Visiting Uganda in June – Dry Season & Prime Safari Time
June marks the beginning of Uganda’s dry season, making it one of the best times to explore the country. The rains have faded, leaving behind lush green landscapes, while the skies remain mostly clear, offering perfect weather for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, and adventure travel. With mild temperatures and less humidity, this is the ideal time for outdoor activities and photography.
Wildlife Viewing – One of the Best Months for Safari
As water sources start to dry up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around rivers, lakes, and waterholes, making it easier to spot animals. Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Parks offer incredible game drives, with herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes gathering in the open plains. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also more visible as they take advantage of the thinning vegetation to hunt.
Boat safaris along the Nile River, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo provide up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, while the lack of rain means better road conditions for safaris.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking – Peak Season for Encounters
June is one of the best times for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The trails are drier, making hiking easier, and the clear weather allows for stunning views of the rainforest and Virunga Mountains. The gorillas remain active, feeding in lower elevations, meaning shorter and more manageable treks in some cases.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is also fantastic in June. The dry season makes it easier to navigate the forest, and the chimps are highly active, foraging and interacting in the canopy. The experience is immersive, with guides expertly leading you through the dense jungle to observe these intelligent primates up close.
Birdwatching – A Spectacular Time for Spotting Uganda’s Avian Wonders
June is a great month for birdwatching, with clear skies offering perfect visibility for Uganda’s over 1,000 bird species. The Shoebill Stork is often seen in the swamps of Mabamba Bay, while forests, wetlands, and savannahs come alive with the songs of turacos, hornbills, kingfishers, and sunbirds.
A Busy But Rewarding Travel Season
With June marking the start of Uganda’s peak tourist season, popular destinations like Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park start to see more visitors. It’s advisable to book gorilla permits, lodges, and safari tours in advance, as demand is higher during this period.
Why Visit Uganda in June?
Perfect weather – minimal rain, clear skies, and mild temperatures.
Excellent wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources.
Ideal conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Beautiful, green landscapes after the rainy season.
Great for birdwatching, with easy sightings in different habitats.
June: The Start of an Incredible Safari Season
If you’re looking for prime safari conditions, easy trekking, and a mix of green landscapes with clear skies, June is one of the best months to visit Uganda. The dry season brings exceptional wildlife encounters and an unforgettable adventure in the Pearl of Africa.
Planning a trip? Let’s make it perfect.