What is the best time to visit Uganda for a safari? If you are planning a safari to this country, then you should come at the best time of the year.
But where is Uganda? Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It lies between Kenya (to the east), South Sudan (to the north), the Democratic Republic of Congo (to the west), and Rwanda and Tanzania (to the south).
So when is the best time of the year? If you want to enjoy your safari and see many animals, including mountain gorillas, then you should visit during the dry months of the year.
The best time to travel to Uganda is from June to August and from December to February. These are the driest months. During these months, wildlife is easy to see because animals don’t hide from the rain. In the rainy months, animals, especially mountain gorillas, tend to hide, which may make it harder to see them. These dry months are good for both budget and luxury gorilla trekking.
The same weather conditions apply to Rwanda, so if you are booking a Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali, you will enjoy good weather in both countries.
The grass in the Savannah is greener in the rainy season, which can make it hard to see wildlife clearly, especially in parks like Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
About Uganda’s climate
Uganda has two rainy seasons. One is from March to May and comes with heavy rains. The other is from October to November and has lighter rains.
Even with this, Uganda is an all-year travel destination because it is near the equator. Temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C, so you can still enjoy your safari during the rainy months.
The only challenge during the rainy season is that some roads in the national parks become muddy. That’s why it is better to use a 4×4 safari vehicle, which can handle rough roads.
The tourism industry earns the most money during the dry months because many tourists visit at that time. This is good, but it also means more competition.
December may be the best time to visit Uganda for a safari, but it is also the busiest month. Lodges get booked early.
If you want to see gorillas in December, it is best to book your safari and permits at least 6 months in advance. This helps you secure a spot and a good place to stay because many tourists book the most popular gorilla families early.
The low season months (March to May and October to November) can also be a good time to visit, especially for gorilla trekking. During this time, Accommodation facilities reduce the price of rooms. Some tour operators even give more discounts, and you may even get a discounted permit.
Another good thing about traveling in the low season is that safari lodges also reduce their prices. You may get a luxury lodge for the price of a mid-range one.
For budget travelers, this is a good time to see gorillas in Uganda if you have always wanted to, but didn’t have enough money for a more expensive safari.
In conclusion
The best time to visit Uganda for a safari or holiday is the time that works best for you. Even though it rains during the wet season, the sun still shines, the roads dry, and life goes on.
If you have visited in the dry season before, you can try the wet season for a slightly different adventure in Uganda. As mentioned earlier, Uganda is a good place to visit all year round.
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