Uganda, like other African countries, is a popular tourist destination for those interested in experiencing the continent’s wild jungle culture. The nation is great for individuals who enjoy primates since it is home to all five of the big five: lions, African elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceros. These creatures can be seen in the vast savanna grasslands of the country’s several national parks. There are 342 distinct species of mammals known to occur in Uganda, including both small and giant animals. There are several sites where you may go to observe Ugandan wildlife and have a wonderful experience. The fauna is classified into different groupings, which are shown below.
Gorilla Safari Animals:
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is a big primate (great ape) that lives in East and Central Africa. It is the largest living primate. It is bigger, stronger, and has thicker, longer fur than other gorilla species, allowing it to thrive exclusively in hard settings like high elevations and intense cold. Mountain gorilla nose prints, like human thumbprints, are unique to each individual. The mountain gorilla is the most endangered species and the only one found in Uganda. More than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda’s Virunga Mountains, namely in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A large adult male silverback mountain gorilla observing over his children playing up in the canopy.
Where do mountain gorillas live?
The mountain gorilla lives in just two isolated populations in east-central Africa: one in the Virunga Volcano Mountains, a cross-border territory that includes three forest reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other dwells in a remote, isolated rift valley montane forest in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which extends to the Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DRC. Mountain gorillas exclusively reside in high-altitude montane and bamboo forests at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 13,000 feet (1,400 to 3,800 metres) and are bordered by human settlements.
Mountain Gorillas Relation to humans
Mountain gorillas are 98% genetically identical to humans. However, it has not evolved the essential immunity to common human diseases, leaving it susceptible to human ailments. Even a simple cold can harm the gorillas’ health. Gorilla tourism is mostly responsible for these species’ low chances of survival. As a result, conservation organisations and governments have strict processes in place to prevent the spread of human illnesses to these valuable species. Some precautions include health monitoring, acclimating them to tourists, limiting the number of visitors, staying at least 10 metres away, and wearing a facemask during visits.
Mountain Gorillas have an average lifespan of 35 years in the wild.
Mountain gorillas are the largest and strongest surviving primates. A typical male mountain gorilla weighs 136 to 230 kilogrammes (300 to 485 pounds) and is 4 to 6 feet tall (1.2 to 1.8 metres). Gorilla hand scrapes back from a fallen tree to locate bugs to supplement his vegetarian diet.
Diet
Mountain gorillas consume a vegetarian diet that consists mostly of roots, shoots, leaves, fruit, wild celery, tree bark, and pulp. Troops may find enough of food for their vegetarian diet in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s dense forests. They augment their plant-based diet with raw protein from snails and ants, and they get their salt from tree bark. An adult male mountain gorilla may eat up to 34 kilogrammes (75 pounds) per day, whereas a female can consume up to 18 kilogrammes (40 pounds). They must move on all fours to support their big, heavy tummies and spend more time sitting, grooming, farting, fornicating, and socialising to aid digestion. At night, mountain gorillas sleep in makeshift nests on the ground or in Trees were created from leaves just for that night. Infants often share their mother’s nests for protection and warmth.
Social Life of a Mountain Gorilla
Most mountain gorillas live in stable family groupings (called troops or bands) of 10 to 40 individuals, with one dominant male (known as a silverback) and numerous females. The Silverback is in charge of the family’s well-being, which includes identifying suitable feeding locations, guarding them from intruders, resolving family feuds, locating safe nesting sites, and patrolling a home range of 0.75-to-16 square miles.
Those who challenge an alpha guy are likely to be intimidated by remarkable demonstrations of physical strength. He can stand erect, fling objects, launch violent charges, and pound his big chest while barking tremendous hoots or letting forth a terrifying scream.
Despite these demonstrations and the animals’ obvious physical might, mountain gorillas are normally placid and nonviolent unless someone or something threatens them.
Male and female gorillas care for their offspring by embracing, carrying, and playing with them. When they reach adulthood, most males and around 60% of females leave their birth group to join another tribe, therefore preventing inbreeding.
Communication
Gorillas in captivity have demonstrated great intellect and have even acquired basic human sign language. Primatologists have seen mountain gorillas making 16 distinct forms of communication sounds.
