Uganda is a landscape of deep lakes, towering mountains and thick rainforests. Boasting wildlife not found anywhere else. 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.
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.
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.
Uganda is well known worldwide as home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. These primates have their natural habitat in the tropical rain forests located in the South West of the country. Gorillas are the main attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where ten gorilla families are habituated for the tourist visits. Gorilla tracking is the first choice for any visitor travelling to Uganda, as it is an unforgettable and unique experience.
Uganda is the home of different species of primates, like chimpanzees, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, bush babies. The Chimpanzee trekking is an enriching experience that Uganda offers to its visitors and this activity is possible in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge (in Queen Elizabeth National Park). Uganda counts an estimated number of 5.000 chimpanzees and there are many habituated families.
Wildlife Safaris and Game Drives
Uganda has ten gazetted National Parks , as well as a number of Natural Forests and Natural Reserve areas, with a broad range of safaris and wildlife experiences. Among the significant attractions are: the boat – launch trips (in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo), naturae walks and game drives in any park with private vehicles. Very different from other African countries, “safari” in Uganda means a real closeness to nature, the animals, the people, the ambience. Safari in Uganda is a unique opportunity of true, direct and uncontaminated wildlife.
Uganda has gained a popular reputation as an exceptional worldwide destination for “bird watching” activities. Although the size of Uganda is not particularly big, it hosts over 1000 species of birds (whereas in Europe there are 700 species) owing to the diversity of its territory (from the Lake Victoria, to Rwenzori mountains, to the desert land of Karamoja). Bird watching activities are available basically everywhere: from the Ssese islands of Lake Victoria, to the National Parks and game Reserves. Amongst the birds are the special Shoebill stork, Papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, horn bills and lyre tailed honey guides.
The best sites for bird watching are: Semliki National Park and Wildlife Reserve, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mabira Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
