The Best Time of Year to Go on a 15-Day Birding, Chimp and Gorilla Trek Safari in Uganda

BySamy Levis

 

Introduction

Uganda is a stunning East African country that has recently gained popularity as a safari destination. With its diverse wildlife, lush forests, and stunning scenery, Uganda offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. One of the most exciting and unique ways to explore the natural beauty of Uganda is through a 15 Days Birding, Chimp, And Gorilla Trek Safari.

This safari adventure focuses on birding, chimp, and gorilla trekking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Uganda’s wildlife. The 15-day itinerary is carefully designed to provide ample opportunities to spot various bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork. Visitors will also have the chance to trek through the lush forests of Kibale National Park and witness the playful antics of chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

The highlight of this safari is undoubtedly the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where visitors can observe these majestic creatures up close and in their natural environment. Throughout the safari, visitors will stay in comfortable lodges and campsites and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Ugandan people.

Overall, the 15 Days Birding, Chimp, And Gorilla Trek Safari offer a unique and unforgettable way to explore the incredible natural wonders of Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a wildlife enthusiast, this safari will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Discuss the best time of year for birding in Uganda.

Uganda is a birding paradise, home to over 1,000 species of birds. The best time for birding in Uganda is during the dry season from December to February and from June to August, when many migratory species are present. During this time, the weather is also more relaxed and less humid, making spending time in the field more comfortable. However, birding can still be excellent throughout the year in Uganda, and some species are easier to spot during the wet season.

Some of the top birding destinations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. These areas are home to many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African green broadbill, and the great blue turaco.

For a 5-day birding safari in Uganda, a suggested itinerary would be to spend two days in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two days in Kibale National Park, and one day in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary would provide an excellent opportunity to see various bird species and participate in other activities such as gorilla trekking and chimp tracking.

If you have more time, a 15 Days Birding, Chimp, And Gorilla Trek Safari would be the ultimate birding adventure in Uganda. This longer itinerary would allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the top birding destinations in Uganda, as well as the chance to see chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat.

Discuss the best time of year for chimp trekking in Uganda.

If you’re planning a trip to Uganda to experience the thrill of chimp trekking, there are a few things to remember. The best time of year for chimp trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the chimps are easier to spot as they come out to feed on fruits and leaves.

Uganda is home to several chimp trekking destinations, but the top ones include Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge. Kibale National Park is the most popular destination, with over 1,500 chimpanzees, while Budongo Forest has over 800 chimpanzees and offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience. Kyambura Gorge is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience of trekking through a deep gorge to find the chimps.

For a 5-day chimp trekking safari, you can start by spending the first two days in Kibale National Park, where you can track chimpanzees and participate in other activities such as guided nature walks and bird watching. On day three, head to Kyambura Gorge for another chimp trekking experience, then spend the next two days in Budongo Forest, where you can track chimpanzees and participate in a 15 Days Birding, Chimp, And Gorilla Trek Safari. This itinerary will give you a well-rounded chimp trekking experience in Uganda while also allowing you to explore other wildlife and natural attractions.

Discuss the best time of year for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers worldwide. The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season, from June to September and from December to February. During this time, the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the visibility is better. However, as the weather can be unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to pack for rain, regardless of the season.

Uganda is home to several top gorilla trekking destinations, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park being the most popular. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, while Mgahinga offers a unique trekking experience in the stunning Virunga Mountains.

For a 5-day gorilla trekking safari, we suggest starting in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can spend two days tracking gorillas and exploring the park’s diverse flora and fauna. From there, you can head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can spend a day birding and game-driving. The next day, you can visit Kibale National Park for chimp trekking and birding before returning to Bwindi for one final day of gorilla trekking.

If you’re looking for a more extended adventure, consider a 15-day birding, chimp, and gorilla trek safari. This itinerary can include visits to multiple national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park, as well as the gorilla and chimp trekking experiences. Uganda is truly a nature lover’s paradise with so much to see and explore.

Combine the birding, chimp trekking, and gorilla trekking safaris to create a 15-day itinerary.

For a truly unforgettable wildlife experience in Uganda, we recommend a 15-day itinerary that combines birding, chimp trekking, and gorilla trekking safaris. This itinerary will take you through Uganda’s most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, offering you an up-close and personal encounter with some of the rarest and most magnificent creatures on the planet.

Day 1-2: Entebbe – Kampala

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will transfer to your accommodation in Kampala, where you will spend your first two nights. It will allow you to rest and acclimate to the new environment before starting your safari adventure.

Day 3-5: Murchison Falls National Park

You will depart from Kampala early in the morning and travel to Murchison Falls National Park. Here you will enjoy a game drive, a boat safari, and a hike to the top of the falls.

Day 6-7: Kibale Forest National Park

The next stop on the itinerary is Kibale Forest National Park, where you will embark on a chimp trekking experience and bird watching. You will spend two nights in the forest at one of the lodges.

Day 8-9: Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will then travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a game drive, a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, and a cultural tour of the surrounding communities.

Day 10-12: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your next stop will be Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you will spend three days of gorilla trekking and birdwatching.

Day 13-15: Lake Mburo National Park

The final stop on your itinerary is Lake Mburo National Park, where you will enjoy a game drive and a boat safari on the lake before returning to Entebbe for your flight back home.

Recommended Accommodations:
  • Kampala: Sheraton Kampala Hotel or Serena Hotel
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Paraa Safari Lodge
  • Kibale Forest National Park: Kyaninga Lodge
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Mweya Safari Lodge
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Bwindi Lodge
  • Lake Mburo National Park: Mihingo Lodge
  • Transportation: Private safari vehicle with a driver-guide
Additional Activities:
  • Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls
  • Cultural tour of the surrounding communities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to travel to Uganda for a safari is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. This is when the wildlife is concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The dry season also has fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of contracting malaria. Additionally, the roads are in better condition, making it easier to travel around the country. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and a light raincoat should be packed. Overall, this itinerary is designed to give you a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The best time of year to go on a 15-day birding, chimp, and gorilla trek safari in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to August. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife more active and easier to spot. Uganda is a top destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts with its abundant natural beauty and diverse wildlife. I encourage readers to start planning their adventure in Uganda, whether it’s exploring its national parks, tracking gorillas and chimps, or birdwatching in its stunning forests. A safari in Uganda promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.