However, no mountain gorillas have ever lived in captivity; those that do are eastern lowland gorillas, who are smaller and more adaptable than mountain gorillas.
When a mountain gorilla is somewhat scared or intrigued, it will bark briefly. Male gorillas intimidate opponents by strutting with rigid legs, beating their chests, and using vocalisations like roars or hoots.
Life Expectancy
In the wild, mountain gorillas can live to be 35 years old.
Baby gorillas are classified as babies until they reach three and a half years old, and they become adults at the age of eight.
Males from 8 to 12 are referred to as ‘blackbacks.’ Then, starting at age 12, they acquire a silver area of hair across their back and hips, earning them the nickname ‘ silverback.’
Gorilla Reproduction
Mother gorilla is playing with her young, the same as people do with their newborns.
Mountain gorillas reproduce,
Female gorillas give birth to one baby after a nearly nine-month pregnancy.
Newborns, unlike their gigantic parents, are small (weighing four pounds) and can only cling to their mother’s fur. From the age of four months until the first two or three years of life, these infants are carried by their mothers.
Young gorillas, aged three to six years old, are delightful to see on a gorilla trekking adventure since they remind us of toddlers with their endearing behaviours. Much of their day is spent playing, climbing trees, chasing each other, and dangling from branches.
Mountain Gorilla Conservation
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which determines species conservation status, altered the mountain gorilla’s classification from “critically endangered” to “endangered” in 2008, as their numbers increased. Governments, non-governmental organisations, tour companies, and private people have all contributed to active conservation programmes for these great apes.
Scientists, on the other hand, warn that if conservation efforts are not prioritised, they may soon revert to severely endangered status. However, conservationists believe the mountain gorilla conservation tale to be one of the most successful in natural history. Trekking deep into the mountain forest to discover mountain gorillas and spend some time with them is one of Africa’s top bucket-list adventures.
How to see mountain gorillas
Tourists can view mountain gorillas on a primate jungle safari called Gorilla Trekking Safaris.
Tour providers regularly conduct all-inclusive gorilla trekking excursions, taking care of all the ground operations, such as getting the hiking permit and arranging your lodging and transport. However, some tourists decide to go through the procedure themselves.
Gorilla trekking trips often begin in Entebbe and continue southwest into the highland rainforest rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority will charge a foreigner USD 700 for a gorilla ticket, which includes a guided expedition into the bush and 60 minutes with a habituated gorilla family. Resident foreign workers in Uganda purchase the permit for considerably cheaper ($600) and a Ugandan 250k each.
You may see the big apes in Mgahinga National Park, which is not far from Bwindi. However, Bwindi is a superior alternative because it has more than four sectors or trailheads, each with excellent lodging possibilities.
A gorilla habituation experience is recommended for a more in-depth and lengthy interaction with mountain gorillas. Uganda provides gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi to at least eight persons every day. On the expedition, four individuals can travel into the forest with primatologists and rangers to identify a semi-habituate gorilla family and spend at least four hours with them. It’s an ideal tour for gorilla photography.
A gorilla habituation experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest costs USD 1,500 per permit.
Rwanda also has great gorilla trekking programmes, although they are twice as expensive as those in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda’s gorillas are easily accessible from the airport.
DR Congo is a little difficult to navigate. However, some hard souls risk their lives and take on Congo’s unsafe forests.
If you’re going into the bush to see mountain gorillas, make sure to pack light. Bring light hiking boots, lightweight pants that won’t make you sweat, and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Carry a light rain jacket, poncho and waterproof bag for your electronics and snacks to explore the African wild in style.
Seeing a mountain gorilla is an unforgettable experience that is well worth the money.
Herbivores in Uganda
The herbivores you should expect to encounter when on a safari in Uganda include the following:
Antelopes:
The country’s National Parks are home to a diverse range of antelope species, which are classified into two groups: gigantic and medium antelopes. Medium antelopes include impalas, Reedbucks, Situngas, Lesser Kudus, Uganda Kobs, Reedbucks, Klipspringers, Grey duikers, Hartebeests, Bate pygmy antelopes, Blue duikers, Forest duikers, and Peter’s duikers.
