Uganda

Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” and offers a wealth of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Ten National Parks and wildlife areas play host to Africa’s ‘BIG 7’ - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, gorilla and chimpanzee.

Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, especially its primate population that gives Uganda the status as the “Primate Capital of the World”. Home to 13 different pirmate species, including chimpanzees, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate making it the best place in the world for chimpanzee trekking. Other species include the rare I’Hoest’s monkey and the threatened Red Colobus monkey. At least 60 mammal species are present in Kibale Forest, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, warthog, giant forest hog, bushpigs, bushbuck, sitatunga,and red and blue duikers. The elephants found in Kibale Forest are classified as belongings to the forest race, which is smaller and hairier than the more familiar savanna elephant.

With over 460 gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly Bwindi’s prime safari experience with four trailheads that include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. There are more than 120 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies, 163 species of trees, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many endangered species. With a secluded Gorilla Habituation experience, you get the ultimate primate adventure. Only two gorilla groups/families have been set aside for this specific experience and they include Bushaho and Bikingi. What is unique about this primate adventure is that it is a full day adventure and it includes 4 hours of the magical encounter.

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest National Park in Uganda gazetted in 1926 and also the largest wildlife reserve in the country covering an area of 1,503 sq miles. This Park is a home to over 76 mammal species, including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and more on top of the 450 bird species that call the Park home. Aside from its wildlife, this park is renowned for its scenic beauty. Rolling savannah, tall grasslands and thick bush woodlands. Murchison Falls National Park received its name from the powerful Murchison Falls along the Victoria Nile thrusting 500 feet of water over the remnant of the Rift Valley Wall creating the famous and substantial Murchison Falls that we all know is also the highlight of this Park. The final event of the Murchison Falls is a 50 miles stretch of impressive rapids.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular of all of Uganda’s national parks. Best described as a true medley of wonders with diverse wildlife species that dwell within its sprawling savanna, humid forests, shady and fertile wetlands. This park is home to four of the BIG 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo), over 95 mammal species including the Uganda kob, water buck, warthog, hyena, giant forest hog and 10 primate species including chimpanzees. Over 620 bird species also thrive here. The Ishasha sector is famous for its tree climbing lions. A boat cruise along the Kazinga channel takes about 2 hours and rewards you with excellent views over a huge concentration of hippo, crocodile, water birds, buffaloe, elephant, and antelope to mention but a few.

Whether you track rhino on foot in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, go on a boat ride at Lake Mburo National Park or search for the famous shoebill stork, one of the most sought-after birds to see, a safari in Uganda is an unforgettable experience.