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Ethiopia: Luxury & Private Safaris Ethiopia is country of unexpected diversity. A country that often flies...
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Mauritius: Luxury & Private Safaris Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, sitting over a 1,000 miles...
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Tanzania: Luxury & Private Safaris Tanzania is a beautiful, untamed country of diverse landscapes ranging from...
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Uganda is an Eden of rainforest and lush vegetation, balanced by vast stretches of grassland, lakes and rivers. This diversity of habitats and environments is ideal for a variety of wildlife from primates to big cats, abundant plains game, and prolific bird species.
Most notably, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and is one of the few countries where you can encounter them in their natural environment. In addition to mountain gorillas, Uganda boasts a dozen other primate species including chimpanzees. Once you have had your fill of forests, move on to the savannah grasslands, lakes and rivers of Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls, where you can enjoy both traditional vehicle game drives and game-viewing by boat, which is rarely found in other East African countries.
We love Uganda for its diversity. One day you find yourself kneeling in awe before a gorilla family with your camera at the ready, and the next day you could be floating in a boat and watching the Nile River cascade over Murchison Falls. All the while, the local people and culture will touch your heart.
©Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Straddling the equator, Uganda is a year-round destination, as there is little fluctuation in temperature (average temps in the 80’s, although cooler at night in the higher altitudes – which can be up to 7,500 feet above sea level). It can be quite humid, especially in the mountainous areas where you do your gorilla and chimp trekking. Peak season in terms of best weather and popularity is July through early September and again in late December through February. During peak season, gorilla permits can sell out, so it’s best to plan in advance. October is a “secret season” with great rates at select lodges and lovely weather.
Like other parts of East Africa there are two rainy periods: March to May (long rains) and late September to November (short rains). It will be rainier during these months for gorilla trekking, but the gorillas live in a rainforest so any time of year will be wet. Some roads do become impassible in the rainy season, but the local guides know the best ways to get around. Despite the rain, October and November are actually good months to be in Uganda, especially for birding.
Uganda offers comfortable, mid-market properties that won’t break the bank (averaging between $300-500 per person, per night), with a few upscale options here and there ($800 per person per night). When budgeting for a safari to Uganda, you must consider the costs for transportation and for the permits, which really start to drive up the cost of a trip ($700 per person per gorilla permit, $200 per person per chimpanzee permit and $100 per person per golden monkey permit – all subject to change). A driving safari across the country can help to keep costs down, especially when shared between 2 to 4 guests; however, the internal bush flights add up quickly, especially because some sectors require a minimum of 4 guests. For a quick gorilla trekking extension to a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari, you’ll need to fly to/from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest plus factor in your gorilla permits, so that moderately priced safari lodge option can price out higher than anticipated. We, of course, think those gorillas and the other hidden gems of Uganda are worth every penny.
Visiting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is at the top of the list, but it’s worth building in some extra time for two treks, some cultural visits and extra hiking in this remarkably beautiful forest. For another primate-fix, we recommend chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, where you can also spot a handful of other monkeys and varied wildlife. We love off-the-beaten-path destinations, and Kidepo Valley National Park fits the bill for Uganda. This oasis in the semi-desert area in the far north of the country offers an extreme diversity of flora and fauna which you will essentially have all to yourself! Its boasts buffalo herds, cheetah and Rothschild/Nubian giraffe.
Trek from Gorilla Forest Camp
Chimp trekking
Walking Safaris at Lake Mburo
Hang out with the lively Colobus Monkeys
The highlight on a trip to Uganda is spending that precious hour with the endangered mountain gorillas, but you can also spend equally rewarding time with chimpanzees. On a safari across Uganda’s national parks, you can also spot four of the Big 5 (rhino are found only in a private sanctuary and have not yet been released into national parks), boundless plains game including zebra, giraffe and various antelope, and prolific bird life. Other rare species you may encounter include the elusive forest elephant, giant forest hog, and shoebill. In Murchison Falls National Park, you can see the rare Nubian giraffe and learn more about the influential conservation efforts to save this endangered species. Please note that not all parks in Uganda have all of these species, but we’re here to help make a plan for your priorities.
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