Animals in Uganda: Discover the incredible wildlife of East Africa

Because it is called the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda draws nature lovers and safari enthusiasts with its rich and diverse wildlife. National parks like Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth offer shelter to a wide variety of animals, some of which are found nowhere else or are on the brink of extinction. This article explores the fascinating world of animals in Uganda, their natural behaviors, and the ongoing efforts to protect them for future generations.

Wildlife in Uganda

Mammals of Uganda

Uganda is home to over 345 species of mammals, representing one of the richest biodiversities in Africa. Among the most famous wild animals in Uganda are the African elephant, lion, leopard and the endangered animals like the mountain gorilla. These iconic species are part of the famous “Big Five” that many safari-goers seek to encounter.

From the lush rainforests of Kibale National Park to the grassy plains of Murchison Falls National Park, primates like chimpanzees and monkeys are commonly seen. These two parks are among the best places to see animals in Uganda for those keen on discovering a mix of Uganda safari animals in their natural habitats.

Baby elephants drinking water from the Nile river in Murchison Falls National Park

Birds of Uganda

With more than 1,000 species of birds, Uganda is a paradise for birdwatchers. The crested crane, the national bird and rare animals in Uganda like the shoebill stork draw enthusiasts to this country. The wetlands, forests, and savannahs are teeming with avian life, offering unmatched opportunities to witness the avifaunal diversity of wildlife in Uganda.

Reptiles and amphibians

The herpetofauna of Uganda includes 142 species of reptiles and 86 species of amphibians. Notable among them are the Nile crocodile and the African rock python. These unique animals thrive in various ecosystems across the country, from rivers to swampy wetlands.

Insects and butterflies

Insects are very important for Uganda’s ecosystems. Because the country has over 1,200 types of butterflies, it is very popular among lepidopterists. They help plants reproduce and are eaten by other living things.

Animals in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

The majority of people visit Uganda to see the Mountain Gorillas. Mountain gorillas can only be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the number of them worldwide is less than 1,000. These animals exhibit complex social behaviors, such as grooming, group bonding and parental care, which often remind observers of human family dynamics.

A mountain gorilla is seen in Uganda

Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex)

Shoebills, which are popularly called “whale-headed storks”, are among the most unusual birds in Uganda. Mostly, it dwells in wetlands, especially in Mabamba Bay Wetland near Lake Victoria. Because of its ancient appearance and strong beak, the shoebill is both fascinating and uncommon, so birdwatchers often hope to see one. They hunt alone and still, catching fish, amphibians and young crocodiles.

Close-up of Shoebill Stork taken from the front

Ugandan Kob (Kobus kob thomasi)

The Ugandan Kob is important to the country’s identity and is shown on its coat of arms. You can often find this attractive antelope with reddish-brown fur and lyre-shaped horns (in males) in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. These animals choose to live in open savannah and floodplains, often in big groups and they engage in impressive mating rituals in leks. Because they are plentiful, lions and leopards often eat them.

Ugandan Kob (Kobus kob thomasi), a classic safari animal in Uganda, standing in the savannah rain

Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus kandti)

These primates are exclusive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Their golden fur and social behavior mark them as one of the unique animals of Uganda, living only in bamboo forests in the Virunga ranges. A group of up to 100 golden monkeys eat fruits, bamboo shoots and insects as they travel. Going after golden monkeys is equally as appealing and satisfying as seeing gorillas.

Golden Monkey, Mgahinga National Park, Uganda

Nile Monitor Lizard (Varanus niloticus)

Many Nile Monitor Lizards can be seen sunning themselves along the rivers around Murchison Falls and Lake Albert. Being up to two meters long, this lizard is a strong swimmer and hunts for fish, small mammals and bird eggs. Its old-looking form and secretive movements make people who love reptiles feel thrilled when they see it.

African Softshell Turtle (Trionyx triunguis), a unique aquatic species found in Uganda

African Softshell Turtle (Trionyx triunguis)

Uganda is home to the African Softshell Turtle, the biggest freshwater turtle in Africa which mostly lives in Lake Victoria and the Nile River. The turtle’s shell is tough and made of leather, it has a long snout and it is mostly active in the evening, living in water.

African softshell turtle or Nile softshell turtle

Tree-Climbing Lion

Only in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, do lions climb trees which is not typical for them. It is common to see these cats resting on fig tree branches when it’s hot, which might be to avoid tsetse flies or to look for food. Because this is so rare, it makes Uganda’s safaris more attractive and is a favorite for photographers.

Tree climbing lion king relaxing and sleeping at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Sitatunga Antelope (Tragelaphus spekii)

Living in water and hard to find, the sitatunga is found in swamps like those in Ajai wildlife reserve and Semliki Valley. Sitatungas are able to move easily through marshes thanks to their hooves which are made for wet areas. Because they are so shy, seeing them is a rare and much-appreciated experience for experienced wildlife observers.

Sitatunga antelope, a rare animal in Uganda, feeds on aquatic plants and grasses

Jackson’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus jacksoni)

The hartebeest in this area is marked by a long face and a gently bowed back and it lives in both the savannahs of Murchison Falls and Pian Upe. Because it is a near-threatened species, the Jackson’s hartebeest represents the challenge of preserving wildlife while conserving habitats.

A group of Jackson's hartebeest in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)

Because bushbucks are adaptable and found in many areas, they are often alone and often seen near rivers and forests in Uganda and native to the region. Because of its spotted coat and secretive habits, this antelope quietly represents the diversity of Uganda’s ungulate species.

Cape Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), a unique animal of Uganda, seen in national parks

Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)

The oribi, a small, alert antelope with a white throat patch, is commonly found in the grasslands of Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo. Known for its agility and acute sense of smell, the oribi is a crucial component in the predator-prey dynamic of the savannah ecosystems native to the region.

