Standing face to face with a silverback and its female harem is without a doubt the highlight of any trip to Uganda. For the majority of vacationers, the encounter with the gentle giants is one of the absolute “wow”-moments in the exploration of Uganda's unique wildlife.

Thanks to successful conservation projects and the introduction of sustainable gorilla tourism, populations, the endangered mountain gorilla, have been able to recover in recent years. Today there are about 1000 specimens of these rare primates. Uganda is home to about half of the remaining population. At the moment there are 14 family associations accustomed to humans. Per day and family, however, only a maximum of eight people is allowed. It is therefore advisable to book the gorilla tracking in advance as early as possible. The fee is $ 600 per person in high season.

Gorilla tracking is offered in Bwindi National Park (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma) as well as in the Mgahinga National Park. Usually, the treks start in the early morning and take up to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, which is determined by tracks. Once the animals have been found, the group may observe them for one hour.

In addition, there is also the opportunity to attend the habituation of a new gorilla family. Travelers can spend up to four hours near the animals.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR GORILLA TRACKING

Walking shoes, tight sneakers or rubber boots are ideal. In addition, it is advisable to bring gardening gloves to be able to hold well in sloping terrain in the scrub. Travelers can rent trekking poles at the ranger stations. For $ 15, you can also hire a local porter to carry your luggage.

Chimpanzee tracking is a very fascinating experience. Prepare today and set out to Uganda’s natural jungles as you spend a number of hours tracking these impressive creatures. You will be allowed to spend some time as you observe them swing from one tree to another, feed, play about or progress speedily on the ground right in front of you.

Where to do it from

From the Kibale Forest National Park to Budongo Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary and Kyambura Gorge; your trip shall be an enormous encounter of these primates.

In Uganda, there are other primate species besides chimpanzees and gorillas - more than anywhere else in Africa. Some of the 13 species are found in much of the country, others are native only in a specific region. Below we have listed all the primates, along with the best places to watch them:

A boat cruise at the Source of the Nile is one of the amazing experiences awaiting for you here in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda offers some of the unique and amazing water trails for breath-taking boat rides including the Source of the Nile, Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Victoria and Ssese Islands.

Along these trails you’ll be able to see scenic wonders of forests, rocky islands; reptiles, wildlife, and a myriad of birdlife. 

Enjoy a Game drive in one of our 4 Savanah National Parks. Kidepo NP, Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Mburo NP.

With 10 national parks, various large and small game reserves and an endowment of natural resources, largely covered by vegetation and huge expanses of tropical forests which are rich in flora and fauna; and unique physical landscapes, lakes and rivers, Uganda has always been home to a diverse wildlife that forms a bedrock of Uganda's tourism industry.

The Pearl of Africa boasts of over 330 mammal species, of which none are critically endangered, 7 are endangered, 21 are vulnerable, and 17 are near-threatened. The wealth of invertebrate life of more than 100,000 species has been identified countrywide and an astonishing 1,200 butterfly species, including almost 50 endemics, have been recorded, not forgetting birdlife of over 1,000 specifies including the Albertine rift endemics.

Here, both animals and nature are in complete harmony with each other. A wide range of wildlife exists in the national parks and game reserves, providing one of the distinctive tour destinations on the continent. Parks like Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth are easily accessible yet not crowded, offering a wonderful game drive and wildlife experience.

These parks offer safe and excellent environment for Uganda safari opportunities since they are; including game reserves, wildlife animals and all visits to the parks are monitored and carefully protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with its team of rangers.

In Uganda, travelers can not only see the "Big 5" but even the "Big 7", meaning elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes plus mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

The best locations in Uganda for safari tours and encountering one of the "big seven" are the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Park.

Large wild cats, including lions, can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls and Kidepo. Thanks to the recent successes of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, there are also more leopards in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park. Cheetahs occur primarily in the Kidepo National Park. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras and giraffes, on the other hand, can be observed in various national parks and protected areas. Just like antelopes - including the Uganda Kob, the eland antelope, the kudu, the North African hartebeest, the waterbuck, the sitatunga and the impala.

With 1,067 different species of birds, Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa for birdwatching.

Ornithologists in the national parks have the opportunity to see a variety of native species as well as migratory birds. Among the most exotic species to be found in Uganda are the Shoebill, the Rwenzori and the Giant Turako, the African Lizard, the Broad Dragon, and many, many more.

Uganda's diverse landscapes and climates - from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the Albert Rift, the mountain forests of the Virunga Volcanoes to the desert plains in Kidepo - provide fantastic birdwatching conditions. Even travelers who are not ornithologists are surprised by the richness and rich colors of the species found here. 

While most safari and tour operators in Uganda also offer bird tours, there are also some experts who specialize in ornithological tours.

Uganda has everything the outdoor heart desires: mountain hikes, white-water rafting, quad biking, horseback riding and even speedboat tours.

The best place for adventure tourism is Jinja, but there are plenty of other destinations for exciting activities.

Adventure offers in Uganda:

White-water rafting – Jinja

Speedboat Tours – Jinja

Riding safaris - Lake Mburo, Jinja

Quad biking - Lake Mburo, Jinja

Hot air Balloon trips: Ballooning -Murchison Falls

Uganda has two beautiful mountain hiking areas - the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon National Park. Both regions offer great scenery and are far less crowded than other trekking areas in Africa.

