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– Travel Tips from Uganda Horizon SafarisUganda, famously known as “The Pearl of Africa,” is a year-round travel destination blessed with lush landscapes, rich wildlife, and some of the world’s most unique experiences, like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. While you can visit any time of the year, understanding Uganda’s seasons will help you plan the perfect safari.
At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we want your trip to be unforgettable. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide the best time to visit Uganda depending on your interests, activities, and travel style.
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures averaging between 24°C and 30°C (75°F–86°F) during the day. Because of its location near the equator and varied altitudes, Uganda doesn’t have extreme seasonal changes.
Instead of four seasons, Uganda has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons:
Dry Seasons: December – February & June – September
Rainy Seasons: March – May & October – November
The dry seasons (June – September and December – February) are widely considered the best times for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trails are less muddy, and the forest is easier to navigate, making your trek more comfortable.
However, the wet seasons also have their charm — fewer tourists, lusher vegetation, and slightly cheaper rates. Gorillas can be tracked year-round, so you can still enjoy an incredible experience outside the peak months.
If your dream is to see the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos — along with other iconic species, the dry season is ideal. With less vegetation, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources.
Top safari destinations include:
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for tree-climbing lions.
Murchison Falls National Park – Stunning waterfall and abundant wildlife.
Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote and pristine wilderness.
The rainy seasons (March – May & October – November) bring heavier showers, especially in the afternoons. While travel may require more flexibility due to muddy roads, this is also a time when:
Landscapes are lush and green.
Birdwatching is at its best due to migratory species.
Lodges may offer lower rates and fewer crowds.
Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 1,080 bird species. While birdwatching is good year-round, November to April is the best period for spotting migratory birds alongside resident species. Key birding spots include Mabamba Swamp, Semuliki National Park, and Kibale Forest.
For adventurous travelers looking to hike the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon, the dry seasons (December – February & June – September) offer the most reliable conditions. Trails are less slippery, and mountain views are clearer.
For water-based adventures such as white-water rafting in Jinja, fishing trips, or boat cruises on the Nile, the dry season provides calm and predictable weather. However, these activities can still be enjoyed most of the year, with occasional adjustments for heavy rains.
January – February: Warm, dry, excellent for gorilla trekking and safaris.
March – May: Rainy, great for birdwatching, fewer tourists, greener landscapes.
June – September: Peak dry season, best for wildlife viewing and trekking.
October – November: Short rainy season, excellent for birdwatching and photography.
December: Dry season returns, festive atmosphere, great for all activities.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon.
Birdwatching in wetlands, forests, and savannahs.
Relaxing on the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria.
Hot air balloon safaris over Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth.
Cultural visits to Batwa and Karamojong communities.
Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel or Lake Bunyonyi.
Fishing trips for Nile perch on Lake Victoria.
Adventure sports in Jinja — rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
No matter when you decide to visit Uganda, Uganda Horizon Safaris will ensure your trip is perfectly planned. We offer:
Expertly crafted itineraries for your preferred season.
Handpicked lodges suited for your comfort.
Professional guides who know the best wildlife spots.
Flexible arrangements for weather changes.
The best time to visit Uganda depends on your priorities. If you want clear trails and easy wildlife spotting, choose the dry season. If you love lush landscapes, birdwatching, and fewer crowds, visit during the rainy season.
Either way, Uganda offers breathtaking scenery, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and warm hospitality all year round. With Uganda Horizon Safaris, you’ll experience the Pearl of Africa at its finest — no matter the month.
Contact us today to plan your perfect Uganda safari at the time that suits you best.
