Uganda’s Endemic Species

Uganda’s natural charm lies in her natural disposition; her perfectly aligned physical features and mostly in her endearing wildlife. Right off at your point of arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are fed with the sensation that this land has been blessed with a unique kind of abundance.

From green country plains and ancient rugged ridged to free flowing streams and warm hospitable people, Uganda is definitely the destination of choice for your well deserved vacation or safari. Join Ameera Africa Safaris as you explore outstanding destinations such as the source of River Nile, the Rwenzori Mountain range and Lake Victoria among many others.

When it comes to the wildlife, Uganda is specially abounding in an array of animals and birds that make the highlight of many safaris. The diversity in itself is mind blowing to the point that you will encounter some species that do not occur anywhere else in the world.

So as you think envision your Uganda safari holidays or wildlife safari here, make it a point to check out these endemic species that you may never have a chance to see anywhere.

Mammals

  • Rwenzori Shaggy rat
  • Kityo’s Serotine
  • Ugandan lowland shrew
  • Nkozi (or Ssese) island Sitatunga
  • Rwenzori Duiker

Birds

  • Fox’s weaver
  • Karamoja Apalis

Reptiles

  • Tolley’s Forest Chameleone
  • Acuminate Bush Viper
  • Lolui Island Skink

Amphibians

  • Lake Victoria toad
  • Roux’s Puddle Frog
  • Monokid catfish
  • Elephant catfish
  • Rwenzori barb

Albertine rift endemics

These species occur within the montane forests of the rift valley stretch between north of Lake Tanganyika and Lake Albert. Some of these species are;

  • Mountain Gorillas
  • Golden Monkeys
  • Rwenzori Colobus
  • African green broadbill
  • Rwenzori Turaco
  • Congo bay owl
  • Grauer’s cuckoo-shrike
  • Handsome Francolin
  • Dwarf otter shrew
  • Archer’s robin chat
  • Dwarf Honeyguide
  • Shelly’s crimson wing
  • Rwenzori batis
  • Blue headed sunbird
  • Red faced woodland warbler
  • Stripe breasted tit
  • Neumann’s warbler
  • Kivu ground thrush
  • Red throated alethe

Where to see them

  1. Rwenzori Mountain range
Hiking the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges.

Located in southwestern Uganda near the border of Uganda and the DRC, the Ruwenzori Mountain range is one of the most beautiful places to be in Uganda. It features captivating landscapes adorned with montane, woodland and alpine vegetation. The valleys of this mountain range are refreshed with clear streams and its summits with glistening glaciers and snow.

The Rwenzori Mountains are perfect for spotting Albert endemic species; especially birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis and mammals like the Rwenzori duiker and Rwenzori Shaggy rat. The pristine forests are a conducive habitat for a diverse range of butterflies, reptiles and flora.

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Home of the Mountain Gorillas.

This ancient forest is one of the most diverse in the world. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna including the highly sought after Mountain Gorillas. The forest extends in the DRC and is perfect for catching the Albert endemic species and a wide range of birds as well.

  1. Kibale National Park

Its location within the Albertine rift makes it perfect for spotting a number of endemics. The park is also home to a wide range of primate species including Chimpanzees and Golden monkeys. Some unique flora, butterflies and reptiles can also be found here on your wildlife safari as well.

  1. Mgahinga Gorilla national park
A Place to trek the Endangered Golden Monkeys.

This park is the only other destination to see Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. It is located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountain range that stretches into the Democratic Republic of Condo and Rwanda. The montane vegetation here supports a number of unique flora and a diversity of animals.

  1. Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in northern Uganda, Kidepo valley national park is perfect for unique wildlife sightings. Several endemics such as the Karamoja Apalis and many nearly endemic species can be seen here. The isolation of the park also allows for private and low paced excursions.

Conclusion

You have not seen it all until you have encountered Uganda’s endemic species. Some of these animals are highly sought after that people visit here from all over the world to catch glimpses of them. Plan your wildlife safari with Ameera Africa Safaris for the best experience yet. Contact us today on via email or call us on +256-393-194074.

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