Referred to by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a landlocked country in central Africa. This African country, only slightly smaller than the US state of Oregon, packs a punch within the hunting community as an African hunting destination offering diverse experiences and species.
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Uganda At a Glance
- Size: 93,263 square miles (241,551 square kilometers)
- Population: 51.3 million (2025)
- Official Languages: English, Swahili
- Other Languages: More than 40 other native languages are also spoken, with Luganda being the most spoken native language
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (US Dollars are, however, widely accepted)
- Government: Uganda is a unitary presidential republic
Climate & Topography
Topography
Uganda is a landlocked country in central Africa, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country is situated on the East African plateau, bordered by a rim of mountain ranges.
The region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tropical climate. It is a fertile country boasting many lakes and rivers, with a good annual rainfall. The iconic Nile River starts its journey near the town of Jinja on Lake Victoria. In addition to Lake Victoria, the country has numerous other lakes, including Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake George.
Climate
Uganda experiences a warm, tropical climate, with good weather throughout the year, moderated by altitude. The average temperature is around 79°F.
There are two rainy seasons for this equatorial destination, one running from March to May and the other from September to December. Annual rainfall figures for the country stand between 40-60 inches. The dry seasons run from June to August and December to February.
Why Choose to Go Hunting in Uganda?
- Hunting in Uganda is available throughout the year in many concessions, allowing hunters to enjoy a hunting safari at their leisure. It must be noted, however, that certain months are recommended for the best hunting conditions, namely the dry season.
- The dry season runs from December to February and from June through to September.
- When hunting in Uganda, this diverse location offers a range of hunting concessions, each with diverse landscapes and experiences.
- Hunters can target rare species on their safari, including the East African Sitatunga, a species found in the wetlands and papyrus swamps of Uganda.
- Most concessions work closely with local communities to undertake conservation programs and initiatives.
- Big game hunting is alive and well in Uganda, with species such as the Nile Buffalo and Hartebeest sporting good numbers and exceptional trophies when on safari.
- You can bring your personal rifle, along with a reasonable amount of ammunition, on a Uganda hunting safari, provided that the necessary permits are obtained.
- Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and papyrus swamps to wetlands and savannas, provide hunters with a unique hunting experience, no matter which landscape is hunted in.
- Hunters can hunt a wide array of species, including the Uganda kob, Nile buffalo, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, and Duiker species, amongst others.
Traveling to Uganda
No airlines fly directly from the United States of America to Uganda. There is at least one stop involved on the journey, with popular airlines flying into the country including Emirates, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.
Entebbe International Airport is the hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is situated in Entebbe, about 20 miles from the country’s capital city, Kampala.
Visa Requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your day of arrival in the country
- Most foreign nationals require a tourist or business visa to enter Uganda
- A system known as “e-visas” has been launched, which allows applications to be submitted and approved before arrival
Medical Requirements
- To enter Uganda, proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccination is required.
- It is also suggested that:
- All routine inoculations are updated: MMR, Chickenpox, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, etc.
- Uganda is a known Malaria area. Start Malaria medication before you arrive in the country
- Other recommended vaccinations include:
- Covid-19 Vaccination
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Meningitis
As Uganda is a known malaria-prone area, it is suggested that additional measures be implemented to combat mosquitoes. These include using an insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
Popular Regions when Hunting in Uganda:
Hunting in Uganda is a dream come true for many international hunters worldwide, with the region offering a range of unique and rare species, as well as diverse landscapes and challenging experiences, all culminating in an unforgettable African hunt. Uganda hunting safaris take place in premier hunting concessions spread throughout the country. Some popular hunting regions include:
Kafu River Basin
Situated in central Uganda, the hunting concession is found along the Kafu, Mayanja, and Lake Kyoga river systems. It includes several districts, namely Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Kiryandongo, and Masind districts.
The area is renowned for its rich, dense vegetation, offering birds and wildlife the perfect habitat in which to live and thrive. Habitats in the region include wetlands, wooded savannas, and river forests, as well as large papyrus swamps.
The region is a premier hunting ground for the East African Sitatunga, with exceptional trophies available for hunting in the area. Other sought-after species targeted here include the Eastern Bohor Reedbuck, Nile Bushbuck, Ugandan Defassa Waterbuck, Leopard, East African Bush Duiker, Oribi, as well as various bird species. The Uganda Kob and the Warthog are also occasionally hunted here.
Lake Mburo
The Lake Mburo Hunting Concession is found in southwest Uganda and includes districts such as Kiruhura, Mbarara, and Isingiro. This prime hunting area offers both African plains game and dangerous game species, including Leopard, Hyena, Hippo, and Crocodile. Plains game species include abundant Nile Buffalo, Topi, Common Eland, and Impala. This hunting concession is also one of the best to enjoy a Zebra hunting safari.
What makes this concession so unique is the combination of both savanna and aquatic wildlife trophies. This 150,000ha concession is home to numerous habitats, such as a large and thriving wetland system, forests and bush areas, as well as savanna woodlands.
Kabwaya Wildlife Reserve
The Kabwaya Wildlife Reserve hunting concession is in western Uganda and is approximately 8,700ha. The reserve lies between Lake Albert in the east and the Albertine Escarpment to the west, with the dominant habitats of the region including Riverine forests, wetlands, grasslands, and woodland areas.
Popular species to hunt in the region are the Warthog, Oribi, Bushbuck, Uganda Kob, and Bush Duiker. The Jackson’s Hartebeest has been reintroduced in the area, while there are also small populations of the Nile Buffalo. Other notable species to target in this area when hunting in Uganda are the Hippo, Bushbuck, and the Giant River Hog.
