The Pearl of Africa

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, warm, welcoming people and rich diversity of wildlife, Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa" - a nickname bestowed on it in 1908 by Sir Winston Churchill to convey the incredible beauty and natural wealth of this wonderful East African country. 

With its southern border on the banks of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake, and home to the source of the Nile River, Uganda is a drawcard for wildlife enthusiasts from across the world who come to track chimpanzees, go gorilla trekking and search for rare shoebill storks in the wetlands along the Nile, enjoying stunning national parks and exceptional hospitality along the way.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is a popular destination for gorilla trekking.

Located in the shadow of the mist-shrouded mountains of southwestern Uganda, this dense rainforest is made up of diverse vegetation ranging from bamboo forests to swampy valleys that are home to habituated gorilla families.

Gorilla trekking, while often physically demanding due to the uneven terrain, culminates in an unforgettable hour spent observing these gentle giants at close quarters in their natural habitat.

Witnessing gorillas interact with their young, feed, and move with surprising grace is an experience that stays with visitors for a lifetime. Beyond gorilla encounters, Bwindi boasts a wealth of other wildlife, including chimpanzees, a variety of other primates and exceptional birding.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Jutting along the dramatic border triangle of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a unique and volcanic landscape teeming with life. Despite its size, this compact park offers a stunning diversity of life as well as being home to mountain gorillas.

Towering volcanoes, some extinct and others dormant, dominate the skyline, creating a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters and gorilla trekking, following experienced trackers onto the verdant slopes to spend an hour at a time with the habituated gorillas.

Beyond gorillas, Mgahinga National Park offers opportunities for golden monkey trekking, another exciting primate encounter. The park's diverse landscape also allows for exploring volcanic craters, hiking scenic trails, and experiencing the rich culture of the indigenous Batwa people, who have inhabited these foothills for centuries.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Murchison Falls National Park literally roars with adventure. This sprawling reserve is bisected by the section of the Nile River known as the Victoria Nile, which thunders over Murchison Falls - the centrepiece of the park. Here, the raw power of the nascent Nile is compressed into a dramatic, narrow 43m drop, creating a breathtaking spectacle of mist and rainbows.

But Murchison Falls National Park offers more than just a dramatic waterfall.

Beyond the falls, vast savannahs unfurl, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife. Here you can see huge herds of elephants, abundant giraffes and prides of lions. The park is also a haven for birdlife, with more than 450 species recorded, including the majestic African fish eagle and the elusive shoebill stork.

For a different perspective, boat safaris on the Victoria Nile offer sightings of hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. Murchison Falls National Park caters to all types of adventurers, offering classic game drives, thrilling boat safaris, and unforgettable encounters with the wonders of the Nile.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Reigning supreme as Uganda's most diverse wildlife reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park straddles the equator in the west of the country and boasts a dramatic tapestry of ecosystems. Rolling savannahs, volcanic craters, and lush wetlands interweave seamlessly, culminating in the life-giving waters of Lake George and Lake Edward.

This rich abundance of habitats creates a haven for an incredible variety of wildlife.

Home to elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo, the park is also a birder's paradise with more than 600 species recorded, while boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel offer a different perspective – crocodiles and hippos lazing on the banks, all while the skies come alive with flocks of birds.

Queen Elizabeth National Park caters to all adventure seekers, offering classic safaris, tranquil cruises, and even chimpanzee treks in the verdant Kyambura Gorge.

KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Deep within Uganda's verdant heart lies Kibale National Park, a lush rainforest paradise often hailed as the primate capital of the world. This 766 square kilometre paradise shelters one of the greatest concentrations of primates on Earth, with 13 different species.

Towering mahogany trees and a dense undergrowth create a cathedral-like atmosphere, where visitors can embark on an unforgettable quest to encounter our closest living relatives – chimpanzees.

Experienced guides lead visitors through the emerald labyrinth in search of habituated chimpanzee families. Witnessing these intelligent primates interacting, feeding, and moving with agility in their natural habitat is an unparalleled experience.

Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale's diverse ecosystem shelters a vibrant tapestry of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds flitting through the canopy, and perhaps the rare black bee-eater, or watch for the flash of a colobus monkey's black and white fur, or listen out for the gentle rumble of elephants as they move through the undergrowth.