What Other Wildlife Can You See Besides Gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda is celebrated worldwide for its unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, but the Pearl of Africa offers far more than gorillas. Home to over 340 mammal species and more than 1,000 bird species, Uganda is one of Africa’s richest wildlife destinations.

With Kamere Tours, you can combine gorilla trekking with thrilling game drives, chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, boat cruises, and cultural experiences for the ultimate Ugandan safari.

Chimpanzees – Kibale National Park

Often called the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale National Park is the best place to see wild chimpanzees. The park is home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Chimpanzee tracking offers an exciting opportunity to observe these intelligent primates as they communicate, groom, and forage in the forest canopy.

Other excellent chimpanzee destinations include:

Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park)
Kalinzu Forest Reserve

The Big Five Safari Experience

Uganda offers visitors the chance to see Africa’s famous Big Five animals.

Elephants

Large herds of African elephants roam:

Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park

Lions

Lions can be spotted during game drives in:

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park

Leopards

Although elusive, leopards are regularly seen during early morning and evening game drives in:

Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lake Mburo National Park

Buffaloes

Thousands of Cape buffalo inhabit:

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lake Mburo National Park

Rhinos

Uganda’s wild rhinos are protected at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park. Rhino tracking here perfectly complements a Big Five safari.

Tree-Climbing Lions – Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of Uganda’s most unique wildlife spectacles is found in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Here, visitors can witness the famous tree-climbing lions resting on large fig trees—a rare behavior seen in only a few places worldwide. This incredible sight makes Ishasha one of the country’s most popular safari destinations.

Giraffes

The endangered Rothschild’s giraffe thrives in:

Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park

These graceful giants are frequently seen browsing acacia trees during game drives.

Zebras

Uganda’s plains zebra populations are mainly found in:

Lake Mburo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park

Lake Mburo is particularly known for its excellent opportunities to see zebras alongside impalas, elands, and topis.

Hippos and Nile Crocodiles

Uganda’s waterways teem with aquatic wildlife.

The best places to see hippos and Nile crocodiles include:

Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Nile River (Murchison Falls National Park)
Lake Mburo National Park

Boat cruises provide spectacular close-up views of these animals while also offering opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species along the shores.

Antelopes and Other Herbivores

Uganda is home to an impressive variety of antelope species.

Uganda Kob

The national antelope can be seen in:

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park

Elands

Africa’s largest antelope thrives in:

Lake Mburo National Park

Impalas

Uganda’s only population of impalas is found in:

Lake Mburo National Park

Topis, Oribis, Waterbucks and Bushbucks

These species occur across:

Lake Mburo National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park

Birdwatching Paradise

Uganda is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, boasting more than 1,090 bird species.

Top birdwatching locations include:

Mabamba Swamp – Home of the rare Shoebill Stork.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Albertine Rift endemic birds.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Over 600 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park – Excellent riverine birdlife.
Kibale National Park – Forest bird species.
Semuliki National Park – Central African bird species.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, Uganda offers exceptional birdwatching throughout the year.

Other Wildlife You May Encounter

Depending on your safari itinerary, you may also spot:

Warthogs
Hyenas
Bush pigs
Giant forest hogs
Olive baboons
Vervet monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys
Patas monkeys (Kidepo Valley National Park)
Jackson’s hartebeest
Defassa waterbucks

Every national park offers its own unique ecosystems and wildlife experiences.

Plan Your Uganda Wildlife Safari with Kamere Tours

At Kamere Tours, we specialize in creating unforgettable wildlife safaris that go beyond gorilla trekking. Whether you want to combine gorilla tracking with chimpanzee trekking, Big Five game drives, birdwatching, or boat cruises, our experienced team will tailor an itinerary to match your interests and budget.

We also assist with:

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
Airport transfers from Entebbe and Kigali
Luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations
Private safari vehicles and experienced driver-guides
Customized Uganda and Rwanda safari packages

Book Your Uganda Adventure Today

Uganda’s wildlife extends far beyond its famous mountain gorillas. From the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the giraffes of Murchison Falls, the chimpanzees of Kibale, and the shoebill of Mabamba Swamp, every journey offers unforgettable encounters with nature.

Let Kamere Tours take care of every detail, from securing your permits and arranging airport transfers to designing a personalized safari that showcases the very best of Uganda. Contact us today to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure!