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10 reasons to visit Uganda

Uganda boasts a varied and thriving landscape that is home to an abundance of rare and exotic wildlife. Go in search of elusive chimp in tropical rainforest and observe giant gorilla in its natural habitat. Here are ten reasons to visit Uganda.
Author: Helen Pettitt - Digital Content Manager at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: 25 October 2024
 

An abundance of rare wildlife, rich nature and unforgettable moments await you in Uganda. This East African country is one of the best places in the world to go on a gorilla trekking holiday - and our Uganda small group tour offers the chance to get up close with endangered mountain gorillas, with the cost of your gorilla permit included in the tour cost.

From elusive leopard sightings to supporting conservation projects, discover 10 reasons to visit Uganda:

1. Gorillas

You'll never forget the moment you first lay eyes on a gorilla in the wild in Uganda. Bwindi National Park (or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) is the best place to see endangered mountain gorillas - this protected site is home to around 460 mountain gorillas. Unlike lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered species in the world. You'll need a gorilla permit to visit the national park, but the cost of this permit is included in our Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Discovery tour cost.

Anticipation builds as you scale steep paths and trudge through muddy ravines in search of these majestic creatures. Then, as if out of nowhere, the ranger reveals a family of gorilla chewing bamboo shoots, scratching their heads and climbing trees. Time seems to stand still as you observe these gentle giants relaxing in their natural habitat - a mystical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Gorillas resting and interacting on the ground, surrounded by lush green foliage in a dense forest environment.

2. Chimpanzees

Wander through the tropical rainforest of Kibale in search of wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Hidden amongst the lush vegetation, these elusive primates can be hard to find. But, just when you're ready to give up, you hear high pitched screeching echoing through the forest, and a troop of chimps comes hurtling towards you in a frenzied procession. Unfazed by your presence, these wide-eyed creatures play behind a curtain of emerald green leaves before gradually retreating back into the jungle.
A chimpanzee sits among lush green leaves, partially hidden, with mouth open as if vocalizing in a dense forest.

3. Variety of wildlife

In addition to gorilla and chimp, other wildlife you can see in Uganda include leopards, hyena and buffalo. Lake Mburo National Park is home to 68 species of mammals and is one of the only places in Uganda where you can find zebra. Explore this African wilderness and be rewarded with potential sightings of giraffe, zebra and even an elusive leopard! This expansive national park also has a large wetland area - keep your eyes peeled for hippo and crocodile, and join a boat tour for birdlife sightings of kingfisher, fishing eagle and white-warbled warbler.
View all African wildlife tours
Two people stand in tall grass observing a group of giraffes grazing in a savanna landscape, under a vast sky with scattered clouds, and distant hills in the background.

4. Friendly locals

The people in Uganda are incredibly hospitable, and welcome visitors with a wave, big smiles a great sense of fun. Local children look impeccable in their school uniforms as they walk along the dusty roads towards Bwindi, and they feel a sense of pride sharing their home with gorillas who occasionally stroll into the small village. The younger generations are taught about conservation and understand the importance of protecting these incredible creatures for many years to come. 
A group of fifteen people, wearing casual uniforms, pose together in front of a patio with wooden posts. They stand on a stone-paved area under a roof, surrounded by a natural outdoor setting.

5. Verdant landscapes

You'd be forgiven for thinking that a country in Sub-Saharan Africa would be arid, dry and golden. But this couldn't be further from the truth in Uganda. The landscape is dominated by emerald green plantations growing bananas, tea and coffee. Bwindi National Park is home to more than 1,000 flowering plant species and 200 different trees, many of which are endemic. Keep a lookout for African green broadbill, colourful butterflies and countless rare mammals on your travels.
Lush green hills stretch across the landscape, with a lone tree in the foreground. Mist swirls around the slopes, under a sky filled with clouds, creating a serene atmosphere.

6. Adventure

Unspoiled and raw, Uganda presents a real sense of off-the-beaten-track adventure. Feel like an intrepid explorer as you travel through the remote and desolate regions of Uganda and enjoy the undulating ride as you bounce over undeveloped roads and across grassy plains. Basic market stalls erected from knotted tree branches offer a variety of locally-farmed produce, and families go about their errands in mud-hut villages. 
Zebras stand grazing in a vast, grassy savanna with scattered shrubs. Mountains form a distant horizon, under a clear sky.

7. Nature

You'll be wowed by the endless scenes of rolling hills, waterfalls and cloud-studded blue skies. Appreciate the nature that surrounds you at Lake Mburo National Park, with flora including acacia and papyrus. In the surroundings of Bwindi National Park you can join a guided nature village walk to take in more rich flora and fauna of Uganda.
Striking mountain peaks rise in the background, partially covered with snow. Unique tall plants with broad leaves stand scattered across a rocky, grassy terrain under a bright, cloudy sky.

8. Picturesque waterways

Water is prevalent throughout the Ugandan landscape; the source of the mighty River Nile is even found here. Lush vegetation thrives in this water-laden environment, with lakes, waterfalls and picturesque waterways commonplace. This makes for a rich and beautiful scenery that supports the survival of the country's incredibly diverse range of wildlife. 
A group of hippos rests partially submerged in water, while small birds perch on them. The setting is a lush, green watery landscape, suggesting a natural habitat.

9. Conservation

By visiting Uganda, you are helping to protect one of the most endangered creatures in the world - the gorilla. Did you know that 80% of the money raised from your gorilla permit (which is included in the tour cost) is used to fund conservation projects, supporting the survival of one of our closest primates? Furthermore, the local economy benefits from the economic and employment opportunities that travellers bring to the area.
Read our animal protection policy
A gorilla sits among green foliage, holding and nibbling on leaves, surrounded by dense greenery.

10. Responsible tourism

Not only will your Explore trip to Uganda help the endemic wildlife, it will also help to improve the standard of living for local people. Responsible tourism is a key part of our core values, and we provide support to the local people through the employment of local group leaders, guides and drivers for our Uganda trips. We also sponsor the Bwindi Hospital, which specialises in HIV treatments.
Read about Sustainability at Explore
A calm lake reflects trees and a colorful sky, surrounded by lush greenery and distant hills at dusk, creating a tranquil natural scene.

Don't just travel, Explore!

See all the highlights of Uganda and more on our Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Discovery tour.

Experience a safari on foot and get up close with endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat of Bwindi National Park, go on an evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park in search of rare leopards, and join a boat tour on Lake Mburo for brilliant birdlife sightings - and more.
View our Uganda trip
A hornbill perches on a leafy branch with small green fruits, set against a blurred, green background.

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