Photo Blog: Uganda’s Wildlife by National Park

Photo Blog: Uganda’s Wildlife by National Park

From mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park (and a whole lot more to be found in between), Uganda offers a thrilling adventure that is great for wildlife safari enthusiasts of all kinds.  

While seeing mountain gorillas is, for many people, the main motivation for travelling to Uganda, there is more wildlife both within the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and beyond in other fantastic national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Kibale Forest.

This photo journey offers just a glimpse into the diversity of wildlife the Pearl of Africa has to show you:

The primates

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale Forest National Park are lush, green havens for several primate species and, together with sites in Rwanda, are where primate trekking safaris take place.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi is a refuge for half the world’s mountain gorilla population, which totals at just 1000 of these critically endangered primates.

Kibale has one of the highest primate species densities in Africa, and people are largely drawn here to track chimpanzees and the black-and-white colobus monkeys.

The big cats

Also found in the country’s western region, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks are the best places to see a wide variety of wildlife, including large predators like Africa’s big cats.

The tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park share this unusual behaviour with only one other group in Africa. It is always mystifying (and sometimes quite funny) to see large feline paws dangling from the trees above.

Another member of the African big cat and Big 5 family that can be glimpsed prowling this park is the leopard. Powerful and graceful, each sighting of this predator is always a magnificent moment.

The reptiles

Uganda’s warm sub-tropical climate makes it the ideal place for a variety of cold-blooded reptiles to thrive.

The largest of these fascinating creatures is the Nile crocodile. These are regulars along the banks of rivers and lakes, enjoying a sunbathing session with their mouth open to maximise heat retention.

Another intriguing reptile to look out for is the Nile monitor lizard, which can often be seen on tree branches near to water sources.

The birds

Murchison Falls is the best place to stand a good chance of meeting one of Uganda’s most famous (and possibly strangest looking) birds, the shoebill stork.

This prehistoric waterbird is known for its no-nonsense approach to rearing its young as well as for gulping down birds, baby crocodiles and even small mammals.

Uganda’s national bird, the majestic grey crowned or crested crane, can be spotted in grassland, marshes and near to natural water sources throughout most of Uganda.

The ungulates

Along with its big cats, Murchison National Park is also home to large herds of ungulates such as African elephant, giraffe and buffalo.

This makes it the only other Big Four reserve in Uganda with Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park is a haven for animals not easily found elsewhere in Uganda. Burchell’s zebra, sitatunga antelope, topi, oribi, Bohor reedbuck and herds of eland can be seen here.

Contact us about tailoring a Uganda wildlife safari that will offer you opportunities to encounter a diversity of species.

Posted by tfhadmin