The undiscovered wildlife experiences in Uganda, get a true taste of Uganda and its wildlife, from the biggest primates (mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees) and wildlife game found in savannah parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National park to mention but a few.
Uganda, popular known as the Pearl of Africa is one of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa and beyond. Given this country’s popularity and the huge numbers of travelers that visit every year, one might wonder if there are unique wildlife experiences to be awed about. Let me burst your bubble! Uganda is a magical safari destination and there are lots of undiscovered wildlife experiences in this magical country.
Whether you have an interest in tracking semi-habituated mountain gorillas, tracking the globally-threatened shoebill storks, experiential tourism adventures, golden monkey tracking, or seeing the mysterious tree-climbing lions, it is all possible in Uganda. Therefore, below are the undiscovered wildlife experiences in Uganda.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Hidden amidst the picturesque slopes and hills of south-western Uganda, gorilla haven Bwindi National Park is the “only” of the four mountain gorilla parks that offer the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This is where travelers get the chance to track semi-habituated gorillas and even spend more time than usual (one hour). There are so far only two Gorilla groups visited for this experience and only 8 permits are available each day for both groups. Coming up close to these Giant primates in their natural habitat is an experience that no one is able to describe with words but having to visit the ones still undergoing their training is incomparable.
Experiential tourism
Experiential tourism is one of the most undiscovered wildlife experiences in this country. Most travelers know Uganda for the unbeaten game drives where lions and other wildlife species are (luckily) spotted but did you know it’s actually possible to follow and locate these big cats with trackers and learn about their phenomenal behavior? Similarly, the boat rides on Kazinga Channel make it possible to see lots of Hippos alongside other creatures (crocodiles. Elephants, buffaloes, and birds) but did you know it’s actually possible to follow researchers in undertaking Hippo Census? Yes, the experience is very thrilling and provided in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Another lesser-known experiential tour is the Bird count, which most visitors to Uganda don’t even know exists while those that know about it have never taken part in it.
Golden monkey tracking
Often overlooked by travelers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, golden monkey tracking is another phenomenal and rewarding primate experience. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift region (especially in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park).
These frisky golden-brown primates are endangered and their population declining due to diseases and poaching. Golden monkey tracking is surprisingly provided in Uganda and so far two communities of these primates have been habituated for tracking, and travelers have the chance to track the semi-habituated communities as well.
Shoebill tracking
Have you ever imagined tracking the Globally-threatened shoebill storks in the wild? Well, it is possible in Uganda. Most travelers are just used to the usual and ordinary bird-watching tours, not knowing something offers a more up-close and personal experience with the shoebills. This experience is offered in a few places and done by boat/ or canoe. Visit Mabamba Bay swamp, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison falls National Park for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Coming eye to eye with tree-climbing lions
Studies have been undertaken and scientists debating for Centuries why some lions climb trees. However, it is believed that the tree-climbing lions (only found in two places Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park) try to escape the irritating insects (like tsetse flies on the ground) while others think it’s a way of escaping the scorching sunshine.
Whatever the reason for those lions climbing and staying on fig tree branches, the experience of seeing them is simply indescribable. Encounter lazing and playful tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector (south of Queen Elizabeth National Park) to catch the best photography shots of these big cats.
Journey off the beaten track as you take on a safari to Uganda, and search for remarkable game, primates, and spectacular birds. Indeed it is the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
