Game viewing Safaris in Uganda offer unique and diverse encounters with the variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes to see. Uganda is known for its national parks and reserves which provide excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of animals in their natural habitats. There are over 10 national parks spread across the country inhabiting wildlife species like elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos and leopards) which makes Game viewing Safaris in Uganda exceptional. 

Major National parks in Uganda which are known for game viewing safaris include Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo national park which are savannah parks where game drives are a popular way to explore and get up close to the wildlife and they are carried out in 4×4 safari vehicles. 

The national parks of Uganda are regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) which also states rules and regulations for game viewing such as avoiding noise, no littering, no feeding the animals, staying inside the vehicle, avoiding over speeding among other rules. 

Game viewing Safaris in Uganda can also be done at different times of day when visiting Uganda including the morning, afternoon and in some destinations it can be done in the night time. During the morning hours, wildlife species tend to be more active and are easy to see during safaris.

 

Top Places For Game Viewing Safaris In Uganda 

 

Game viewing Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth national park is among the famous national parks of Uganda and is located in the south western part of the country. A number of wildlife species can be seen during game viewing experiences around Queen Elizabeth national park and they include elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, antelopes, hippos, warthogs and even the tree-climbing lions that are unique to this region and can be seen around the ishasha sector.

Activities done around Queen Elizabeth national park during game viewing include morning and afternoon game drives, lion tracking, chimpanzee tracking, guided nature walks and also boat safaris.

Game viewing Safaris in Murchison falls national park

Murchison falls national park is located in north western Uganda and is another of the country’s popular safari destinations. It is also the largest national park in Uganda with diverse range of wildlife including giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and various antelope species like topi, waterbucks, kudu, kobs, hartebeests, elands, hippos and Nile crocodiles among others.

Apart from the various wildlife species, Murchison falls national park is famous for the Murchison falls which are strong falls and also a major attraction in the park. Activities done around the destination include game drives, top of the falls viewing, bottom of the falls, boat rides and also guided hikes to the top of the falls.

Game viewing Safaris in Kidepo valley national park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern part of the country and is known for its remote wilderness and diverse wildlife. Some of the wildlife species in Kidepo national park include lions, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, buffalos, cheetahs among others. The national park is also known for its cultural experiences which involve interaction with the locals like Karamojong, the Ik among others.

Activities around Kidepo national park include game drives in the morning or afternoon, guided nature walks, community tours and also bird watching.

Game viewing Safaris in Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and is a smaller park but offers a unique game viewing experience with its wetland habitats. The national park has a variety of wildlife species including Giraffes, zebras, impalas, warthogs and buffalos among others. Exciting activities to do around Lake Mburo national park include guided nature walks, game drives, horse riding and also boat safaris.

Game viewing in Tours Bwindi national park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas it also offers a unique game viewing experience. While gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Bwindi national park, visitors can also encounter other primates such as chimpanzees and monkeys. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Activities to do around Bwindi national park include gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation; guided nature walks and hikes as well as bird watching.

Game viewing in Kibale national park

Kibale national park is famous for its population of chimpanzees and offers guided walks where visitors can observe these primates in their natural habitat. 

Many other primates can be seen during tours around Kibale national park and they include black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys among others. 

Activities done around Kibale forest include chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation, bird watching and also hikes and guided nature walks.

Best time for game viewing Safaris in Uganda

The dry seasons, which are generally considered the best time for game viewing in Uganda, occur from December to February and from June to September. 

During the dry seasons in the year, rainfall is minimal, vegetation is less dense, and animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot during game viewing experiences in Uganda. 

The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season in Uganda, so it is advisable to book accommodations and permits well in advance.

In December to February, the weather is generally warm and dry across most parts of Uganda. This period is ideal for game drives and boat safaris in popular national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. 

From June to September, Uganda experiences another dry season characterized by cooler temperatures. This period is particularly suitable for trekking to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 

The drier conditions make hiking trails more accessible and increase the chances of encountering these magnificent creatures.

In conclusion, the best time for game viewing in Uganda depends on personal preferences, the specific wildlife species you wish to see, and the national parks you plan to visit.

Is a game viewing Safari in Uganda on your bucket list, let our local expert consultants recommend and tailor your experience for a game safari in Uganda. Have long conversations, ask many questions, and communicate your expectations to ease the planning process. Send us an email at info@gorillatrekkingsafarisuganda.com to start the conversation or send a WhatsApp on +256757341593