Uganda Animals | Ugandan Animals | Ugandan Wild Animals, 342 Mammal Species in Uganda

Uganda animals/342 Ugandan Wild Animals/Animals in Uganda. Are you looking for a list of Ugandan animals? What animals may be found in Uganda? What is Uganda’s most common animal? What animal is Uganda well-known for? What is the national animal of Uganda? What is Uganda’s most deadly animal? What animals do Ugandans consume? and a lot more? We have put up a fantastic piece of information about Uganda’s important fauna for you.

Uganda safari tours/Uganda wildlife safaris provide some of the world’s greatest animal experiences. Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, African bush elephants, African lions, African buffalos, African Leopards, Cheetahs, Southern white rhinoceros, Rothschild’s giraffes, Plains Zebras, Hippotamus, Nile Crocodiles, Shoebills, and many more are among the iconic African safari wildlife or animals of Uganda. In addition, Uganda is home to over:

• 86 amphibian species
• 350 fish species
• 1,242 species of butterflies
• 342 mammal species amongst which are 20 primate species
• 1076 bird species/51% of Africa’s total bird species
• 142 species of reptiles

Primates in Uganda

Primates are among the most stunning Uganda creatures to witness on a Uganda safari tour. With over 20 monkey species, Uganda is commonly referred to be the world’s primate capital.

There are two species of big apes (gorillas and chimpanzees) and 18 species of monkeys in Uganda. All of the monkeys in Uganda are members of the Old World Monkey family, also known as the Cercopithecidae. Uganda monkeys range from arboreal species like colobus monkeys to wholly terrestrial species like Patas Monkeys.

The Following Is A List Of Primate Species Found In Uganda:

• Mountain Gorilla
• Chimpanzee
• Golden Monkey
• Red-Tailed Monkey
• Ruwenzori Colobus
• Uganda Red Colobus
• Central African Red Colobus
• Vervet Monkey
• De Brazza’s Monkey
• Uganda Mangabey
• Grey-cheeked Mangabey
• Dent’s Mona Monkey
• Bushbabies Or Galagos
• Potto
• Olive Baboon
• Eastern Black-and-white Colobus
• Blue Monkey
• Patas Monkey
• L’Hoest’s Monkey

Mountain Gorillas

Scientific name: Gorilla beringei beringei
Size: Standing height: 4 to 6 feet
Weight: 100 – 220 kilogram
Estimated wild mountain gorilla population: 1063 individuals
Conservation status: Endangered, population increasing

The gorilla, a near related of humans, is the world’s biggest and most stunning animal. More over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda. This ape with thick fur is a high-altitude subspecies of the Eastern gorilla Gorilla beringei, one of Africa’s two gorilla species. Mountain gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They live in wooded mountains at heights ranging from 8,000 to 13,000 feet.

Males are bigger than females, with a larger, more domed head and a saddle of silver-grey hair over the back in mature specimens. A dominant male, or Silverback, rules over a family of 5 – 30 females and children, protecting them from dangers and rivals and guiding their daily activities. Much more terrestrial than chimpanzees, these endangered giants are also completely herbivorous, feeding on wild celery and other plants with strong jaws.

Chimpanzee

Scientific name: Pan troglodytes
Size: Standing height 4 to 5.5 feet
Weight: 28 – 70 kilogram
Estimated wild Chimpanzee population: 300,000 individuals
Conservation status: Endangered, population decreasing

Chimpanzees (also known as Ezike in Luganda, a native dialect in Uganda) are hairless great apes with black coats and hairless hands, feet, and faces. They are our closest animal cousins, with whom we share 98.7% of our DNA. Chimps, like us, live in complex communities, solve difficult issues, create and utilise tools, participate in complex relationships, and communicate using a range of sounds.

Many people cannot differentiate a gorilla from a chimp, despite the fact that chimpanzees are smaller than gorillas. They also do not live in families, but rather as communities of up to 200 people who wander the forest in tiny, socially mobile groupings.

Chimps are mostly herbivores, eating fruit and other plant materials, although they will cooperate to obtain other food, including hunting monkeys. Around 300,000 chimpanzees remain in tropical forests spanning central, eastern, and western Africa. Uganda is home to around 5700 wild chimpanzees, one of Africa’s largest populations.

Your greatest chance to observe these Uganda creatures is by chimp trekking in Kibale National Park, which is the top site in Uganda for chimp trekking, with a population of over 1500 chimps, making it the best spot in the world to see Chimpanzees.

Golden Monkeys

Scientific name: Cercopithecus kandti
Weight: 15 kilogram
Estimated golden monkey population: 2000 and 4000 individuals
Conservation status: Endangered

Golden monkeys can only be found in the Virunga Mountains and nowhere else on the planet. These wonderful Ugandan creatures have beautiful reddish-gold backs that mix in well with the golden bamboo. They dwell in groups of up to 100 people and consume bamboo.

The best way to see them up close is to go golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Olive Baboon

Scientific name: Papio Anubis
Size: Head and body: 20 to 34 inches; tail: 16 to 23 inches
Weight: 17-37 kilogram
Conservation status: Least concern

Olive Baboons are among the world’s biggest primates. They’re also known as Anubis baboons, after the Egyptian deity Anubis, who was sometimes portrayed by a dog head resembling their dog-like snout. The term olive baboon originates from the colour of their coat, which seems to be a shade of green-grey from a distance.

Baboons dwell in groups of up to 150 people and are often intimidating due to their long, menacing fangs. A large baboon troop approaching your vehicle on a Uganda wildlife tour may be rather terrifying because they are not frightened of humans!

