Uganda Safari Wildlife

The mountain gorillas are sought out by thousands each year and it is the featured attraction of Uganda. The parks where mountain gorillas can be found are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Although most commonly associated with the mountain gorilla, it is also worth noting that the bio-diversity and wildlife of Uganda is some of the best that can be experienced anywhere in the world. With its well protected National Parks, huge lakes and rivers, deep gorges, mountain ranges and volcanoes, Uganda offers spectacular wildlife and safari game viewing in a truly breath-taking environment.

It is easy to overlook the many other primates that make their home in the jungles of Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park plays host to at least 10 species of primate and Kibale National Park is home to 13 primate species, more than any other East African park. The list of primates that can be found include the red-tailed L’Hoest, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, habituated chimpanzees and the baboon. Kibale National Park is especially famous for its primates and as such Chimpanzee tracking can be incredible in this region of Uganda.

There are lots of chimpanzees found in Uganda and best park to track them is the Kibale Forest which is one of the only jungles in East Africa. A fabulous setting with more primates than any other place in East Africa. You can also track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls, at the Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth Park and Semiliki Park. You can can also partake in a habituation project for chimpanzee that will last all day long.

Uganda is immensely endowed with over 1,000 bird species; some of which are endemic to the country; mainly in the Albertine region. These constitute 67% of Africa's and 11.1% of the world's total population, making the country a must visit for bird lovers. Some of the most interesting birds include the crested crane, Shoebill, Wattled plorer, Africa Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Saddle Billed Stock, Pelican, African Pigmy Geese and Narina's Trogon.

These special birds, such as the Shoebill and the numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine rift Valley are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. The huge bird list is so remarkable given the small size of the country making it arguably the richest African birding destination.

Lions are found readily in various parks in Uganda such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park there you can also find the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park and in the remote Kidepo Valley National Park and Semuliki National Park. There have been also sightings of lions at Lake Mburo National Park.

The quick and elusive leopards are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Mount Elgon National Park. They are mostly nocturnal, but you can take a nocturnal Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth Park and just might spot some. You just might spot one during an early game drive in some of the above parks.

Cape Buffalo and the smaller more reddish Forest Buffalos live in Uganda. They are quite powerful and can be found in many parks such Lake Mburo Park, Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kidepo Valley Park. They are simply powerful and awesome animals to behold.

Uganda has both the Savanna Elephants and the Forest Elephants which are a bit smaller and hairier than the savanna cousins and you can find them in many of the National Parks and various settings such as the savannas and in and near forests. Elephants of the Savanna or Forest variety can be found in all National Parks but Lake Mburo. The best places to see Elephants include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Some of the other animals you can see in Uganda are hedgehog, bat, jackal, weasel, badger, otter, genet, mongoose, hyena, cheetah, caracal, serval, African wild cat, golden cat, hyrax, zebra, rhinoceros, wathog, hippopotamus, giraffe, duiker, antelope, dik-dik, oribi, hartebeest, topi, impala, buffalo, python, cobra, crocodile and many more.