Wildlife Viewing Safaris in Uganda
Wildlife viewing is the activity of observing animals in their natural habitats, often as a recreational or tourism activity. It encompasses various forms, including game drives in national parks, birdwatching, and photography. Uganda, “Pearl of Africa,” offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in its diverse national parks and reserves. This thrilling adventure promises a unique blend of excitement and tranquillity as you explore the captivating beauty of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you are an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a close encounter with nature, this safari experience has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of Uganda Wildlife Safaris is the exhilarating game viewing drives. Hop into a comfortable safari vehicle and set off on a quest to witness Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitat. From majestic lions to graceful giraffes and elusive leopards, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide array of wildlife. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll learn about the fascinating behaviours and survival strategies of these remarkable creatures. But the adventure doesn’t end there! You’ll also have the chance to embark on a serene boat safari, gliding along tranquil waterways. As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles basking in the sun and colourful bird species gracing the skies. Uganda Wildlife Safaris promises an immersive journey through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness, where every moment is a chance to connect with the natural world.
Wildlife Viewing Destinations in Uganda
Uganda has Five savannah wildlife destinations that offer a captivating and diverse experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Nestled within this East African gem are some of the continent’s most pristine and picturesque landscapes, teeming with an astonishing array of wildlife. From the iconic savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can witness the “Big Four” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo) and many other species, to the remote and wild Kidepo national park and Pian Upe national park, where lions roam free and the culture of the indigenous Karamojong people thrives, Uganda’s savannahs are an undiscovered treasure trove of natural wonders. Whether you are embarking on a game drive across vast grasslands or enjoying a boat safari along the banks of the Nile, Uganda’s savannahs promise an unforgettable adventure, where the call of the wild and the beauty of the African landscape unite to create an unparalleled safari experience.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote park in the valleys of northern Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan. This stunning park is sometimes referred to as the wild frontier region of Uganda is a vast home for a spectacle of big 4 game and over 77 mammal species and 475 bird species. Kidepo national park is Uganda’s most isolated park but the best for every moment to view wildlife. Kidepo is one of the finest wildernesses on the African continent with vast savannah landscapes which allow the views of animals like lions, buffalos and leopards among others including the Ostrich which is only found here in Uganda. In 2018 Cable News Network (CNN) ranked Kidepo Valley National Park as second among the finest wildernesses in Africa.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park stands as a diverse landscape adorned with palm-dotted savannas, and it holds the distinction of being both the largest and oldest national park in Uganda. Within its boundaries, the park provides a habitat for an impressive array of 76 mammal species and 451 species of birds. Victoria Nile River gracefully divides Murchison Falls National Park, serving as a stage for the spectacular wildlife display that Uganda is known for. Along the Nile’s shores, you can encounter a variety of wildlife, including Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, crocodiles, African elephants, hippos, and a thriving population of aquatic birds. The northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park offers even more opportunities to witness diverse wildlife. Notably, this park has welcomed distinguished visitors such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and many others who have marveled at its natural wonders.
Pian Upe National Park
Pian Upe national park is one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Uganda – second only to the Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the Karamoja region in the north Eastern part of Uganda. The reserve covers an area of about 2,788 square kilometers and is found between Kidepo national park and Mount Elgon National Park. Pian Upe is bordered by the Bokora Wildlife Reserve and Matheniko game reserve in different directions. Unlike Matheniko and Bokora, Pian Upe game reserve is part of the Mount Elgon Conservation Area.
Pian Upe is very close to the Eastern town of Mbale. It takes about 2 hours to reach the reserve from Mbale town and 6 from Kampala city. The area started as an animal sanctuary in 1958 before being upgraded into a wildlife reserve in the 1960s. Pian Upe Game reserve experiences semi-arid conditions with one major wet/rainy season in a year. The plants and animals found have evolved to survive without water for long periods during certain days of the year. The vegetation includes vast untouched grassland and woodlands. The main tree species are desert date and red acacia. Other species include Harrisonia abyssinica, red spike-thorns and bush willows. Shrubs like woolly caper bush and butterfly plea dominate much of the reserve. Other vegetation species found in the vast plains include lemon grasses, thatching grass, beard grass, red nut sedge and bristle grasses.
The most striking thing about Pian Upe wildlife reserve is a landscape that consists of vast plains, rocky outcrops and mountains. Pian Upe Wildlife reserve is home to a respectable collection of large mammals, birds and reptiles. Visitors to the reserve should expect to see zebras, elands, gazelles and oribi. Other animals include spotted hyenas, civets, jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, leopards, topi, wildcats, buffaloes, roan antelopes, reebucks, Duikers,
Dik-dik, the Ugandan Kob, waterbucks, hares, porcupines, the rock hyrax, aardvark and hedgehogs. The primates include Olive baboons, patas monkey and Vervet monkeys. Pian Upe game reserve is also home to reptiles like rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, skinks, geckos, chameleons and monitor lizards. The most attractive bird here is the ostrich.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, encompassing a variety of ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, bushlands, and lush forests. It stands as Uganda’s most renowned national park, housing a rich diversity of wildlife, with over 90 mammal species such as lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and chimpanzees, the latter of which can be found in the Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest. In the southern part of the park lies the Ishasha sector, home to the unique phenomenon of tree-climbing lions. Throughout the entire park, visitors are treated to exceptional wildlife sightings, and one of the standout activities is the captivating boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering an extraordinary opportunity to witness Uganda’s wildlife in its natural habitat.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s nearest wilderness to Kampala-the city capital and it is Uganda’s smallest Savannah National Park but worthy visiting to experience the views of African wildlife such as cape buffalos, hippopotamuses, hyena, Defassa waterbucks, oribi, zebras, leopards, impalas, elands, topi and reedbucks among others. What is unique about game viewing in lake Mburo National park is, visitors can explore wildlife by foot on a nature walk!
