Other fascinating animals to see in Uganda in addition to mountain gorillas

Other Fascinating Animals To See In Uganda Besides Gorillas

Much as many people know Uganda for the famous mountain gorillas, the Pearl of Africa offers much more than gorilla safaris. It’s undeniable that nature blessed Uganda with unlimited creatures some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Travelers on Uganda tours are 100% assured of seeing amazing wildlife that offer you memorable experiences. Wildlife lovers have lots of exceptional wild animals big small and big to see in all parts of Uganda, which together make your Uganda tour a complete package. The mountain gorilla add ons you must see in Uganda include:

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest

Inhabited in the jungles of Kibale Forest National park, Chimpanzees rank second to mountain gorillas in attracting the highest number of travelers to Uganda. The Pearl of Africa is home to over 1500 chimpanzees some of which have been habituated for trekking. For those who have trekked chimpanzees before, a face-to-face encounter with chimpanzees is a magical experience that you will live to remember. Fortunately, the cost of trekking chimpanzees is only $200, which is much cheaper, compared to $700 for mountain gorillas. Trekking begins in the morning preceded by a briefing about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. Expect to hike up and down the jungles in search of chimpanzees but the magical feeling of meeting them face to face is worth the effort. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo forest near Murchison falls, National Park. The Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX) offers you a full day encounter with man’s closest relative in their natural habitat. For chimpanzee tour bookings, Contact Gorilla Trek Africa, the number one travel company in Uganda.

Tree climbing Lions

You can’t dare miss the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whereas most lions live on the ground, the exceptional kings of the jungle in the Ishasha sector live up in the trees. You will be mesmerized on looking at lions resting lazily p in the trees just above you. Morning and evening game drives through ishasha offer you best spots of tree climbing lions resting in the acacia and fig tree branches. You are therefore reminded to keep your eyes up in the trees not to miss out any lion.

Red-tailed monkeys

Red tailed Monkey

Still, in Kibale forest National Park, You will see the red-tailed monkeys jumping over and across tree branches above you. Its long reddish tail, the white cheeks, and nose that distinguish this monkey species from others. The large elastic cheeks of red-tailed monkeys help them to gather and store for long. Other monkey species in Uganda include back and white monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Patas Monkeys, Lhoest monkeys, gray-cheeked Mangabey, Blue Monkeys Olive baboons and Debrazza monkeys. Monkeys are seen almost in every forest in Uganda giving travelers high chances of meeting these wonderful creatures.

Golden Monkeys

Only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National park, golden monkeys have presently become a key attraction in southwestern Uganda. It’s only in Mgahinga that travelers can see and interact with the critically endangered golden monkeys. A golden monkey permit cost $100 issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority and booking is recommended at least 4 months in advance due to high demand. The other population of golden monkeys lives in Volcanoes National park Rwanda.

Hippos

Uganda is known to have the highest population of hippos in East Africa. Hippos are mostly seen at Kazinga channel, which connects lakes, Edward and George, while many others spotted at the bottom of Murchison falls in Northwestern Uganda. A boat cruise is, therefore, the best way to see hippos clearly and closely. You will see hippos resting, chilling, dicing into the waters, swimming and playing in harmony with crocodiles and other water animals. For a closer look, binoculars are recommended if you can get them. CAUTION; Hippos are the most dangerous animals in the wild, do not disturb!.

Butterflies

Butterfly Watching in Uganda | Gorilla Trek Africa

Butterfly in Uganda

Besides animals, the Pearl of Africa is home to over 31 endemic species of butterflies hence the best spot for butterfly watching. A nature walk in Kibale Forest or a game drive through ishasha sector offers you the best butterfly watching experience. You will see numerous butterflies in all kinds of colors, mostly orange, bright yellow, modest white and blue, which look so beautiful. Butterflies are well seen after a downpour as they celebrate and enjoy the natural environment.

Nile Crocodiles

While boat cruising, loo out for Nile crocodiles resting on the sandy shores of Kazinga channel, Murchison falls and on the banks of river Nile. Crocodiles are the world’s largest predator mostly seen lazily luging in the mud in wait for its prey. Avoid avoiding along the riverbanks to avoid falling a victim of Nile crocodiles which lie in pretense waiting for whoever passes.

Nubian Giraffes

Spotted in the open savannahs of Murchison falls national park, the Nubian giraffes are a must-see on your Uganda safari. Unfortunately, continuous habitat loss and poaching have greatly hindered the survival and increase of Nubian giraffes. Game drives to the northern t of Murchison fall national park offer you lose encounter with beautiful and long neck giraffes grazing. Roughly 1,200 Nubian giraffes are estimated to be surviving in Uganda today.

Ostriches

Do not miss the long-necked and legged ostriches in Kidepo valley National park. Ostriches rank as the world’s fastest and larges birds attributed to its long legs. Kidepo national park is the only place to see ostriches.

In general, Uganda has it all you need to see and do for a memorable experience. Book a Uganda safari today, trek gorillas, visit chimpanzees, see tree-climbing lions and many other animals for a memorable tour experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.