Unique and Endangered Wildlife in Uganda: Uganda, known as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ is a perfect spot, especially for those who love to watch animals and plants because Uganda is a country that has a number of ecosystems. This ranges from the dense Bwindi impenetrable forest to the grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda is home to many species of animals some of which are endangered. This guide describes some of the Unique and Endangered Wildlife in Uganda and how and where to watch them.
- Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are some of the most famous and most endangered species in Uganda. These great apes are endemic to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes located in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo respectively.
What to Expect:
– Gorilla Trekking: It is still one of the most exciting activities to do in Uganda and people will always book their trekking to the mountain gorillas. These treks are tiring sometimes but the experience that one gets to have these giants in the wilderness is unbeatable.
– Family Groups: This will usually be one of several groups of gorillas to which people have become accustomed and which have become accustomed to people in turn.
– Conservation Efforts: The conservation of the mountain gorillas in Uganda is in place with activities such as protection of their habitat, fighting against poaching, and involving the communities.
Where to See Them:
– Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
– Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Tips for Visiting:
– Permits Required: There are rules and regulations that must be adhered to, one of the most important one being that gorilla trekking permits are needed and should be booked in advance.
– Dress Appropriately: Wear a hat sturdy hiking boots and long-sleeved shirts to protect from thorns and insects.
- Chimpanzees
Overview:
Chimpanzees are man’s closest friends and relatives and share the same habitat with us in various forests of Uganda. It is for this reason that they exhibit a highly developed social structure as well as intelligent characteristics.
What to Expect:
– Chimpanzee Tracking: Follow the chimpanzees in their natural environment and you will have one of the most exciting experiences. These primates are mostly found in large groups where they are known to indulge in such activities as searching for food, cleaning each other, and even playing.
– Forest Experience: Chimpanzee tracking is done in the forests and this affords one the chance to see other forms of life in the Ugandan rain forests.
Where to See Them:
– Kibale National Park: Famous for having many chimpanzees and other primates, especially in its population.
– Budongo Forest Reserve: Good apes tracking especially chimpanzee tracking since the area is not densely populated with many tourists.
Tips for Visiting:
– Permits Required: Similar to gorillas, the chimpanzees can also be tracked and this also requires a permit.
– Be Prepared for Rain: Some forests are swampy; thus, it is advisable to wear raincoats.
- African Elephants
Overview:
Unique and Endangered Wildlife in Uganda: The biggest of all the elephants that inhabit the land is the African elephant and Uganda is among the countries that host these huge mammals. Elephants have a hierarchal society with a matriarch and long-distance movements.
What to Expect:
– Game Drives: Other activities that one can engage in include; game drives in the savannahs and wetlands where elephants are known to graze in large numbers. Due to their large appearance and activity, people love to watch them so much.
– Watering Holes: The following are some of the common places that you will find elephants; the watering places where they go to drink and have a bath.
Where to See Them:
– Queen Elizabeth National Park: Characterized by a large population of elephants and other animals.
– Murchison Falls National Park: It is one of the best places to spot elephants right along the Nile River.
Tips for Visiting:
– Respect Distance: Always keep a safe distance from elephants, because they are rather capricious and can hurt people.
– Best Viewing Times: The early morning and the evenings are the best time to go for a game drive.
- Ugandan Kob
Overview:
Ugandan kob are a type of antelope that are found in Uganda and are characterized by their coat which is reddish-brown in color and curved horns. The isolated population is an important component of the savanna habitats of Uganda.
What to Expect:
– Unique Behavior: The Ugandan kobs are famous for the exciting version of strutting and leaping as well as producing loud sounds to get the attention of the females.
– Large Herds: You may encounter the herds of Ugandan kob, especially during the breeding period.
Where to See Them:
– Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known to have a large number of Ugandan Kob, especially in the areas of Kasenyi.
Tips for Visiting:
– Best Time for Viewing: It is advisable to visit the park during the dry season because animals are packed in the water areas.
- Rothschild’s Giraffe
Overview:
The Rothschild’s giraffe or the Ugandan giraffe is one of the rarest subspecies of giraffe. It is easily identified with its blended coat of fur and is associated with elegance in Uganda’s plains.
What to Expect:
– Giraffe Viewing: Rothschild’s giraffes are quite common and can be seen browsing on the grass in the open savannah and Serena bustard can be easily seen due to its height.
– Conservation Efforts: Measures are being taken to ensure the Rothschild’s giraffe is protected and its number boosted through the preservation of its habitat and curbing of poaching.
Where to See Them:
– Murchison Falls National Park: A suitable place to find Rothschild’s giraffe in Uganda.
Tips for Visiting:
– Stay in a Safari Lodge: I would recommend that you base yourself within or as close to the park as possible if you want to have a good chance of seeing giraffes and other animals.
- Shoebill Stork
Overview:
The shoebill stork is large, grey, and has a look of being prehistoric mainly due to the large, shoe-shaped bill. This species is rather rare and can be hardly spotted in the wild due to its specific characteristics and behaviors.
What to Expect:
– Bird Watching: It is not very easy to sight the shoebill stork but once one does, it is rather fulfilling. They are commonly seen in the marshlands where they feed on fish.
Where to See Them:
– Mabamba Swamp: Mabamba Swamp situated near Entebbe is one of the best places where it is possible to watch shoebill stork in Uganda.
