24/05/2026
πΊπ¬ Uganda: gorillas and so much more ππ¦
Most people come to Uganda for the mountain gorillas. And yes, sitting in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just metres from a wild gorilla family, is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on the planet. But Uganda has a way of surprising you. Again and again.
This is a country that rewards the curious traveller with extraordinary experiences at every turn, and it remains one of Africa's most underrated and unspoilt destinations.
Here is just a taste of what awaits:
π§ Murchison Falls
Watch as the entire force of the River Nile squeezes through a seven-metre gap in the rocks before thundering 45 metres into the gorge below. Murchison Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth, and the national park that surrounds it is Uganda's largest, teeming with elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and over 450 species of bird.
π Chimpanzee trekking, Kibale Forest
Uganda is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, and Kibale Forest National Park is the crown jewel. Trek through dense rainforest with expert guides in search of habituated chimpanzee communities, and witness these fascinating, deeply intelligent animals in their natural habitat. Kibale is also home to red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and L'Hoest's monkeys.
π¦ Tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most celebrated national park sits in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains and stretches down to the shores of Lake Edward. It is one of the few places in the world where you can spot lions lazing in the branches of fig trees, a behaviour unique to this region. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, offers some of the finest hippo and buffalo viewing in all of Africa.
π¦ Lake Mburo National Park
Uganda's most accessible national park and a genuine hidden gem. Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda where you can spot impala, and it offers something few African parks can match: the chance to explore on foot, by mountain bike, or even on horseback alongside zebra, eland, topi and warthog. It sits conveniently between Kampala and the gorilla parks, making it an ideal stop on a longer itinerary.
π¦ Gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
No list of Uganda's highlights would be complete without it. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, and a trekking permit here is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in existence. Spend a precious hour observing a gorilla family at close range and you will understand immediately why this is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo all offer different trekking experiences within the forest.
ποΈ The Rwenzori Mountains
Known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzoris are one of Africa's great mountain ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serious trekkers can tackle multi-day routes through afro-alpine moorland, glacial valleys and ancient forest to reach Margherita Peak, the third highest point on the continent. Even a lower-altitude day walk offers extraordinary scenery and birdlife.
πΆ Source of the Nile, Jinja
The town of Jinja sits at the point where the Nile begins its 6,700-kilometre journey north to the Mediterranean. It is also East Africa's adventure capital, offering white-water rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and bungee jumping over the Nile. A boat trip to the source itself is a quieter, equally memorable experience.
π€ Culture and community
Uganda's people are widely regarded as among the warmest and most welcoming on the continent. Visits to local communities, cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies near Bwindi, and evenings spent sharing food and stories with local families add a layer of meaning to any Uganda safari that goes far beyond the wildlife.
Uganda is a country that gets under your skin. Wild, green, generous and utterly captivating - ready to plan a visit! Call me for a casual chat.
