Uganda is Warm
Daily Warm Temperature Average: 26°C /78.6°F
When to visit: November, December, January, February
Flight Time: (Averages from JFK International Airport, USA.) KLM – 20hrs, Fly Emirates – 21hrs, Brussels Airline 23hrs
Uganda is best known for its Gorilla trekking safaris, but did you know it can be a perfect destination for travelers searching for warm weather during the harsh winters in the Northern hemisphere.
Whether it’s an escape from the cold winter, sight-seeing vacation, city break, adventure-based break Uganda has got you covered on all four.
Lets find out why…
Uganda lies along the Equator, and this means the country receives sunshine all year round making it the perfect destination for all that need to warm up any time of the year.
Most travelers who visit the attractive western part of the country get to visit the Equator crossing point marked by 2 concrete hoops that separate the earth into 2 equal parts. Here you can have an Instagram moment, refreshments and shopping for souvenirs.
You will not only soak up the sun but also immerse in a range of activities and adventures at different locations across the country.
These include:
- A day of Rafting, Bungee Jumping on the White Waters of the Nile
- A visit to the tropical islands of Ssese on Lake Victoria
- Game Drives for wildlife viewing opportunities, Nature walks, Horse riding, Mountain Biking in the best national parks
- Magnificent Boat cruises for wildlife viewing and outstanding sights of different bird species on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and on the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
- Sight-seeing in the incredibly beautiful countryside
- Adventures such as Abseiling and hiking at the Sipi Falls in near Mt. Elgon.
- Gorilla trekking in the thick forests of Bwindi and tracking chimpanzees as well as 10 other different primates.
- Immerse in a rich cultural heritage that is exhibited across the country with special attention to the unspoiled way of life of the Karimojong (cousins to the Masai in Kenya) living near the Kidepo Valley National Park
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Visiting Uganda during the months of November – March presents a golden opportunity to view the magnificent countryside without loads of tourists, lower costs in flight fares – discounted tour packages and obviously an escape from hard winters.
With a wide range of world class lodges and camps Uganda has every travellers accommodation needs well catered for in price terms, location and experience.
The country has got arguably the some of the world’s most friendly people a claim that has overly been observed by different independent travelers. In addition, English is widely spoken across the country making it easy for travelers to engage with the local people at any time whether one is asking a favor or getting chatty.
Uganda is a hot and wet country receiving sunlight 365 days a year, this kind of climate is ideal for infusing rich flavors in a variety of foods, fruits and vegetables that are widely available. It’s no doubt on your visit, you will taste the most delicious organic pineapples, avocados, sweet bananas, mangos, fish and much more. Many countryside accommodation providers sometimes farm fruits and vegetables around the premises which are picked prepared and served straight to the plate.
For avid birders, Uganda offers the finest birding experience in the world. This is so because Uganda holds 10% of the world’s birds and 50% of Africa’s birds. Be sure to tick off migratory, endemic and much sought-after prehistoric birds like the shoebill. A trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park offers incredible birding aboard a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel in the midafternoon hours.
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Top tier National Park destinations in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Home to the popular Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest water falls along the River Nile. A stunning boat cruise on the river leads to the base of the falls after which a hike to the top of the falls is highly recommended. The falls are an impressive sight from the boat but for sheer sensory overload, be sure to visit the top. Here the Nile crashes through a 7-meter gap with staggering power creating a deafening roar and a voluminous spray. The Northern sector of the park is a strong hold for wildlife and great place to catch lions, leopards hunting for quick breakfast.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is one of the most visited and boosts 600 recorded bird species as well as a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel. Here prepare to see as many hippos as possible, elephants, buffalos, antelopes, crocodiles along the banks cooling off from the intense heat in the afternoon. A morning game drive is always available for the big cat sightings. Don’t miss the crater drive and a nature walk into the valley of chimps.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to about 500 of the worlds 1000 or so surviving Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi Forest is a popular site for the adventurous traveler for its gorilla trekking highlight. It’s remarkable moment spending an hour with these magnificent primates that share 99% DNA with humans. Visitors will get to watch the gorillas as they feed, play and groom under the dominant silverback’s watch.
Kibale National Park
Home to 13 primate species, in total including 1500 or so wild chimpanzees, the atmospheric mature forest of Kibale is an unbeatable chimpanzee tracking and primate watching destination. Its surrounding environment boosts some of the finest birding and a landscape of several jewel-like crater lakes offering superb views of the depressions, green forested countryside with the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
Lake Mburo National Park
The small but unique national park offers a family friendly wilderness experience with activities such as horseback riding, bike safari, nature walks, boat safari and guided night game drives. Highly recommended for visitors travelling with children for an active family adventure.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Typically, the most remote and off the beaten path National Park on the African continent. This sort of drawback makes Kidepo the ultimate escape from the city life so much that it feels like one is vacationing at the wildest location on earth. Expect close encounters with the big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and much more) Be sure not to miss visiting the Karimojong (cousins of the Masai and Samburu warriors in Kenya) for a unique cultural immersion experience.
Finally
Deciding on a warm winter destination is not easy because there are hundreds of them. However, visiting Uganda will in many ways rejuvenate your spirit and offer a much-needed warm winter break in a relaxing environment with an abundance of unique attractions, adventure, activities or simply lay back and relax in sun.
Send us an enquiry so we tailor your next warm winter expedition or feel free to browse our tours.