Large antelopes include Hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, Elands, Oryx, and Greater Kudu.
Other herbivores in Uganda include the grey duiker, warthogs, oribi, klipspringer, hippopotamus, rhinos, Burchell’s zebra, buffalos, giant forest hog, African elephant, and Guenther’s dik-dik.
Hippos:
Hippos may be found in numerous of the country’s parks because to the abundance of water basins. They are the second-largest animals after elephants and spend a significant amount of time in water. Keep in mind that these organisms cannot float or swim, therefore they can only bounce at the bottom of the ocean. They can also remain immersed in water for almost six minutes without breathing. These are a foregone conclusion given Uganda’s abundance of hippos. These are best seen from boats and may be seen, among other locations, in Semuliki Game Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Zebras:
Uganda now has around 3000 zebras, which are the common zebra. They are found in large herds, and if you pay close attention, you will never see two zebras with the same pattern. They struggle to interact with humans and, in most cases, attempt to escape when they come into touch with them. Their number has diminished as a result of the continually changing environment and the deterioration in the vegetation on which they rely. The Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park are excellent sites to see zebras since there are large meadows where they may travel freely.
Rothschild Giraffe:
Rothschild Giraffes, sometimes known as Ugandan Giraffes, may be found exclusively in Uganda and Kenya. These giraffes lack markings on their legs, and what distinguishes them from other giraffe species is that their patches are somewhat darker and less prominent. Male giraffes are among the calmest animals, roaming in groups apart from female herds. Male giraffes only engage in battle to assert dominance or gain access to females. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Murchison Falls National Park are excellent sites to observe giraffes since you may perhaps feed them there.
While on a safari in Uganda, keep an eye out for the common warthog, which was represented as Pumba in the popular film The Lion King. These are omnivores that live in barrows. These are found in almost all of the country’s national parks, including Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo.
Reptiles:
Because of its closeness to the equator, Uganda is home to a diverse range of reptile species. In Uganda, crocodiles and snakes are the most common reptiles encountered.
Snakes: There are different types of snakes, including puff adders, black cobras, green snakes, and massive pythons.
Nile crocodiles may be found in several national parks, including Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Murchison Falls, as well as various bodies of water around the country.
Carnivores in Uganda.
Lions:
Uganda contains 38 carnivores, which include the following: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, mongooses, African civets, hyenas, otters, genets, servals, caracal, bat-eared foxes, and African wild cats.
Spotted hyenas are the most frequent carnivores in Uganda, and while they are mostly nocturnal, you may see a few during the day. Hyenas hunt in groups of 2 to 5, and they may hunt for themselves as well as devour carcasses, including bones. They communicate by barking, which sounds like a chuckle, to alert the pack that there is possible food in the vicinity. The greatest places to watch hyenas are Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Six Big Animals
Kenya Safari Leopald
The big five may be found in Uganda’s national parks, which include Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls. While gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most recognised attraction, the other four “big five”—elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards—can also be seen there.
White Rhino:
Currently, Uganda only has one rhino species, the white rhino, which, despite its name, is the same colour as the black rhino. The white rhino has been reintroduced into the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, but the black rhino, the fifth member of the “big five,” has become extinct in Uganda due to poaching. After the black rhino was declared extinct in 1983, the Ugandan government initiated a drive in 1997, reintroducing 22 white rhinos. The Ziwa Rhino Refuge is the only place in Uganda where you may observe rhinos.
Lions Of Uganda:
Lions are also uncommon due to their ability to blend into their environment, but with the assistance of a competent tour guide, you may be able to see a few. The finest place to watch lions is Ishasha, which is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lions of Ishasha are known as the climbing lions because they like to climb fig trees. Because climbing lions is unusual, you should not miss the opportunity to see one resting comfortably in the branches. Despite their scarcity, lions may be seen at Semuliki, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Leopards:
One of the animals to see is the leopard, Panthera pardus pardus in scientific terms. The leopard hunts largely at night and acts alone, as opposed to the lions, who roam in groups. They frequently spend the day napping in caves or trees before emerging to hunt at night. However, if you are fortunate enough to see a leopard during the day, it will amaze you. Leopards may be spotted at Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semuliki National Park.
