Often described as the Pearl of Africa, a lush and rich country split by numerous waterways. The great river Nile is the biggest of these and was once the main attractions of explorers who toiled into the heart of Africa to find its source. Although Uganda does not have the great concentrations of plains game of Kenya and Tanzania, it has its own special attractions. The Kazinga Channel that separates Lake George from Lake Edward is said to have the largest concentration of Hippo in Africa and in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi, the rare and almost extinct Gorilla can be seen, although only a few are used to human contact. Further north on the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon, Chimpanzees and other species of primates can be glimpsed in the pristine Kibale forest. Of course Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard are to be found in the various parks across Uganda and a sight worth seeing is the mighty Nile pouring through a 6 metre gap of rock at Murchison Falls.

The country covers an area of 93,070 square miles (241,050 square kilometres) and consists of a broad, open plateau between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (900 and 1,500 meters) above sea level underlain by ancient crystalline rocks. It is a land of many lakes and swamps, which cover about 15 percent of the total area. The waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Kioga overflow into the upper reaches of the Nile River. On the western boundary a large rift valley and a mountain group, Mount Ruwenzori, are associated with dormant volcanoes. Mount Margherita is the highest peak in the mountain group, at 16,763 feet (5,109 meters). In this valley are found Lake Edward, Lake George, and Lake Mobuto Sese Seko (also known as Lake Albert). To the east a similar rift valley marks the end of the Uganda plateau. Mount Elgon is a high volcano (14,178 feet; 4,321 meters) on the edge of this rift. To the north the plateau slopes gently toward southern Sudan and the great swamp As Sudd.

Located on both sides of the equator, all regions of Uganda except the extreme east and north receive abundant rainfall, which lasts from nine to 11 months of the year, with March to June the wettest season. Around Lake Victoria and in the western mountains, some 60 inches (150 centimetres) of annual.  On Mount Ruwenzori and the high volcanoes there is permanent snow cover. Temperatures over most of the country are more tropical than equatorial because of the high elevation, making it comfortable despite its location on the equator.

Average temperatures at Kampala are around 72° F (22° C). At one time much of southern Uganda and the lower slopes of the mountains were covered with tropical rain forests. These were steadily cleared for farming so that only a few scattered areas survive today. To the north, as rainfall decreases, the vegetation changes to tall, grassy woodlands. Unusual forms of giant plant life occur on Mount Ruwenzori and Mount Elgon. Wild animals of all kinds were once abundant, but forests have been cleared, eliminating many habitats, and animals have been driven off the grassy woodlands. People have also hunted game for meat and trophies. A few national parks have been established as wildlife preserves. The largest is Kabalega (formerly Murchison Falls), an area on either side of the Victoria Nile River where herds of elephant live.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla bengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them. Poachers have decimated them, and man has destroyed their natural habitat. They have faced extinction, but today sound conservation policies have slowed down their decline, and in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park they are able to establish their family groups untroubled by predatory man. Here on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in south west Uganda, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (33.7 sq.km) has been established to provide a secure habitat for these massive, but gentle creatures. Access to the families is strictly controlled (and not always permitted) and small groups of visitors are always accompanied by a trained ranger. To keep disturbance to the animals to a minimum there are limits to the number of tourists allowed in at any one time. Here we are in the home of the animals and we must act as the perfect guests. The park can be reached by road through Kibale and Kisoro 510km to Kampala.

Kibale and Budongo Forest

All these game reserves are home to several families of habituated chimpanzees, and are probably the best places in Uganda to watch these fascinating primates. Kyambura Gorge and the 156 sq. km Game Reserve lie between the southern shores of Lake George and the boundary of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the reserve are several spectacular crater lakes and swamps which are home to hippo, buffalo and some elephant, and the forested areas are the natural habitat of our chimpanzees. Occasionally lion and leopard can be spotted as they sleep through the midday sun.

