Uganda has a sheer density of wildlife, but with 500 species of mammal it has amazing diversity; and with the opening of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the big five are all here again that’s (elephants, Rhinos, Lion, Buffaloes and the Leopard),. Uganda is also home to more than half the world’s mountain gorillas, and viewing them in their natural environment is one of the main attractions for visitors, these are habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks in the southwestern Uganda. On top of this, Uganda has a good number of gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trek holidays and there are several places where you can track them such as Kibale national park in the western Uganda.
With well over 1000 species recorded inside its small borders, Uganda is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. Birds which can be viewed include, Shoe bills, Gulls, Herons, Eaglets among others.
There are four national parks in Uganda that offer the opportunity for wildlife drives: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo. With more mammals and bird species than any park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth offers the greatest variety; however, Murchison Falls offers the larger mammals in greater concentration and also giraffes, which are basically for it. At both parks you’re very likely to watch elephants, buffaloes, hippos, bush bucks and kobs but the Uganda Kobs are mainly observed in Semliki and Rwenzori Mountain National parks.
Although it’s not so easy to spot predators, with a bit of luck you’ll also see lions and leopards with Queen Elizabeth national park have the amazing tree climbing lions around the Ishasha areas which are rare in the world.
Wildlife drives at Lake Mburo National park are very popular because it’s the only place in the south with zebras and eland; other animals in this park include the Impala which are claimed to have been the source of the name of Kampala city because of their massive stay around the area for some years back. These beauties can also be found in Kidepo Valley National Park, which offers the chance to see cheetahs, ostriches, Kudu, bat-eared foxes and many other animals found in no other part of Uganda. Game drives are available in Toro – Semliki Wildlife Reserve too, although most people come here for chimpanzees.
Regardless of where you drive and what you’re seeking, due to the toughness of some predators such as leopards and lions, game rangers who are always equipped with guns are provided to escort the tourists for security purposes. Surprisingly, visitors with yellow fever, colds and those who feel unhealthy are prohibited from tracking some mammals such as gorillas and chimpanzees since they are prone to human diseases.
The different gorilla groups that can be tracked at Bwindi Impenetrable National park include the Nshongi, Busingye and Rushaga among others and these are tracking depending on the sectors in which they reside such as Rushaga sector and the Buhoma sector.