Uganda is among the leading African adventure wildlife destinations all thanks to her unique and very attractive wildlife species evenly distributed in the different parts of the country. Wildlife safaris to this beautiful country are very rewarding and exclusive with great wildlife encounters of amazing wildlife. Ranging from the tropical rain forests, rivers, mountains, animals and so much more, the beauty of Uganda is very immense and its not surprising that Uganda is referred to as the pearl of Africa. While on a Uganda wildlife adventure safaris, one must not miss visiting the following wildlife destinations.
The Mabamba Bay Eco Tourism Site
This bay is situated along Lake Victoria and the best places where the rare shoebill stork can be clearly viewed as it eagerly stands in the swampy vegetation waiting to take down its prey. The bay can be accessed by a canoe boat trip from Entebbe or Kampala. This bay is not only a home to the shoebill stork but also other bird species (has over 300 bird species). Some bird species that can be sighted while here include the papyrus Gonolek, lesser jacana, and yellow warbler among others. Tourists to the Mabamba bay can engage in a number of activities that include canoe boat trips, shoebill tracking, nature walks and community visits to the neighboring communities around.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is a very unique wildlife destination where gold meets silver. The national park is a home to some of the most rare and endangered primate species –the mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys.
This national park is a home to one habituated mountain gorilla group (the Nyakagezi group), which is visited by a group of 8 tourists a day. The number of tourists visiting the gorillas is limited because it’s a conservation strategy intended to safeguard the well being of the mountain gorillas by reducing chances of them contracting human diseases as well as limiting chances of behavioral change.
Hiking the forested mountains starts very early in the morning after a briefing to the tourists about the mountain gorillas and the codes of conduct they must follow while on the hike.
Mountain gorilla encounters in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are very interesting and exclusive however tourists should make sure that they secure the mountain gorilla permits early enough. The permits are sold at US$600 during the peak tourist season and at US$450 during the low tourist season.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also a home to the rare golden monkeys that can only be found in the Virunga massif. Golden monkeys are covered with golden fur and just like other primates; they feed on plant leaves, shoots and wild fruits. They also live in groups/families and offer great primate safaris. Â The national park can be visited at any time of the year however for best mountain gorilla tracking experiences, tourists are recommended to visit the national park during the dry season from January to March and June to September.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Commonly known as the park with the true African wilderness, Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated national park in Uganda situated at the extreme northeastern Uganda. This national park is a home to diverse wildlife species including wild animals, birds and very unique vegetation. Most of the animals here are seen in the Narus valley where they usually gather to drink water.
Some of the animals that can be sighted here include the elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, lions, zebras, and a number of antelopes. The park also has a number of bird species including the ostrich and other migrant birds that usually come from south Sudan. A game drive in this national park is truly amazing and offers great scenic and game views.
