Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.
Uganda’s largest national park, the 3840km² Murchison Falls National Park lies in the core of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This impressive park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile.
The dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below strikes an exhilarating impression on all 5 senses.
Murchison Falls is occupied mainly by lush and unrefined grasslands. The highest diversity and density of wildlife is found on the open plains north of the Nile, where elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a huge variety of antelope are regularly encountered. The Nile itself boasts one of Africa’s densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of water birds including the world’s most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.
Kibale Forest National Park is the most accessible of Ugandan’s rainforests. It covers an area of 766km², of which the dominant vegetation is lush and shady rainforest but is interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp.
This enchanting and exotic environment is home to at least 60 mammal species, remarkably 13 of which are primates. It also has a rich diversity of birds, with 335 species identified including the endemic Prirogrine’s ground thrush. An exploration under the shady, green canopy will brim with discoveries to delight botanists and butterfly lovers alike.
The most alluring and rewarding activity in Kibale Forest is tracking for habituated chimps. The opportunity to gain a privileged and unforgettable insight into the daily lives of man’s closet relatives is one which will be cherished and remembered for a number of years.
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.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda is a true natural wonder. This lush and vibrant ecosystem, spanning over 321 square kilometres, is one of Africa's most diverse and oldest forests, with estimates placing its origins at over 25,000 years ago. The park is named 'impenetrable' due to the dense undergrowth, vines, and other vegetation that make certain areas hard to navigate.
The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its outstanding biodiversity. Home to over 400 species of plants, 350 species of birds, and 120 species of mammals, including several primate species, it's a haven for nature lovers. The star of the show, however, is the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Bwindi is home to approximately half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas, making it a premier destination for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a unique and unforgettable experience. You'll be assigned to a small group (usually no more than eight people) and given a briefing by experienced local guides.
The treks vary in length and difficulty as gorillas move around, and the terrain can be challenging. Some treks can last a few hours, while others may take a full day, including steep climbs and navigating through dense vegetation. It's recommended to be in good physical condition, and wear sturdy footwear and long sleeves (gardening gloves are a top tip) to protect against nettles and thorns.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, all the challenges of the trek melt away. Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is profoundly humbling and touching. You can spend one hour with the gorillas (unless you have joined a more extended 'Habituation' permit , as us for more details), watching Gorillas interact, feed, play, and go about their daily routines. Maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding noise is important to avoid disturbing them.
Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited. Carrying waterproof bags for your cameras is recommended, as the forest is often damp and can rain without warning.
The income from gorilla trekking permits contributes to conserving these endangered animals and supports the local communities living around the park. It's an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with a meaningful contribution to wildlife preservation.
A trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the Mountain Gorillas is more than just a wildlife-viewing excursion—it's a profound, life-changing experience. It's a chance to connect with nature at its rawest and most primal and to witness firsthand the beauty and fragility of one of our closest genetic relatives in the animal kingdom.
