Uganda tourism fraternity is excited upon the return of the endangered tigers into the Pearl of Africa after 6 decades of no existence. YES, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also known as the Entebbe zoo and get a chance to stare at the newly introduced tigers, which are the largest in the cat family. A pair of tigers were introduced in March 2020 but were kept under quarantine to monitor their behaviors with other wild animals at the zoo and to rove they are compatible with the new area. Having proven to be loyal and friendly to other wild animals, Uganda Wildlife Authority through Uganda Wildlife Education Centre disclosed the existence of the two tigers and fully opened them for visitors on December 3rd 2020. This means that travelers to UWEC can now see and interact with these lovely tigers. African Apes Tours offers you a guide to visit the tigers at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre at reasonable cost.
Which family of tigers was introduced?
UWEC confirmed that the new tigers are Bengal tigers which some people call the Indian tigers. The pair of tigers (male and female) aged two years and three months was flown from Feathers Wildlife Park South Africa in exchange of 25 Mystic monkeys. Tigers are among the endangered species in the wild as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The re introduction of tigers to Uganda was approved and recommended by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Threats to the survival of Tigers
Overtime, the survival of tigers in the wild has been threated by numerous factors. The top threats to tigers in Africa and the whole world include hunting. Tigers are hunted for trophies and other products, which are expensive in the black market. More so, tigers are threatened by the extensive habitat loss. Local people adjacent to tiger habitats have continued to encroach on tiger’s habitats to expand their land for settlement, farming, logging and other developments. The loss of habitats has negatively affected the increase of tiger populations since they have limited land to breed, produce and increase on their numbers. Natural death is another threat to the survival and increase of tigers. It’s recorded that the last tigers at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre died of old age
Is Uganda favorable for tigers?
YES, Uganda with its conducive climate (cold and hot) is undeniably favorable for the stay of tigers. The Pearl of Africa is widely known to have a very conducive climate. In general, Africa’s temperature is favorable for tigers. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre has future plans of building a suitable habitat foe the endangered tigers.
Animals to see at UWEC
Besides tigers, travelers to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre can see several other wild animals. These include grazers such as Elephants, giraffes and chimpanzees. You will also see several carnivores such as Serval cats, Leopards and Lions among others. For birders, UWEC is home to several birds such as pink backed pelican, Peafowl, Ostriches, crested cranes, African Gray Parrot and African Fish Eagle among others
Other wildlife experiences in Uganda
Tigers were introduced to complement other wildlife experiences in the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is gifted by nature with lots of things to see and do in all corners of the country. The other top things to do in Uganda include among others:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking: Done in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, gorilla safaris rank number one in the things to see and do in Uganda. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s total gorilla population, which make it a premier gorilla tour destination. Over 18 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking in Uganda. The presence of many gorilla families guarantee travelers availability of gorilla permits in Uganda compared to other gorilla countries (Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo). Fortunately, Uganda offers cheap gorilla permits at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for Eat African citizens compared to $1500 in the neighboring Rwanda. . In addition, Uganda gorilla tours entail gorilla habituation experience, which is the training of wild gorillas to make them familiar with people before they are declared free for trekking. The gorilla habituation permit cost $1500 to allow you spend four hours with the endangered gorillas.
2. Chimpanzee trekking: Go to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National park, the primate capital of Africa. Chimpanzee trekking rank second to gorilla trekking attracting a high number of travelers from all over the world. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
3. Game viewing: Go game viewing in the open savannah parks of Uganda. Guided game drives in the morning and evening hours give you chance to meet and see numerous wild animals hunting, grazing and browsing in the savannah parks of Uganda. The top game safaris destinations in Uganda include Murchison falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. Expect to see animals including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Impalas, and Uganda kobs, Zebras, Waterbucks, Warthogs and Topis among others. Game viewing in these parks is normally complemented with a boat cruise on the rivers in the park to make your safari more fun and enjoyable.
4. Mountain climbing: Go for a Uganda mountaineering experiences to Magherita peak of mount Rwenzori rewarding you with a lifetime adventurous experience. Other places for mountain climbing in Uganda include Mt Elgon and Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabinyo and Mt Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
5. Cultural tours: Spare time and visit some of the indigenous cultural groups in Uganda to learn and experience the traditions, customs and beliefs of Uganda local people. Uganda is comprised of 54 tribes each with unique beliefs and customs. The most visited cultural groups are the Batwa pygmies in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla Parks and the Karamajong herdsmen in Kidepo Valley National park. Taking part in the exceptional Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is your opportunity to learn and experience batwa’s traditional forest life and how they co existed with wild animals in Bwindi ad Mgahinga forests.
If you are planning a Uganda gorilla safari for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or any other wildlife experience, do not miss out visiting the endangered tigers at UWEC for a complete Uganda tour package.
