Uganda, or the “Pearl of Africa” as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterized by relatively dry and flat savanna in the north, with verdant mountains in the West, and vast dense and remarkably lush forests in the central region. The nation is home to an astonishingly diverse range of African wildlife, including the highly-endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with plenty of whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding facilities on offer. Add to this some friendly locals, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a capital city full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants, and it is easy to see why Uganda has gained itself a reputation as “Africa's friendliest country.”
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe lies 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda's bustling capital. As the country’s primary gateway, it serves as both a peaceful retreat and a starting point for exploring Uganda's natural wonders. The city sits in a lush landscape, with sprawling green spaces and a shoreline dotted with fishing villages. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1898, showcase a wide variety of plant species, from indigenous tropical forest to cultivated horticultural displays. The gardens are home to a diverse bird population, including the palm nut vulture and giant kingfisher, and provide a haven for primates like the black-and-white colobus. A short trip west leads to the Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Wetland, where visitors can explore by dugout canoe in search of the rare shoebill stork. Lake Victoria itself invites fishing, leisurely cruises, and excursions to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees, where visitors can observe the chimps roaming freely across 40 hectares of forested land.
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park, creating the impressive Murchison Falls, which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkey including the red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. When you’re not searching for monkeys, there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy. Visitors can look forward to chimpanzee tracking, birding tours and guided nature walks.
Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching - make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.
Situated in Uganda, Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater lake sandwiched between the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga Mountains. Set against a misty mountain backdrop, the picturesque lake is dotted with islands, and the surrounding landscape is scattered with wetland ecosystems and lakeside forests stretching up the mountain slopes which provide a safe habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla. Visitors can look forward to gorilla tracking, bird watching, lake lounging, volcano hiking, and paddling in a traditional dugout canoe.
Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is an easily accessible, compact little gem. Renowned for its impressive biodiversity, Lake Mburo National Park shelters almost seventy mammal species and over 300 avian species in its forests, swamps and grasslands. This spectacular landscape features open plains of savanna interrupted by rocky ridges, forested gorges and lush dense woodland. Crocodiles, hippos and a myriad of water birds are found in and around the five lakes, of which Lake Mburo is the largest. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: impala, oribi, eland, zebra, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hyena, hippo and reedbuck.
