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Few countries are so clearly associated with a particular animal as Uganda is – the gorilla. More specifically the mountain gorilla, considered to be the signature example of Uganda wildlife. Nearly half the mountain gorillas in the world are found in Uganda, in the suggestive and mysteriously named Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

There you can take a guided trek through the mists to discover this rare and powerful creature. Though bigger than life, the mountain gorilla is only one of numerous animals you’ll come upon as you safari through Uganda’s many national parks and wildlife reserves. Exploring the mountains, tropical rainforests, swamps, savannahs, woodlands, and lakes of this beautiful country will bring you into the habitats of 345 species of Uganda fauna and over 1000 types of birds.

Uganda’s biodiversity never fails to impress visitors – consider these colourful statistics – 500 species of fish, 142 species of reptiles, and a dazzling 1,242 types of butterflies for you to enjoy!

Perhaps Uganda is such a wildlife paradise because of the philosophy underlying its parks, reserves, and sanctuaries – the preservation of the natural world is valued over any kind of man-made development. This helps to ensure the variety of Uganda’s animal species will remain protected.

Uganda’s Gorillas and Other Primates

In Uganda’s forests and mountains look for 13 types of primates. In addition to the mountain gorilla, you’ll also find the fascinating and intelligent chimpanzee. And monkeys aplenty – go on safari to see the mangabey, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, the black and white colobus, and the blue monkey.

Tree-climbing Lions and the Kob

Besides the great variety of primates, Uganda’s animals include much of the wildlife expected on an African safari – lion, buffalo, leopard, hippo, bush pig, warthog, golden cats, zebra, rhino and the country’s largest animal, the African elephant.

You’ll also find the kob, a stately type of antelope with its distinctive curved horns. It’s also Uganda’s national animal and appears on the country’s coat of arms.

Amongst the more unusual species you might come across are Uganda’s tree-climbing lions. Found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, take a look at the tree branches overhead to spot these unique big cats with their distinctive black manes.

Uganda’s National Parks

The mountains, forests, and savannahs of Uganda’s parks are a world of streaming wildlife awaiting your safari adventure.

Bwindi Impenetrable Park

First up – gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As mentioned, nearly half the mountain gorillas in the world live here. But you’ll be delighted by the presence of the park’s many chimpanzees, monkeys, exotic birds, forest elephants, and over 200 types of butterflies.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

No other Uganda park is as diverse as Queen Elizabeth Park with its 95 species of mammals including the buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, hippo, and kob. You’ll also be trekking to find  chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. The park is also one of only two places in Africa to spot the infamous tree-climbing lions.

Kibale National Park

If you’re looking for primates this is your park. Kibale is home to 13 resident species of primates, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and olive baboons. The diversity of primates seen here surpasses any park in East Africa. There is also a healthy population of elephants that move between the reserve and Queen Elizabeth Park.

In this busy spot also look for duikers, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, leopards, African golden cats, and mongoose.

Murchison Falls National Park

Lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – what more could you want? At Murchison Falls, you’ll also find giraffe, the unique patas monkey, and a good chance of spotting the rare and highly unusual shoebill stork.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhinos are not easily found in Uganda… except here. Arrange to track by foot, the southern white rhino. The park hosts over 20 of these rarities. Also be on the lookout for monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and plentiful bird species.

Lake Mburu National Park

Lake Mburu National Park is your window to herds of impala, zebra, and antelope. Some of the less common grazers will also perk up your safari like topi, eland, and reedbuck.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Compared to its lush green cousins, Kideo Valley National Park is a rugged savannah, almost desert-like in appearance. But here you can safari to lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Your safari here may discover two other rarities you won’t find elsewhere in Uganda – the black-eyed jackal and cheetah.

Track Down Uganda’s Most Elusive Animals

Natural World Kenya Safaris offers several adventure tours to see these most exciting Uganda animals, including gorillas. Experience the rich diversity of Uganda wildlife found in these outstanding parks.

Please contact us for a customized itinerary on your next Uganda safari tour.