The Kibale Forest National Park is to the north-east of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, close to Fort Portal and Kasese, and includes part of the Mpanga forest. Originally the Reserve was home to herds of migrating elephants but they are now seen less and less. However, 11 species of primates, including many families of chimpanzees and Colobus Monkeys, live in the north of the Reserve and buffalo, warthog and Uganda Kob can be sighted. The grassland in the south of the reserve is also home to various interesting species of birds and insects. The Budongo Forest lies between Masindi and Lake Albert. The forest is famous for its chimpanzees, and Chambere Gorge is probably the most accessible place to see these intriguing primates. Also seen in the forest is the unusual Scaly-tailed Flying Squirrel as well as the Tree Pangolin and many duiker. The Bunyoro Rabbit will be seen on many of the roads at night. The birdlife in the forest is extremely prolific and is a delight to all birdwatchers. For access and accommodation see Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda, and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. It borders on both Lake Edward and Lake George as well as the Kazinga Channel, in the western area of the Great East African Rift Valley.The Park covers almost 2,000 square kilometres and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah, crater lakes and swamps. In Queen Elizabeth National Park discover a vast array of Ugandan wildlife like elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, Uganda Kob, buck and antelope, as well as baboons and chimpanzees, and the famous Kigezi tree-climbing lion which is usually found in the Ishasha region. Over 500 bird species have also been identified here, making it a Mecca for bird-watchers. They include the Shoebill Stork, the Black Bee-eater, 11 different species of kingfisher and several falcons, eagles and other raptors. Many of the crater lakes are home to spectacular flocks of flamingos. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward is a memorable method of gamewatching and one of the most rewarding experiences of a visit to the Park. The Queen Elizabeth Park is at its best after the rainy seasons – October/ November, March/April. Released from their dependence on permanent waterholes, the animals wander over the whole area. Frequent showers have cleansed and freshened the atmosphere, and there are superb views from the hills... just great for photography. By Road: The park is 64km from Kasese, which is linked by a fair-grade tarred road to Kampala (670km), via Mbarara. Kasese can also be reached via Mubende and Fort Portal.

Ruwenzori Mountains

The Ruwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5,100 metres. Here are the legendary ‘Mountains of the Moon’, and these incomparable, beautiful, mist-shrouded peaks provide a unique backdrop to one of our most magnificent national parks. In the centre of the range, which boasts Africa’s third highest mountain, some of the peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forest. Walking tours on the lower slopes do not call for mountaineering experience, although the higher you go the fitter you need to be. Excellent walking routes, including the Bujuku circuit, are provided through wonderful and unique scenery. For those who want to attempt a climb, several peaks can provide challenges that match those in the Alps. By Road: From Kampala via Mbarara to Kasese, then continue 18km to Ibanda. Also from Kampala through Fort Portal and then 75km on the Fort Portal/Kasese road south.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s fourth national park, which was gazetted in 1982, is situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara and is the only one to contain an entire lake. The attractive acacia-dotted savannah (256 sq. km) is home to huge herds of impala, as well as uncommon topi, eland, klipspringer and other antelope. Zebra and buffalo also graze these peaceful acres. At the lake there are hippo and crocodile, and a wonderful diversity of birds. Because of the different habitats of the lakeshore and the broad savannah, the variety seems endless. Catch a glimpse of waterbirds diving for fish, the Marabou Stork, bee-eaters and the cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, as well as the majestic Crowned Crane. Make sure you bring your binoculars. By Road: The park is bounded to the north by the main Kampala-Mbarara road. From Kampala it is 430km (4 hours) to the Park headquarters and rest camp at Rwonyo. On the way you will pass several interesting market villages as well as crossing the Equator. From Mbarara it is 47km to the Park Headquarters.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest is true African Jungle. It is so called because the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation make it almost ‘impenetrable’. It’s mysterious and awesome. The lowland rainforest and montane forest vegetation constantly struggles to reach heights that will allow it to receive more light. Huge trees are festooned with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and, where sunlight breaks through, the elegant heliconia, or lobster claw, spreads its colourful petals. Amongst the dense vegetation the Colobus Monkey jumps from branch to branch, chattering its warning to its fellows hidden by the foliage. Chimpanzees, in families of 20 or 30, make the rounds, searching for fruit and edible plants. Many species of birds can be seen, including various turacos and a great many birds of prey. This forest is a sanctuary for almost half the world’s population of mountain gorillas (about 330 of 600), which is the rarest race of gorilla. Established as a safe habitat for several families of mountain gorillas it is now the location of an important scientific conservation programme. Gorilla tracking visits are limited to small groups. As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has been for centuries. By Road: From Kibale passes through the eastern edge of the forest, affording some magnificent views. The park headquarters, and entrance, are at Buhoma.

Time Diff: +3 hrs GMT

Currency: Uganda Shilling

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