours with rain; departures go as scheduled
Wildlife Photos
Silverback mountain gorilla
© Lisa BukaldersSilverback mountain gorilla
© Lisa BukaldersMountain gorillas
© PhotodynamicMountain gorilla
© Michael PolizaLion cubs
© Ariadne van ZandbergenMale lion growling
© Ariadne van ZandbergenRothschild's giraffe in tall grass
© Ariadne van ZandbergenAfrican elephants playing in the Nile
© Ariadne van ZandbergenDefassa waterbuck
© Ariadne van ZandbergenJackson's hartebeest walking
© Ariadne van ZandbergenHippos in the Victoria Nile below Murchison Falls
© Ariadne van ZandbergenChimpanzee
© The NailmanChimpanzee
© Dominique SchrecklingAfrican elephants in the Ishasha sector
© Ariadne van ZandbergenTopi in the sun
© Ariadne van ZandbergenLion in the Ishasha sector
© Ariadne van ZandbergenTopi grazing
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBuffalo covered in mud
© Ariadne van ZandbergenTree-climbing lion asleep in a tree
© Ariadne van ZandbergenWarthog in the grass
© Ariadne van ZandbergenTwo plains zebras
© Ariadne van ZandbergenImpala close-up
© Paul HateleyVervet monkey with young
© Ariadne van Zandbergen Best Time To Go by Major Park
All parks are best visited during the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February.