The best time to visit Uganda for a safari is during its two dry seasons — between December and February, and from June to September. During these dry seasons, conditions are good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
A fantastic destination for wildlife watching, Uganda offers some extraordinary experiences. It is most famous for the gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, while those looking for chimpanzees can head to Kibale National Park, and other numerous locations in the country.
The best time to see wildlife in national parks is during the dry season, which is between February and March. From September until early October, large numbers of wildlife can be spotted near waterholes. Temperatures hardly vary during the seasons, ranging from 24°C to 30°C, allowing you to explore Uganda all year. At any time of year, the country is also excellent for bird-watching.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda for a Safari
The best time to visit Uganda for a safari to spot wildlife is definitely during the dry seasons. During this season, the resident wildlife gathers around available water sources, which in turn makes it easier to spot them. Kidepo Valley National Park is an excellent choice for wildlife spotting. Some of the most popular parks in southern Uganda are Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Both offer traditional safari game drives, as well as boat safaris which provide an exceptional wildlife experience.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is well recognized for mountain gorilla trekking, and with 53.9% of the world’s gorilla population, it certainly earns the honour. The incredible gorilla families found in Bwindi and Mgahinga are phenomenal, and your time with these gentle giants will be an experience of a lifetime. Uganda’s Gorilla trekking experiences are becoming more popular than ever before for apes and primates enthusiasts, so booking in advance is advised.
If you’re keen on gorilla trekking, you’ll be pleased to know that they are present all year round, with a great record of sightings. The best time to visit Uganda for a safari to go gorilla trekking is up to you since the rain just serves to keep visitors away. Since permits sell out more than a year in advance during busy seasons, availability is frequently more of a factor. Mid-December to early February and June to September are the dry seasons, which are more favourable for hiking. Don’t allow the rains in November and March – May deter you; you will have the mountains, woods, and gorillas all to yourself during those times.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda to see Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular tourist activities in Uganda, along with gorilla trekking. The adventure entails travelling through forested areas with an expert guide in search of chimp populations. Uganda is located near the Equator and is always warm. The only difference between seasons is usually the amount of rainfall and how frequently it rains during a certain period.
You should expect rain at any time of year because you will be visiting tropical rainforests to see these wild monkeys. We recommend visiting during the dry season months when the possibilities of rain are low and the rain will be light. The dry season months of January, February, and between June and August are ideal for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The dry season months make it easier to walk around in the dense trees.
