Uganda Safari Calendar by Month: When to Visit and What to Expect
Uganda is a truly year-round safari destination, offering everything from Big Five game drives and gorilla trekking, to chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, and boat safaris. But the real secret to planning an unforgettable safari lies in understanding how Uganda’s seasons affect wildlife viewing across different regions.
In this detailed month-by-month Uganda safari calendar, you’ll discover when to go for the best wildlife sightings, the least rainfall, migratory birds, baby animals, or budget-friendly travel. Whether you want to track gorillas in the misty mountains of Bwindi, see lions hunting in Queen Elizabeth, or cruise alongside elephants on the Nile in Murchison Falls, this calendar will help you plan it all.
️ January – Prime Safari Season
Weather:
- Dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures around 28–32°C
- Low humidity and clear skies
Best For:
- Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth
- Birdwatching in wetlands and savannahs
- Boat safaris on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
Highlights:
- Wildlife congregates near water sources
- Excellent visibility due to dry vegetation
- Ideal for photography and gorilla trekking
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️ February – Excellent Wildlife Viewing
Weather:
- Continuation of the short dry season
Best For:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (excellent trail conditions)
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Budongo Forest
- Cultural safaris and village visits
Highlights:
- High concentration of game in open plains
- Active chimpanzee troops and forest wildlife
- Romantic escapes and honeymoon safaris
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️ March – Start of the Long Rains
Weather:
- Onset of the long rainy season
- Afternoon showers, increased humidity
Best For:
- Birdwatching (migratory species still present)
- Photography of lush green landscapes
- Budget travelers looking for off-season deals
Considerations:
- Game drives still possible in the north
- Fewer tourists = more intimate experiences
- Lodges may offer discounted rates
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️ April – Green Season & Birding Paradise
Weather:
- Wettest month of the year
- Lush vegetation, slippery trails
Best For:
- Birding (nesting and breeding season)
- Nature walks and forest treks
- Travelers seeking tranquility and solitude
Considerations:
- Some remote lodges may close
- Roads in low-lying areas may be challenging
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️ May – End of the Rains, Beginning of Beauty
Weather:
- Rain begins to taper
- Forests and savannahs at their most vibrant
Best For:
- Gorilla trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo
- Chimpanzee habituation experiences
- Photography of dramatic skies and greenery
Wildlife Notes:
- Animal movements less predictable
- Excellent for close-up macro photography of butterflies, frogs, and flora
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️ June – Dry Season Returns
Weather:
- Start of the long dry season
- Comfortable temperatures and low humidity
Best For:
- Classic game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth
- Gorilla trekking (high permit demand)
- Family safaris
Highlights:
- Peak predator activity around waterholes
- Excellent visibility for big game photography
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️ July – Peak Safari Season
Weather:
- Continued dry season
- Cool mornings and warm days
Best For:
- All safari activities — ideal for first-time visitors
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Budongo
- Luxury fly-in safaris
Wildlife Notes:
- Herd migrations in savannah parks
- High wildlife density in open plains
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️ August – Excellent for Big Game Viewing
Weather:
- Still dry and cool
- Low mosquito activity
Best For:
- Murchison Falls boat safaris
- Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
- Multi-park safaris
Highlights:
- Riverbanks are teeming with animals
- Prime month for professional wildlife photography
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️ September – Transition Month
Weather:
- Short rains may begin
- Generally still good for travel
Best For:
- Birdwatching (start of seasonal migrations)
- Nature safaris and forest walks
- Combo gorilla-chimp itineraries
Notes:
- Increased humidity in forest parks
- Good for combining Murchison and Kibale
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️ October – Return of the Short Rains
Weather:
- Short rains increase
- Still warm and pleasant
Best For:
- Gorilla trekking with fewer tourists
- Scenic travel and cultural photography
- Birding tours
Wildlife:
- Elephants and buffalo often found near rivers
- Shoebill sightings in swamps like Mabamba and Nile Delta
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️ November – Green and Serene
Weather:
- Wet but not extreme
- Stunning green landscapes
Best For:
- Birdwatching (migratory and nesting activity)
- Gorilla permits more available
- Couples and slow travel experiences
Tips:
- Great month for affordable lodge stays
- Forest trails can be muddy but passable
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️ December – Holidays and Wildlife Abundance
Weather:
- Dry season returns
- Festive season = increased bookings
Best For:
- All wildlife activities
- Holiday family safaris
- Top-of-the-falls hikes in Murchison Falls
Highlights:
- Wildlife concentrated around rivers
- Safari bookings should be made early
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Quick Safari Season Overview
| Month | Season | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Dry | Game drives, gorillas, birding |
| Mar–May | Wet | Birdwatching, low-season rates, forest treks |
| Jun–Aug | Dry | All safaris, best wildlife visibility |
| Sep–Nov | Green/Wet | Birding, fewer crowds, vibrant landscapes |
| Dec | Dry | Family holidays, photography, luxury safaris |
Plan Your Safari With Murchison Falls Safaris
At Murchison Falls Safaris, we help you plan your trip around seasonal highlights. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced traveler, our team designs itineraries that match the best months to visit based on:
- Wildlife migration and predator hotspots
- Birding seasonality and photography timing
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability
- Budget-friendly vs peak-season pricing
- ️ Lodge openings, closures, and festival periods
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Final Thoughts
Timing is everything when it comes to crafting the perfect safari—and Uganda makes it easy. With something special happening in every season, you don’t have to wait for a “right time” to visit. Instead, align your safari goals with the Uganda Safari Calendar and let nature do the rest.
Ready to plan your perfect trip? Contact Murchison Falls Safaris to build your ideal seasonal adventure in the heart of Africa.