Best Time to Visit Uganda for Wildlife Safaris
Best Time to Visit Uganda for Wildlife Safaris: Uganda is a great place to visit all year for wildlife and adventure. Its diverse climate and geography offer great experiences for nature lovers. The best time to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris is from June to August and December to February, during the Dry seasons, which are ideal for wildlife viewing. Primate walks are popular on safaris, although rain is common in rainforests. Despite the heavy rains, sunny skies often follow heavy showers. Temperatures stay between 24°C and 30°C year-round, but heavy rain can make some trails and roads hard to access.
The Dry Season – Best Time to Visit Uganda
The best times to see wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities are during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to August. These months provide clear views for wildlife watching, particularly for game drives and primate trekking, like chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. The dry, clean paths and less foliage enhance the experience of the beautiful scenery. Many animals can be spotted searching for food and water. Popular activities during this time include game drives, nature walks, hiking, and boating. However, peak season also means more tourists, crowded parks, and higher prices for lodging and food.
The Rainy Season – Best Time to Visit Uganda
Following the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris, the wet season is also very suitable for many other adventure activities, especially birdwatching, wildlife photography, taking in the stunning scenery, and landscape gazing, even if the dry season is thought to be the greatest time to visit Uganda for wildlife adventure. Depending on the location, the weather is always warm and cool with low temperatures; nevertheless, because of their higher elevation, higher-altitude regions such as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park see consistently cold weather during the wet season. Visitors are more likely to see several bird species, including indigenous and migratory birds, savannah, forest, and water, as well as breathtaking views of undulating hills and fascinating emerald landscapes, during the wet season.
Visitors are always few during this time, and lodging costs are discounted to make it affordable for those on a tight budget. However, among other things, this season is marked by difficult-to-navigate muddy and slippery trails in some places, as well as hazy wildlife viewing, particularly in densely vegetated areas. The shoulder period, which spans from December to February, is an alternative time frame that falls between the high and low seasons. It is advantageous for travellers, particularly those on a tight budget and those looking for a more laid-back, pleasant, and conducive atmosphere with fewer crowds than during the peak season, even though it might vary greatly depending on the location.
The best time to see the endangered mountain gorillas
The best times to visit Uganda to see the endangered mountain gorillas are between December and February or June and August. During these dry seasons, the weather is clear, and hiking trails are easier to navigate. In the wet season, hiking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be challenging due to muddy paths and thick vegetation. Although you might encounter fewer tourists during the off-season, making for a more intimate experience with the gorillas, it’s important to prepare for longer hikes and potential obstacles.
Following the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris, January is the hottest month in Uganda, with temperatures between 24ºC and 32ºC, making it a good time for visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for hiking. February is great for gorilla trekking, as it is one of the driest months, with clear skies and temperatures averaging 29ºC in Kampala. March starts Uganda’s long rainy season, lasting until May, which brings heavy afternoon and evening showers. Visitors during this season can find quieter parks and cheaper accommodation. April is the wettest month, but travellers can benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds when booking permits for gorilla trekking. In May, the rains continue, but gorillas can still be seen at lower altitudes, and lodging prices are generally lower.
June sees the rains ease, resulting in lush landscapes and temperatures around 27ºC. It marks the start of Uganda’s peak season, where visitors can see many wildlife species, including four of the Big 5 animals. Early booking for accommodations and gorilla permits is important, as they sell out quickly.
Following the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris, July is peak season, with pleasant daytime temperatures around 25ºC and opportunities for outdoor activities like gorilla trekking and safaris. The dry weather leads to good wildlife sightings, especially near watering holes. August is the driest month, providing excellent visibility for game drives and photography, though nights can be chilly. This month is also perfect for chimpanzee tracking.
September begins the second rainy season, but the first half still offers good game-spotting before the rains start. Early September is particularly popular for chimp trekking in Kalinzu Forest. October marks the short rainy season with lighter showers, and while rainfall can be unpredictable, it often leads to last-minute availability for gorilla permits at discounted prices.
November is a transitional month with a mix of rain and dry weather, making it great for birdwatching as migrant birds return. This month also offers fewer rainy days and the last chance to get off-season pricing before peak season starts again. December brings more stable weather with sunny days, especially in Jinja, which is known for water activities like rafting and kayaking and diverse wildlife opportunities for photography.
Conclusion
Following the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris, travellers planning to visit Uganda for wildlife and adventure safaris should choose the best time based on their interests and preferences. The dry season is best for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, while the rainy season is ideal for birding, landscape viewing, and wildlife photography.