Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, covering an area of 241,037 sq.km with a population of 42.86 million people. It neighbors countries such as Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south.
Uganda is known as ‘the Pearl of Africa,’ a name given to it by Winston Churchill in 1908 due to its beautiful tourist attractions. Among these are rare birds, primates including chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas, and other features such as mountains like Rwenzori (the tallest fault mountain in East Africa), water bodies like Lake Victoria – the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the source of the legendary River Nile in Jinja, as well as reptiles such as crocodiles and hippos.
Uganda is also endowed with 12 wildlife reserves and up to 10 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife zoos, forest reserves, wetlands, and many other protected areas. It is known for its rich culture, with more than 50 different ethnic groups such as the Basoga, Batooro, Baganda, Bakonzo, Banyankole, Karamajong, Luo, etc., each offering unique experiences. They showcase traditional and cultural activities ranging from cuisine to dances, artwork, and drama.
On the other hand, Rwanda is also a landlocked country located in East Central Africa, with an area of 26,338 sq.km and a population of 12.21 million people. Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorillas found only in Volcanoes National Park. Other attractions in Rwanda include chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, rare birds, the captivating Kinyarwanda culture, various mammal species, and physical features such as mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and distinctive conical hills for which the country is known.
When planning your first safari to Africa, it is important to understand the best seasons to travel. Different seasons, influenced by climatic patterns, greatly affect travel experiences. The best time to visit these countries is during January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. During these months, these countries experience the dry season, making wildlife viewing easier.
In these months, there is less rainfall, sometimes none at all. Most tourists choose to travel during this season because of the dry weather, leading to high demand for chimpanzee and gorilla permits. During the dry season, the wilderness is more accessible due to shorter vegetation like Savannah, and even the roads are dry, such as those in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Animals also tend to move less, making it easier to spot them under tree shades, seeking shelter from the sun.
Uganda, being crossed by the equator, has a modified equatorial climate with two rainy seasons. Tourists should consider this when planning wildlife safaris. During heavy rains, trails become slippery and jungles less accessible, making it challenging to reach Uganda’s gorilla destinations without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Although Uganda’s climate is generally comfortable and friendly throughout the year, the dry season is highly preferred for endless opportunities for wildlife viewing, primate trekking, bird watching, hiking, nature walks, etc.
However, due to climate change and global warming, seasons in Uganda and Rwanda are becoming more volatile and less predictable. Therefore, expect rainfall at any time of the year, and always be prepared with rain jackets, sturdy boots, warm clothes, etc., during your safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
