10 Must-see Uganda Safari Animals to Add to Your Bucket List

As Ugandan Safari and Tour operators, we often inquire about visitors’ interests in Uganda. Likewise, our guests frequently inquire about the animals they can encounter in Uganda’s many national parks and game reserves. 10 Must-see Uganda Safari Animals to Add to Your Bucket List

Here is our list of 10 Uganda Safari Animals that should be on your bucket list.

Uganda is home to more than 340 species of mammals and over 1000 bird species residing in its parks and game reserves. Answering what animals should be on a Uganda Wildlife Safari bucket list is challenging due to this diversity.

We’ve compiled 10 animals that most of our visitors have enjoyed seeing on their Ugandan Trip. Is this list comprehensive? Far from it. It barely scratches the surface.

We’ve assembled a shortlist of animals our guests deem bucket list-worthy for the world traveler visiting Uganda.

Must-see Wildlife In Uganda

Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking safaris are highly regarded globally because an encounter with mountain gorillas is a moving experience. Spending an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is more breathtaking than the hike through the lush and dense forest they inhabit. Learn more about the biggest of great apes in our article about some interesting facts about mountain gorillas.

African Elephants

The African Elephant, the Largest Land animal on Earth, can weigh up to 6,000 kilograms. An encounter with an elephant is a revealing moment for its sheer size. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best place to observe both the bush and forest species. Learn why elephants are such a big deal in our article about African Elephants.

Tree Climbing Lions

An African Safari wouldn’t be complete without spotting lions. Even better is when the lions climb trees, surveying the land for prey in the lush savannah grass. Lions, found in many of Uganda’s national parks, are quick to spot. Learn more about tree-climbing lions in this article.

Ugandan Kob

The Uganda kob, appearing on the Uganda Coat of Arms as the National Animal, is common in most of Uganda’s National parks. They often inhabit grasslands near water bodies, and your safari guide will eagerly share insights about their behavior. They symbolize the abundance of wildlife in Uganda.

Chimpanzees

Encountering chimpanzees in Kibale National Park offers a glimpse into the lives of our closest animal cousins. Learning about chimps from experienced guides can provide a new perspective on nature. Discover interesting facts about chimpanzees in our refreshed article.

Elands

The Eland, the largest antelope species, can be found in only two of Uganda’s National Parks: Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley National Park. Mature Elands can weigh up to 900 Kg and are known for producing milk with better fat content than cow’s milk.

Zebras

Zebras live in small family groups and often mix with other antelope species while feeding, offering protection against predators. Learn more about zebras in this article about zebra facts.

Golden Monkey

Golden monkeys, as rare as mountain gorillas, can only be seen in DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. In Uganda, they are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Learn fun facts about golden monkeys in our blog post.

Rothschild Giraffe

Murchison Falls National Park offers the opportunity to see Rothschild giraffes, with Uganda having the largest population of this species. Learn fascinating facts about Rothschild giraffes in our article.

Shoebill

With over 1000 bird species, Uganda is a haven for birders. The elusive and prehistoric-looking shoebill can be found in several places such as Lake Mburo National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Mabamba Bay in Lake Victoria.

Conclusion

These 10 safari animals should be on your bucket list for a Ugandan Safari. However, they shouldn’t be the only ones. They are a great starting point, but planning a Safari involves gathering the right information to inform your plans.

We encourage you to explore our blog for various tips, tricks, and hacks to help you in the process. Additionally, derive more safari inspiration from our tour programs page. All itineraries can be customized to suit your budget and needs. 10 Must-see Uganda Safari Animals to Add to Your Bucket List