Oribi antelope (Ourebia ourebi) in the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Fox's Weaver (Ploceus spekeoides)

Fox’s Weaver (Ploceus spekeoides), Uganda’s only endemic bird species, is found around Lake Opeta and Lake Bisina and is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat degradation.

Fox’s Weaver, one of the rare animals in Uganda, seen around Lake Opeta

National parks and wildlife reserves

Uganda's commitment to conservation is evident in its network of protected areas. The country boasts 10 national parks and 13 wildlife reserves, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

National parks

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorilla population.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse bird species.
• Murchison Falls National Park: Features the powerful Murchison Falls and a variety of large mammals.
• Kibale National Park: Renowned for its chimpanzee tracking experiences.
• Lake Mburo National Park: Offers sightings of zebras, impalas and hippos.

Pian Upe wildlife reserve

In northeastern Uganda, Pian Upe is the second biggest protected area, with an area of around 2,275 square kilometers. Its semi-arid environment makes the reserve home to cheetahs, roan antelopes and patas monkeys. These species live in the savannahs and on the rocky outcrops.

Grey crowned crane in the Queen Elizabeth National park

Matheniko wildlife reserve

The area of Matheniko in the Karamoja subregion is about 1,520 square kilometers. Due to the reserve’s semi-arid climate, cheetahs, ostriches and many kinds of antelope live there. The region is special in Uganda because its rocky ground and little vegetation make it different from other areas.

Bokora wildlife reserve

Bokora, found just beside Matheniko, covers an area of about 2,056 square kilometers. Zebras, giraffes and many kinds of birds can be found in the dry and grassy areas of the reserve.

Ajai wildlife reserve

Ajai is found on the western side of the Albert Nile and has an area of about 166 square kilometers. Seasonal flooding in the swamps and savannahs of the reserve gives shelter to Uganda kobs, sitatunga antelopes and a range of bird species. The special wetland regions help protect different species of plants and animals.

Kigezi wildlife reserve

In 1952, Kigezi was formed and measures about 265 square kilometers in southwestern Uganda. Because there are savannahs and woodlands in the reserve, antelopes, primates and many types of birds live there. Since it is close to the border of the Congo, the region has a bigger ecological role.

Bugungu wildlife reserve

Bugungu lies between Buliisa and Masindi districts and is about 473 square kilometers in size. Savannah grasslands and seasonal wetlands in the reserve are home to elephants, buffaloes and different antelope species. Because it acts as a buffer zone, it improves the conservation of nearby protected lands.

Kyambura wildlife reserve

Another name for this reserve is Kyambura Gorge and it is part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The thick forests in the gorge are home to chimpanzees, baboons and other types of primates. Because the place is home to unique landforms and a wide variety of species, it needs to be conserved.

Karuma wildlife reserve

Kiryandongo district includes Karuma which is spread over an area of 675 square kilometers. There are grasslands in the reserve and it is well-known for its Karuma Falls found on the Victoria Nile. You can find animals like elephants, buffaloes and different species of birds there.

Kabwoya wildlife reserve

Covering about 87 square kilometers, Kabwoya lies on the eastern shores of Lake Albert. Uganda kobs, warthogs and many bird species live in the grasslands and woodlands of the reserve. The beautiful scenery makes it important for the environment.

Toro Semliki wildlife reserve

Toro Semliki is found in western Uganda and covers 542 square kilometers. There are grasslands, forests and wetlands in the reserve, so chimpanzees, elephants and various species of birds can make their homes there. The region is even more important for biodiversity because it lies in the Albertine Rift.

Conservation efforts

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is in charge of leading conservation programs. Examples of efforts are anti-poaching patrols, teaching communities about conservation and projects to restore habitats. Partnerships with international organizations have helped a lot and this is shown by the rise in mountain gorilla numbers.

Recommendations for travelers

Uganda offers a wide range of immersive wildlife experiences that allow visitors to connect closely with nature. Activities such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi, birdwatching in Mabamba wetlands, and wildlife photography in national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls are among the most sought-after. These tours can be booked in advance either through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or with certified tour operators. By participating in these guided experiences, travelers not only enjoy Uganda’s rich biodiversity but also contribute directly to conservation efforts and the protection of endangered species.

Fish eagle taking off in Uganda, Africa

Frequently asked questions

• What are the Big Five animals in Uganda?

The Big Five in Uganda include the African elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros. While the first four can be seen in various national parks, rhinos are primarily found in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in central Uganda is the only place where you can see rhinos in the wild. It plays a critical role in efforts to reintroduce the species into Uganda’s national parks.

• Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas are best observed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Permits are required for gorilla trekking experiences.

• Is Uganda safe for wildlife tourism?

Yes, Uganda is considered safe for wildlife tourism. The government and conservation organizations have implemented measures to ensure the safety of both tourists and wildlife.

• What is the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife viewing?

The dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.

• Are there any endemic species in Uganda?

Yes, Uganda is home to several endemic species, including the Uganda kob and various bird and butterfly species unique to the region.

• How can tourists contribute to conservation efforts in Uganda?

Tourists can support conservation by choosing eco-friendly tour operators, participating in community-based tourism and donating to reputable conservation organizations.

Conclusion

Uganda is a true haven for biodiversity lovers. Whether you are in search of the Uganda Big Five Animals, curious about where to see gorillas in Uganda or fascinated by unique animals of Uganda, the country offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. From national parks in Uganda to lesser-known reserves, the opportunities to engage with wild animals in Uganda are endless – all while supporting sustainable tourism and conservation.