Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is located in the eastern part of Africa along the equator. The country takes pride in being called the pearl due to its diversity, making it one of the top destinations in Africa.

Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, over 1,000 species of birds, the unique golden monkeys, the highest population of chimpanzees, and beautiful landscapes, to mention just a few.

Uganda is also very safe to visit because the people are very hospitable and friendly, making your stay feel like a home away from home.

The country has diverse ethnic groups like the hunting-gathering Batwa people and the Karamojong people, who have rich and vibrant cultures.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Being located on the equator means that Uganda is a tourist destination from January to January. However, the country has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

The best time to visit Uganda will depend on the activities you would like to do while in the country, but let’s take a look at its seasons and the activities that suit each one.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking

Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, which are endemic to only three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain gorillas are unique primates, closely related to humans after chimpanzees. Unfortunately, mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos, which means you have to come to Africa to trek them in their natural habitat.

Mountain gorillas live on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, meaning that to see them, you have to hike the forested slopes.

Therefore, the best time for a gorilla tour in Uganda is from June to August and December to February, in the dry seasons when the trekking trails are not wet and slippery, and the forests are not as thick, making it easier to spot mountain gorillas and take good photos.

Though the rainy season can be a bit messy, some people love the adventure in the rain and conquering muddy trails to create a memorable experience. Fortunately, sometimes the sun still shines after a downpour.

The advantage of the rainy season is that mountain gorillas are easily located because food is plentiful, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you will even have visitors at the lodge or along the way.

Uganda also occasionally offers off-season permits for tourists during the low season, meaning you will save some extra money on the gorilla permit and even some hotels offering the same.

Going on gorilla safaris in the low season also means that you can choose a gorilla family you prefer to visit, rather than in the dry season when you are sometimes allocated to specific areas according to age, physical fitness, and many other factors.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing in Uganda

Wildlife viewing safaris are best done during the drier months because animals are normally concentrated at the main water points in the parks as temporary ones dry out.

The grasses are also short, making it easier to see wildlife, and the roads leading to national parks are in good condition.

However, affordable Uganda safaris are best done in the low season months. If you are not sure, reach out to one of Uganda tour operators to be advised on the best season.

Best Time for Birding

Uganda, with over 1,000 species of birds, accounts for 50% of African bird species and 11% of the world’s bird species, making it a birder’s paradise.

Some of the best birding areas are Mabamba Bay Wetland, Lutembe Bay Wetlands, the gorge at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Maramagambo Forest, Mabira Forest, Kidepo Valley National Park, Budongo Forest, and the Entebbe Peninsula, to name a few.

Though birding trips can be done all year round, the best time for birding is from November to April when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present in the country.

Examples of birds found in the country include the southern ground hornbill, rare shoebill storks, Jameson’s antpecker, Puvell’s illadopsis, Nahan’s francolin, green-breasted pitta, black bee-eater, Karamoja apalis, great blue turaco, grey crowned crane, swamp flycatcher, various kingfishers, African eagle, African marsh harrier, African quail-finch, red-throated bee-eater, Rwenzori turaco, African green broadbill, handsome francolin, white-bellied robin-chat, brown woodland warbler, and the white-starred robin, to mention just a few.

Best Time for Mountain Hiking

Uganda is home to Africa’s third-highest mountain, the Rwenzori Mountains, as well as several other mountains like Mount Moroto, Mount Elgon, and Mount Morungole. Each of these mountains offers a unique habitat with beautiful crater lakes, bird species, plant species, and so much more.

While traveling for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, make sure to carry waterproof hiking boots, a pair of binoculars, light rain jackets, long-sleeved clothes, and energy-giving snacks.