The Pearl of Africa, Uganda, is renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular locations for family safaris. Families looking for adventure, education, and pleasure will never forget their time in Uganda, thanks to its verdant landscapes, varied wildlife, and world-renowned mountain gorillas. But, if you want to get the most out of your safari, you need to time it correctly.
Taking into account weather patterns, animal viewing chances, and family-specific factors, this blog article will examine the best time to visit Uganda for a safari with children.
Environmental Situation in Uganda
The climate in Uganda is somewhat consistent all year round because of the country’s proximity to the equator. The weather may be classified into two main types.
June–September and December–February are the dry seasons.
The rainiest months are March–May and October–November.
The dry seasons are often thought of as the ideal time for safaris, particularly those involving families, but wildlife viewing in Uganda is possible at any time of year. What does a family safari in Uganda offer throughout each season? Let’s take a look.
The Dry Seasons Are Ideal for a Visit to Uganda
- Highest Point of the Safari Season: June–September
Most people agree that the months of June through September are ideal for a safari in Uganda. During these months, you may enjoy the best weather for outdoor activities and game watching since it falls within the lengthy dry season.
It’s also the ideal season to go gorilla trekking, an experience that many families with older kids look forward to.
Sunny and mild, with little chance of precipitation and pleasant temperatures (25–30°C, or 77–86°F).
Favorite Things to do
Trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees: The woodland pathways are more manageable in the dry weather, increasing the likelihood of successful expeditions to visit these magnificent monkeys.
The game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are ideal for family safaris since wildlife is more visible when it congregates near water sources.
Relax on a boat safari along the Nile River or Kazinga Channel and see birds, crocodiles, and hippos up close.
When Is the Best Moment for Families?
Young children, who may not be fond of the muck and wetness during the rainy season, would love the dry weather. This is the perfect season for a family safari since wildlife viewing is just amazing and activities like gorilla trekking are much easier to participate in.
- The Short Dry Season (December to February)
An other great time to visit Uganda, especially for families seeking a winter getaway from the Northern Hemisphere, is during the brief dry season, which lasts from December to February. Warm temperatures and minimal precipitation characterize the weather, much like the season from June to September.
Sunny and warm, with highs of 25–29 degrees Celsius (77–84 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the day.
Favorite Things to Do
As during the lengthier dry season, game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks are very rewarding, and animals may be easily seen around water sources.
The Kibale Forest and the Budongo Forest are wonderful places for families interested in primate trekking to undertake chimpanzee trekking. Trekking will be a pleasant experience thanks to the dry weather.
Nile River or Kazinga Channel boat safaris are a great option because to the pleasant weather.
When Is the Best Moment for Families?
Holidays for school-aged children are between December and February, making it an ideal time for families. Safari conditions are ideal during the brief dry season, so you and your family can see the most beautiful animals that Uganda has to offer.
March–May and October–November are the rainiest months to visit Uganda.
Although safaris during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) aren’t as common, they still have their benefits, particularly for families watching their spending.
The Prolonged Wet Season (March–May)
While the lengthy rainy season from March to May could make certain safari activities more difficult, there are still many reasons to come at this period.
Daytime highs of 23–27°C (73–81°F) with frequent rain showers are the weather predictions.
Favorite Things to Do
With more than a thousand different bird species found in Uganda, the rainy season is a fantastic time to go bird watching due to the enormous influx of migrating birds.
The rainy season is a great time to visit if you’re on a tight budget since many lodges and family safari packages offer steep discounts.
Guided nature treks in locations like Lake Mburo are still an option, even if hiking paths may be treacherous, giving kids the opportunity to see Uganda’s diverse ecosystems.
When Is the Best Moment for Families?
March through May is a great time for families to go since there are less people and cheaper pricing. Nevertheless, families that aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty should go on gorilla trekking if the weather permits.
The Minimal Rainfall Period (October–November)
The shorter October and November rainy season is quite similar to the longer wet season, with the exception that there are a few windows of dry weather during this time.
Light rain showers here and there, with sunny days every now and again.
Favorite Things to Do
Although it’s more difficult to identify animals in the thick undergrowth, they are still there, and the rain adds new greenery to the scene.
Even though the paths may be muddy, gorilla trekking may still be done at this time. For a more comfortable hike, tour companies like Great Lions Safaris provide rain gear and knowledgeable guides.
During this season, safaris and lodging are less expensive, which is great news for families.
When Is the Best Moment for Families?
For those on a tighter budget, the brief rainy season is an excellent time to visit because of the lower prices and fewer tourists. This time of year may still be enjoyable for families with teens who aren’t too bothered by rain, what with all the new plants and birds.
Unique Things to Think About When Planning an African Safari with Kids
Particularly when going with little children, there are a few extra considerations to make while organizing a family safari in Uganda:
Trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees has age restrictions. Kids must be 15 or older to go gorilla trekking. The typical minimum age to go chimpanzee trekking is twelve years old.
Because of the tropical climate in Uganda, it is important that you and your family take measures to prevent malaria and stay up-to-date on vaccines.
Look for lodges that welcome families and have facilities like pools, gaming rooms, and family suites.
As a Family, Why Should You Go on an Adventure with Great Lions Safaris?
As far as Ugandan safaris go, Great Lions Safaris is head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to creating personalized adventures for families. Consider these reasons when you and your loved ones plan your next family vacation:
Itineraries Tailored to Your Family’s Interests and Ages: Great Lions Safaris is an expert in designing unique safari adventures for families.
Comfortable, family-oriented resorts with plenty of things to do for kids and grownups are what they guarantee.
With their extensive expertise leading safaris, they know just what to do to keep kids of all ages engaged and learning.
Your goals for your family safari should guide your decision on the best time to visit Uganda. Wildlife watching, gorilla trekking, and other outdoor activities are best enjoyed during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February), whereas the rainy seasons are more affordable and have less tourists.
No matter when you decide to come, a well-planned and wonderful family safari is possible when you work with a trustworthy tour operator like Great Lions Safaris.
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