 Discover UgandaUganda is situated in the heart of Africa straddling the equator and is a lush, fertile country with amazing landscapes and abundant wildlife. It was described by Sir Winston Churchill as ' The Pearl of Africa'. Discover the jewel of Africa - safaris are professionally run and highlights include: - tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, game viewing in Uganda's pristine National Parks and forests, plus mountain climbing. |
Climate
Being on the Equator, the climate varies little throughout the year and days are warm and dry. The main rains are in April-May, with some showers in November. It can rain almost any time, often in the evening or early morning |
 | What to do?
- Boat Safaris ... cruise along rivers and lakes past prolific bird life, and view the game as it comes down to drink.
- Game Drives ... these are operated in open vehicles, usually at dawn and dusk to seek out the most interesting wildlife. Night drives are also arranged in certain areas enabling visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world.
- Gorillas & Chimpanzee trekking
- Walking Safaris ... there is no better way of getting really close to nature than this. Lead by experienced armed guides/rangers/trackers, walkers are able to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the bush in harmony with their surroundings. On some treks you may be exploring areas untouched.
- Specialist Birding Safaris ... the best bird watching spots in the country
- Culture ... a wide diversity of tribal peoples with their interesting traditions and ceremonies reflecting their heritage.
- Fishing Safaris - Fishing - Uganda
Uganda is an ideal fishing destination. With one third of the country covered by water; there is great opportunity for sport fishing. Nile Perch of up to 108 kg. Other fish you can catch include Tilapia, Tiger fish, ferocious fighter, Ngara (Genus alestes), catfish and barbel.
Be part of the next fishing expedition by making your reservation now, limited fishing permits are available per annum. Remember that we promote the philosophy of 'catch and return' for conservation purposes
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 | Mammals
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) was established in August 1996 by the Uganda Wildlife Statute, which merged the Uganda National Parks and the Game Department. UWA is in charge of management of 10 National Parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries and provides guidance for 5 Community Wildlife Areas.
MISSION STATEMENT
UWA's mission is to conserve and sustainably manage the wildlife and Protected Areas of Uganda in partnership with neighbouring communities and stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community.
Uganda has a diversity of wildlife. There are lions, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, baboons, giraffes, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, the rare situtungas, water bucks, bush bucks, bush pigs, chimpanzees and many more.A wide variety of mammals. For further reading refer to the field guide to African mammals by Jonathan Kingdom and The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Estes.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Are one of the three members of the Great Ape family found solely in Africa. (Gorillas and Bonobos are the other two species in Africa; while Orang-Utans are found in Asia) Chimpanzees once inhabited the entire equatorial zone, but their habitat is slowly disappearing as human populations increase and encroach on the forest. They are found only in 21, countries remaining in fragmented populations and isolated due to human encroachment. They are endangered and specially protected by CITES. Currently the major threast to the survival of the species are illegal poaching for ?bushmeat' and the pet trade, as well as deforestation for agriculture and logging.
Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)
There is one group of habituated gorillas in the Mghinga Gorilla Nat Park consisting of 11 individuals and the Rwanda Mountain Gorllas where there are four groups. Bwindi Impenetrable forest has two main groups. All families have been habituated for trekking since Diane Fossey's days in the eighties. Gorillas are extremely suceptible to human diseases so only a maximum of one hour is permitted to observe the gorillas. Their endangered status is specially protected and the reasons for this are the same as chimpanzees.
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 | Birdlife hotspots
With over 1000 bird species, including most of the 28 rift valley endemics it is fast becoming a popular destination for African birding. Specialisties include:- Black-headed and Papyrus gonoleks, Blue-breatsed and White throated bee-eaters, Blue breasted Kingfisher, Green breasted pitas, white-thighed hornbill, black-billed Tauraco, and Shoe-bill to name a few.
Reference: " A Comprehensive illustrated field guide - Birds of Africa south of the Sahara" by Ian Sinclair & Peter Ryan
Shoebill Balaeniceps rex
"Endemic to Africa, where it is one of the most sought-after species. An enormous blue-grey bird with massive. mottled, yellow-grey bill and a small, erect crest. Flight surprisngly bouyant on massive wings. Possible related to pelicans, but usually placed in a monotypic family.
Habitat: Swamps, usually papyrus, but also reeds and sedges. Status: Uncommon to rare; pairs have large terrirtories (5km sq.), but groups gather at prime feeding areas. Voice: Claps its bill, making loud, hollow 'dok'.
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