Uganda safari Attractions – What to see on a safari in Uganda

Uganda is a top African safari destination dazzling with lots of attractions to see on a safari tour. The major Uganda safari Attractions that have mainly attracted tourists to the country include the elusive Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, bird species as well as several wildlife species.  Uganda is blessed to be home to the big five wildlife species which include the Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lions, Lions, and Leopards which can be spotted during wildlife safaris in different national parks, especially on game drives.

Only three countries in the world host mountain gorillas and Uganda is host to 2 of the 4 national parks in the world. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest mountain gorilla popular 550, the highest of any mountain gorilla trekking park in East Africa. If you would need to know why you should choose to safari in Uganda or which attractions are there to see, here are the major attractions to see in Uganda;

Mountain Gorillas

The population of Mountain gorillas globally is estimated to be around 1004 with the latest counting in the Virunga massif that led to this increase. However, this census did not include the population of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and therefore there could be an increase in the total after a census in Bwindi.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The population increase led to a shift of the mountain gorillas from critically endangered to endangered. This can be referred to as a success story and a bright future for Uganda gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla safaris, and Congo gorilla trekking safaris.

To trek gorillas in Uganda, one requires to be aged 15 and above and as well have purchased a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a Uganda tour operator. Gorilla trekking has been referred to as a lifetime activity by many travelers and therefore a must-do on many travelers bucket lists.

Wildlife Viewing

About 345 mammal species are hosted in Uganda and the reason for the popular Uganda wildlife safaris with species in the 10 national parks as well as wildlife reserves. These mammal species comprise of East African and West African species found in forests and especially savannah plains. Some of the wildlife species that can be seen in Uganda include giraffes, elephants, oribis, antelopes, zebras, hartebeests, waterbucks, bushbucks, dik dik, cheetahs, side striped jackals, buffaloes, elands, warthogs, Ugandan kobs, leopards, duikers, and many more.

Game Viewing Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are one of the four great apes and man’s closest relatives, sharing about 95 – 98 percent DNA with humans. Uganda hosts one of the highest populations of chimpanzees in the wild. Over 5000 chimpanzees are living in Uganda and can be seen at wildlife sanctuaries like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or trekked on a chimpanzee trekking safari.

The chimpanzee trekking spots include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest,  Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest.

Birds

Uganda is home to forest, woodland, water, and savannah bird species. The top bird-watching spots include mabamba wetland, Bwindi forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Moaning National Park.

Uganda should be a top option for all passionate birders since the country has more than 1,080 confirmed bird species within its boundaries. This is almost half of the bird species in Africa reason the Uganda birding safaris are the top choice for any birders on bird-watching tours.