Last-minute safari in Uganda

Last-minute safari in Uganda: Although it’s good to plan your safari to Uganda several months earlier, a last-minute safari in Uganda is possible. There are some travelers who find themselves within the country with time and the desire to explore it before they exit it. What they do is to try last-minute bookings, preferably wildlife and primate safaris.

Uganda has several licensed tour operators with expert travel advisers and planners who can handle last-minute safaris within a very short time. In this guide, we shall look at everything you need to know about last-minute Uganda safaris, including where to go and the types of safaris always available. Whether you are a couple, family, or solo, there is a safari that can be done in Uganda at the last minute.

Last-minute safaris are possible in Uganda as the country has more than 10 national parks, which tourists can choose from and visit. These parks have many lodges, which means tourists will find where to sleep, and the roads are well-connected to different tourism destinations. With the right tour operator, tourists can have unforgettable last-minute safaris to Uganda.

Things to consider while booking last-minute safaris in Uganda

Booking trips near the location

Although it’s possible to book all travel destinations in Uganda, when booking a last-minute safari, it’s better to book locations that take a short time to arrive at.  Some of the destinations near the capital city include Lake Mburo National Park, where tourists have an opportunity to see more than 68 mammals, and 350 bird species, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, where one gets an opportunity to see the rhinos.

Tourists who have enough time can consider far destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga for primate trekking. Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks for wildlife viewing. There are lots of attractions to watch in the mentioned areas, some of which are endemic to the region.

Booking flying safaris

Tourists who can afford flying safaris should book them at the last minute. Flight enables tourists to get to tourist destinations within a short time and also saves them from the long drives. Safaris to places like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga, and Kidepo Valley National Park might need flights for you. I am looking forward to visiting more than 2 places.

Being flexible

Tourists, most especially those interested in primate trekking, should know that availability can be limited, especially during the high season months like June, July, Aug, September, December, January, and February. Tourists should stay open to alternative dates and parks. Trekking permits get sold out in most parks due to a high number of tourists within the country at that time.

Gorilla trekking is possible in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and so last-minute booking clients should go with the location and sector where the permits are still available. Chimpanzee trekking can be done in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest, giving tourists lots of options to choose from.

Game drives can be done in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. On a last-minute safari, tourists can choose any of the parks if they have a short time in the country, based on what they are interested in watching. Tourists who have enough time can explore most of the parks to meet the unique attractions in every destination.

How to book a last-minute safari in Uganda

Booking last-minute safaris in Uganda shouldn’t be done alone; tourists are asked to use licensed local tour operators. Africa Adventure Vacations is one of the tour operators to use for a successful safari around Uganda. We do have an experienced travel person who can design an itinerary for you based on what you are interested in and the time you have in the country.

When is the best time to explore Uganda?

Uganda is best explored in the high season months from June to September and December to February. This is when the country is receiving little or no rainfall and plenty of sunshine, which is perfect weather for most activities. The trekking trails are dry and easier to walk through in the forests, the game tracks in the parks are dry and passable, which allows tourists to access most of the areas, and the vegetation is short with clear views of attractions.

Tourists can still have last-minute safaris in the rainy season of March to May and October to November. The parks are open; however, there is plenty of rainfall and little sunshine, which makes some activities less interesting. The trekking trails are muddy and slippery, vegetation is tall with unclear views of attractions, and game tracks in the parks are slippery, which limits access to some park areas.