Is Uganda your preferred safari destination but you do not know how bets you can spot variety of wildlife species? Wildlife safaris to Uganda have become the most sought after experiences for most travelers on safari to Africa. Uganda features most of wilderness destinations that allows most travelers to view a variety of wildlife species, however, not all experiences in the wild can be fascinating as other visitors or your colleagues may not get that total satisfaction while on safari depending on various factors. With this kind of experience, there is need for you to be skeptical enough as you plan your safari. Everyone deserves that lifetime experience, excitement and enjoyment like the rest of travelers that is why we encourage you to follow some of stipulated precautions and preventive measures that will make you have that excellent wildlife sighting while in the destination.
Firstly, visitors who are planning their safaris to Uganda, you are encouraged to watch some wild game movies or channels especially the discovery channel, Animal planet, the National Geographic documentaries and they will give you some insight about what you expect to encounter while on safari in Uganda. Tour guides who will lead or direct you while on tour but prior knowledge on the type of wildlife species is very vital before you travel for game viewing in safari destinations in Uganda. Background information is useful as it guides especially as the guide can be explaining about the same product in destination.
However, whereas the movie or channel may show variety of species, once you get into the national park chances are that you will expect a lot more of which may not be the case as it all needs you to be patient enough to catch a glimpse of variety of species in the destination. As well, you shouldn’t also be over expectant and wish to sight everything in accordance to what the movie of channel displayed on screen.
Take Your Time
To shoot wildlife film in the park takes much time, that lots things have to be captured and have to be integrated together. But setting into the wild means you encounter the actual species in their natural form and most importantly, you need also to note that they are wild species meaning viewing all of them at once may not be 100% assured. However, higher chances are you will have variety to spot especially when you set off early in the morning and spend much of your time looking out for them.
Use Your Guide
Develop good relationship with your tour guide. Tour guides have a wide knowledge on which areas best to spot which type of wildlife and also be in position to lead you through your safari. You are encouraged to spell out your interest clearly so that the guide knows what you expect in the destination, do not shy from disclosing your what your heart desires and also if you have enjoyed a specific species for that long say lions, buffaloes let the guide know that you also wish to view other wildlife species.
Besides viewing the big wildlife species, you should also understand and appreciate the value of the entire ecosystem including the termites and fig trees as they play a great role just like any big game species in protected area.
Be Sensitive
You need to be sensitive when it comes to spotting wildlife. The guide will always remind you about what distance to maintain while encountering the species in the wild. Each species can be approached differently and your guide will direct you for instance for mountain gorilla trekking, you are required to keep a distance of about 7 to 8 meters, while for wildlife viewing you are always not allowed to surround the species.
You are also encouraged to prioritize what wildlife species you need to sight and the guide should be aware or the tour operator should be aware so that they can book for you that particular attraction. It may not be easy to travel to all the protected areas but you can choose the best places based on which animal you desire to see while on safari.
When to sight wildlife species
Setting early in the morning is very important since most of these wildlife species tend to be very active. It can be hot in the afternoon and most of the species may disappear to look for shade that is why it is better for you to set off early in the morning or evening.
Taking a trip to the wild is at times less risky than you may think about although most animals can be dangerous and some rules have to be followed. Guides are trained on how to curb any behavior of wildlife species but like it has been stipulated, you need to give them respect because humans are like foreigners in their habitat. Maintain a distance that may not cause negative impact to you. Do not take some precautions for granted that your guide will require you to follow. Unlike gorilla trekking and other primates that you encounter while walking, for wildlife viewing especially the big game like the lions, you are not advised to get out of the car.
Photography; photo taking is every traveler’s most exciting moment in life. Most visitors also need to record videos but the most important thing is for you to keep the tips for photography in your mind. Carry the necessary thing including the camera and while taking the pictures make sure that you are not close to wildlife species as most them mighty be dangerous and you end up being harmed.
Clothing; if you are traveling for wildlife safari during day time, you are advised to put on clothes that match with the environment especially brown or green and avoid perfumes while you head for wildlife viewing. Remember that these are wild species and they can also distinguish the smells from distant areas or unnatural colors.
Avoid swimming in Lakes or Rivers, streams not until you are told to do so bearing in mind that they should be free from hippos, crocodiles and bilhazia.
Avoid walking along the River banks especially around dawn, dusk or at night. You may do it at your risk. This will ensure your safety in the destination especially from the crocodiles and hippos. As well, avoid venturing out of the lodge or campsite without the knowledge of your guide given that most of these wildlife species tend to roam around the park.
You may also be tempted to jog or walk down the park but it may not be safe for you especially where wild animals are found such as lions and many carnivorous species.
In conclusion, wildlife spotting requires total sensitivity from visitors, respect while you are on safari in Uganda’s destinations. Always follow the guide’s instructions to be able to enjoy your safari in the park.