Olive baboons may be seen on safari in Uganda at Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Eastern Black-and-white Colobus

Scientific name: Colobus Guereza
Size: Head and body: 7 to 24.2 inches, tail: 20-32 inches.
Weight: 8-14 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey, also known as the Mantled Guereza, is a species of black-and-white colobus monkey and an Old World monkey. It is one among the gorgeous Uganda creatures to watch out for on your Uganda safaris.

They are jet black monkeys with prominent white facial markings and a beard, as well as a long tail and white sides and shoulders. It is almost entirely arboreal and can jump up to 30m, creating a beautiful sight with its fluffy white tail streaming behind.

Black-and-white colobus can be seen on Uganda wildlife safaris and excursions to Kibale, Bwindi, and Semuliki National Parks.

Blue Monkey

Scientific name: Cercopithecus mitis
Size: Head and body: 20 to 26 inches, tail: 20 to 26 inches
Weight: 4-8 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Blue monkeys do not have a bright blue coloration. Aside from their faces, they’re mostly olive or grey. The faces are black with a pale or yellowish patch on the forehead – the “diadem” that gives the species its other name. Blue monkeys have a predominantly female social system because males depart when they reach maturity. These Ugandan primates live in groups of 4 to 12 and consume mostly fruits and leaves.

Blue monkeys are best seen on wildlife safaris in Uganda on nature walks/primate walks in Kibale Forest National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Patas Monkey

Scientific name: Erythrocebus patas
Size: Head and body: 24 to 87 inches, tail: 30 inches
Weight: 7-12 kilogram
Conservation status: Near Threatened

The Patas monkey is the quickest runner among primates, sprinting from 0 to 55km/h in 3 seconds. They are a slim species with red-brown dorsal and grey-white ventral colouring.

A black brow ridge and nose, as well as a white region around the lips, distinguish the face. These ground-dwelling monkeys prefer broad savannah grasses over deep woods. For the most of the year, they form multi-female groups of up to 60 monkeys, with just one adult male. During the mating season, there is an inflow of multi-males into the community.

The Patas Monkey may be seen best on Uganda safari game drives at Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

L’Hoest’s Monkey

Scientific name: Allochrocebus lhoesti
Size: Head and body: 5 to 27 inches, tail: 19-to-39-inches
Weight: 4-6 kilogram
Conservation status: Vulnerable

L’Hoest’s monkey is a rare animal that may be seen on Uganda wildlife excursions. Because of its terrestrial habits and predilection for deep secondary woodland, this attractive Albertine Rift Endemic is frequently more difficult to view than most of its relatives. It has a black face and white whiskers that protrude backwards and partially conceal its ears. It is the only guenon that carries its tail erect all of the time.

Nature hikes or primate walks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest are your best bet for seeing the uncommon L’Hoest’s Monkeys in Uganda.

Red-Tailed Monkey

Scientific name: Cercopithecus Ascanius
Size: Head and body: 12-24 inches, tail: 35 inches
Weight: 3-5 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Redtail monkeys are common forest guenon, with brownish skin, white cheek whiskers, a coppery red tail, and a characteristic heart-shaped white patch on their nose, giving birth to the descriptive alternate name White-nosed monkey. They are often observed alone, in pairs, or in tiny family groups. However, it is also related with other monkey species and has been observed in groups of up to 200 monkeys.

Nature hikes in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland, Budongo Forest, Bwindi, and Semuliki National Parks are the greatest places to watch Red-tailed Monkeys in Uganda.

Ruwenzori Colobus

Scientific name: Colobus angolensis
Adult size: Head and body: 20-28 inches, tail: 30 inches
Adult weight: 7- 14 kilogram
Conservation status: Vulnerable

Ruwenzori colobus is closely linked to and resembles Mantled Guereza in appearance. It lives in the Albertine Rift’s montane woods. It is black with white hair on the shoulders that ranges in length from 23 to 33 cm. Its tail is similarly black with a greyish-white tip. On the cheeks, it bears white bushy tufts. A crest of white hair grows on the brow.

Uganda Red Colobus

Scientific name: Piliocolobus tephrosceles
Weight: 7-11 kilogram
Conservation status: Endangered

Until 2001, the Ugandan red colobus was classified as a subspecies of the western red colobus. The Uganda red colobus, on the other hand, is a huge grey monkey. Other than a rust-red hat and a dark grey to black face, it has few distinctive traits. A nature walk in Kibale Forest, Semuliki National Park, or Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is your best bet for seeing the Uganda red colobus.

Vervet Monkey

Scientific name: Chiorocebus pygerythrus
Size: Head and body: 11-24 inches
Weight: 7-6 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Vervet monkeys are light grey in colour with a black face and striking blue genitals in males. It is the only guenon you are likely to see outside of forests and is estimated to be the most abundant monkey species on the planet, occupying a wide range of environments. Even outside of Uganda’s national parks, vervet monkeys are common.

De Brazza’s Monkey

Scientific name: Cercopithecus neglectus
Weight: 4-7 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

De Brazza’s Monkey is one of the most unusual sights for visitors on Uganda excursions. This magnificent thicket guenon has a short tail, a hairy face with a red-brown patch around the eyes, a white band across its brow, a distinguishing white moustache, and a beard.

Because of its unusual look, the monkey is frequently referred to as the “Ayatollah Monkey” after Iran’s similarly beardless Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Hiking in Semuliki or Mount Elgon National Parks will allow you to view De Brazza’s Monkey.

Uganda Mangabey

Scientific name: Lophocebus Ugandae
Weight: 6 to 11 kilogram
Conservation status: Vulnerable

Previously, the Uganda Mangabey was assumed to be a subspecies of the Grey-cheeked Mangabey; however, the Uganda Mangabey is much smaller.

