When Is Low Safari Season In Uganda

Are you an avid traveler and you want to know when is low season in Uganda?The low safari seasons in Uganda run from March to May and November but this doesn’t mean there no tourists visiting. In Africa, Uganda is one of the all year-round tourists’ destination because of its still existing unique natural attractions which include the rare mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, River Nile, Snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori, the equator, delicious food, friendly people and good weather. Most tourists who wish to be more private visit in the low seasons even Africa safari content creators who want less disturbance from crowds use low safari season time.

Are you planning to visit Uganda for holiday and are wondering when is the low season? The low season in Uganda is that time in tourism when the country receives few visitors to tourism sites such as National Parks, cultural sites, Lodges and so much more. It’s that time when a country such as Uganda endowed with such attractions receives fewer or sometimes no tourists. 

Low seasons in Uganda sometimes call for discounted prices of hotels and lodges, on activities like gorilla trekking permits, guide booking and so much more. By choosing to travel during low season, you will definitely benefit from such discounts as well as enjoying an experience that is not clouded.

Most Popular Gorilla Safaris

• 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking
• 5 Day Gorilla and Chimp
• 8 Day Gorilla Tracking
• 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Via Kigali
• 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Via Kigali
• 5 Day Chimp and Gorilla Habituation
• 3 Day Fly in Gorilla Habituation
• 3 Day Fly in Safari to Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Day Bwindi Double trek via Kigali
• 5 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

What happens during Low season

During a low season in Uganda, there is a less influx of tourists to National Parks, plus other tourist sites and lodges are never at their full capacity. The low season in Uganda coincides with busy periods in Europe and The United States of America, which are the major source of tourists to Uganda. This, therefore, means that the country receives fewer tourists compared to the high season.

Severe rains are received countrywide during April, May, and November which affects big attractions like the mountain gorillas that migrate to the slopes. This makes gorilla trekking quite tedious. The same applies to the chimpanzees that love spending most of there time in the tree tops during intense rain seasons.

These low seasons in Uganda months are known for heavy rains and Uganda being predominantly a primate safari country as portrayed by many, tourists do not fancy trekking gorillas or chimpanzee in dump conditions. During this time, trails to gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are slippery causing discomfort to clients trekking these primates.

Please note that gorilla and or chimpanzee trekking happens throughout the entire year and chances of seeing them are 98% since these activities are well organized. That’s why at Encounter Africa safaris, we conduct all our Gorilla and chimp safaris throughout the year.

Why Book A Low Season Uganda Safari To See Gorillas In Uganda

The advantage of planning and booking a safari during the low seasons in Uganda are immense. During the months of April, May and November, Uganda Wildlife Authority sometimes offers gorilla and chimpanzee permit discount which may be announced as the year goes by. You need to keep your ears on the ground concerning low safari season In uganda.

This is an opportunity to enjoy gorilla or chimpanzee trekking but save some money on permits terms and conditions apply. A gorilla or chimpanzee permit is a document/card that allows you to spend one hour with habituated mountain gorillas or chimpanzees.  In Uganda two National Parks are the only homes to the mountain gorillas that is Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National park, Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison Falls National Park are some of the renowned habitats for habituated chimpanzees. A gorilla permit or Kibale National Park chimpanzee permit includes one hour with these primate this permit is inclusive of, park entry fees, services of an armed ranger guide and a certificate at the end of your trek.

For more information about checking availability and booking gorilla permits, kindly contact Encounter Africa safaris by email or Phone.

Apart from discounted permits, the low season in Uganda may also go hand in hand with discounted accommodation prices for most Lodges. Some of the lodges of all plans reduce their accommodation rates atleast by   20% which is again a reason for you to travel during the low season. This is done to attract more visitors to these lodges. If you book your Uganda safari during the low season, you may stand to have a chance to enjoy these discounts compared to booking in the high season.

Uganda Wildlife Authority charges park entry fees for parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo among others. This prices last 24 hours of your stay in the park. Also during low season, there few tourists in these national parks so you enjoy that privacy while on your safari.

The disadvantage of booking a Uganda Safari in Low season

Much as the low uganda safari season comes with some goodies, it also has irk like this period coincides with the rainy season in Uganda which makes activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking hard to do. Imagine raining on you the whole day while trekking gorillas. Rains make the forest trails slippery, visibility, and taking pleasant pictures.

We encourage our clients planning to visit Uganda more especially for gorilla trekking and chimpanzees to come with the right gear (please check our page on what to pack for gorilla trekking). You need to hire a porter who will assist you during your hike to make sure that your dream of seeing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees is achieved with ease.

How to plan a Primate safari during Low season

Encounter Africa safaris has mastered the art of organizing Low season Uganda Safaris on behalf of our clients. When the low season comes, we check out all available discounts on gorilla and chimpanzee permits, park fees, and lodges. We share the low costs forwarded to us by our service provider with our esteemed customer.

We then tailor low season safari packages in Uganda putting into consideration that our client’s budget is not strained and get value for money. Those interested in our Low season safaris send us an email so that we can check the availability of all services and forward them affordable quotes.   Our safari packages range from Luxury, moderate and budget uganda safari.

