THE HEART OF UGANDA’S LUSH VOLCANIC FORESTS PROFILES AFRICA’S RAW BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY. CLIMBING HIGH INTO DENSE RAINFOREST MOUNTAINS, YOU WILL LOOK FOR THE IMPOSSIBLY GENTLE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, SPENDING INTIMATE TIME WITH THESE GIANTS. 

 

Uganda’s misty and lush forested mountains in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a bucket list experience, not to be missed. Spend time exploring the spectacular beauty of these volcanic slopes, learning of the individuals and wildlife that still call the region home. The ultimate moment of this forest time is inevitably sitting in the presence of mountain gorillas, while the silverback permits you to observe his family in their natural setting. Few experiences evoke more awe and inspiration than the hour you will spend with these gentle giants. Not to be outdone by their bigger cousins, Chimpanzee viewing in Uganda is second to none and makes a wonderful complimentary experience with gorillas. Because they do not live in mountainous forests, hiking to view these loud and energetic apes is much easier and extremely rewarding.

 

Uganda however, has 10 national parks and various large and small game reserves. The endowment of natural resources, mostly covered by large vegetation and huge expanses of tropical forests that are rich in flora and fauna has made the country a home to unique physical landscapes, lakes and rivers. All these physical attributes provide a habitat for the diverse wildlife that forms a bedrock of Uganda's tourism industry. Aside from the forested parks, Murchison Falls is their largest savannah destination and perhaps it's best known, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park - both are famous for tree-climbing lions.

 

Uganda boasts over 330 mammal species, of which 1 is critically endangered, 7 are endangered, 21 are vulnerable, and 17 are near-threatened. The wealth of invertebrate life of more than 100,000 species have been identified countrywide and an astonishing 1,200 butterfly species, including almost 50 endemics, have been recorded. If you are birder, this is paradise thanks to the incredible variety of habitats.

 

A wide range of wildlife exists in the national parks and game reserves, providing one of the distinctive tour destinations on the continent. The great lakes and powerful rivers [the Nile] add a fascinating element to your experiences here too. It is interesting and important to note that there are some traditional African species absent in Uganda such as zebra, impala and wildebeest [other than in Semliki] so for us, Uganda may not be a first time safari destination. Also important for safari purists, is the presence of villages within national parks - so this isn't a pure wilderness experience that can be found elsewhere - but it is perfect for those looking for Uganda's unique primate offerings, and off the main stream safari circuit.

 

Ugandan safaris are primarily undertaken by road, with your own vehicle and guide. There are fly-in safaris for sure but connecting parks is often logistically easier by vehicle as the airports and airstrips are in local towns, not inside the parks. Many of our safaris end in Bwindi from where you would fly back to Entebbe to depart. These parks offer safe and excellent safari opportunities since all national parks and game reserves, wildlife animals, and all visits to the parks are monitored and carefully protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with its team of rangers.