Uganda

Why choose Uganda?

Uganda is not only home to half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population in the unique climates and landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, but it is also a country known for its huge richness, variety and diversity. Uganda’s fertile lands are made up of terraced hillsides, dense rainforest, numerous lakes, waterfalls, mighty rivers, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains.

Across its 10 outstanding National Parks, chimpanzees, monkeys & other forest primates swing through the canopies of the tropical rainforests; elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippos and Nile crocodile reside by the lakes and rivers; while lions, antelope and other game roam the open plains and savannahs. A cultural melting pot in the ‘heart of Africa’ Uganda has a rich mosaic of tribes; among them the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, whose ancient paintings can be seen at Nyero Rock. From freshwater fishing on Lake Victoria, trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains to white-water rafting on the Nile below Jinja, this country has so much to offer.

A Sample Of What You Can Experience

Uganda Primate Safaris

Uganda is a premier, year round travel destination for primate safari enthusiasts. The country has a greater diversity of primates than anywhere in Africa, with 13 species to be found. Some are fairly widespread, others more localised.

From the rich forests of Kibale National Park, to the vast open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have a chance to search out rare golden monkeys and magnificent mountain gorillas against the spectacular backdrops of Uganda’s vast panoramas.

Mgahinga National Park is renowned for its habituated golden monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking can be experienced in Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge & Budongo Forest. Kibale is also home to 12 other species of primates including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.

Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking

Kibale Forest National Park in Western Uganda is one of the best locations in Africa for tracking our closest relative, the Chimpanzee. With over 120 chimps in the main habituated community, the chances of memorable encounters are very high at Kibale.

After a pre-tracking briefing at walking distance from your accommodation, you will start your hike adventure into the forest. You will follow the footsteps of a large habituated family of chimpanzees. En route your guide will explain more about the forest and the other inhabitants, including other primates and birds such as the blue breasted Kingfisher, black billed Turaco, Pied Hornbill, Chestnut winged Starlings and many more. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will stay with them for one hour as they continue their daily routine – growling, grooming, feeding, taking care of the young ones and agilely climbing up trees.

Standard” morning or afternoon chimp treks are available as well as the full-day “nest-to-nest” habituation programme. Kibale also offers outstanding birding and primate walks in the nearby community-owned project at Bigodi. The walk lasts around two to three hours on a 4.5km circular trail. The area is Africa’s most diverse primate location.

Uganda Gorilla Tracking

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest which lies in the south west corner of the country is best known for its superb gorilla tracking. It is home to roughly half of the worlds mountain gorillas. It also provides refuge to elephant, chimpanzee, monkeys and various small antelope and bird species. Uganda has 16 habituated groups of gorillas, double that of Rwanda.

Following breakfast, you will transfer to the National Park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide you drive to the trail-head for the start of your adventure. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be tough and require a degree of (average) fitness. However the thrill of coming face to face with a Mountain Gorilla completely makes up for the effort! Upon sighting the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young and sometimes wrestling with the juveniles. It is a totally unique and unforgettable experience in Uganda.

Uganda Walking Safaris

In Uganda, walking safaris have become increasingly popular. Many clients choose to combine a walking safari with other activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises and game drives.

This experience offers a low-cost inside perspective of village life in rural Uganda. A forest walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park exposes you to the beauty of the forest where you will encounter other primates as well as birds, butterflies and waterfalls all at your own pace.

We can arrange tailor-made guided nature walks between Buhoma Village and the town of Kisoro, in southwestern Uganda. Or a trek through the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to mountain gorillas, and emerge at the charming, traditional hilltop community of Nkuringo. All walking safaris are led by professional local guides enabling you to enjoy the warm welcome that Ugandans are known for and give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in rural Uganda.