The Giraffe, the world’s tallest land mammal, is one of the most intriguing animals to watch in the wild. This longest-naked animal, with its magnificent brown skin patterns, saunters gently across the plains, towering over all animals and even vegetation. What a famous creature! It’s no surprise that the Giraffe is a popular animal among many people.
Giraffes can be spotted in some national parks and wildlife reserves, as well as at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC).
How many giraffes are in Uganda?
According to the most recent census in 2020, Uganda’s giraffe population was 2072, up from 880 in 2017. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government entity in charge of managing Uganda’s parks and reserves, provided these numbers.
What species of giraffes are found in Uganda?
Uganda is home to the Northern Giraffe, one of Africa’s four known giraffe species. The Northern Giraffe has three subspecies, one of which is located in Uganda: the Nubian Giraffes, previously (or occasionally) known as the Rothschild Giraffes.
The plain white legs from the knee to the hooves identify the Nubian or Rothschild from other giraffes. Rothschild Giraffes “put on stockings,” to put it simply.
Places to see giraffes on safari in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is giraffe territory! Uganda’s largest park boasts the most giraffes, which numbered 1968 in 2019. This region also has the world’s largest number of Nubian or Rothschild Giraffes. The giraffe population in Murchison Falls National Park has been continuously increasing, with 919 in 2016.
Giraffes have been translocated to neighboring parks and reserves because of the rising giraffe population in Murchison Falls National Park.
During the safari in Murchison Falls National Park, many giraffes can be seen on the savanna on the Nile River’s northern bank.
Lake Mburo National Park.
Giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park have been relocated to Lake Mburo National Park.
In April 2019, 16 giraffes were relocated to the park, and by 2021, the giraffe population had grown to 37 individuals, according to a census.
Because Lake Mburo National Park is tiny, finding the giraffes is simple, making it a good place to watch giraffes in Uganda.
Kidepo Valley National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park contained a few giraffes, which were supplemented by 15 fresh individuals relocated from Murchison Falls National Park. The population is constantly increasing, and the park should have more than 30 individuals, increasing the possibilities of seeing the giraffes in Uganda’s most distant safari location.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
In 2018, 15 giraffes were introduced into the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and the population has since grown. Giraffes can be seen when looking for cheetahs, which the reserve is famous for.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Zoo).
If you want to get closer to the giraffes and engage with them through the legendary mouth-to-mouth feeding, go to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Zoo) in Entebbe, which is home to three giraffes.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda, often known as the Pearl of Africa, is a destination that is gradually being mentioned in international travel books as one of the greatest places to visit. Uganda appeared on CNN Travel’s list of places to visit in 2023. This is because more people are discovering Uganda’s amazingly beautiful landscapes and diverse environments, arguably the best weather in the world, friendliest people who practice diverse cultures and traditions, and a variety of exciting experiences in 10 national parks that include the famous gorilla trekking and chimp trekking adventures, birdwatching, and big game safaris.
A lot of people are deciding to visit Uganda but many wonder what could be the best time to visit the Pearl of Africa?
Well, since weather is the number one reason people travel, I can state that any season is a fantastic time to visit Uganda because the weather in Uganda does not contain extremes that would prevent you from enjoying your experience or activity. However, depending on what you want to do in Uganda, you may want to consider the optimum weather conditions, the best time to observe various wildlife and enjoy experiences, and the local situation that may effect safety.
Best Weather season (Dry season vs wet season).
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season, also known as the summer, which lasts from June to September and December to February. The dry season (particularly from June to August), with fewer rainfall and more sunshine, allows for continuous activities and travel in rural areas that can become slick when it rains. Wildlife adventures such as gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, and mountain hiking are best done during the dry season, especially for individuals who are not up for a strenuous trip or climb.
The rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to mid-December, is sometimes not the best time to visit Uganda because the frequent rains can be disruptive or inconvenient during treks, and can also impede travel to some regions when the dirt roads become too slippery or even flood. However, there are advantages to visiting during the wet season, such as fewer tourists, breathtaking scenery, big waterfalls, and pure lakes. If you enjoy nature and can brave slick paths and roads, as well as rain, you will have a better time during the wet season.
Best time for some tours/activities.
Best time for trekking and safari.
Trekking in the highlands to observe gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and chimps in Nyungwe Forest is best done during the dry season (June to September, December to February) because the routes are dry and hiking is easier. However, the creatures can be spotted all year.
The dry season is especially preferable for big game safaris in Akagera National Park since you can easily explore all paths without getting bogged in the mud. Because of the shorter dried grass, wildlife may be easier to spot. During the wet season, the grass and bushes grow thicker, making it difficult to see animals. The wet season, on the other hand, provides the most beautiful views in Akagera, with lush vegetation sceneries.
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