Uganda

Home to more than half the world's remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The only place besides Rwanda and the DRC to trek gorillas, paired with rare chimpanzee tracking in the same trip

Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park — one of only two populations in Africa

Exceptional primate diversity — 13 species in a single country, more than anywhere else in Africa

Source of the Nile at Jinja, with white-water rafting and boat safaris on the river

Lush, green, and remarkably varied landscapes — from savannah to rainforest to volcanic highlands

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest sheltering roughly half the world's mountain gorilla population.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Savannah, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel, famous for tree-climbing lions and abundant hippos.

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda's largest park, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge before opening into wide savannah.

Kibale Forest National Park

The primate capital of East Africa, with habituated chimpanzee communities and twelve other primate species.

Short dry season, excellent gorilla and chimp trekking

Long rains, lush forest, fewer visitors

Main dry season, ideal trekking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls

Short rains begin

Dry spell returns, good visibility for river and channel safaris

Culture & Local Traditions

Uganda is home to more than 50 ethnic groups, including the Baganda, Uganda's largest kingdom, whose traditional court at Mengo still plays a ceremonial role today. Community-run tourism initiatives around Bwindi and Kibale allow visitors to meet Batwa forest communities and local craft cooperatives, with tourism revenue directly supporting schools and healthcare near the parks.

Conservation & Sustainability

Uganda's mountain gorilla population has grown steadily thanks to a permit system that channels a share of trekking fees directly into neighbouring communities, giving local families a tangible stake in the gorillas' survival — the same conservation model pioneered across the Virunga region. Uganda Wildlife Authority also runs one of Africa's most closely monitored chimpanzee habituation programmes in Kibale Forest.

Travel Tips

• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and should be booked well in advance, especially for July–September
• A moderate level of fitness is needed for forest trekking, which can involve steep, muddy terrain
• Porters can be hired at the trailhead in Bwindi and are worth the modest cost
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
• A visa is available online in advance or on arrival for most nationalities
• Uganda and Rwanda combine naturally in one itinerary via a short regional flight or road transfer

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