When to Go to Uganda
Due to its equator location, Uganda is a beautiful country to visit year-round. However, as with the rest of Africa, it’s important to remember that Uganda has two distinct seasons: the dry and the wet.
Each of these seasons has its own charm and offers visitors a different perspective on the country’s natural beauty. Other considerations when planning your vacation include the specific tours and safari activities you wish to partake in. To do it all, you’ll want to visit the Pearl of Africa more than once.
Since Uganda has a pleasant climate year-round, the ideal time to visit depends on the animals you hope to see. Uganda’s Equatorial Region enjoys a nice, tropical environment with few seasonal fluctuations. There are some wettest months, however, you can simply account for these when making plans for your safari because some activities may become more difficult to complete.
Kidepo Valley National Park lies to the north of the country, while Matheniko Reserve is situated to the northeast. The country is home to numerous national parks and nature reserves. If you intend to visit these biological hotspots, get ready for more frequent rainfall in the north.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda
January
January is one of the best months to go gorilla trekking because it falls during the short dry season in Uganda. Walking on dry ground is easy, and even though it’s one of the hottest months of the year, trekking in the Bwindi Forest can be comfortable because of the altitude’s cooler temperatures. Because Uganda has a tropical climate, there’s a chance of some rain, but it won’t likely affect your game viewing or gorilla treks.
February
This brief dry spell is ideal for traveling and seeing wildlife. For individuals who want to engage in other outdoor activities in Uganda, like trekking and climbing, the drier months may be the best. February and September are our favorite months to travel during the dry seasons since they offer some great deals and are less congested than the conventional high travel months of Christmas and summer.
Due to its high level of precipitation, February is a great month to visit southern national parks and engage in gorilla trekking without having to navigate muddy terrain. During this time, it can get very hot and dusty in the country’s north.
From March to May
Early March is when the first rainy season begins. For those who enjoy birdwatching, there’s no better time to see the colorful avian beauties that give birth to their young in the parks.
The wettest month of the year is unquestionably April. The constant rain may cause many roads to close, and the parks are much quieter. Nevertheless, since it will be a rainy trip, now is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of savings on lodging, lodges, safari tours in Uganda, and even gorilla trekking permits.
Despite not having quite as much rain as April, May is still a wet month nationwide. Despite the conditions in Uganda at this time of year
June to August
One of the best times to visit Uganda is in June, which also happens to be the start of the busiest season for opulent safaris. We advise planning your gorilla climb well in advance, especially for permits, to reduce any unnecessary problems.
In Uganda, July is one of the greatest months for safaris and gorilla trekking. In the national parks, animals frequently gather around water sources, which make them easier to see. Because to the pleasant weather and the absence of muck on the hiking paths, this is an excellent time to view gorillas in Uganda.
Anyone looking for amazing game viewing in Uganda, August has the opportunity to see not just lions and elephants but also the elusive leopard. One of the greatest seasons to explore Uganda’s several national parks is said to be now
September to December
In general, the dry season ends in September, although there may be some downpours while on safari, depending on when the rains arrive. If you can withstand the possibility of rain, you can save on lodging and other travel costs even though this is not the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking.
When traveling to Uganda, October is not a busy month. Gorilla trekking permits are reasonably priced during this time of year, and there are often deals available. Although it can rain in unforeseen ways, most of the game parks are still open at this time of year.
In November, the rain never stops. The countryside’s parched plains turn a vibrant green due to the frequent thunderstorms, but fewer people come this month due to the unpleasant weather.
December is a great time to visit Uganda because it’s the end of the rainy season and the rains are starting to lessen. This is a great time to visit the southern and northern regions to see game. It’s also one of the greatest seasons to go birdwatching, with a variety of migratory species passing through the area.
Things to do in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking
Trekking groups of mountain gorillas is an amazing experience that is best done in the months of December through February and June through September, when trekking conditions are very favorable and it is easier to see gorillas and chimpanzees.
Visiting the Murchison Fall
Take a boat launch below the falls to witness the year-round might of the White Nile as it pushes through a tight seven-meter gap and experience its overwhelming power! It is advisable to steer clear of the rainy season, though, as it may worsen the hiking conditions
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
You can go on a wildlife drive in this diversified national park, which is well-known for its elephants, hippos, lions that can climb trees, and other bird species.
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, commonly referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer some of Africa’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, which may be seen by taking a hike across ragged train upwards the Mountain.
Lake Bunyonyi
Relax by the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, sometimes known as the “Switzerland of Africa,” and take in the views while swimming, canoeing, and island-hopping.
Sipi Falls
Explore the magnificent waterfalls, go for a walk through the coffee fields, and try abseiling at the Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda.
What to Pack for Uganda Safari?
You may argue that these are somewhat contradictory rules, and you would be correct; therefore, the key is striking the right balance, which is likely determined more by personal experience than anything else.
It is important to emphasize that the majority of true necessities are surprisingly easy to obtain in Uganda’s major cities, and that the majority of the clever devices you can purchase at camping stores are unlikely to amount to much more than dead weight while traveling.
That being said, let’s take a look at what should be on your packing list: luggage; camping equipment; clothing; shoes; toilet paper; a medical kit; and other necessities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although it’s often believed that the dry season is the ideal time to travel, some travelers have visited Uganda during the rainy season and were pleasantly surprised by how memorable their experiences were. This is because the country typically sees moderate levels of rainfall. As a matter of fact, more and more visitors are choosing to travel during this time of year.
Gorilla trekking will continue regardless of the weather, although other activities, such as nature walks and game drives, may be canceled or rescheduled at a later time of day.