It has few identifying characteristics and is only found in Uganda, identified from other forest monkeys by its baboon-like behaviours, shaggier appearance, light grey cheeks, and small mane. Mostly found in lowland and mid-altitude woodlands.

The Uganda Mangabey may be seen best on a Mangabey tracking trip in Mabira Forest or on a nature walk in Kibale National Park.

Dent’s Mona Monkey

Scientific name: Cercopithecus Denti
Weight: 4-5 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Dent’s Mona monkeys are little monkeys with a long tail ranging in length from 67 to 90 cm. Individuals are vibrant. Dorsal fur ranges from red-brown to brown-agouti. White on the ventral area and buttocks. Dent’s Mona Monkeys can only be found in Uganda’s Semuliki National Park.

Bushbaby Or Galago

Weight: 100g to 1.3 kilogram
Average life span: Up to 17 years
Active: Nocturnal

The little Bushbabies/Galagos are one of the most appealing Uganda animals or primates of the night, with their huge saucepan eyes. Although they are rather widespread in Uganda woodlands, where they spend the majority of their time in trees, they are difficult to observe due to their nocturnal activities and reclusive demeanour.

Galagos are suited to nocturnal existence with huge ears that revolve like radar dishes to hone in on prey in the dark, in addition to their large eyes that enable them see in low light. The creatures are exceptional jumpers, leaping vast distances with muscular legs and incredibly long tails.

There are around 20 bushbaby species recognised, while some scientists believe that many more are still to be identified. Many species are so similar that distinguishing them by sight alone is difficult. Instead, scientists frequently utilise their characteristic sounds, which sound like a screaming newborn infant and are thought to be the source of their name, to distinguish between closely related species. Uganda is home to six Galago species, including:

• Dusky bushbaby
• Thomas’s bushbaby
• Needle-clawed galago
• Greater-galago or Thick-tailed bushbaby
• Lesser Galago or Lesser Bushbaby
• Prince Demidoff’s bushbaby

In Uganda, where and how may you see a bushbaby?

In Uganda, to view a bushbaby, follow its piercing wail on a night trek through Kibale Forest and then shine a torch into it. Its huge spherical eyes are plainly seen. On a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park or Lake Victoria, you can also observe the big and catlike silvery greater galago.

Potto

Weight: 600g to 1.6kg
Active: Nocturnal
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Potto is a small nocturnal primate/animal native to Uganda. It is also known as Bosman’s potto and “softly-softly” in various English-speaking portions of Africa. Their fur is grey-brown and close. Pottos have long, thin bodies, wide eyes, and round ears, as well as a wet nose. For your Uganda safari trips, embark on a night walk in Kibale National Park to view pottos.

Carnivores in Uganda

Uganda is home to around 38 distinct species of carnivores or meat-eaters. Large carnivores are a feature of every civilization on the planet. They are fantastic attractions for any traveler on safari in Uganda Africa, and they bring a significant number of people to Uganda to see these magnificent Uganda wildlife in their natural habitats.

The Following Are Uganda’s Major Carnivore Animals:

• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Spotted Hyena
• African Civet
• Genets
• Otters
• African Honey Badger
• Caracal
• Black-Backed Jackal
• Side Striped Jackal
• Bat-Eared Fox
• Banded Mongoose
• Egyptian mongoose
• Marsh mongoose
• Slender mongoose
• White-tailed mongoose
• Banded mongoose
• Serval
• African Golden Cat
• African Wild Cat
• Nile crocodile

Lion

Scientific name: Panthera leo
Size: Head and body, 4.5 to 6.5 feet; tail, 26.25 to 39.5 inches
Weight: 120 – 225 kilogram
Conservation status: Vulnerable, the population is decreasing

Seeing Lions on a Uganda wildlife tour is an incredible experience. The first thing you’ll notice with this Big 5 member in Uganda is its enormous size.

Lions are the biggest cats in Africa. They are also important participants in Africa’s untamed environments, playing the role of an apex predator mercilessly. Their powerful barrel-chested bodies, protruding chins, and thunderous roars remind you that you are in the presence of the African bush’s King.

These famous predators often live in prides of 10 to 30 individuals. A pride may hunt down large animals such as zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and even baby elephants when they work together. Though they are frequently spotted throughout the day at dawn or dusk, lions are more active at night.

Lions may be found in various Uganda parks, although they are best observed hunting antelope in Murchison Falls, reclining on rocky outcrops in Kidepo, or resting under fig trees in Queen Elizabeth Park’s southern Ishasha region.

Leopard

Scientific name: Panthera pardus
Size: Head and body: 4.25 to 6.25 feet; tail: 3.5 to 4.5 feet
Adult weight: 30 – 90kg
Conservation status: Vulnerable

Spotting a Leopard on a Uganda safari game drive will turn your Uganda safari game drive into a cherished memory.

Because of its skill of camouflage and stealth, the leopard is exceedingly elusive, making it such a sought-after sighting. The majestic elegance of this predator is mesmerising; its gorgeous coat has captivated mankind for millennia. The leopard has a long tail that is generally curled at the white tip, as well as elegant rosette patterning (as opposed to the cheetah’s plain spots). They flow like liquid gold and exude a strong feline elegance.

Leopards are usually active at night and may be observed on night game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley.The Leopard population at Lake Mburo National Park is the largest in Uganda. During the day, you could spot one in a tree.

