The former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. Tourists can while away days on the beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll around the fields and forests of the Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s remaining chimps.
Straddling Uganda’s lush equatorial rainforest, Fort Portal is a striking designated tourism city of Uganda that rests in the Western Region of the country, northwest of the bustling city of Mbarara. Perched at an elevation of around 1500 metres, Fort Portal offers sublime scenery with views over the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes, as well as flourishing landscapes with it being a verdant tea-growing area. This friendly town's central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the scenic surrounding landscapes. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can track the chimps in the magical Kibale Forest National Park, explore the enchanting Crater Lakes or enjoy the delightful hot springs and dynamic central African wildlife of Semuliki National Park. Don't miss the culturally significant Kabarole Main Mosque.
One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is where you have the best chance of spotting a mountain gorilla family going about their business. Once you have your permit you are led across the rugged terrain and though the awe inspiring jungle to where the gorillas were seen yesterday and then you track them down. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions there are numerous forest walks and 346 species of birds to track down, many of which are amazingly coloured.
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.
Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city - Kampala - sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colourful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying a number of activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including: hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.
