The Best time to visit Uganda for a safari: Uganda is one of the African attractive countries, it’s known as “the pearl of Africa” after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill coined the phrase in reference to the country’s rich landscapes. Uganda is a country in East-Centra Africa, it borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. Uganda is home to a startling array of natural wonders including Africa’s tallest mountain range, the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river and Africa’s largest lake as well as a home to the largest lake in Africa is part-located in Uganda. – Lake Victoria, also called Victoria Nyanza, has an area of about 69,484 sq km (26,828 sq mi). Uganda is also the world’s second-largest freshwater lake after Lake Superior in North America.
Uganda is home to the UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The Rwenzori Mountains is the tallest mountain range in Africa and includes Africa’s third-highest mountain, Mount Margherita. The country is home to the longest world river known as River Nile and is known as the father of African rivers, it flows for 6,650km (4,132mi) and passes through 10 countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.
The highlight of any safari in Uganda is the gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking, which is the exhilarating and adventurous activity where visitors get an opportunity to move on foot into the tropical rainforest in hunt for these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats. One can be sure to enjoy activities like boats rides in Lake Victoria, visiting the source of the river Nile in Jinja city, bungee jumping, white water rafting, Zip-lining and game. Some of these activities are best during certain weather seasons while others are not. Boat rides may not open to the public during the rainy season as it may not be safe.
Best Time to go for a safari in Uganda
During the dry seasons
Uganda has two known seasons which are the rainy season and the dry season. The most interesting facts about both of these seasons is that the temperatures do not change much. They are often within the range of 24 to 30 degree Celsius making it conducive to visit Uganda all year round. It should be noted that the weather patterns of Uganda are mainly controlled by the equator that crosses the country. In addition to that, other factors like the dense Tropical rainforests, and numerous lakes and rivers have also contributed to the weather patterns. The result is that Uganda receives an average of 1000ml to 2000ml of rainfall annually.
However, the most considered time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons. There are actually two dry seasons which are the months of June to August. These dry months are still characterized by some occasional rains. The months of December to February are the hottest with almost no rain at all. These dry seasons are considered to be the peak seasons as they register the highest number of tourists coming into the country. The dry seasons are the best seasons to go for gorilla and chimpanzee treks because the trek trails are usually dry, mud free and not slippery.
During this period, the skies are very clear with great visibility which makes it easier to view wildlife and take clear photographs. The dry season is also the best time for spotting game because most animals tend to gather around water holes to drink and cool themselves. During this time, the roads are also often in good condition, making the game parks and game reserves easily accessible. The opposite is true for the rainy season. The month of June is one of the best months to visit Uganda and this is usually the beginning of the peak season. You are therefore advised to book your gorilla trekking permits at least 3 or 6 months earlier for before the trekking date to save you the inconveniences. Gorilla permits are usually on very high demand during the peak seasons. Although gorilla trekking is for everyone, you still need to be in good shape to complete a hike. If you are an elder, unfit or disabled, you should read about gorilla trekking for the elderly. You also need to be mentally and physically prepared to complete the activity regardless of the challenges ahead. Preparation means packing proper hiking boots, double-layered socks, gaiters, rain jackets and insect repellents. Do not forget drinking water and light snack when going out to track gorillas. Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. No one with a cold, flu or similar
Visitors who plan to go on a Uganda tour with their children are recommended to recommended go for their safaris during the months of June to August. This is because the weather despite being dry, is not as hot as the months of December to February. It has also been observed that the rates of tropical diseases like malaria are very low due to the reduction of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying bugs. It should be noted that Uganda is within the tropics and as a result, some rains can still be expected during the dry seasons, especially around the country’s mountainous areas such as mount Rwenzori ranges, mount Elgon, tropical rain-forest like Mabira Forest, Bwindi impenetrable forest, among others. However, Kidepo valley national park in the north east has got season pattern is quite different from all the other places in Uganda as it has one long dry season that runs from the month of July to February with one wet season that runs from March to June.
During the rainy Seasons
The wet season, occurring from March to May and then October to November is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it the least popular time for safaris in Uganda. While the rain rejuvenates the landscapes and creates lush vegetation, it can also make travel and wildlife viewing more challenging. During this season, most of the animals in the wild give birth to their young since there is always plenty of food for them. During the rainy season, one gets the rare opportunity to view thousands of rare species of migratory birds. These birds usually return on noticing a weather change. Visiting Uganda during the non-peak seasons also means that you shall be saving big on some costs. Gorilla trekking permits may be discounted. The prices of accommodation facilities tend to be discounted during this season due to low demand. During the wet seasons, it’s easier to access the primates as one doesn’t have to trek for long to find them. This is because during wet seasons, the primates tend to move and settle on the
What to pack for a safari in Uganda
It is advisable to pack casual and comfortable clothes for your Uganda wildlife safari Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Flat, comfortable sports or trekking shoes are most suitable for walking should you intend to join any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or a light woollen sweater and socks, apart from typical safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot, so don’t forget your sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim. Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Due to limited space in the vehicle and in light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to a minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kgs – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same-day laundry service.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the best time and the weather like in Uganda and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.