Cheetah

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
Size: Head and body: 3.7 to 4.6 feet; tail: 2 to 2.7 feet
Weight: 50 –70kg, Height: 86 cm
Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Cheetah is the fastest terrestrial mammal, depending only on speed to hunt. The cheetah, with its long legs and deep chest, can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in a brief burst.

Seeing a cheetah on the hunt is a must-see on every African safari. Nonetheless, the evolutionary compromises made by cheetahs in their pursuit of speed and agility have put them at a disadvantage when it comes to protecting their prey from other predators. Cheetahs are regularly robbed of their hard-earned food by lions, leopards, and hyenas.

The cheetah is similar in size to the leopard but has a leaner frame, a smaller head, and circular, solid markings.There is also a prominent black ‘tear’ line beneath each eye. It favours wide savannah settings where it can locate and chase its prey more readily. The comparatively flat terrain of Kidepo National Park is ideal for cheetah hunting.

Spotted Hyena

Scientific name: Crocuta crocuta
Size: Head and body: 34 to 59 inches; tail: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 40–80 Kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

The spotted hyena is one of the world’s most misunderstood animals. They are despised for being cowardly, thieving, filthy, unattractive, and lazy, to name a few characteristics. These perceptions are ingrained in human history and popular awareness, and are then reinforced by mainstream media and cinema.

Fortunately, more and more people are beginning to recognise hyenas for the amazing creatures that they are. These Ugandan creatures help the ecology by eating carrion – they’re Mother Nature’s recyclers! Behavioural ecologists who have examined spotted hyenas say the animals are among the most intelligent on the planet. Their famous (and often feared) laugh-like vocalisation is only one of several clever ways they communicate.

Spotted hyenas may be seen in most of Uganda’s main national parks, including Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo.

Black-Backed Jackal

Scientific name: Canis Mesomelas
Size: Head and body: 27 to 33 inches; tail: 10 inches
Weight: 8-10 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

On a big game safari in Uganda, the interesting Jackals rarely get the attention they deserve. The Black-backed jackal is a dog-like Ugandan mammal that gets its name from the dark, white-flecked’saddle’ on its back. It is one of Africa’s three jackal species. It has long legs and curved canine teeth that allow it to pursue tiny prey.

Black-backed jackals are notable for their loud wailing sounds, which are commonly made in the early evening, when one individual responds to another until an uncanny chorus builds up. On a wildlife vacation in Uganda, your greatest chance of seeing a black-backed jackal is on a game drive in the distant Kidepo National Park or Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Side Striped Jackal

Scientific name: Canis Adustus
Size: Head and body: 27 to 32 inches; tail: 12 to 16 inches
Weight: 8-10 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

From a distance, the Side-striped jackal looks to be a uniform grey colour. Close inspection reveals a light-colored stripe or band lavishly edged with black down either side, thus the name. Their cry has been compared as an owl-like hoot or a succession of brief yaps, very different from the black-backed jackal’s.

A wildlife safari at Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, or Queen Elizabeth National Park is your best chance to observe a side-striped jackal in Uganda.

Bat-eared Fox

Scientific name: Otocyon megalotis
Size: Head and body: 18 to 26 inches; tail: 9 to 13 inches
Weight: 5-9 kilogram
Conservation status: Endangered

The Bat-eared fox is easily identified by its large dish-like ears and striking grey-black patterning. Their ears are incredibly enormous, measuring 13cm in height, and they can detect subsurface insect movements. These Ugandan animals live in family groups with their offspring and have a litter of three to six puppies once a year.

Bat-eared foxes live mostly in arid and semi-arid habitats. It is frequently sighted during early morning game drives in Kidepo National Park.

Banded Mongoose

Scientific name: Mungos mungo
Size: Head and body: 7 to 25 inches; tail: 6 to 21 inches
Weight: 5 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Banded Mongooses are little carnivores with a huge skull, small ears, short, strong limbs, and a long tail that are hardy and agile. Their fur is rough and greyish brown and black, with many dark brown to black horizontal bands over the back. The banded mongoose’s nose colour ranges from gray-brown to orange-red.

These Ugandan mammals live in burrows and form social colonies of up to 40 individuals. They are plentiful in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where habituated families may be seen on Uganda wildlife safaris.

African Civet

Scientific name: Civettictis Civetta
Size: Head and body: 26-33 in inches; tail: 13 to 19 inches
Weight: 7 to 20 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

Most Uganda safari parks/Uganda National Parks have African civets documented, however they are rarely sighted. On the back, they have coarse and wiry hair that ranges in hue from white to pale yellow to reddish.

Their nose is sharp, and their ears are short and rounded. A black stripe runs over its tiny eyes, and two more run around its short, wide neck. On their nocturnal habit, they go to water sites, where they are most likely to be sighted on a night game drive in Uganda. African civets are sought for their musk, which is used in a variety of fragrances.

Genets

Size: Head and body: 16-24 in inches; tail: 15 to 22 inches
Weight: 1 to 3 kilogram

Genets resemble African civets and are frequently misidentified owing to minor differences in appearance.

The genet, on the other hand, is slim with gorgeous spotted coats and exceptionally long tails, huge ears, a pointed nose, and partially retractile claws. In the wild, they are incredibly secretive creatures. The following genet species are common in Uganda:

• Large-spotted genet
• Servaline genet
• Small-spotted genet.