 Encounter Africa Safaris has been in safari business for over 15 years and this experience is why we are some of the best Africa Tour Company. With this expertise you cannot go wrong when you book a low season safari in Uganda with Encounter Africa Safaris

Which Uganda Safari Destinations To Select

The mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National park

Much as gorilla trekking permits are expensive, when you book a safari in the low season, you have high chances of discounts on other safari amenities like accommodation, more experienced and knowledgeable guides are available, solo gorilla trekking is possible. Can you imagine having a gorilla family all to yourself without obstruction.

Kibale Forest National park for chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National park is an all year round adventure. No matter the season, they are exciting to trek. Although during heavy rains they feed from the tree tops, once there is enough food on the ground they get back.

Other primates like olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, bush babies may cross your way. Lots of birds including about 6 species of the Albertine endemics are likely to be seen.  Just have an open mind and you will see wildlife beyond the chimpanzees in this tropical forest.

Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives in Murchison Falls National park are phenomenal. When you drive through tracks like Buligi track chances of spotting animals like lions, elephants, water bucks, bush bucks, Uganda cobs, giraffes are high.

The majestic launch trip to Murchison Falls is the highlight of a safari to Murchison falls National park. Sailing on River Nile which is the life blood of this national park is refreshing. Watching animals quench thirst from the banks, birds picking some treats from the marshes is amazing, how about hippos and huge Nile crocodiles. You cannot get bored.

You hear roaring water as you draw closer to the falls, boat turbulence changes and the surface of the water appears foamy. Finally, when the falls beautifully come into view you witness the vigorous fight that River Nile water showcase as it squeezes through a narrow gorge.

No one is allowed to swim in this water because hungry reptiles are ready to snap at you as soon as you step in. Just carefully take photos as instructed by the captain.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This biosphere reserve lies at the floor of the rift valley. A number of animals enjoy having great time in the different vegetation zones that make up the park.

During the game drives especially in the Kasenyi grassland area, you may spot the lions in action especially the Uganda Kobs are there victims.

The crater lakes area has a number of crater lakes that beautifully create a lovely scenery. The most outstanding lake is lake Nyamunuka with a putrid smell. This is also called the animals hospital because many sick animals visit this it for cure and end up dying here.

Other animals you may get to see include elephants, cape buffalos, leopards, water bucks, bush bucks, mongoose, topis, warthogs, giant forest hogs and many more

The launch trip on Kazinga channel is relaxing as you get to watch lots of birds enjoying the freebies on the banks. You may get to see animals like elephants, herd of buffaloes, lions, leopards drinking from the channel banks. This 3 hours voyage may end at sun set so chance of witnessing the golden sun hide behind the horizon are high.

White Water Rafting on River Nile

Uganda is the source of River Nile and most of the dramatic points of this world’s longest river happen in here. The Itanda fall are the white water rafting spot on River Nile. No experience is required to do this. A team of knowledgeable instructors is on ground to take you through this thrilling adventure.

Different levels of white water rafting are in place so you can choose where to try or stop. Air filled boats are in place and safety gears available on ground all you have to do to is prepare your muscles to peddle.

Before set off, a kayaker sails a head checking how rough water is then gives you a go ahead to set off. No matter how thrilling this water rafting in Uganda is, your safety is key. This may take half day or whole day according to your plan. This is an all season activity on Uganda safari.

Kampala City Tours During Uganda Safari

The capital city of Uganda is Kampala and leaving the country without visiting itcreates a gap in your perception about Uganda. Most of the Uganda commercial activities are located in the capital city.

A well-tailored itinerary about the Kampala City tour gives you the best experience because you need to consider traffic Jam hours.

Places to visit during Kampala city tour include Uganda Museum, Bulange Mengo, Kabakas Lake, Uganda Martyr’s Museum, the Catholic Basilica, Bahai temple the largest of its kind in Africa, local Markets like Owino and so much more.

Rwenzori Mountain climbing

Rwenzori mountaineering is the second to Kilimanjaro hiking in Kenya. In case you want to stretch some muscles and test your fitness, you can take on hiking the Rwenzori. You have to carry mountaineering gears because as you higher, the more difficult it takes and colder it gets. If you are afraid of heights, you have to prepare yourself mentally for this experience.

Mountain Rwenzori is one of the rare snowcapped mountain in tropical Africa with its peak being Magheritah. Advance personal preparations are required to get to the top. You can do some exercises, get ready to stay hungry for some time because designated stopovers are located on this mountain. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is not a one dayevent. You need about 7 days to hike and return.

Birding on Uganda Safari

Whichever time you choose is always birding time in Uganda. A number of location are habitats to different bird species in Uganda. Some of the renowned birding destinations in Uganda include Mabamba Swamp, Lutembe Beach, Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Forest, Mabira forest, Mpanga forest, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Queen Elizabeth National park to mention but a few.

For all these low season tour activities visit our website and not forgetting our trip advisor.