WHAT IS WILDLIFE VIEWING IN UGANDA?
Uganda is a fantastic all-around safari destination because of its distinctive blend of savannah and forest species. In the hilly southwest, gorilla trekking is the primary motivation for the majority of visits. Other remarkable encounters include tracking chimps, the closest relatives of humans, avoiding hippos on the Nile River beneath the majestic Murchison Falls, and going on game drives across broad grasslands in search of elephants, buffalo, and lions.
With about 350 mammal species, 1,073 bird species (almost half of all those in Africa), 142 reptile species, 86 amphibian species, 501 fish species, 1,242 butterfly species, and 4,500 vascular plant species, Uganda is considered a hotspot for biodiversity. 20 kinds of primates, including about half of the mountain gorillas that are threatened worldwide. Uganda is known for its rich fauna. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including herbivores, big cats, and primates.
Important Wildlife Features:
Primates: There are more than 13 kinds of primates in Uganda, including the well-known chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, which are popular tourist destinations. Other primates include other species of monkeys, blue monkeys, and golden monkeys.
Big Five (and more): Four of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo—can be found in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. There are places where rhinos can be found.
Herbivores: The Uganda kob, Topi, eland, and Jackson's hartebeest are among the many antelope species found in Uganda. Zebras, giraffes, hippos, and elephants are examples of other herbivores.
Predators: Predators include lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as lesser animals like jackals, hyenas, and several kinds of cats.
Birds: With a wide variety of bird species, some of which are unique to Uganda, the country is a birder's delight.
Other:
Reptiles like snakes and crocodiles, monitor lizards, Chameleons as well as butterflies, are examples of other noteworthy fauna.
In Uganda, Carnivorous Animals
The top predators to observe in Uganda are among the 38 carnivore species found there.
THE CHEETAH
Cheetahs are strongly spotted and resemble greyhounds in appearance. They are infrequently observed and have characteristic black rip marks. Although they are swift creatures, they are the weakest of the big carnivores. Only in Kidepo National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve do cheetahs inhabit grassland and savannah environments.
THE LION
The lion, referred to as the "king of the wilderness," can grow up to 165 cm in height and weigh up to 680 kg. They are known to feed on buffalo and antelopes. It's interesting to note that the hunters are females. Lake Mburo National Park does not have lions; however, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks do. Ishasha is in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it is there that you may observe the renowned tree-climbing lions.
LEOPARD
On an African safari, the leopard is a must-see animal, and its elusiveness just heightens its appeal. Leopards are more robustly built than cheetahs, however they can be distinguished by their rosette-shaped spots. They can be found in most Ugandan national parks, but they are most frequently spotted near Queen Elizabeth National Park's Channel Drive. They like rocky or wooded areas.
CIVETS FROM AFRICA
Although they are prevalent in most Ugandan wildlife areas, civets are difficult to spot because they are nocturnal. They have long hair, are large, and have a face like a cat.
THE HYENA
With the exception of Kidepo National Park, spotted hyenas are frequently seen in Uganda's savannah parks. With their mysterious presence and distinctive appearance, spotted hyenas perfectly capture the spirit of the African savannah. These carnivorous mammals are distinguished by their unique spotted coats, which combine hues of brown, black, and white. They are elegant yet tough. Their strong body, strong jaws, and slightly sloping back add to their intimidating appearance.
Within their close-knit social structures, spotted hyenas, which are renowned for their vocalizations that vary from bone-chilling laughter to spooky whoops, are skilled communicators. Their amber-colored eyes, which represent intelligence and flexibility that have helped them to thrive in a variety of environments, examine the area with an air of continuous inquiry.
THE MONGOOSE
The Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of mongooses, including the Egyptian, Marsh, Slender, White-tailed, and Banded mongoose. The family
HERPESTIDAE
This includes the little carnivorous animal known as the mongoose. They have sharp snouts, short legs, and long, lean bodies. Their fur might vary in color depending on the species, although it is usually brown or grayish.
Because of their remarkable hearing and vision, speed, and agility, mongooses are excellent predators of small prey including insects, rodents, and reptiles. They are renowned for their capacity to combat and eliminate poisonous snakes.
GENETS
Genets are nocturnal mammals that resemble cats and are members of the Viverridae family. During night drives at the Semliki Wildlife Reserve, one can observe the servaline, large-spotted, and small-spotted genets, among other species. It's interesting that human trash attracts them.
OTTER
The majority of wetlands and certain regions of Lake Mburo National Park are home to otter populations, which are aquatic carnivores. The region is home to three different kinds of otters: the Congo clawless otter, the largest otter species in Africa; the Cape clawless otter; and the spotted-necked otter, which is smaller and more active at dawn and dusk.
THE BAT-EARED FOX
The bat-eared fox only occurs in Kidepo National Park and is most commonly found in arid open country. They are small, have large ears, black eye masks, and a stunning silver-grey color. During the colder hours of the day, they are frequently observed traveling in pairs or small family groups.
THE JACKAL
Jackals pursue a variety of birds, animals, fruits, and bulbs and are mainly found in savannah settings. Although they are less common in other parks like Bwindi and Mgahinga, the Black-backed and side-striped jackals are regularly seen in national parks like Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls. These jackals are well-known for their distinctive vocalizations and environmental adaptation.
THE CARACAL
Medium-sized cats with tufted ears and a reddish-brown coat are known as caracals. They are mostly observed in Kidepo National Park and are usually found in open environments. With the exception of Semliki National Park, all of the wooded national parks in western Uganda are home to the African golden cat, a caracal species.
CAT SERVAL
In Uganda, serval cats can be found in parks such as Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These wild cats have big ears, a short tail with a black tip, and a glossy golden-yellow coat with black stripes and patches. Servals are frequently seen close to grasslands or water sources and are renowned for their exceptional hunting abilities. Keep a look out for these secretive and timid animals if you're fortunate enough to go
The Best Time to See Wildlife
The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are the ideal times to see wildlife. During the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November), several of the roads are impassable. Although gorilla tracking is possible all year round, the experience may be somewhat ruined by intense rain during the wet seasons.