Otters

Scientific name: Mustelidae
Size: 2 to 6 feet long
Weight: 5 to 34 kilogram

Otters are Uganda’s little aquatic carnivores. They have long, slender bodies with short limbs. The muscular webbed feet needed for swimming, as well as their seal-like ability to retain breath underwater, are their most distinctive physical traits. The following otter species may be found in Uganda:

• Western clawless otter and the Cape clawless otter in Lake Mburo
• Spotted-necked otter, common in Lake Bunyonyi

African Honey Badger

Scientific name: Mellivora capensis
Size: 9 to 11 inches high at the shoulder
Weight: 6 to 14 kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

Despite its cuddly look, the African honey badger, also known as Ratel, is respected as a ferocious predator. It is a critter that eats honey from the famed African ‘killer bee’ hives and has no qualms about consuming a lethal cobra, lions, and quilled porcupines.

Honey badgers are distinguished by their remarkable colour, which consists of jet black with a grey mantle and a white stripe extending from the head to the base of the tail. The colour and thickness of the mantle and stripe may vary from person to person. They have short, strong legs with five toes on each foot and formidable claws up to 40mm long.

Their low-slung form and short legs make them Uganda beasts of stamina rather than speed, and their characteristic jog-trot helps them to pursue their prey until it collapses from fatigue.

Caracal

Scientific name: Caracal caracal
Size: 2 to 3.5 feet long
Weight: 10 to 15 kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

Their low-slung form and short legs make them Uganda beasts of stamina rather than speed, and their characteristic jog-trot helps them to pursue their prey until it collapses from fatigue.

Serval

Scientific name: Leptailurus serval
Size: 26-39 inches long, Shoulder height:21-24 inches
Weight: 8-18 kilograms
Conservation status: Least concern

Servals are medium-sized cats that resemble a hybrid between a tiny cheetah and a giant domestic cat.

They are members of the Felidae family’s “caracal lineage,” together with Caracals and African golden cats, but their unusual forms, spotted colour, and lack of ear tufts distinguish them from the other two species.

Servals have the longest legs in relation to their bodies of any cat species (thus the model comparison), as well as a tawny-gold coat speckled with spots and stripes. Their tails, like those of caracals, are relatively short in compared to other cat species.

These Uganda creatures are seldom observed since they are solitary and silent. They are regarded to be one of Uganda’s rarest African creatures, making them nearly hard to detect on Uganda trips. The ideal times to see a serval are around dawn or dusk.

African Golden Cat

Scientific name: Caracal aurata
Size: Body length: 61 to 101 cm
Weight: 6 to 64 kilograms
Conservation status: Vulnerable

Except for Semliki, nocturnal African golden cats are common in western Uganda, where they have been found in every wooded Uganda safari park. The cats’ hair ranges in colour from chestnut to reddish-brown to greyish brown to dark slaty.

Some have blotches that range in colour from fading brown to black. The spotting pattern is restricted to the belly and inner legs in others. These Ugandan creatures are about twice the size of a domestic cat. It is similar to the caracal in appearance but has shorter untufted spherical ears.

Herbivores in Uganda

Uganda is home to a diverse range of big, medium, and tiny herbivores. A herbivore is a type of animal that is physically and physiologically specialized to consume plant material.

Here Are Some Major Uganda Herbivore Animals to Look For On Your Uganda Wildlife Safaris:

• African Bush Elephant
• African Forest Elephant
• Southern White Rhino
• Hippopotamus
• Cape buffalo Or African Buffalo
• Rothschild’s Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Common Warthog
• Giant Forest HogsBush Pig
• Rock Hyrax
• Tree Hyrax
• Porcupines
• Zenker’s flying mice
• Lord Derby’s scaly-tailed squirrel
• Ruwenzori sun squirrel
• African savanna hare

African Bush Elephant

Scientific name: Loxodonta africana
Size: shoulder height 13 feet, Body length 24 feet.
Weight: 2,500–7 000kg
Conservation status: Vulnerable

The African bush elephant, by far the largest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land mammal on the world – shapes the very environment it inhabits and is a defining presence on every safari in Uganda.

These massive Uganda beasts are exceptional in every way. Their tusks, which are enormous front teeth, are used for feeding and fighting; their trunk, which is an extended snout, may break down a branch or pick up a bean; and their massive ears are cooling vanes that circulate the blood supply. Elephants are used to automobiles and will often tolerate a near approach. Always be on the lookout for symptoms of stress, such as an elevated trunk or fluttering ears.

Elephants may be seen in abundance across Uganda’s savannah wildlife areas (excluding Lake Mburo). They are most usually spotted at Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks‘ savannah grasslands.

Southern White Rhino

Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum simum
Conservation status: Near Threatened
Size: Body length: 11-13 feet, Shoulder height: 5-6 feet
Weight: 1,700-2,300kg (3,600kg max)

The renowned Southern White Rhino is one of two rhinoceros species found in Africa, the other being the black rhino. It is also the world’s biggest land mammal after elephants, weighing nearly twice as much as a black rhino.

Both species are really grey – the term ‘white’ does not reflect their colour, but may stem from the Dutch word wijd and allude to their ‘wide’ mouth, which is an adaption for grazing.

However, these prehistoric-looking heavyweights have been pushed to the verge of extinction since the early twentieth century. Unfortunately, people cannot say the same since rhino horn has a perceived worth of more than $60,000 per kilogramme.

And Uganda was previously home to hundreds of rhinos, but poaching in the 1970s and 1980s took its toll, and the last wild rhino was poached in 1982. Six white rhinos were reintroduced into the Ugandan wild in 2005 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Visitors may now join experienced rangers on foot to track 32 white rhinos.

Hippopotamus

Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius
Size: Head and body: 9.5 to 14 feet; tail: 13.75 to 19.75 inches
Weight: 1,300–2,600kg
Conservation status: Vulnerable, population decreasing

With a name originating from the ancient Greek meaning “river horse,” it’s no wonder that large pods of these creatures can be found in Uganda’s rivers, lakes, and swamps.

