INTRODUCTION TO UGANDA

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. With its dense misty forests, snow-peaked mountains, glassy lakes and sprawling savannas, it’s no wonder Winston Churchill dubbed this wonderful country the ‘pearl of Africa’. While mountain gorillas are the allure for many visitors, there’s an astounding variety of attractions for tourists.

A land that’s painted in 1,001 shades of green with fantastic natural scenery

Uganda has 54% of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Considering that there are only 880 or so mountain gorillas, this is a significant contribution to world heritage. The mountain gorillas are found in the world heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (50% of world mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National Park.

Uganda is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river that flows from the Lake Victoria, the largest tropical fresh water lake, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. Renowned for its mountain gorillas – as well as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and leopards – there are plenty of ways to see the wildlife: whether you’re mountain trekking or on a safari, you’ll be astonished by the natural beauty of this underrated area.

In addition, about 11% of the world’s bird species are found in Uganda—a country about the size of Oregon in North America; or UK in Europe. There are over 1060 bird species in Uganda and one can literally begin birding right after departure from the airport or a step through the border. Africa’s largest and highest mountain range, the Mt. Rwenzoris are found on the western rim of the Great Rift Valley that goes through Uganda.

Wildlife you will see:

The highlight on a trip to Uganda is spending that precious hour with the endangered mountain gorillas, but you can also spend equally rewarding time with chimpanzees. On a safari across Uganda’s national parks, you can also spot four of the Big 5 (rhino are found only in a private sanctuary and have not yet been released into national parks), boundless plains game including zebra, giraffe and various antelope, and prolific bird life. Other rare species you may encounter include the elusive forest elephant, giant forest hog, and shoebill. In Murchison Falls National Park, you can see the rare Nubian giraffe and learn more about the influential conservation efforts to save this endangered species. Please note that not all parks in Uganda have all of these species, but we’re here to help make a plan for your priorities.