Aswa-Lolim
One of the premier concessions when hunting in Uganda, the Aswa-Lolim region is in northern Uganda. Bordering the famous Murchison Falls National Park and lying to the east of the Nile River, the concession is part of a migratory corridor between this national park and the Nile wetlands.
Hunting is allowed and managed within the Aswa-Lolim concession under private concession agreements with Uganda Wildlife Authority since 2010. Hunting season runs from January to around April/May, but the Sitatunga is available to hunt throughout the year.
The Aswa-Lolim habitat is home to a wide array of species in diverse habitats including grasslands, savannas, wetlands, and riverine forests. Unique species in the region, including the sought-after Sitatunga, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, and Nile Buffalo, are available on a Ugandan hunting safari.
Karamoja
The Karamoja hunting concession remains one of the country’s last true wilderness regions where hunters can experience the thrill of an African hunt in the stark, remote wilderness. The concession borders South Sudan and Kenya and is renowned for its rugged vegetation and remote location.
The habitat of the area includes savannas, grasslands, rocky hills and outcrops, as well as some riverine areas and wetlands near semi-perennial rivers and valley areas. These challenging habitats provide a home base for some exceptional game hunting trophies, such as large herds of Nile Buffalo, Eastern Bohor Reedbuck, Gunther’s Dik-Dik, Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck, Oribi, Jackson’s Hartebeest, as well as the rare Greater and Lesser Kudus, also known as Africa’s Gray Ghosts.
For those wanting a dangerous game hunting experience, you won’t be disappointed, with the Leopard and Nile Buffalo being available on a Uganda hunting safari. Please note, however, that these species are extremely closely regulated.
The prime hunting season for this concession is from January to September. Strict quotas are instituted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to promote ethical hunting endeavors and ensure the sustainability of the region’s wildlife and habitat.
Species to Target when Hunting in Uganda
Hunting in Uganda offers challenging African hunts with spectacular views, combining rare and unique species with varying landscapes and hunting methods.
Some popular species to target on a Uganda hunting safari include:
- The Nile Buffalo: Found in Aswa-Lolim, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, and Karamoja North, amongst others, this animal is renowned for both its strength and resilience. It remains one of the top species when game hunting in Uganda.
- The East African Sitatunga: Preferring a habitat of swampy wetlands, this rare and elusive trophy is often hunted in the Kafu River Basin as well as the Ssese Island region.
- The Sudan Oribi: Popular areas to hunt this striking trophy include the Aswa-Lolim Ranches, along with Karamoja region. This small and speedy trophy challenges hunters and is accessible throughout most of the country.
- The East African Eland: Also known as the Patterson’s Eland, the East African Eland is a large African plains game trophy often hunted in the prime Karamoja concession.
- The Uganda Kob: This medium-sized antelope prefers a habitat of grasslands and acacia woodlands and a permanent source of water. Popular hunting concessions where the Uganda Kob can be hunted include Aswa-Lolim, Karamoja, and the Kafu River Basin.
- The Eastern Bohor Reedbuck: The Eastern Bohor Reedbuck is generally hunted in the northeastern region of Uganda, including the Karamoja concession, where it thrives in habitats of open grasslands, reedbeds, and floodplains.
- The Topi: The Topi is a fast and agile large African plains game antelope with lyre-shaped horns, making it a distinctive and attractive trophy. They are mostly hunted in the southwestern and eastern parts of Uganda.
Tourist Activities in Uganda
Enjoy an unforgettable vacation in beautiful Uganda, with numerous options available to suit both young and old. Whether looking for activities to enjoy on your own or with your spouse and family, Uganda has got you covered:
- No trip to Uganda is complete without enjoying a variety of outdoor activities in this diverse region. For those seeking adventure, head to the town of Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda! The Nile River starts its journey through this landlocked country near Jinja, and offers travelers the choice of a wide array of activities, including white-river rafting and kayaking. For those wanting to experience a little speed and a lot of adrenaline, consider some quad biking and bungee jumping options in this adventure town.
- A trip to Africa needs to include an element of local heritage and culture. Visit the local Batswa or Karamojong tribes to learn more about their unique cultural beliefs and enjoy some traditional music and dancing.
- A trip to the capital city, Kampala, is a must. This vibrant city is home to various traditional markets (perfect for those souvenirs!), and a city tour includes visits to the Uganda Museum, Gaddafi Mosque, as well as the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Uganda’s breathtaking landscape and diverse wildlife are well worth exploring, with game viewing safaris available in various national parks throughout the country.
- Enjoy the spectacular views that Uganda has to offer while hiking and mountain climbing in the region.
- For those wanting to explore angling options, Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo National Park are popular options to enjoy some downtime angling.
- Lake Victoria, the Nile River, and Lake Bunyonyi provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy boating and canoeing.
- Uganda is renowned for its gorilla tribes. Experience the thrill of tracking and viewing the Mountain Gorilla tribes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a highlight of any visit to Uganda!
- Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve offer guided walks where chimpanzees and other primates are encountered, offering a memorable and unique tourism experience.
- Home to more than 1,000 bird species, regions such as the Mabamba Swamps, Queen Elizabeth Falls National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park, offer bird watching enthusiasts the opportunity to get up close and personal with some exquisite feathered friends.
Enjoy an Unforgettable Adventure Hunting in Uganda
Hunting in Uganda is a thrilling adventure not to be missed. From rare species and exquisite views and varying landscapes, this African country ticks all the boxes for a memorable and inspiring safari that will stay with you long after you have brushed the African soil from your hunting boots.