Uganda

Uganda is a lush, landlocked nation embracing the northern shores of Lake Victoria and sharing frontiers with Tanzania and Kenya.

This East African country is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 recorded species. While it is an attraction for ornithologists, Uganda is perhaps best known as one of only three countries where you can track and observe the rare mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). This species only exists in two mountain forests, one in a corner of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda (Mgahinga National Park), and another population is a little further north in Uganda´s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Further north, Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the mighty Nile River and showcases Uganda’s biodiversity. While its elephant populations have faced historical challenges, the park remains a sanctuary for them, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. It is also a prime place to spot wildlife not commonly seen in other safari destinations. These include unique antelope species like the Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, and oribi. The park is also home to the Rothschild giraffe, a rare giraffe subspecies, and the Patas monkey, a ground-dwelling primate adapted to life in the savanna.

For bird enthusiasts, Uganda is nothing short of paradise, boasting over 1,000 recorded species. Murchison Falls offers spectacular sightings of the massive Abyssinian ground hornbill, vibrant red-throated bee-eater, and a remarkable trio of pratincoles: collared, black-winged, and rock. Perhaps most coveted is the prehistoric-looking shoebill, which can be spotted in select locations including the wetlands near Entebbe and Lake Albert’s reed beds.

The country’s primate experiences extend beyond gorillas, with opportunities to track wild chimpanzees across several locations, including Kibale Forest, the Semliki-Toro game reserve, and areas near Murchison Falls.

This combination of diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife, and remarkable birdlife makes Uganda an coveted destination for nature enthusiasts.

It is possible to combine a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda with other places in neighbouring Kenya or Tanzania.