Despite its morphological similarity to a pig, the hippo’s closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, and so on). The hippo is one of the most hazardous creatures on the planet because to its very aggressive and unpredictable character, especially when it emerges from the water to graze at twilight. The massive incisors and canines of a hippo are used for threat demonstrations and fighting; competing bulls engage in violent territorial battles.

The daily, chortling soap opera of territorial males will keep you delighted if you stay at any of Uganda’s safari hotels or camps near a river or lake.

The Kazinga Channel boat excursion in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Nile launch ride in Murchison Falls National Park provide the finest opportunities to witness numerous hippos in Uganda.

Cape buffalo Or African Buffalo

Local name: Embogo in Luganda language
Scientific name: Syncerus caffer
Size: 4 to 5 feet tall
Weight: 500–1000kg, Shoulder height: 4 to 5 feet
Conservation status: Near-threatened

The African buffalo is a well-known member of the so-called Big Five. Due to its immense power and highly terrible and unpredictable attitude, it is also one of the most hazardous African safari animals in Uganda. This is why buffalo, unlike cows, have never been tamed.

Aside from lions and large Crocodiles, the buffalo’s natural predators are few and far between. Males are formidable monsters, with curving horns that unite at the base in a bony shield known as a boss. Their social structures are matriarchal, and herds can congregate in large groups of over 1,000.

Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Parks all have large herds of Cape buffalo.

Rothschild’s Giraffe

Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi
Size: 14 to 19 feet
Weight: 800–1,200kg, Height 19.3 feet
Conservation status: Near-threatened

Rothschild’s giraffes are another of the Uganda animals you’ll encounter, and they’re a favourite sighting for most Africa safaris & tours visitors. It’s a joy to watch these world’s largest land mammals painfully manoeuvre into a wide-legged position to sip water!

Giraffes love broad savannah grasslands, where they may be observed eating on acacia plants and other tree leaves. Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Park are the greatest places to witness these gentle giants.

In order to increase the park’s variety, 15 Rothschild giraffes were imported from Murchison Falls in 2015.

Plains Zebra

Scientific name: Equus quagga
Size: Height at the shoulder: 3.5 to 5 feet
Weight: 155–322kg
Conservation status: Near-threatened

Plains Zebras are iconic African animals, and they are among the most picturesque Uganda animals on Uganda wildlife safaris. They appear fantastic in images thanks to their eye-catching stripes! Their design has long perplexed scientists: it might serve as camouflage, an insect repellent, or to dazzle chasing predators like lions; or it could serve all three functions.

There are three types of zebras: plains, Grevy’s, and mountain, although the plains zebra is the most frequent in Uganda. They are gregarious creatures that roam the park in quest of food. Their resemblance to horses may be seen in their look and anatomy.

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a large number of zebras. They are also found in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Common Warthog

Scientific name: Phacochoerus Africanus
Size: Body length: 2 feet to 4 feet
Weight: 45 to 150kg
Conservation status: Least Concern

If you’ve seen The Lion King, you’ll recognise the character Pumbaa, who is a Warthog. Warthogs are related to pigs and, as the name implies, are medium-sized, pig-like creatures with a level back and relatively lengthy limbs. A huge head with a flat face, prominent tusks, “warts” (thickened skin and gristle) below the eyes, and a long haired mane. Grey skin, black mane, and tail tuft; white tusk-like cheek whiskers.

Warthogs are frequently spotted in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Parks.

Rock Hyrax

Scientific name: Heterohyrax brucei
Size: Body length: 20 inches
Weight: 2 to 4kg
Conservation status: Least concern

Despite its appearance, the little Rock hyrax is more closely linked to elephants than any other mammal! It has a noticeable pair of long, pointed tusk-like top incisors that resemble elephant tusks. It has thick grey-brown fur. In addition, the rock hyrax has a pointed skull, a short neck, rounded ears, and a long, black whisker on its muzzle.

It lives in tiny colonies in rocky locations and feeds on grass, roots, and insects. You can spot Rock Hyrax when walking in the Rwenzori Mountains or hiking in Mount Elgon National Park.

Antelopes

There are 29 antelope species in Uganda. The name ‘antelope’ refers to even-toed ungulate (bovid) animals with bony horns that are found only in Africa and Eurasia. They are distinguished by their long, thin legs, which allow them to move quickly. Their horns are unbranched and do not shed like deer’s. The majority of Uganda antelopes live in savannahs, although they may also be found in forests, highlands, and swamps.

The Major Antelopes in Uganda to Look For on Your Uganda Wildlife Tour Are As Follows:

• Sitatunga
• Bohor Reedbuck
• Mountain Reedbuck
• Greater Kudu
• Lesser Kudu
• Oribi
• Black-Fronted Duiker
• Yellow-Backed Duiker
• Blue Duiker
• Red Duiker
• Peter’s Duiker
• White-bellied duikers,
• Bates’s Pygmy Antelope
• Water Chevrotain
• Klipspringer
• Guenther’s Dik-Dik
• Ruwenzori Duiker
• Grey Duiker
• Uganda Kob
• Impala
• Defassa Waterbuck
• Bushbuck
• Common Eland
• Jackson’s Hartebeest
• Topi

Uganda Kob

Scientific name: Kobus kob thomasi
Size: Shoulder height: 2-3 feet
Adult weight: 60 to 100kg
Conservation status: Least Concern

Uganda’s national antelope is the medium-sized Uganda Kob. It is depicted on the coat of arms.

