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.
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.
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.
