UGANDA

A wildlife paradise not to be missed

HIGHLIGHTS

FAMOUS FOR

Bwindi: The Impenetrable Forest is a haven for rare mountain gorillas

Kibale: Primates galore including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys

Lake Mburo: See unusual wildlife like white rhino and Rothschild’s giraffe

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry Season⊕: June to August

Green Season⊕: March to May

Shoulder Season⊕: January to February

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We’ve put together all the information you need to prepare for your trip to Uganda

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WHY VISIT UGANDA

Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffes, shoebill storks… for a small country, Uganda more than punches above its weight when it comes to phenomenal wildlife experiences. The main attraction is, of course, seeing endangered mountain gorillas families in their natural habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park and even parts of the Rwenzori Mountains, a fantastical landscape of waterfalls, lakes and glaciers. Trekking can be tough going if the gorillas are on the move as Uganda has steep trails but the long mid-year dry season makes conditions much easier. The Ugandan government’s commitment to preserving these majestic primates means that 75 percent of your permit fee goes to conservation and 10 percent to the immediate community.

But it’s not just gorilla and chimp trekking for which Uganda is famous. Safari lovers are discovering hidden gems like Lake Mburo, the only place in the country to see impala while also spotting Defassa waterbuck, topi and spotted hyena. Predators like lion and leopard prowl Queen Elizabeth National Park and birders are guaranteed to have one of the best birding holidays of their lives. Even if you’re not a birder, big hitters like African finfoot, grey crowned crane, Shelley’s crimsonwing and green-breasted pitta are among the over one thousand species that have been recorded here. Then there are the other primates like vervets, golden monkeys and pottos… Uganda is a wildlife paradise that has to be seen to be believed!

MEET JOANNE OUR UGANDA EXPERT

Central Africa is the new frontier in safaris with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking a must-do for everyone who loves wildlife. Uganda is a fascinating destination and, if you aren’t a little interested in birds when you arrive, you will be by the time you leave…

ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU

Here are our favourite Uganda Itineraries to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Luxury itineraries

Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.

Comfortable Itineraries

Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.

OUR FAVOURITE UGANDA DESTINATIONS

BLT Uganda Map

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi is known as ‘the Place of Darkness’ by the Batwa people because the thick forest canopy can make it gloomy and rather spooky. But it is this exact blanket of trees that allows mountain gorillas to survive here in small family groups, each headed by a dominant silverback. Different trekking routes (Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga) take you to different troops, where you can spend an hour marvelling at how their gestures and expressions mirror our own. En route, keep an eye out for the 90 other mammal species and myriad birds that also call Bwindi home.

KIBALE

If you’re mad about monkeys and crazy about chimps, put Kibale on your itinerary. This national park is a wonderful sanctuary for chimpanzees (faster moving than gorillas so you have to be fit to keep up with them), black-and-white colobus monkeys with their trademark fluffy tails, grey-cheeked mangabeys and even, if you’re lucky, nocturnal galagos. In addition to primates, Kibale neighbours the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you can search for the aquatic sitatunga antelope and nearly 200 unusual birds like the great blue turaco and rare papyrus gonolek. The greatest number of chimpanzees in Uganda live in Kibale.

MURCHISON FALLS

The Murchison (or Kalabega) Falls are where the Nile River courses through a narrow opening down a deep precipice, causing an impressive display that nourishes the surrounding emerald-green rainforest. Chimps live in the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest while white rhinos are protected in the Ziwa Sanctuary. Along the river, massive crocodiles and insectivorous rock pratincoles sun themselves while in the savannah, kob antelope, shy forest elephant and Rothschild’s giraffe go about their days as they always have. If you are a keen birder (or even enjoy seeing rare wildlife), Murchison Falls National Park is a wonderful place to look out for shoebill storks.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Boating down the Kazinga Channel, which forms a silvery ribbon between Lakes Edward and George, you’ll be able to take in the antics of swooping African fish eagles, their iconic call one of the most indelible memories you’ll take home from any safari. Below them, hippos and herons live on the riverbank while, further afield, kob antelope dodge the lions and leopards that lie in wait for them. At night, listen out for the soft hooting of African wood owls. If you can, head to the Kyambura Gorge to see chimpanzees in this national park that is packed with wildlife.

EXPLORE UGANDA

OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR UGANDA ITINERARY

Here are a few of our favourite options to add to your Uganda itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. We know that time is a precious commodity and we can tailor them to meet your requirements.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • We have consultants who are fluent in English, Portuguese, German and Swiss German
  • Our consultants specialise in different safari experiences
  • Founded in 2014 with years of experience in the travel industry

  • Our quick response and turnaround times

  • We are the trusted travel agent for clients of some of Africa’s sought-after photographic guides

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EXPERIENCE UGANDA

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