Where can I find Giraffes in Uganda?
Overview
The giraffe, which early explorers characterized as a hybrid of a camel and a leopard, is undoubtedly a clumsy-looking animal. It moves both right and left legs at the same time, which causes it to wobble. Its preferred meal is the horribly thorny acacia, which it eats by tearing leaves with its long, dark purple tongue. Despite being the tallest land animal in the world—even a newborn giraffe may reach a height of six feet (2 meters)—they only have seven vertebrae in their neck, which is precisely the same as a human's.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the prehistoric people of Africa were captivated by this inquisitive, kind giant and painted images of it in caves all throughout the continent. Unfortunately, because of their special traits, giraffes are also frequently hunted.
The Nubian giraffe, formerly known as the Rothschild giraffe and currently one of the most endangered giraffe species, is located in Uganda. Their tails alone were used to make fly-swatters, bracelets, and threads for sewing and bead threading.
Giraffes may be found at Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian-up Wildlife Reserve, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.
The main locations for giraffes in Uganda are Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. It is well known that the Rothschild's giraffe, a lighter-coated subspecies, may be seen in these parks.
Here's a more thorough explanation:
With a sizable population and plenty of chances for spectacular views during game drives,
Murchison Falls National Park
The biggest and most famous park in Uganda—is regarded as the best place to see Rothschild's giraffes.
According to recent estimates, there are more than 1500 giraffes in this park, 45 of which are on the southern bank, where they were originally introduced in January 2016 with the help of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. In August 2017, 19 more were transferred.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
This park provides a distinctive safari experience and is home to a sizable giraffe population.
Although it is not as big as Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park is a fantastic place to see giraffes.
Kidepo Valley National Park's giraffe population went down to only three in the 1990s. Due to the upheaval in neighboring South Sudan, illegal hunting, or poaching, was a significant problem in Kidepo Valley National Park in the past. Even while poaching has ceased and the giraffe population has gradually grown, illness, habitat degradation, and fragmentation continue to pose threats to these animals. The increase in the human population is ultimately responsible for all of these dangers.
In Kidepo Valley National Park, GCF started the first-ever yearly giraffe census in 2015. According to our yearly surveys conducted in collaboration with UWA, the population is still growing steadily, reaching 36 people in 2018. In August 2018, as part of Operation Twiga III, UWA, with the assistance of GCF, translocated an additional 14 giraffe (13 females and 1 male) from Murchison Falls National Park to the park in order to increase the viability of the population. It is essential to continuously monitor both the native and translocated populations. We also equip a number of giraffes with GPS satellite trackers to follow their travels in addition to doing routine field surveys.
Lake Mburo National Park.
The disappearance of giraffe from Lake Mburo National Park is thought to have been caused by a mix of illness and unlawful shooting, or poaching, around a century ago. 15 giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park were reintroduced into the landscape in July 2015 for ecological and tourist purposes. This was an ambitious and thrilling endeavor by UWA to increase the range of the endangered Nubian giraffe. Although there is little poaching, the growing human population around the park and rising land demand will put strain on the giraffe's new home. After the birth of at least seven calves, the giraffe population is now estimated at 22. GCF is supporting UWA and a local conservation group to regularly monitor the giraffe population and work with local communities to make giraffes play a valuable role in this landscape once again.
Pian-Upe Natural Area
As of October 2019, the Giraffe relocation procedure is in place. In two years, the goal is to establish a seed population of around 40 giraffes. The remaining giraffes will be moved in 2020 or 2021, with 15 moving in October 2019.
When Is It Best to Schedule A Safari in Uganda to See Giraffes?
The best time of year to plan a safari in Uganda to view giraffes is during the dry season, when the grass is shorter. Despite their height, giraffes may be obscured by dense shrubs and thickets, making it difficult to take and record clear pictures of them.
If everything else is equal, Uganda's dry season typically lasts from June to September and December to February. It is necessary to make reservations in advance for logistics to support your Uganda safari because the dry season is also the busiest time of year for tourists visiting Uganda.
The rainy season can offer you the ideal chance to witness the birth of babies in the wild. Generally speaking, March through May and late September through November are Uganda's rainy seasons. These game parks have higher grass, which makes it easier to conceal newborns from potential predators.
There are less cars on the roads in these Ugandan game parks to interfere with your ability to watch and capture adequate pictures of the giraffes and other wild creatures you may encounter.
How much is a Safari game from Uganda?
