Uganda, or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised 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.
Renowned as the historic source of the Nile River, Jinja has evolved into East Africa’s adventure capital. Located 81 km east of Kampala, the city lies on a peninsula bordered by Lake Victoria and the Nile. Once a colonial outpost, Jinja has transformed into a hub for adventure tourism, attracting visitors with its world-renowned white-water rafting. The river, where John Speke made his historic discovery, offers rapids suitable for all skill levels. Nearby, Bujagali and Itanda Falls provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, camping, and hiking. Lake Bujagali’s calm waters are perfect for boat cruises and sport fishing. The city also features colonial-era ruins, quad biking trails, and the vibrant Jinja Market, a sprawling complex, with numerous stalls selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and spices to textiles, crafts, and electronics.
Situated along the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon is the oldest and largest solitary volcano in East Africa and has one of largest intact calderas in the world. This extinct shield volcano is split by the Uganda/Kenya Border with a Mount Elgon National Park in both countries. It measures an impressive 80 kilometres in diameter and rises over 3000 metres above sea level. Mount Elgon is home to a variety of rare plants and abundant wildlife. The area also offers excellent climbing and walking along Koitobos, the highest peak on the Kenya side, reaching up to 4200 metres.
The town of Moroto is set in the Northern Region of Uganda, at the foot of the 3,083 metre high Mount Moroto. The town is known for its cultural tourism, natural surrounding scenery, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore Mount Moroto and the surrounding forest reserves of Pian-Upe, Bokora, and Matheniko - which protect a variety of habitats. Dry montane forest and dry savanna are inhabited by an array of species, including 220 bird species, a collection of monkey and wild cat species, and many more. Visitors can explore the network of scenic trails traversing the area, learn about the way of life of the nomadic Karamajong people, and browse a variety of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Other commonly spotted species in the area include hyenas, buffalos, dik-dik, and the Greater and Lesser Kudus.
Uganda, or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised 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'.
One of Uganda’s most stunningly beautiful reserves, the remote Kidepo Valley National Park stretches across the Karamoja region of northeast Uganda. Broad swathes of savannah are studded with hills and rock clusters, traversed by the forest-flanked Lorupei River. The park is home to roughly 80 mammal species, 28 of which are found at no other park in the country, and is particularly well known for its rich population of raptors, as well as over 450 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife sightings including greater and lesser kudu, eland, lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and a variety of plains game.
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 a diversity of 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.
Straddling the Uganda/DRC border, Lake Albert is one of the famous and spectacular Great African Lakes. The first European to sight Lake Albert was the British explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864, who named it after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. Visitors can look forward to a number of lovely activities including mountain biking, scenic drives, hiking, horse riding, quad biking, and bush dinners under the African sky.
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: red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys are all spotted here. 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.
The Ishasha Sector lies near the southwestern edge of Queen Elizabeth Park and is known primarily for its incredible and unusual tree-climbing lions. Watching these massive beasts claw their way up to sunny spots, often with prey in tow (such as Buffalo, Topi, and Uganda Kobs) is a spectacle of note. It is said they do this in order to get better viewpoints, and for protection from the winds. However, the sector provides plenty more to do and see. This untouched area of savannah and rivers, decorated with fig, acacia, and cactus trees, is a wonderful place to enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, and traditional community tours. Ishasha is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the country and is also home to elephants, hippos, and zebras.
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.
