Uganda Big 5 Chimps & Gorilla

Uganda Big 5 Chimps & Gorilla

Uganda is a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to encounter the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. Here’s how you can experience the Big 5, chimpanzees, and gorillas in Uganda:

1. Big Five:

a. Lions:

• Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park.
• Activities: Game drives in these parks provide opportunities to spot lions. Queen Elizabeth National Park is particularly known for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

b. Elephants:

• Location: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park.
• Activities: Game drives and boat safaris in these parks offer chances to see large herds of elephants.

c. Buffaloes:

• Location: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Activities: Buffaloes are commonly seen during game drives and boat safaris in these parks.

d. Leopards:

• Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park.
• Activities: Leopards are elusive, but guided game drives increase your chances of spotting them.

e. Rhinoceros:

• Location: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• Activities: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is dedicated to rhino conservation, offering guided walks to see both black and white rhinoceros.

2. Chimpanzees:

a. Kibale National Park:

• Kibale is renowned for its population of habituated chimpanzees.
• Activities: Chimpanzee trekking allows visitors to hike through the forest to observe and learn about these primates.

b. Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park):

• Budongo Forest is another location where you can track wild chimpanzees.

c. Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park):

• This gorge is home to a community of habituated chimpanzees, offering guided chimpanzee tracking experiences.

3. Gorillas:

a. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

• Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to track mountain gorillas.
• Activities: Gorilla trekking allows visitors to hike through the dense forest to spend a limited time observing a habituated gorilla family.

b. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

• Another national park where you can track mountain gorillas, located in the Virunga Mountains.

Tips for a Successful Safari:

1. Permits:
   • Secure permits for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in advance, as they have limited availability.
2. Guides:
   • Hire experienced guides for all tracking activities. They enhance your wildlife viewing experience with their knowledge.
3. Weather:
   • Consider the weather when planning your trip. Dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are often ideal for wildlife viewing.
4. Accommodation:
   • Book accommodations in or near the national parks for a more immersive experience.
5. Physical Fitness:
   • Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking involve hiking, so assess your fitness level and choose activities accordingly.
6. Conservation:
   • Follow responsible tourism practices and respect wildlife and their habitats.

A combination of these experiences in Uganda offers a diverse and unforgettable safari, providing a chance to witness some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.