Uganda is an amazing destination throughout the year. However, depending on your travel plans- for instance if you are interested in undertaking a game drive or gorilla trekking, there are better months with the best weather conditions compared to the rest of the months. With varying weather conditions, the best time to visit Uganda is usually during the 2 dry seasons – from December, January to February and June, July to August.
The 2 dry seasons offer best conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda. If you are interested in game viewing, September to early October, February to March also offer the most favorable conditions across most National Parks in Uganda. A huge profusion of wildlife can clearly be spotted congregating along waterholes to drink water providing tourists a great chance to have excellent view of diverse species.
Temperatures in Uganda often range from 24-30 degrees Celsius and rarely do they change making Uganda a favorable travel destination all year round. It is also an interesting birding destination to visit at any time of the year.
Most National Parks and other protected areas turn green from October to November and March to May. These are wet months of the year and they are characterized by heavy rains but they are the best for birders to enjoy sight of diverse migratory birds.
The different regions of Uganda.
Uganda is a lush country with distinct landscape. Each of the 4 regions in Uganda has a unique landscape and they experience varying weather conditions. The Eastern region is a little drier than the 3 other regions of the country. It is one of the least visited regions but boasts distinct natural endowments. The Eastern circuit features beautiful National Parks and protected areas like Mount. Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve, Matheniko – Bukora wildlife reserve, Sipi Falls, vast coffee plantations and so much more.
The Southern region of Uganda is comprised of the scenic Lake Victoria, Entebbe, Kampala, the Source of the Nile etc. The best months of the year to visit the Southern region run from June, July to August and Mid-December to February.
Majority of Uganda National Parks are concentrated in the South and Western part. The only Park in the North-west is Murchison Falls National Park and this is the biggest of all the 10 Parks that make Uganda the most preferred wildlife destination. The South and Western part boast of National Parks and tourist sites such as Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can find the tree climbing lions, Lake Mburo National Park, 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where mountain gorillas live.
Other tourist sites in Southern & Western Uganda include Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Katonga Wildlife Reserve to mention but a few. These areas are perfect to visit during dry seasons which runs from December to February and June to September.
Best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Mid December-early February/June-September are the perfect months of the year to enjoy gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. They are the driest months of the year when the ground remains relatively drier making it a little easier navigating through the park to look for gorillas.
What to pack for a safari in Uganda- Pearl of Africa?
The important items not to exclude from your packing list for Uganda safari holiday include daypack, camera, long sleeved shirts, rain jacket, safari hat, safari shoes or hiking boots, first aid kit or medical kit, insect repellent, anti-malaria tablets, toiletries, snacks, bottled water, essential documents, miscellaneous items.
Location of Uganda.
Uganda is found in Eastern Africa, just at the heart of the Great Lakes Region with 3 lakes all surrounding it that is Lake Victoria, Lake Edward and Lake Albert. Uganda- the Pearl of Africa boasts favorable weather conditions due to its unique location astride the Equator. The five bordering countries to Uganda include Tanzania in the South, Kenya in the East, Rwanda Southwest, South Sudan in the North and D.R. Congo in the west.