Rwenzori Mountains

The over 5,100 m high Rwenzori Mountains, also called moon mountains, with its snow-capped peaks is one of the most impressive hiking destinations in East Africa. In 1994, the national park of the same name was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unlike the famous neighbors, such as Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, the Rwenzoris are still a real insider tip. Most of the trails are below the snow line of 4,500 meters. The tour on the Central Circuit Trail lasts seven days. On the Kilembe Trail you have to plan for the trek for eight days. The peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Mount Baker should, however, only be climbed by experienced mountaineers.

Mount Elgon National Park

The highest peak of Mount Elgon National Park, the Wagagai, is 4,231m high, making it the eighth highest peak in Africa. It is not too difficult to climb and is accessible year-round, with the best travel time from June to August and from November to March. There are several trails in different lengths. The most popular is the one-day hike to the Sipi Waterfalls, which are an impressive 99 meters high.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Its surface is about the size of Bavaria. Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya share the lake. On the Ugandan shore lie the two big cities Jinja and Entebbe. But also from Kampala, Lake Victoria is easy to reach

Ssese Islands

The Ssese archipelago is located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria and comprises 84 individual islands. Some are large and densely populated, others are small and deserted. All islands offer lush forests full of wildlife, beautiful empty beaches and friendly hosts.

Mabamba swamp

The 100 square kilometer Mabamba swamp is located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria and is just 12 kilometers from Entebbe. Around 300 species of birds have been recorded here. The local community offers dugout canoe tours as part of a project.

Nile

The Nile flows alongside Uganda through eight other countries and is the longest river in the world. In Uganda, the long river is divided into the Victoria Nile and the Albert Nile. In 1862, the Englishman Jon Hanning Speke discovered the actual source of the Nile, the river outlet on Lake Victoria. The Nile is today a suitable destination for adrenaline junkies. Rafting tours and bungee jumping - with a dip in the Nile - are offered at Jinja.

Crater lakes

Within the Albertine Rift Valley, there are more than 30 crater lakes located on a 10 km stretch between Kibale and Fort Portal, creating a breathtaking landscape. A variety of high-end accommodations are the perfect alternative to stay close to the National Park.

Lake Bunyonyi 

Bunyonyi means translated "place of small birds". The name is also related to the many weaver birds colonies that live along the shore. At the lake there are more than 200 species of birds, even larger. There are 29 islands, some of which have fascinating historic sites, craft centers and colorful markets. Several of the islands can be reached by a small fishing boat. Travelers can also take part in one-day or multi-day canoe trekking.

Uganda's culture is made up of a colorful mosaic of music, arts and crafts. Over 40 different peoples speaking over 30 languages live together peacefully - some of them still very original and rural. The oldest ethnic groups in the country are the Batwa and the Bambuti Pygmies.

Being a multi-ethnic nation there are multiple cultures and traditions in Uganda. Over 50 tribes are all dispersed in their respective regions with different customs, beliefs, cooking, traditional dress and dances. There are four traditional kingdoms in Uganda each with its own beliefs and conduct. The kingdoms include Tooro, Buganda, Busoga and Bunyoro-kitara kingdoms. There is no better place to experience a wide range of cultures than Uganda. Consider visiting cultural centers like Igongo Cultural Center in the western part of Uganda, Ndere Troupe Cultural Center in Kampala, Batwa Trail experience in southwestern Uganda around Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, then Acholis and Karamojong in the northern and eastern parts of Uganda respectively are the best places to go.

Traditional food:

Nearly every tribe or region has a distinguished food delicacy. The most popular local dish in the central is matooke (bananas of the plantain type) which is best served with peanut sauce, fresh fish, fresh meat and chicken. The best way Baganda cook it, is by piling peeled banana fingers into a bundle of banana leaves tied with banana fibers, which is then cooked and left to steam. When ready and tender, the matooke is squeezed into a soft and golden tasty yellow mash. Another delicacy in the sauce locally known as ‘Luwombo’, comes when cooked in a similar way; by tying up fresh pieces of beef, fish, chicken or even ground nuts in a fresh banana leaf. This style of cooking preserves all the flavor, that’s why in the central region, the food production process revolves around banana plants.

Thinking adventure? Believe rafting! You have no idea how much fun you will experience when you come for one of the wildest marine activity right here in the Pearl of Africa. For adventurers, without at least a one day white water rafting trip, no safari to Uganda would be complete. Right at the source of the Nile (the longest river in the world) you’ll truly experience and conquer these wild waters whilst bouncing on and off the untamed river.

Where to do it from:

Travellers coming for safaris in Uganda can also enjoy White water rafting at Itanda falls in Jinja, the rafting base on the banks of River Nile in Eastern Uganda.

When to do it:

Rafting can be done every day throughout the year, though dry seasons between January - April and July – October are the most favorable.

possible at Lake Mburo National Park.

Ngamba Island is located 23 km southeast of Entebbe in Lake Victoria. The 40-hectare island of Ngamba is home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees rescued from all over Uganda. Day trips and multi-day trips are a great way to observe the chimpanzees up close and engage with the fascinating apes.

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1998 by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Visitors can not only watch the feeding of the animals, but also take part in one-hour guided walks with the chimpanzees. Here you come as close to the animals as nowhere else in Uganda. The number of participants for this tour is very limited. On Ngamaba Island, visitors can not only spot chimpanzees. There are also hippos, otters, Nile monitors and many waterfowl. For those who want to learn more about the protection program, overnight stays are also offered in comfortable tents. These guests are cordially invited to help with the feeding and care of the animals.