Best time to visit Uganda

Uganda was dubbed the Pearl of Africa for the beauty filled within this country. Just 241,037 square kilometers, Uganda is home to diverse wildlife and bird species found within very scenic landscapes. Because of this immense beauty, many travelers from all over the world wonder what the Best time to visit Uganda is. The best time to visit Uganda is generally taken as the dry season which is in the months of June – September and December – February.

However, Uganda is an all-year-round visited destination and a Uganda safari is possible at any time of the year, it just depends on where you want to visit or which activities you would love to do. Uganda has two rainy seasons, March to May and October to November. During these rainy seasons, the rainfall totals are high and safari activities may become less enjoyable.

During the rainy season, however, the far northern region of the country where Kidepo Valley National Park is situated does not have much rain. The months of September, October, and November are the best months to visit Kidepo Valley National Park. December -February is also favorable though the area gets so dry and therefore if you are affected by too much heat it’s not advisable to visit during this time of the year.

When to visit Uganda-highlight

Best time/dry months: June – September and December – February (rains are low)

Rainy season: March-May and October – November

High/peak season: June-September (early booking is recommended)

To better be prepared for a Uganda wildlife safari or gorilla safari in Uganda, here is the best time to visit Uganda for these activities.

Best time to visit Uganda

Best time for wildlife viewing in Uganda

In all of the 10 national parks in Uganda, there is wildlife, however, the best parks for wildlife viewing include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. The best time for wildlife safaris in Uganda to these parks is during the dry season months of June – September and December – February. During this time the rains are less and at the same time, photography is clear.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda

The best time of the year for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the dry season months of June –August and December –February which makes it easy to go through the trails. When trails are drier, gorilla trekking is easy since trails are passable and the park is accessible. It is best advisable to track gorillas during the dry season since it’s easy to trek gorillas as well as view wildlife. However, the dry season is actually the peak or high season therefore early booking is recommendable since permits can easily get fully booked as well as accommodation.

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking in both Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest which are the best spots in the country is good all year round. However, chimp tracking is good from December to March and also in June and July when rainfall is less.

Bird watching in Uganda

Generally, the best time for bird watching in Uganda is during the months of late May to September when the rains are less. Migrant birds are present in the country from November to April. If your interest is resident birds, then Uganda bird-watching tours are good all year round.

Now that you know when it is best to do what kind of activity in Uganda, book your safari to Uganda with Acacia safari and have a memorable time in the beautiful pearl of Africa.