Planning a safari in one of the national parks in Uganda? Perhaps you want to embark on a thrilling gorilla trek? But do you know what to expect? If not, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll go over all the important wild animals and plants in Uganda. Did we catch your attention? Then, keep reading and find out more!
Animals in Uganda
There are quite a few magnificent animals to see in Uganda, some of them dangerous, others endangered by humans. It’s estimated to host over 345 mammal species and over 1000 different birds, so there’s a lot to see on your safari trip. What should make it to your must-see list? Here’s our overview!
The “Big Five”
Uganda is home to animals from the “Big Five”—the largest and most dangerous animals, named this way by hunters years before, as they were supposed to be the most difficult to hunt. What animals are we talking about?
- African buffalos—you’ll find them in all national parks in Uganda; they’re also the most dangerous animal in the country!
- Lions—mostly found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
- Leopards—the hardest animals from the “Big Five” to see in Uganda, mostly due to their elusive nature; you’ll have the highest chances of seeing them in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Elephants—found in almost every part of the country.
- Rhinos—the best place to spot them is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can see the black rhino, an endangered species that has natively gone extinct in the country.
Primates
Uganda is also well known for its diversity of primate species, such as:
- mountain gorillas,
- chimpanzees,
- red-tailed monkeys,
- golden monkeys,
- baboons,
- L’hoest’s monkeys,
- patas monkeys,
- bushbaby,
- grey-cheeked mangabeys.
You can see these animals from a closer distance if you want to. If this is your case, book a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda rather than a traditional safari and experience the wildlife from a completely different point of view!
Birds
Uganda is also a perfect destination for birdwatchers, mainly due to the high number of diverse species living in this country. What birds can you spot there?
- grey crowned cranes,
- African broadbills,
- African jacanas,
- African fish eagles,
- African darters,
- goliath herons,
- ostriches,
- marabou storks,
- great blue turacos,
- shoebills,
- abyssinian ground hornbills,
- and a thousand more!
Other Animals Worth Seeing in Uganda
Apart from all the above, you should also keep your eyes open and look for these species:
- otters,
- gents,
- bat-eared foxes,
- cheetahs,
- hyenas,
- caracals,
- serval cats,
- hippos,
- antelopes,
- zebras,
- Uganda kobs,
- and giraffes.
Plants in Uganda
With our Uganda animal list ready, let’s look into the flora. What plants live in Uganda and make your trip worthwhile?
- Dragon’s blood trees,
- black nightshades,
- jutes,
- custard apples,
- small-fruited African plums,
- African tulip tree,
- yellow oleanders
- pencil cacti,
- Chinese hibiscus,
- aloe vera,
- heart of Jesus,
- and mango trees.
While not all the plants above are native to Uganda, they compose a mixture of picturesque landscapes you’ll see on your safaris. Thus, even if you’re not a flora geek, you’re bound to enjoy the views!
The Takeaway
Uganda is a highly biologically diverse country, with thousands of different animal and plant species. A visit to this East African country gives you the chance to observe numerous primates, wild cats, marvelous herbivores, and thousands of birds in their natural habitat. Did we encourage you to visit the country? Then check our Uganda safari offers and score some great deals for your unforgettable East African adventure!
You might also read: Why Should I Visit Uganda? 7 Reasons
