Uganda, The Pearl of Africa

This incredible country has an amazing setting of ever-changing landscapes including hills, valleys, forests, savannas, and semi-deserts. Streams and rivers flow into and from a huge number of lakes, each home to unique wildlife and ecosystems just waiting to be discovered.

Uganda is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the main attractions is the endangered mountain gorilla, with just over 1,000 of them making their home in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Chimpanzees are also a highlight, with the Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve being the best places to see them. Golden monkeys are another rare species found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda’s savannah parks, including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offer the chance to see the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. With over 1,000 species of birds, Uganda is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Get Inspired With Our Uganda Safari Itineraries

Below we have a few of our popular itineraries. These are great starting points that will show you what the Pearl of Africa has in store for you.

Uganda Highlights

By those lucky enough to visit, Uganda is regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. From landscapes that include Africa’s highest mountain range to being the source of the world’s largest river to the highest population of the endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda has wonders and wildlife to spare.

More than just natural beauty, it is also home to the most open and hospitable people in Africa, as well as one of the most diverse collections of traditional African cultures it’s possible to experience.

  • Go mountain gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a truly unique African adventure that will have you face to face with one of the world’s most incredible primates!
  • Track chimpanzeesblack-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus, gray-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkeys in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Experience the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park, including its wildlife population, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and more than 500 bird species
  • See the dramatic waterfall at Murchison Falls and take a game tour on a boat in the Victoria Nile for the largest concentration of crocodiles on the continent!
  • Spend time with the people from Uganda’s 56 tribes
  • Uganda’s UNESCO Heritage Sites include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruwenzori Mountains National Park, and Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

The Local Culture in Uganda

Ugandan culture is known for its music, dance, and storytelling traditions, which are often used to pass down cultural knowledge and values from generation to generation. In Uganda, there are over 50 different tribes, each with its own customs, languages, and cultures. The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili, although many different languages are spoken across the country. The largest ethnic group is the Baganda, who make up about 17% of the population. One of the best ways to experience Ugandan culture is to immerse yourself in it. Local celebrations are common, and with our ties to the Ugandan community, we’re sure you’ll feel right at home with these beautiful meetings between travelers and guests.

Parks & Places in Uganda

Uganda boasts 10 national parks and 15 wildlife reserves, with a wide variety of different habitats. From the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the powerful waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda is blessed with an unending supply of wildlife and nature experiences. Below you’ll find three must-visit places, along with links to view the rest of Uganda’s beautiful parks.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | A Moment WIth The Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest is a beautiful and biodiverse area in southwestern Uganda. Its most famous inhabitants are the endangered mountain gorillas, which can be observed on a guided trekking experience that takes visitors deep into the forest. Along the way, trekkers may also encounter other primates, such as colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as a variety of bird species. The forest is also home to forest elephants, duikers, and bushbucks, although these are more elusive and harder to spot.

Kidepo Valley National Park | Wide-Open Wonder

Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote wilderness area in northeastern Uganda. This national park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, as well as a variety of antelope species, including the elusive eland. You can go on game drives to spot these animals, or go on guided walks to explore the park’s beautiful landscape on foot. Kidepo is also home to a variety of bird species, including ostriches and the Karamoja Apalis, a bird species found only in this region.

Queen Elizabeth National Park | Wildlife and Landscapes

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations, and for good reason. The park is home to elephants, tree-climbing lions, leopards, buffaloes, and several antelope species, such as kobs, waterbucks, and bushbucks. Once there, you’ll be able to go on game drives or take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George and offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. The park is also home to chimpanzees, which can be tracked in the Kyambura Gorge.
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