Wildlife of Uganda
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Uganda has so things to offer, but wildlife is the main reasons to come to this gorgeous country. The apes are the most sought-after, but there are so much more animals to discover! You can find wildlife throughout the country, but I will help you find them on this page. Note that I did not put all animals in here, but a lot of them and the places where you can find them. I am only talking about the animals and national park I have found myself or where I have been. Sometimes there are more parks to find the species, but I will mention the parks to have relatively good chances of seeing the species.
Big Five
The Big Five are the animals that were the most impressive to hunt years ago. Now it is mostly a term for tourists to find five of the most interesting animals in Africa. Although these animals are fantastic, also look at all the other great animals!
Elephant
On of the highlights to find during an African safari is the biggest animal on land on our planet. You will feel so small next to them, and that makes finding them a fantastic experience every time. You can find these magical creatures throughout the country, but it is easier in the open safari destinations.
Top park to find the species: Queen Elizabeth (Mweya and Kasenyi sectors)
Other parks to find the species: Murchison Falls, Ishasha
Buffalo
Buffaloes are the most dangerous animals of the Big Five and one of the most dangerous of Africa. They are aggressive but a fantastic sight. They can be with big herds or by themselves, and both are great to find them. Always be alert, but enjoy seeing them. They are also the easiest members of the Big Five to find in Uganda.
Top park to find the species: Murchison Falls
Other parks to find the species: Queen Elizabeth (all sectors), Lake Mburo
White rhino
The white rhino is not really part of the Big Five as it officially the more aggressive black rhino, but that one is not present in Uganda. The white rhino is only visible in a semi wild environment, but it is great to go there. Seeing these prehistorical creatures is something special and you cannot believe that so many people are there to hurt these gentle giants.
Top park to find the species: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Other parks to find the species: -
Lion
Lions are often the most sought-after animals on the African savannah. Don't get me wrong; they are fantastic animals, but there are way more great animals, which are often more interesting to observe. Chances of seeing lions are less in Uganda in comparison to other East African countries. In Ishasha the lions climb trees, which is pretty rare.
Top park to find the species: Queen Elizabeth (Kasenyi), Ishasha
Other parks to find the species: Murchison Falls
Leopard
For me, leopards are one of the most beautiful animals on Earth, and seeing them in the wild is absolutely fantastic. You need some luck to find these great cats, but I was lucky enough to find 5 leopards, but that is a very lucky two week trip! It is not uncommon not to find any leopards.
Top park to find the species: Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo (during night drive)
Other parks to find the species: Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha
Apes & monkeys
Uganda is mostly famous for the many species of monkeys and apes. You will find many of them throughout your trip here. Of course, there are trekkings possible to find gorillas and chimpanzees.
Mountain gorilla
In Uganda gorillas are the most sought after species. For many people these lovely creatures are the main reason to come and they are right! It is such an impressive experience to see these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You cannot miss the trekking in Bwindi!
Top park to find the species: Bwindi
Other parks to find the species: -
Chimpanzee
There is no other animal so close to humans as the chimpanzee as we share 99% DNA. Watching those creatures in the eye is so intense as it looks so familiar. There are some different locations to find them, and I recommend doing at least one, but maybe at least two chimpanzee trekkings as finding these apes is a satisfying and special experience.
Top park to find the species: Kibale Forest
Other parks to find the species: Kyambura (in Queen Elizabeth)
Black and white colobus
The black and white colobus are one of most beautiful monkey species in the world. These monkeys mostly live in trees and you have to find the white end of the tail, which is remarkable. Throughout the rainforests in Uganda you will have the chance of seeing these amazing animals.
Top park to find the species: Murchison Falls
Other parks to find the species: Kibale Forest, Bigodi Swamp
Blue monkey
Another monkey that is very nice to see is the blue monkey. It is a species that is a bit tougher to find as it mostly hides in the forests. You have to be lucky to find them. They mostly live in groups of around 10 individuals but it can go up to 60 individuals. Females are the boss.
Top park to find the species: Murchison Falls
Other parks to find the species: Kibale Forest, Bigodi Swamp
Red tailed monkey
Red tailed monkeys mostly live in the tropical rainforests of central Africa. In Uganda the species is pretty widespread and chances are pretty high to find them throughout the country. Their red tail is very cool and makes an easy identification of the species. Enjoy seeing them going through the trees.
Top park to find the species: Bigodi Swamp
Other parks to find the species: Around Entebbe, Kibale Forest
Vervet monkey
Vervet monkey is probably the most common species off monkey in Africa a you can mostly found them on the savannas. They are very famous for their blue balls. The monkeys are pretty small and active and that makes them very cool to see them. They are found in groups, which can be up to 30 individuals.
Top park to find the species: Lake Mburo
Other parks to find the species: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls
Olive Baboon
