Wildlife Safaris in Uganda : There is numeral of wild animals found in Uganda, and this is impressive to travelers that flock to this tiny east African country. Uganda known as the Pearl of Africa is rich with various tree species, plant life, beautiful landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including the great Apes (Chimpanzee & Mountain Gorilla) and the Big 5 animals in the world.
he country enjoys perfect weather for wildlife safari holidays throughout the year. It is every traveler’s charm to visit Uganda and be able to have the once-in-a-lifetime foretaste of the Uganda safari big five wild animals (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe, and Rhinoceros).
Categories of animals found in Uganda
Animals found in Uganda can be grouped into these categories and all these have different ways of life styles and behavior and these are:
Primates: primates include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and many more.
Carnivores: these can involves, Lion, Leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, hyena, and many more
Herbivores: and these are, Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Rhino, Zebra, Antelope, Uganda Kob and many more
Reptile: Crocodiles, pythons, snakes, monitor lizards, chameleons.
Birds: African eagle, vultures, turacos, created crane, sunbirds and many more.
Carnivorous Animals Found in Uganda
Uganda is one of the most famous countries that have different animals and they all have sorts of difference and ways and these include carnivorous animals there are 38 carnivore species in Uganda. And these include:
Cheetahs: are very rarely seen and is heavily spotted with a greyhound-like build and distinctive black tear-marks. They are speedy animals though the least powerful among the large predators. They are found in grassland and savannah habitats such as the Kidepo National Park.
Lions: the king of the wilderness, weigh 680kg and reaches a height of 165cm. They usually prey on antelopes and buffalos. The females are the hunters. They are pretty common in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. They are not present in Lake Mburo National Park. The famous tree-climbing lions are found in Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth.
Leopard: is quite similar to the cheetah but can be differentiated from their rosette-shaped spots and are more powerfully built. They prefer wooded or rocky habitats and are present in most national parks in Uganda but regularly seen along channel drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
African civets: these are not easily seen since they are nocturnal but are common in most parks. They are bulky, longhaired with a cat-like face.
Spotted hyena: these are bulky with a sloping back, dark brown spots, and blessed with mighty jaws that can crack through tough bones and skin. They are usually found in the savannah and have exceptional hunting skills, capable of killing an animal as large as a wildebeest. They are, however, absent in Kidepo National Park.
Mongooses: are regularly seen around the Mweya peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The species include; Egyptian mongoose, Marsh mongoose, Slender mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, and banded mongoose.
Genets: they are nocturnal, resembling cats but are related to civets. The species include servile genes, large-spotted genes, and small-spotted genes seen on night drives in Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Interestingly they are attracted to human waste.
All these and lots more can be sighted on your Uganda safari to the different national parks in Uganda and they are all lovely creatures to view,
Animals are some of the greatest gifts that God awarded this lovely land locked country; most travellers leave their mother lands to come and sight these lovely animals as they spend precious time with Mother Nature.
Activities to do on Uganda wildlife safaris
There are a lot of funs moments that can be carried out on your Uganda safari to sight these lovely animals and just do it as an addition to your tour. And these can include;
Gorilla trekking
Exploring the forest while searching for the famous mountain gorillas feeding their offspring or just being their majestic selves is what a Uganda gorilla trekking experience is about and way more, Wildlife Safaris in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will give you the ultimate feel of a gorilla trekking experience. Remember to heed to your ranger’s instructions, prepare physically for a considerable amount of walking and participate while in good health lest you leave the gorillas infected. Gorilla trekking is an adrenaline stirring experience and worth every minute of your time.
Chimpanzee trekking
Uganda is a primate hub with over 13 different primates and the chimpanzees being among them. Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu forest, Tooro-Semliki wildlife reserve and Budongo forest are among the places to trek chimps in the wild. For extended time with the chimps in the wild you can take on the chimp habituation experience which lasts longer than chimp trekking experience. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary and Uganda wildlife Education centre are some places to view orphaned rescued chimps. Enjoy the sight of chimpanzees going about their daily life, eating fruit, watching and grooming each other.
Bird watching
The birds of Uganda chirp by the waters of Lake Victoria, they fly over the current of the River Nile and wade through the swamps of Mabamba Island. With over 1050 bird species recorded in Uganda, a safari in Uganda would be incomplete without engaging in birding. The tropical rain forests, the savanna, the swamps and lakesides are a home to many birds. The famous shoebill is one of the must see birds, a glimpse of which may be caught at Mabamba Island. A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National park would lead you to the Albertine Rift Endemics; the Bigodi wetlands could allow you the sight of a Great Blue Turaco, the Murchison falls national park for the savanna endemics such as Denham’s Bustard; Mabamba Swamp for the shoebill and the central Africa species at the Semuliki National Park,Wildlife Safaris in Uganda.
Cultural experiences
The birds, animals and plant species are not the only form of diversity Uganda has to offer. Our culture is a cocktail of colour, taste, sights and sounds. Each tribe and local community will offer you a different recipe, cultural dress or sense of style, language, traditional song and dance. Try the famous Luwombo from Buganda, Eshabwe from Ankole, Atapa from the land of Teso, Malakwang from Acholi and Maleewa from the Bagisu of the East while exploring Uganda’s cultural and staple food. Participating in the Batwa trail, stopping by the museum, Igongo Cultural Centre, Ndere Centre, the national theatre, a home visit while at Queen Elizabeth National Park and stopping by a souvenir shop in and out of Kampala could give you a feel and taste of Uganda’s culture.
Volcano Hiking
Uganda is a land of hills, valleys, picturesque planes and Volcano Mountains. To the east of Uganda stands Mount Elgon at 4,321 meters with the largest caldera in the world. The west of Uganda is home to the mighty Virunga Ranges; Mount Mgahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo which stand at 3,474 meter’s, 4,127 meres and 3,645 meters respectively, beckoning to adventurous souls. To hike up the volcanoes is not a merely a rocky climb; rather, it is a walk through the dense forests that grow on the fertile slopes of the volcanoes, a peek at the gorillas that tread the bamboo in the Virunga Ranges and the rare birds that have made these highlands a dwelling place. Hiking up a volcano is a test of character, strength and finally an accomplishment that leaves you prouder of your capabilities than you were before the hike, Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
Kampala City Tour
Kampala is Uganda’s Capital that as of now sits on 22 hills. Whether you choose the bicycle tour, vehicle ride or a walk tour exploring Uganda without touring her capital Kampala would be an injustice to your Uganda safari. Kampala’s greatness lies in her architectural and historic sites like the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, Rubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral, the Bahai Temple, the Hindu temple and the independence monument, Kasubi tombs. While the sites are a sight to behold remember to eat a Rolex while on your tour of Kampala.
And lots other more can be carried out and all these can be organized for you by a well trusted Uganda safari.
