Weather Seasons in Uganda seems to have changed which has affected the flow of tourism activities in the Pearl of Africa. Despite the past known rainy season between March to May and October through November, rains in Uganda have become unprecedent which has in some way affected tourism operations in the pearl of Africa. These days, it’s hard to predict and differentiate between dry and rainy season. In other words, rain can tend to pour everyday despite the season. During the last quarter of 2019, climate patterns all over the world changed to include wildfires in Australia, floods in Eastern Africa, snowless Christmas in Moscow, Drought in southern Africa and typhoons in Asia among others. Rain in Uganda started in August throughout December something that was unusual. Floods heavily affected most areas especially in eastern Uganda especially in Bududa, Bulambuli, and Sironko.
In the tourism sector, weather changes have negatively affected the smooth flow of tourist activities in Uganda National Parks. At first, it was dry spells especially in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. This was in the months of August causing a shortage of waters and dry grasses in these national parks. When the rain started, the most affected parts were eastern Uganda in Mount Elgon National Park, Matheniko-Bokora wildlife reserve and Paina Upe Wildlife reserve. Trails hiking to Mt Elgon were damaged and some completely washed away while the roads to Pain Upe game reserve were destroyed that people could not pass through. Hiking through lush bamboo forests to the summit of Mt Elgon is a bit challenging during the rain season.
In Karamoja home to beautiful Kidepo Valley National park, rains rendered all roads impassable. The Seasonal Rivers in the park submerged and water flowed into the park making game drives a challenge. On the other hand, however, heavy rains led to the high growth of grass for beautiful sceneries and photography.
Heavy rains heavily destroyed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park is yet another park that. The muram roads became impassable which d to delays in gorilla trekking. Travelers would take long before reaching the starting pint due to muddy and slippery forest grounds.
About Uganda tourism
Despite the change in climate associated with heavy rains and long drought, the tourism sector in Uganda has continued to flourish. No single travelers have canceled their gorilla tours to Bwindi Forest and to other destinations due to rains. Actually, the number of tourist arrivals to Uganda shot high in the year 2019 despite the change in weather. During the 2019 festive seasons, Uganda received an increased number of domestic visitors like ever before. Many Ugandans were seen flocking into savannah parks of Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National parks to spend Christmas and new year holidays.
Top tourist experiences in Uganda
For those planning a Uganda safari, Gorilla Trek Africa brings you the top tourist experiences you must do in the Pearl of Africa. These tourist activities and experiences outstand the other ones and a not miss for every traveler to Uganda. The top tourist experiences in Uganda include:
Mountain gorilla trekking
Done in the jungle forest of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Uganda. Over 60% of the total tourist arrivals in Uganda choose to trek gorillas for a lifetime experience. The pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas hence the best gorilla tour destination in Africa. The remaining population of gorillas lives in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Interestingly, a permit to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is much cheaper costing $700 compared to $1500 in neighboring Rwanda. Travelers are advised to book and pay for gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments. Spending a magical hour in the company of the endangered gorillas is a lifetime experience.
Chimpanzee trekking
Go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park for a close encounter with man’s closest relatives. Kibale forest also called the “primate capital of Africa” is home to the highest number of chimpanzees hence the best to see these primates. A permit to trek chimpanzees costs $220 but the experience got is worth the penny. The rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking are similar to those of mountain gorillas.
Game Viewing
Visit Uganda’s savannah parks to Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National parks for excellent game viewing. Each of these parks has a high concentration of wild animals seen all day throughout. Morning and evening game drives are conducted to allow travelers to catch up with wild animals feeing before retiring for day and night rests. Among the wild animals, you should expect o see on your Uganda game viewing safari include elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, elands, Topis, Oribis, waterbucks, warthogs, gazelles, cheetahs, leopards, African wildcats, bush pig, Hyenas, and Uganda kobs among others. Experienced ranger guides help you spot these animals in the bushes and also help to explain unique features of each spotted animal. do not miss visiting to see the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park making your Uganda safari package a lifetime experience.
Cultural tours
Spend time with the indigenous tribes of Uganda for a great cultural experience. The most visited tribes are Batwa pygmies in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks. Here travelers are led into the forest by Batwa people to experience Batwa’s traditional forest life. Travelers take part in different Batwa forest activities such as collecting honey, hunting, picking medicinal herbs and visiting Ngarama caves among others. This makes the feel like part of the local community, an experience they cannot forget. Also, visit Karamojong pastoralists in northeastern Uganda (Kidepo Valley National Park) region to learn about their pastoral life.
Despite the change in weather patterns, tourism in Uganda continues to flourish each day that passes. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa today, enjoy top tourist experiences to trek gorillas, chimpanzees and game rewarding you with a lifetime experience.
