Elephants In Uganda

Elephants are the largest land mammal coming from the family of Elephantidae. There are different species of elephants namely, the African bush elephants, the African forest elephants and the Asian elephants. Uganda has both the African bush elephants and the African forest elephants. These elephants are found in most of Uganda’s national parks and they are one of the core products the country sells to tourists on Uganda holidays.

Elephant is one of African Big 5 animals and others are; Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Uganda is the only destination in the world where one can see the Africa’s Big Five Animals and the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the same tour.

All elephants have several distinctive features. They use their long trunk for breathing, lifting water, grasping objects, as weapons and tools for moving objects. Elephants have the greatest impact on the environment. They are herbivorous animals; they feed on vegetation and fruits. They are found in different habitats including the savannah areas, forests and in areas where there are water sources.

Taking a vacation in Uganda offers tourists the chance to encounter with these animals. Murchison falls national park and kidepo valley national parks are one of the savannah national parks in Uganda having the greatest number of Africa bush elephants. The elephants are seen roaming in the park and mostly found near water sources. In Murchison falls national park elephants are commonly seen along the bank of the Nile. Game drive is the easiest way to encounter with these herds of elephants. Game drives are conducted in 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roof that offers a plat for for excellent game viewing and photographing.

Elephants live in a family group consisting of one female with her calves or several related females with offspring. The groups are led by the oldest cow known as matriarch. They live up to 70 years and communicate by sight, smell, tough and sound. In Uganda the African forest elephants are found in Rwenzori mountains national park, Kibale national park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park that is also famous for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda with 440 individuals, which is half of the World’s remaining population (According to 2011 gorilla census). Nature walks in these beautiful parks offer you the chance to see the African forest elephants as well as many forest bird species. They are called African elephants because they only live in forested areas.

Safaris in Uganda provide you with the perfect chance to sight these elephants in their different habitats and also a chance to view other wild games like the leopards, lions, buffaloes among others which enrich your experience. However, the fact that roads in Uganda are in very poor state especially in national park that are sometimes impassable in rainy season, we recommend 4wd cars such as land cruiser, Land Rover, Rav 4 or Hilux among others.

To see elephants in Uganda, you can book a guided / escorted Uganda tour package through credible tour companies in Kampala. Alternatively, you can take a self-drive tour by hiring a 4×4 vehicle from the many car rental companies in Kampala – Uganda. For more information about Uganda safari packages, credible tour companies or car rental companies, send us an email to info@4x4uganda.com