Wildlife in Uganda

Uganda is a haven for diverse wildlife, boasting a rich tapestry of animal and bird life, including the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The country’s varied habitats, from mountain forests to savanna grasslands, contribute to its biodiversity. In addition, the country has all the big five i.e Lions, African elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and Rhinos thus perfect destination for primate lovers. Wildlife in Uganda can be spotted throughout the year although the best time is during the dry season around June to October and around December, January and February when the animals are easy to spot in the savannah plains. In Uganda during your safari, you are able to come across different animal species as categorized below.

Herbivorous animals

Uganda’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of herbivores including large herbivores, antelopes and gazelles, warthogs, bush pigs among others. Interestingly, elephants, rhinos and buffalos are part of the big 5 which are among the most difficult wildlife species to hunt on foot. However, Rhinos in Uganda can only be spotted at the Zhiwa rhino sanctuary which is home to the white rhinos. Furthermore, antelope species which can be seen in Uganda include oribi,  dik, klipspringers, pygmy antelopes, forest duikers, common duikers, lesser kudu, impalas, reedbucks, Grants gazelles, stitatunga antelopes, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Roan antelopes, Defassa waterbucks, hartebeests, Greater Kudu, common elands among others.  These antelopes are easy to spot during game drives around national parks in Uganda in search of the various wildlife species.

Primates

Uganda is a home to 20 fascinating primate species making it a premier destination for primate enthusiasts. A run-down of the most notable primates include Mountain Gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus, among others. Chimpanzees live in several patches of woodland around the country, including the underground forest of Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo forest. But the place where you’re most guaranteed to see chimps is Kibale, a rainforest national park which shelters a seriously impressive 13 species of primates. Furthermore, Olive baboons are also a major tourist attraction in Uganda and can easily be seen during your safari. These animals live in groups of about 150 led by dominant males who can weigh up to 50 kgs. As a matter of fact, Baboons can be seen in every National Park in the country.

Note that, Mountain Gorilla which are the mainly visited primates can be seen in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park. They spend about a quarter of their day eating mainly plants therefore around 85% of their diet is made up of leaves, shoots and stems. However, they can also eat larvae, snails, ants, and rotting wood which is a good source of salt. At night, mountain gorilla groups sleep in nests on the ground or in trees that they make from foliage.

Birds in Uganda

Uganda is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 1000 species that flit through its lush forests, vast wetlands and majestic national parks. From the majestic African fish Eagle to the Vibrant Great Blue Turaco, Uganda’s diverse landscape supports a wide range of birdlife making it an exciting destination for bird watchers. With its rich biodiversity, Uganda offers a unique opportunity to spot rare and iconic bird species such as shoebill stork and the Grey Crowned Crane. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, Uganda’s bird watching scene has something to offer. Bird species that you should look out for while on a safari in Uganda include African shoebill, ostriches, African crowned crane, brown-backed scrub Robin, croaking Cisticola, grey-backed fiscal, white-tailed lark, African green pigeon, Martial Eagle, Grey Kestrel, little bee-eater, giant heron, kingfishers, silver birds, black headed gonolek, hornbills, standard-winged nightjar Nubian woodpecker, pelicans, Cormorants, etc.

Carnivorous animals

Uganda has a total of 38 carnivores namely, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Jackals, Mongoose, African civets, Hyenas, Otters, Genets, and Serval, Caracal, Bat-eared fox, African wild cats, etc. Lions are a bit rare in Uganda because they camouflage with the environments but with an experienced tour guide, you will be able to spot a few. The best place to see the lions is Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lions in Ishasha are known as tree climbing lions since they are as spotted up in trees. Unlike the lions that move in crowds, leopards operate alone and mostly hunt at night.

They normally rest during the day in either trees or caves and move out at night to hunt. In Uganda, leopards can be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. On the other hand, Hyenas are also common carnivores in Uganda although mainly regarded as nocturnal. However, there is a chance that you might spot a few during the day.

Reptiles 

Uganda is home to different types of reptiles both venomous and non-venomous. These include crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, terrapins, etc. Most of these reptiles can easily be seen in the major Uganda National Parks spread out across the country. These include Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, etc. The Nile crocodiles are exceptionally a few of the most fascinating reptiles that Uganda boasts.

They are water dwellers and feed on fish as well as some mammal species. If you are on safari in Uganda especially on a boat cruise, you will have a chance to catch a glimpse at these incredible creatures mostly around the Nile at Murchison falls national park, Kazinga channel shores at Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo.

In conclusion, Uganda’s wildlife is a treasure trove of diversity with a wide range of animals inhabiting its ecosystems. From the majestic mountain gorillas to iconic African elephants. As a result, the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves offer a unique opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.