What is the best time to go for a tour in Uganda? Uganda is a landlocked country (has no direct access to sea or ocean) located in the eastern parts of Africa. Uganda borders with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past decades, Uganda has been attracting thousands of travelers or tourists from different corners of the world. It is on such a background that one would be right if they said that Uganda is one of Africa’s top and best safari destinations. From gorilla trekking adventures to wildlife and cultural encounters, a tour in Uganda is a rewarding experience.
Whether you are interested in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birdwatching, or cultural immersion, choosing the right time to visit Uganda can greatly enhance your experience. In this article, we will explore the best time to take a tour of Uganda, considering factors such as weather, wildlife sightings, cultural events, and other practical considerations.
Uganda tours by season. Is it the dry season or the wet season?
Uganda has two primary seasons; the dry season (June to September and December to February) and the wet season (October to November and March to May). Each of these seasons has advantages and offers a specific travel experience on a Uganda safari. Let us dive into the details of each season to help you decide the best time to take on a Uganda tour or the best time to go on a Uganda safari.
The dry season (June to September and December to February)
The dry season in Uganda happens twice a year, from June to September and December to February. This is usually considered the best time to take a tour of Uganda. During this season, there are low or no chances of rainfall, skies are clear and the parks are generally dry. Dry seasons in Uganda create the right and optimal environment for outdoor activities like wildlife and safari game drives, white water rafting, boat cruise excursions, nature walks, and primate trekking.
One of the most popular safari activities in Uganda done in the dry season is mountain gorilla trekking. The activity involves a group of travelers led by a professional tour guide walking in the tropical rain forests of Uganda in search of mountain gorillas. Did you know that mountain gorillas, like humans stay in small groups called families? Upon encountering a particular gorilla family, travelers are given one hour to spend in their presence. They get to learn about the behaviors of these magical apes and create an everlasting memory. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking done in the dry season is much easier compared to one done in the wet season. This is because the trekking trails are generally dry and hence easy to navigate. Additionally, the vegetation in the forests is not as thick as it usually is during wet seasons. This makes the dry season the best time to do a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.
Note: Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are in high demand during the dry seasons, it is therefore important to book your Uganda gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Additionally, the dry season is the best time to visit Uganda’s wildlife parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. During the dry season, large numbers of animals converge at the water sources to quench their thirst. This makes wildlife viewing in Uganda the best in the dry months. Some of the animals to expect on a Uganda safari include; lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes. Hundreds of bird species can also be spotted near water sources on Uganda safari during the dry season.
Bird-watching enthusiasts find Uganda the best place to be during the dry seasons. Quite several migratory birds frequent Uganda during the dry seasons. They move from Europe and North Africa to Uganda and the neighboring areas. Visiting places like Mabamba Swamp, Bigodi Wetland, Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi allows you to spot multiple bird species.
Another advantage of visiting Uganda during the dry season is the road conditions. Uganda generally has second or third-class roads connecting to many safari destinations. Navigating these roads becomes easier during the dry seasons. This is why you are encouraged to use a steady 4×4 safari vehicle on your Uganda tour.
Community tours in Uganda are not so much affected by the dry seasons. Activities like crop harvesting are best done during such a season. This implies that taking on Uganda cultural or community tours gives a better experience during the dry season.
The wet season (March to May and October to November)
The wet season in Uganda occurs from March to May and October to November. During these months, the country experiences regular rainfall, and the landscapes transform into lush greenery. While the wet season has its advantages, there are a few factors to consider before planning your visit.
One of the advantages of touring Uganda during the wet season is less numbers of tourists. The national parks and other safari destinations in Uganda are usually crow-free during wet seasons. This is why the wet season is generally considered a low season for Uganda’s tourism industry. This can be an advantage to budget travelers since accommodation prices tend to go low. Tour companies in Uganda usually offer discounts to travelers during the wet seasons which is not the case with high seasons or dry seasons.
Birding safaris in Uganda can also be best done in the wet seasons on a Uganda tour. Some bird species in Uganda become more active in the wet seasons. They come out to breed and build nests. This is why visiting places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Murchison Falls National Park for your birding safari can be a rewarding experience in the dry months.
The best time to take on a Uganda tour is a question that needs to be addressed according to the traveler’s needs, budget, and expectations. Much as the dry season is usually considered the best month to take a Uganda tour, with perfect planning, the wet season can be a rewarding time on your Uganda safari. Talk to a travel expert now for advice on the best time to take on your Uganda safari and get the best out of it.
