Wondering whether to tour Uganda in the dry season? Located in the eastern part of Africa, Uganda is one of the safari destinations that have gained recognition on the global travel map. Uganda is usually referred to as “The Pearl of Africa.” Having been named by a famous explorer Winston Churchill in his famous book – My African Journey, Uganda has lived to the name till the present. From having the best tourist attractions to hospitable people, Uganda is a reliable safari destination in Africa. Uganda has created a legacy by offering some of the best tourism activities that cannot be easily duplicated. These include; Uganda gorilla trekking tours, game drives, Uganda hiking tours, birding safaris, lion tracking adventures, and guided nature walks, to mention but a few.
Much as Uganda is the best safari destination, knowing the best time to take on Uganda tours has challenged many. This is because some of Uganda’s safari activities are best done during the dry season while others are done during the wet season. In this article, we will help you know the reasons why you should take on a Uganda tour during the dry season. Uganda has two major dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During the dry season in Uganda, the skies clear up, rainfall diminishes, and the landscapes transform into a picturesque tapestry of golden savannahs, shimmering lakes, and lush greenery. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s national parks, cultural heritage sites, and natural wonders.
What is the best place to tour during the dry season in Uganda?
Uganda is famous for having many places that attract tourists, however, pulling one destination out of a pool to visit during your Uganda tour can be challenging. Below are the top and best places to tour in Uganda in the dry season.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a perfect safari destination to visit during the dry season. The park is famous for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It is also a reliable destination for birding, nature walks, and community tours. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the dry season gives tourists a chance to encounter these magical apes. Gorilla trekking in the dry seasons becomes easier than in the wet season. This is because trekking trails are less slippery, and vegetation cover is not very thick. This implies that walking through the park is somewhat easier and spotting the mountain gorillas is easier. Other activities like birding become equally easier during the dry season.
Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
Located in western Uganda, Kibale National Park is the best place to visit in the dry season for a tour. Kibale National Park is known for being home to chimpanzees and many primate species. During a tour in Kibale National Park, travelers get up close with these human-like apes and learn about their behaviors. Chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park are best done during the dry months of December to February and June to September. Vegetation is low and there are low chances of rainfall. Plants bear fruits in the dry season as well. This implies that animals do not move long distances and can thus be met by tourists easily.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – A Medley of Wonders
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular safari destination. The park is located in western Uganda near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a popular destination for game drives and boat cruise excursions at Kazinga Channel. Almost all the safari activities done in Queen Elizabeth National Park are best done during the dry season. Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth is best done in the dry season in the Ishasha sector of the park.
During the dry season, Kazinga Channel waters tend to go low hence facilitating an ample environment for the boat cruise excursions. Additionally, during the dry seasons, hundreds of animals converge at Kazinga Channel to quench their thirst. This implies that animal views in Queen Elizabeth are a sure deal during the dry season. More so, most of the birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park are migratory and thus can best be seen during the dry seasons.
Jinja – the source of the Nile
Did you know that Uganda is the source of the world’s longest river – the River Nile? In the heart of Uganda lies a city named Jinja at the Source of the Nile. Taking on a tour to the source of the Nile during the dry season is a dream come true. The waters of the Nile are low hence favoring many Uganda safari activities like white water rafting and kayaking. Additionally, one can enjoy photography at the source of the River Nile during the dry season.
Lake Bunyonyi
For birding enthusiasts, Uganda’s dry season is an absolute delight. The country boasts over 1,000 bird species, and during this time, many migratory birds arrive, adding to the already impressive avian diversity. This serene lake is surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with small islands, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Visitors can engage in activities such as canoeing, swimming, hiking, and simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Taking on a birding tour at Lake Bunyonyi during the dry seasons allows you to enjoy scenic views of the islands as well as birds.
Local Communities
The dry season in Uganda is also a prime time for cultural exploration. The country is home to over 50 different indigenous tribes, each with its traditions, languages, and customs. Engaging with local communities during cultural visits provides insights into their ways of life, traditional dances, music, and craftsmanship. The Karamojong tribe in the northeastern region and the Batwa community near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are among the many groups that offer immersive cultural experiences, allowing visitors to connect with Uganda’s rich heritage.
Most of the activities done by these communities are done in the dry seasons. A good example is harvesting crops like millet and cassava which is best done during the dry season. If you want to enjoy these activities on your safari or Uganda tour, you visit during in the dry season.
Uganda is an open destination for tourists throughout the year, however, some activities can best be done in the dry seasons. This means that planning a Uganda tour in the dry season comes with an extraordinary adventure.
