Uganda’s unique mix of and forest wildlife makes it a great all-round safari destination. The main reason for most visits is to go gorilla trekking in the mountainous southwest. Other unforgettable experiences include on open plains in search of elephant, buffalo and lion; dodging hippos on the Nile river below mighty Murchison Falls; and tracking chimps, humankind’s closest relatives.
Wildlife Highlights
Gorillas and chimps grab the headlines, but other primates are well represented. Species likely to be seen on a typical Uganda safari include red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, golden monkey, , Patas monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, black-and-white colobus, Ugandan red colobus, Ruwenzori colobus and the endemic Uganda mangabey. Antelope include Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, topi, Jackson’s hartebeest, impala, oribi and sitatunga. Queen Elizabeth National Park is probably the easiest place in Africa to see the boar-like giant forest hog.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best time for wildlife viewing is in the Dry seasons (June to August and December to February). Some of the roads are impassable during the rainy seasons (September to November and March to May). Gorilla can be tracked year-round, but the experience can be spoiled, to some extent, by heavy rain in the Wet seasons.
Wildlife Rating per Major Park
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Bwindi Impenetrable NP
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Queen Elizabeth NP
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Kibale NP
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Murchison Falls NP
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Kidepo Valley NP
Recommended Wildlife Books
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Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa
The best starter’s guide to large mammals; app available.
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The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals (book and app)
This detailed guide is especially strong on primates.
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The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals
This unique book is dedicated to explaining mammal behavior.
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East African Wildlife
Introductory coverage of more common mammals and birds.
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Field Guide to East African Reptiles
The definitive field guide for reptile enthusiasts.
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