The price of a Uganda wildlife safari varies depending on the package you select, but park admission costs for each person are prohibitively expensive. We at Encounter Africa Safaris offer high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly Uganda safari packages. Our tour adviser works with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your interests and budget when you contact us about your Uganda safari, including national parks with giraffes.
The number of persons going with, the cost of lodging, the cost of transportation, and other factors are some of the factors we take into account when creating a quote for the Uganda safari, which includes giraffe-hosting locations.
How Secure Is It to Go Safari in Uganda?
Because ranger guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority are on the ground to safeguard the wild animals, their environment, and park visitors, safaris in Uganda are safe. These wildlife parks have a number of checkpoints on the way in and out, and ranger guides frequently patrol the area to monitor security.
In order to maintain law and order, various Ugandan security organizations collaborate closely with park officials and ranger guides in these wildlife parks.
To record your presence in these national parks as a visitor, you must go to the park headquarters. To avoid becoming a victim of predators in these game parks, abide by the game safari rules while there. Some of these include making brief phone conversations in the park since you are unsure of what may be observing you and other people, and staying within or near game parks at night and not leaving your accommodation because this is unsafe.
you prevent becoming stranded in the middle of nowhere on your Uganda safari, make sure you rent a car in good condition. In the bush, you may become a meal for predators.
What else can you do while on safari in Uganda?
Ugandan Gorilla Safaris
You are permitted to undertake gorilla trekking with a fully habituated gorilla family for a maximum of one hour. The public may also participate in the gorilla habituation experience, which allows them to spend four hours with a family of semi-habituated gorillas.
The mountain gorillas may be found in two locations in Uganda: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To engage in either of these activities, a gorilla permission is required.
Chimpanzees Safaris in Uganda
Kibale National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and other locations are home to around 5,000 chimpanzees in Uganda. Both chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experiences are available. In the former, visitors spend one hour with a fully habituated chimpanzee population, while in the latter, they spend four hours with a semi-habituated chimpanzee society.
For either activity, you need to reserve a chimpanzee permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Ugandan Golden Monkey Safaris
Golden monkeys are among the world's endangered primates, and they are now found in a few places, such as Uganda's Mgahinga woodland. They reside in groups that are governed by an alpha male. Compared to other monkeys, golden monkeys have a bigger body structure and lower body hair that is golden brown.
Despite their habit, golden monkeys retain their endearing personality. To engage in golden monkey trekking or golden monkey habituation, you need to get a golden monkey safari permit.
Ugandan birdwatching
There are more than 1000 bird species in Uganda, more than any other country in Africa. You may add more Uganda safari locations to your list of places to see if you want to go birdwatching in Uganda. Mabamba Swamp, Mabira Forest, Mpanga Forest, Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and Musambwa Island are just a few of the places in Uganda where birdwatchers may go. Game parks are among the many locations available to avid birdwatchers on Uganda safaris.
Rafting on white water during a safari in Uganda
You can enjoy the excitement of white water rafting on a Uganda safari without any prior experience since there are skilled and informed instructors on the ground to walk you through all the essential procedures. White water rafting is available in Murchison Falls National Park and Itanda Falls in Jinja.
Climbing mountains on a safari in Uganda
There are several highlands in Uganda that are suitable for hiking in a single day or longer. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges, which overlook Queen Elizabeth National Park, are accessible by foot. The journey to Margherita Peak might take seven days or more. Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga also provide guided expedition mountaineering.
What Should I Bring on a Safari in Uganda?
A travel journal to record your experiences on safari in Uganda
Binoculars to see the park's far-flung attractions more clearly.
Apply sunscreen to your body in case you are attacked by stinging insects while on a wildlife drive or A boat ride
a lamp to use for illumination, particularly at night, when the lights go out. The majority of lodgings in Uganda's national parks are powered by solar energy.
Bring clothing that is appropriate for the woods, but steer clear of bright hues since they might be misinterpreted by animals and insects, leading to attacks.
A camera to capture images and preserve as mementos of your safari in Uganda
If you want to do any local transactions, you will need some hard money to convert into local currency. Due to the long procedures, credit cards are not widely utilized in Uganda.
Keep a spare fully charged battery on hand for your phone or camera in case the original gets low.
bug repellent since many insects, including stingers, call the forest home.
If you have a personal disease or are injured out in the woods, bring a first aid package. Remember some of your doctor's medical records.
Toiletries in case there are no energy foods available at the resort for wildlife drives and other pack activities.