Uganda is the most popular safari destination in East Africa and on top of being the “pearl of Africa”, it is said to be where the true safari began. The country was ranked as Africa’s favorite tourism destination of 2012 by Lonely Planet and it was also ranked as among the top 20 global tourism destinations in the year 2013 by National Geographic. All the recognition of the country’s tourism has attracted attention from very many countries in the world and has led to an increase in the number of visitors. Uganda offers safaris as well as in the beautiful Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. In these countries, a tourist is exposed to an array of animals, the most popular six being listed below;
While on your Uganda safari, you will be driven by Uganda Safari Packages experienced drivers who are well versed with the area and also trained guides who will answer all questions plus providing security while in the bush.
The mighty lion is the first animal to see while on a safari. Lions are the most feared animals in the jungle and are strong predators that prefer to hunt at dusk or dawn. This hunting is mainly done by the females as the males stay resting waiting to feast. The secret behind the lions found in Uganda in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National park is that they do climb trees. Leave along other lions in the world tree climbing lions can only be found in two countries Uganda and Tanzania so you will expect to see such unique animals left in the world. Apart from Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are other national parks to see the lion which are Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks. Note tree climbing lions in Uganda can only be seen in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Other animals that are common in Uganda are the Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. These gorillas are basically herbivorous and Uganda is the best destination for both chimp and gorilla tracking in East Africa. Gorillas in Uganda are mainly found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga. When planning for a gorilla safari, Uganda is one of the best choices that you can make. These rare primates are well habituated and are easily seen on a Gorilla tracking trip. Before a visitor is allowed to track gorillas in Uganda, he/she is required to purchase a gorilla permit. These gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority at their offices found in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb. It’s advisable that to book gorilla permits in advance to avoid inconveniences. During peak season, acquiring a gorilla permit in Uganda becomes so competitive and this is a result of the high number of trekkers that come to the country. Gorillas are also found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The black and white Rhinos are one of the animals that greatly attract tourists in Uganda. These Rhinos feed basically on leaves from trees and bushes. The life span of a protected rhino is 35 to 45 years. A female rhino is one of the most caring mothers when it gives birth. This is because after giving birth, she stays close to her calf for 2 to 4 years forming a close relationship during this time.
Buffalos have a reputation of being dangerous when disturbed but these ox-like animals are also beautiful to watch when grazing in the grasslands. They have strong horns and often congregate near water whenever they are done with feeding in the Grasslands.
An elephant is another animal that will keep your safari exciting due to its gigantic structure. Its lifespan is 60 to 70 years and it lives more than the rhinos. Elephants move in herds and it is always advisable to keep a distance to avoid accidents. The best places to see this great wild animal are Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
Leopards are another cat animals that one would not want to miss on a safari. These cat animals live solitary lives and they only come together during mating season. They are also predators and are extremely powerful.
However, there are many other interesting animals in Uganda to be found on a Safari and these can be seen on your once you visit this Pearl of Africa.