African Elephant:
The African elephant is the biggest mammal in the rainforest and one of the “big five”. They frequently live in groups, with a female elephant in the leadership of each group. The African elephant may live to be 70 years old and eats over 350kg of food and over 200 litres of water every day. Although attempts have been made to reduce poaching, it will be impossible to recover the high elephant population because just one calf is produced every nine years. Before chronic poaching, Uganda had around 30000 elephants. Today, there are barely about 2000 remaining. Elephants love wide-open savannah grasslands, and they may be found in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks. Several National Parks.
African Buffalo:
The African buffalo, often known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the top five animals to watch out for. They are considered one of the most deadly wild creatures, therefore keep a safe distance from them at all times. Due to the high heat in the area, they frequently travel in large herds in the same general direction. They also spend most of their time in the water, cooling down. Buffalos are prevalent at Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls because they prefer to spend all of their time in the water.
Bird Species in Uganda
Shoebill:
More than 1000 distinct bird species may be found in Uganda’s natural habitats. Because migrating birds arrive in the nation around this time, the rainy season is ideal for bird watching. African shoebills, ostriches, African crowned cranes, brown-backed scrub Robins, croaking Cisticolas, white-tailed larks, African green pigeons, Martial Eagles, Grey Kestrels, little bee-eaters, Nubian woodpeckers, pelicans, and cormorants are some of the bird species to look for on a safari in Uganda. As of 2021, Uganda had around 1070 bird species.
Primates in Uganda
Golden monkeys:
Uganda is home to a variety of primates, including golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, chimps, gorillas, bush babies, grey-cheeked mangabeys, patas monkeys, red colobus monkeys, potto, red-tailed monkeys, and smaller bush babies.
Mountain Gorillas:
Mountain gorillas are the most often spotted wild species in Uganda. They are a famous tourist attraction primarily because they can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). No one turns down the opportunity to watch them since they are an endangered species. To see the primates, you will require a gorilla permit, which costs $700 per individual. For more information on what to anticipate from gorilla trekking in Uganda, visit our page. Gorillas may be found in two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Baboons in Uganda
Olive baboons:
Olive baboons, a renowned tourist attraction, may be seen along Uganda’s roadways. They are not afraid of people, and when they notice a car approaching, they frequently attempt to crawl inside in the hopes of obtaining food. Do not feed them, as this is against the law, and do not run them over. Baboons live in groups of 150 or fewer, and the dominant males can weigh up to 50 kilogrammes. Baboons have been spotted in every national park across the country.
Uganda Chimpanzee:
Chimpanzee tracking is the second most exciting activity, following the quest for gorillas. Chimpanzees, humans’ closest surviving relatives, frequently behave like people. However, if they perceive a threat, they may turn aggressive. Uganda is home to about 5000 chimps, some of which have been trained to interact with humans. A chimpanzee permit is also required for trekking the primates. We have a piece that goes into more information about chimps and what to expect. Chimpanzee trekking is available in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Black & White Colobus Monkeys:
The most common monkeys in Uganda are black and white colobus monkeys, which may be found in almost every national park in the country. Colobus monkeys are born white but become black after three months.
Golden Monkey:
This is one of Uganda’s most gorgeous primates. Golden monkey trekking has become a popular third trekking activity, following visits to mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimps in Kibale.
National Parks in Uganda
There are various national parks where you may go game viewing, which are listed below so you can select your choice.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi is famed for gorilla trekking and is home to a variety of primates. It houses Uganda’s biggest population of endangered mountain gorillas, and a journey here will also let you observe monkeys and chimps.
Murchison Falls National Park:
Murchison National Park, most renowned for its massive elephant herds, is the place to go for year-round wildlife watching during a safari in Uganda. You will also be able to witness numerous animals and birds, not to mention the majestic Murchison Falls.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is the country’s most visited national park. The park features 95 documented animal species, 612 bird species, and a stunning landscape that all visitors should see. The panorama offers views of Mountain Rwenzori, Lake George, Lake Edward, and the Kazinga channel, among others.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
Kidepo National Park, located in northern Uganda, boasts outstanding wildlife, including lions, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, black-backed jackals, the cheetah, which can only be found here, and leopards, among others.