Uganda, as well as a Grey-crowned crane. The Ugandan kob may be confused for an impala at first appearance, although it is more strongly built. They also have short reddish coats and ringed horns that curl backward. Horns are only found on males.

The Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks have large herds of Uganda kobs.

Impala

Scientific name: Aepyceros melampus
Size: Shoulder height 75-92cm, Body length: 130cm
Adult weight: 40 -76kg,
Conservation status: Least Concern

Impalas are slim antelope with a silky coat that shimmers in the sunshine. The upper body is a rich reddish-brown colour, the lower flanks are a light-tan brown colour, and the belly is white. When viewed from behind, the black stripes on the rear of each leg and along the centre of the top side of the tail create three vertical lines.

Impalas are also noted for their large, spiralled horns, which males use to compete in strength tests. Because they are a major prey item for lions and hyenas, they practise safety in numbers and gather in herds of hundreds of animals. Impalas on the go easily hop over anything in their path.

Impalas are exclusively found in Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda.

Defassa Waterbuck

Scientific name: Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Size: Body length: 177–235 cm
Adult weight: 161 -262 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Defassa waterbuck is another Uganda antelope that may be seen on a Uganda wildlife trip. When frightened, it will frequently run and hide under water, occasionally immersing almost entirely until the threat has passed.

This huge, strong antelope is distinguished by its long, shaggy hair and brown-gray coat, which has sweat glands that secrete an oily fluid that functions as a water repellent. It has big, rounded ears, as well as white spots over the eyes, around the nose and lips, and on the throat.

Waterbucks may be found in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Parks.

Bushbuck

Scientific name: Tragelaphus scriptus
Adult weight: 25 to 80 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The lovely Bushbuck is Uganda’s smallest spiral-horned antelope. On the most mobile regions of its body, such as the ears, chin, tail, legs, and neck, it has geometrically formed white patches or dots. Male bushbucks have horns that grow straight back and can be up to 20 inches long. At 10 months, juvenile males produce severely twisted horns that, when mature, form the first loop of a spiral.

Bushbucks may be found at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.

Common Eland

Scientific name: Taurotragus oryx
Size: Shoulder height 49-72 inches, Body Length: 79-146 inches, Tail: 20-35 inches
Weight: 340-940 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Common Elands are the largest antelopes in Africa. They play an important role in the culture of the continent, from ancient rock art to modern game ranches. Despite their extensive distribution, they are shy and infrequent sightings. These tan-colored, enormous common antelopes are related to kudus and other spiral-horned antelope species.

Both sexes have a distinctive square profile, which is emphasised in the bull by a wide dewlap, and straight horns that are larger and narrower in the female. Males are double the size of females and can grow to be buffalo-sized.

Elands may be seen in Uganda’s Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley National Parks.

Jackson’s Hartebeest

Scientific name: Alcelaphus buselaphus
Size: Shoulder height 100cm
Adult weight: 100-200 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Jackson’s hartebeest is a huge antelope with an extended forehead and strangely formed horns that bend backward and can reach a length of 40cm.

Hartebeests are social Uganda creatures that live in herds of 30 to 200 individuals. They are a hybrid between the Lelwel and Coke’s hartebeest subspecies. Despite its size, the Jackson hartebeest is not a very aggressive animal.

On wildlife safari game drives at Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Parks, you can encounter Jackson hartebeests.

Topi

Scientific name: Damaliscus lunatus topi
Size: Shoulder height: 125 cm
Adult weight: 110-140kg,
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Topi is similar to the hartebeest, but it is darker and has shinier skin. It has dark patches on its legs, shoulders, and head, thrives on open grassland, and is frequently seen in herds where a male is keeping an eye out for predators.

Topis may be found in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha), which is home to tree-climbing lions, as well as in Lake Mburo National Park.

Sitatunga

Scientific name: Tragelaphus spekeii
Size: Body length 41-70 inches, Shoulder height: 28-46 inches, tail: 5.5–14.6 inches
Adult weight: 24–119kg
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Sitatunga is Uganda’s most aquatic antelope, perfectly suited to its marshy surroundings. Despite its extensive distribution, only a few locations provide consistent sightings. Males are dark brown with twisted horns the size of a big goat, while females and young are rufous with white patches and stripes. Their silky hair is water-resistant, and their large, spread hooves help them navigate muddy terrain.

Sitatunga is a solitary animal that feeds in tiny family groups mostly at dawn and twilight, sleeping in concealed clearings during the day. On Uganda safaris, good picture possibilities are few.

Your meeting may be as simple as a splash or a fleeting sight of a vanishing hairy rump. As you can see

Sitatunga at Bigodi Wetland, close to Kibale National Park.

Bohor Reedbuck

Scientific name: Redunca redunca
Conservation status: Least Concern
Weight: 35–65kg, Shoulder height: 50-75cm
Habitat: Swampy areas

The antelope Bohor reedbuck is modest to medium in size. The body is yellowish to pale red-brown in colour, with white top sections. The short, robust, ringed, and forward hooked horns are only found on males.

The Bohor reedbuck may be seen on a wildlife game watching trip of Lake Mburo National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Mountain Reedbuck

Scientific name: Redunca fulvorufula
Size: Shoulder height: 75cm
Weight: 30 kg
Conservation status: Endangered

The Mountain Reedbuck is a medium-sized antelope that is elegant and timid.

The fur is mostly grey, but the head and shoulders are a reddish-brown colour. It has a white fluffy tail.

and eye-catching white underparts. Only males have forward curving horns. This species’ ears are long and thin. They live in tiny groups of 3 to 8 individuals.

Mountain reedbucks can be seen on a Uganda wildlife safari at Kidepo Valley National Park.

