An Uganda Safari is a trip to Africa for most people. Uganda is a land of contrasts, from the snowy moon mountains to the serene beauty of the Kazinga Canal, from the mighty power of the Murchison Falls to the stunning silence of Lake Bunyonyi high in the "Little Switzerland of Africa," this is the true heart of Africa sun-drenched on the equator calm, friendly and lively.
Uganda is the ultimate safari destination in the whole of Africa, offering you a variety of natural scenery from the Savannah to the highest mountain range with snow-capped peaks - the Rwenzori Mountains, countless lakes and rivers, and almost half of the endangered mountain gorillas live in Uganda and of course the lovely chimpanzees. You can choose a safari package, but many leave out things you might want in the price. Over the years, we have come to appreciate what people enjoy most on safari and things that will make your time in the Pearl of Africa - Uganda complete and enjoyable. Many mountain gorillas are a must; others want to include chimpanzees and other primates in Uganda. Others want a short safari due to time constraints. In contrast, others arrive in Uganda with plenty of time and can take a longer safari to visit most of the parks and other destinations in Uganda.
Many visitors only have a few days, so it's a matter of making the best choice to maximize your encounter with Uganda's fabulous wildlife, chimpanzees, gorillas, countless birds, exciting people, and culture. Ugandan safaris are designed by taking into account your wishes for Ugandan wildlife, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, birds, and scenery and adventure activities such as Nile white water rafting, horse riding, mountain climbing, quad safari, and more.
Uganda is simply a fabulous travel destination; the Pearl of Africa offers you the best of the whole African Safari Adventure. The beauty of Uganda, its wildlife, and its friendly people make your Uganda safari adventure an experience of a lifetime. Then there's the year-round holiday weather. Traveling to Uganda becomes a pleasure with Lifetime Experience Safaris.
You can be introduced to Africa by visiting its "Pearl" and going on a safari in Uganda, which will be a memorable experience. Mountain gorilla tracking (Trekking) with wildlife, primates found during a chimpanzee trekking safari in the jungles of Kibale forest, or combining adventures such as white water rafting on the Nile with a boat trip on the coast and in the waters.
Uganda Honeymoon Safari will leave you with lasting memories of your African Safari in the Pearl of Africa.
The best time for Uganda Safari is all year round since the country is blessed with abundant wildlife species and other attractions. However, the dry season is more favorable. Uganda is an all-year tourism destination that tourists can enjoy all year round. Uganda is dominated by an Equatorial climate which has two rainy seasons. The first rains are much longer, starting from March to May.
On the other hand, the second rains are short, taking only one month in November. Most travelers prefer traveling during dry months, from June to October and from December to February. The dry months in Uganda, like most African countries, are considered high or peak season months. To do Gorilla trekking, one has to book the gorilla permits early enough to get the availability. The number of guests who come for Gorilla trekking during this time of the year is many. Yet, the number of Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda Safari remains the same.
Significant factors can determine the best time for Uganda Safari. However, the weather or climatic conditions of the country are good throughout the year. Even in rainy seasons, it mostly rains at night. If it rains in the morning, it does not affect the daily tourists' activities since it is always brief. The temperature of Uganda is consistently average, which ranges around 21.5 °C. This is always hot and wet in some parts of the country. The temperature keeps changing as one moves away from the Equator hence making far North in Kidepo national park warmer than the southern part where Bwindi impenetrable national park and other parks are located.
Uganda is still one of the tourist destinations that is not fully tapped with no large crowds; hence one can consider dry months and festive months as the best time for Uganda safari. The country has not yet reached the level where guests overflow into the national parks. This would affect the conservation of the protected area, but still, there is enough space for the guests to enjoy more. The country's soils allow game drives throughout the year with 4x4 wheel drive cars. The wild game can also be seen during the rainy or dry seasons since the wildlife is a permanent habitat in the national parks.
The only sensitive part of making your Safari to Uganda more successful is choosing reputable tour operators who can advise on the packing list so that you come when prepared for your adventure with the entire necessary packing list. The primate safaris in Uganda are done in the rainforests; hence, rain is expected at any time during the trek. That is why rain jackets are a must in the Gorilla trekking parking list. The good news is that there has never been a cancellation of any safari activity in Uganda during the rainy season; for example, Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking, Game drives, boat cruise, and many more.
However, during the wet season, the tracking is a little bit harder compared to the dry season. The slopes are slippery, and sometimes it rains when you're on your way to the gorillas in the jungle, and the gorillas are looking for where to take shelter during the rains. Uganda's climate is unique in that even after rains. The sky will be clear and blue. The weather becomes warm again, favoring the gorillas to start daily routine work as soon as the rains stop.
Both dry and rainy seasons have advantages and disadvantages, giving different travelers different preferences on the best time for Uganda safari. The love of the other is the opposite of another guest. Most guests like traveling during the dry months, making the parks more crowded and hard to do pre-booked activities like Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruise, and others.
On the other hand, budget guests like traveling during the rainy season since it's the low season, and it's easy to get the availability of pre-booked activities. The accommodations also offer discounted rates during this time hence favoring budget guests.
During the rainy season, the animals are near and close since the food is plenty. This makes all the game drives more successful with an easy view of the big game. The wilderness is more lively and action-packed throughout the day. Game drives are short but most rewarding as the wildlife is found along the tracking tracks. The animals will come out of the deep bush and leave where the grass is short, especially the tiny animals that are always victims of predators. Hence, the predators must follow the grazers as they look for what they eat during the day.
The rainy season is the best time for birders since this is the time the birds are nesting. Uganda is a home of over 1000 bird species, with the majority being permanent residents. Uganda also receives migratory birds during November and April. All the protected areas and other ecosystem areas where birding is done are accessible during the rainy season. Looking for incredible wildlife and primate safaris experience, consider the dry months.
Wrapping Up
Uganda is still a virgin country with much to explore during your trip. You should expect beyond your expectations during your safari to Uganda. Please choose months from June to October and December to February for the best time for the Uganda safari. Follow leisure.com for more travel stories, trip suggestions, and planning your next safari vacation!
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.