Kibale National Park:
Uganda’s Kibale Forest Reserve, in the country’s southwest, is home to a large population of primates. Kibale forest is home to a variety of primates, including black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, and red-tailed monkeys.
Lake Mburo National Park:
Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is home to several unique creatures that cannot be found anywhere else in the nation, including the Topi, as well as Uganda’s biggest population of impalas.
Forest Reserves in Uganda
Forest reserves are also tourist attractions in Uganda where you can see the different wildlife especially primates and bird species. These include;
Budongo forest
Kalinzu forest reserve
Pabidi forest reserve
Mabira forest
Kanyiyo forest reserve
Packing list for wildlife viewing in Uganda
The things on your packing list are typically determined by the activities you intend to participate in while on a safari in Uganda. While certain activities, such as treks, require physical exertion, others, such as game drives, do not. The antimalarial drugs should be the first item you carry, followed by the following items:
Binoculars and cameras.
For your safari, bring binoculars with at least 8×30 magnification. These will allow you to spot distant creatures as well as those that mix well with their environment, such as leopards. The camera should come with additional batteries because you will undoubtedly capture a lot of images while on safari. Strong and comfortable hiking boots: If you plan to go on a safari in Uganda, hiking boots are essential. It’s one of the best ways to explore national parks and connect with animals. Even if the shoes aren’t brand new, make sure they’re not too heavy, as this may lead you to move slower while walking with the group.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (neutral colors)
Long-sleeved shirts and pants protect your skin from scratches, while neutral colours allow you to effortlessly blend in with the wild. Brightly coloured clothing draws the attention of animals, and some may feel intimidated.
Waterproof jackets or coats
Ugandan weather is quite variable, therefore you should always pack a waterproof garment or jacket to avoid getting wet, even if you are planning a safari during the dry season.
Rules for wildlife viewing in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
To guarantee that the species and habitats where they are supposed to reside are preserved and not threatened, the Uganda Species Authority and park management have devised a set of legislation. The laws were put in place to reduce animal fatalities and poaching while also protecting humans from animal assaults. These restrictions must be followed since failure to do so may result in penalties or a lifelong ban from the parks.
Littering in the parks
When going on a game drive, travellers pack sandwiches and bottled water. To conserve the park, always keep rubbish in the vehicle. To allow future visitors to experience the national parks, you must leave them in the same state in which you found them.
Keep a distance away from the animals.
Whether you want to view new or known animal species, you must keep a safe distance to protect both the animals and yourself. Even in the company of a tour guide, the animals may be scared if you approach them, and you don’t want to find out how they react. If you enjoy ape trekking, you should avoid going if you are feeling ill.
Maintain a slow speed while driving
While on your safari, you must first understand that the animals have the right of way and dominate the environment. You are not to speed. You are meant to drive on the provided track and not go off course. This is to prevent vehicles from knocking down the animals.
How to watch the wildlife in Uganda
Game drives are the best method to experience Uganda’s wildlife. Every day, two game drives are performed in the various parks, with the first starting at 7:00 a.m. and the second starting in late afternoon. Game drives transport you through the National Parks, allowing you to get as near to the animals as possible. Some rules to follow when on a game drive include avoiding going too close to the animals, keeping in your vehicle, following the tour guide’s directions, and not making noise. Nature treks and mobile camping are two more ways to see animals.
Best time for wildlife viewing in Uganda
While you may visit Ugandan parks at any time of year to witness wildlife, the dry season is the best time. The nation has two dry seasons: January-February and June-August. Travellers may easily spot the animals during the dry season since the grass is sparse and short, and there is little water available, causing the animals to gather near waterholes. During the dry season, wildlife drives and nature walks may be performed on the roads within the national parks. The dry season is commonly referred to as the peak season since so many people travel to the country to see the animals; costs also treble during this period.
The wet season runs from September to December and March to May twice a year. Although there are other things available, such as wildlife drives and trekking, birding is the best thing to do during the wet season. If you want to visit Uganda around this time, be prepared since the roads are nearly inaccessible and inundated. Keep in mind that the wet season is known as the low season since there are fewer tourists and reduced hotel expenses.