Greater Kudu

Scientific name: Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Size: Body length: 185–245 cm
Weight: 120-315 kilograms
Conservation status: Least concern

The magnificent Greater kudu is one of the biggest antelopes. This gorgeous antelope’s stunning spiral horns – the longest of any antelope – have long made it a favourite among safari-goers and prize hunters alike. They are members of the Tragelaphus genus, together with bushbuck and nyala.

Greater Kudu may be found in Kidepo Valley National Park, in the thicket vegetation surrounding Kanangorok Hotsprings.

Lesser Kudu

Scientific name: Tragelaphus imberbis
Size: Shoulder height: 90-105cm, Body length: 110–140cm
Weight: 56-108 kilograms
Conservation status: Near Threatened

The smaller kudu, like its near cousin, the bigger kudu, has stripes and spots on the body, as well as a chevron of white hair between the eyes. Males have spiral horns that are long and long. Lesser kudus, on the other hand, are even smaller. They also have smaller horns than their bigger cousins and prominent white patches on the top and lower neck.

Although both species are bluish-gray, grayish-brown, or rust in colour, the smaller kudus has five to six more lateral white stripes than the greater kudus, for a total of 11 to 15. Both species have a spine crest of long hair.

Lesser Kudu can also be seen in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Oribi

Scientific name: Ourebia ourebi
Size: Body length: 92-110cm
Weight: 12-22 kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

The biggest of the tiny antelopes is the oribi. It has a reddish-brown coat with white fur below. This endearing little antelope has a long neck, medium-sized ears, and a short tail with a distinct black tip.

Only the male possesses horns, which are small, upright, and somewhat ridged. They are frequently seen in couples or groups.

Small groups comprising one mal, which is fiercely territorial, and up to four females.

Oribi may be seen on day game drives at Lake Mburo, Kidepo, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Klipspringer

Scientific name: Oreotragus oreotragus
Size: Shoulder height: 50–67cm, Body length: 92-110cm
Weight: 8 to 18 kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

Klipspringer is a goat-like antelope that is easily distinguished by its dark, bristly grey-yellow coat, somewhat speckled appearance, and distinct habitat preference.

Klipspringer means “rockjumper” in Afrikaans, a fitting name for an antelope found only in hilly areas and on rock outcrops.

Klipspringers may be found in Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Park.

Guenther’s Dik-Dik

Scientific name: Madoqua guentheri
Weight: 3-5 kilogram
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Guenther’s Dik-dik is a little antelope with pointed, movable snouts, huge ears, wide eyes, long hind legs, and short, underdeveloped tails. It has a yellow to reddish-brown coat, black hooves, tiny heads with long necks, and huge ears with white insides. Cream or white on the belly, chin, breast, throat, and inner thighs. The only dik-diks with horns are males.

Although the dik-dik is one of Uganda’s most beautiful creatures, it is quite difficult to see one. They dash in and out of the bushes at breakneck speed!

A dik-dik may be seen at Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Reptiles in Uganda

There are around 142 species of reptiles in Uganda, including snakes, crocodiles, lizards, chameleons, turtles, and terrapins.

Here Are the Major Uganda Reptiles to Look For on Your Uganda Wildlife Safaris;

• Nile Monitor Lizard
• Three-horned chameleon
• Nile crocodile
• African Rock Python

Nile crocodile

Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus
Size: Length: 16 feet
Weight: 750–1,089 kilograms
Conservation status: Least Concern

The Nile crocodile is found across Uganda, primarily in aquatic settings such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshlands. It is Africa’s most powerful freshwater predator, capable of killing practically every animal within its range. They are omnivores, consuming largely fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Crocodiles are cold-blooded safari animals in Uganda that spend several hours basking in the sun on the banks of a lake or river. While they appear drowsy and languid, if any unwary prey gets too close, they may jump into action in a single second.

A boat excursion on the Nile River at Murchison Falls National Park or Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the finest method to see several Nile crocodiles in Uganda.

African Rock Python

Scientific name: Python sebae
Size: Length: 9 to 19 feet
Weight: 32–90 kilograms
Conservation status: Near Threatened

The African rock python is the biggest African snake and one of the world’s six largest snake species. The snake may be found in a variety of settings, from woods to adjacent deserts, and is frequently found near water sources.

water. Its victim is killed through constriction. It frequently consumes animals as large as antelopes and, on rare occasions, crocodiles.

The rock python may be found in Queen Elizabeth Park’s Maramagambo Forest at the Bat Cave.

Nile Monitor Lizard

Scientific name: Varanus niloticus
Size: Length: 120 to 180cm
Weight: 5-15 kilograms
Conservation status: Near Threatened

Nile monitor lizards are endemic to Africa and may be found across the continent’s middle and southern areas, usually near rivers.

They have strong legs and jaws, as well as robust bodies. They have forked tongues and very developed smell abilities. Fish, snails, frogs, crocodile eggs and young, snakes, birds, small mammals, insects, and carrion are among the foods eaten by Nile monitors.

The Kazinga Channel boat ride on Queen Elizabeth National Park is the finest opportunity to observe the Nile Monitor Lizard.

In Conclusion

Uganda is a wonderful year-round location for observing wild animals due to its comfortable tropical environment. It may not have as many wild animals as Kenya or Tanzania, but it clearly competes in terms of African wildlife excursions. There are more possibilities to see a variety of creatures, including rare monkeys in tropical rainforests and savannah animals.

If you want to view these Uganda creatures, contact Monumental Expeditions and Safaris to help you customise a wildlife safari in Uganda that is ideal for you.