Thinking of a safari in Uganda in February? Well, February, the ‘Month of Love’ is one of the perfect times to travel across Uganda. It is the driest and hottest month in Uganda.
There is plenty of sun and almost no rain. February is also a great month to tick off one of Africa’s greatest safari adventures – visiting the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
Normally, hiking in the dense rainforests can be wet, muddy, humid and sometimes uncomfortable, but the dry days of February make for ideal trekking conditions.
Plus, with reduced rainfall and decreased vegetation, spotting animals in the savannah park is easier than ever. And this can easily be combined with your Uganda gorilla safari. A popular combination with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a few nights in the attractive Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, and more.
Further north, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park gives you a chance to see all Big 5 and other savannah animals as you enjoy boat cruises, game drives and nature walks. And why not combine these safaris activities with more primates trekking – this time in the Kibale Forest – the best place to see wild chimpanzees in the world.
Weather in Uganda in February
Being a tropical country straddling the equator, Uganda has warm temperatures throughout the year and experiences defined wet and dry seasons. February falls right in the middle of one of the two dry seasons. During this month, the average daytime range is 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) with peaks of up to 40°C/104°F in the far north.
The rains have also mostly disappeared, and it is possible to go for a week or two without rainfall. Northern Uganda gets specially hot and dry; however, the mountainous region in the south is perfect for trekking under the jungle canopies of the rainforests.
Why Visit Uganda in February?
Uganda was described by Sir Frederick Jackson (who once governed the country) as “a hidden Eden” and by Sir Winston Churchill as “the Pearl of Africa”. There are many great reasons why you need to visit Uganda in February;
1. It's Excellent Time for Gorilla and Chimp Trekking
February is one of the drier months in Uganda, which makes it an excellent time for trekking mountain gorilla and chimpanzees.
Although these thrilling Uganda safari adventures are offered throughout the year, the dry conditions of February are a bonus as conquering the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest during the rainy season can be slightly more challenging.
Continuous rain in the wet season makes the forest paths very muddy and slippery. The dry conditions of February are overall perfect for getting the most out of the precious hour you get to spend with these great apes. Visitor numbers are slightly lower in February than in December and January, but if you want to visit the gorillas, the gorilla trekking permits will sell out quickly, so booking early is always strongly advised.
2. It's great time for savannah game viewing
Uganda has 10 national parks including four savannah game parks; Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
During February, animals are found more easily since they tend gather at the remaining few water sources. On a boat safari or game drive across the savanna, you will encounter large herds of giraffes, buffalos, zebras, elephants, and antelopes on parade.
3. It is a shoulder season
After thE December and January holidays, fewer people are traveling, flights are cheaper, and some lodges and hotels lower their prices. It is a nicer traveling business, staying in luxurious safari lodges and riding the beautiful savanna plains with few crowds.
4. The temperatures are a little higher during the day
With temperatures around the 30°C mark, the weather in Uganda in February is perfect for enjoying hotel and safari lodges’ swimming pools. Nature walks in the jungles on a hot day gives you the right temperatures under the shadows of massively huge old trees.
5. The pleasant evenings
The cities of Uganda have amazing nightlife, especially the big ones; like Kampala, Jinja, Entebbe, and Mbarara; think rooftop bars, beer gardens, and outdoor restaurants. Order your favourite drink and a ‘Rolex’ (a pan-fried egg and wheat dish) and settle for an evening of travel stories with your fellow adventurers.
6. It's great time to climb Rwenzori Mountains'
At an elevation of 5,109 meters, Rwenzori Mountains is home to Margherita peak on Mount Stanley which is the third highest peak in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) and Mount Kenya (5,199 meters). Rwenzori has several other peaks that are high enough to support glaciers and snow. Doing the climb in February the slopes are dry, and it’s much less busy than the peak June to October season. It’s also cooler than during the summer months; you’re more likely to encounter snow the higher you get.
7. It is ideal for adventure activities in Jinja and relaxing by the Nile
As the weather is more predictable February is also a great month to soak up the sunny days in Jinja. Sitting on the shores of Lake Victoria, the town of Jinja is home to the source of the Nile River. Often called the “adventure capital of East Africa,” it has plenty of water activities, from white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, bungee jumping, and sunset cruising.
8. It’s perfect time to combine Uganda with other Africa safari countries
If you are interested in extending your tour to the neighbouring African countries, February is also a good month to go on safari in Kenya and northern Tanzania.
The wildebeest calving in the Southern plains of Serengeti at this time is one of the biggest wildlife spectacles in Africa and worth planning a trip around.
At this time over a million wildebeest come to rest here to calve. Within a three-week period about 500,000 wildebeest are born. This attracts lots of predators and drama to the area resulting in incredible wildlife-viewing experiences.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is not an easy challenge but February is the most popular months. This is because it is relatively dry in February and there is a good chance for a decent amount of snow on the summit.
In February, you can also head for a beach vacation to south coast of Kenya or Zanzibar where your visit will happily coincide with the archipelago’s best weather.
Best National Parks Visit in Uganda in February
February is the month of love and romance and is believed to be the most awaited month for couples. That is because the Valentine week falls in this month.
Starting from Rose Day to Valentine’s Day, the whole week is full of romantic vibes and excitement. So, make it a Valentine’s Day to remember by including these magnificent places to visit in Uganda in February.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Rwenzori Mountain as National Park
- Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon
- Jinja and Mabira Forest
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Mabamba Swamp
Visit Uganda in February
The Uganda tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
