An in-depth guide on the best time for a safari in Uganda

Uganda is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. The country has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what you can expect:

Dry Seasons (December to February and June to August)

These are the best times for a safari in Uganda. The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for game drives and outdoor activities. The vegetation is also less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Pros:

•    Better wildlife viewing
•    Easier to navigate game parks
•    Less chance of rain

Cons:

•   Higher demand and prices for accommodations and tours
•   More tourists and crowds

Rainy Seasons (March to May and September to November)

These seasons are characterized by heavy rainfall, which can make game drives and outdoor activities more challenging. However, the rain also brings new life to the vegetation, making the landscape lush and green.

Pros:

•  Lower prices for accommodations and tours
•  Fewer tourists and crowds
•  Beautiful landscapes and scenery

Cons:

•   More challenging game drives and outdoor activities
•   Higher chance of rain and muddy roads

Best Time for Specific Activities

• Gorilla trekking: The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for gorilla trekking, as the trails are less slippery and more accessible.

• Game drives: The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for game drives, as the weather is dry and sunny, and the vegetation is less dense.

• Birdwatching: The rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) are best for birdwatching, as the rain brings new life to the vegetation, and many bird species are more active.

Regional Variations

• Murchison Falls National Park: The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for visiting Murchison Falls, as the weather is dry and sunny, and the vegetation is less dense.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for visiting Bwindi, as the trails are less slippery and more accessible.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for visiting Queen Elizabeth, as the weather is dry and sunny, and the vegetation is less dense.

Conclusion

The best time for a safari in Uganda depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. The dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are best for game drives and gorilla trekking, while the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) are best for birdwatching and lower prices.