Uganda

Uganda: The pearl of Africa packs savanna, rainforest, lakes and volcanic mountains into a compact stretch of East Africa straddling the equator. It's one of only three places left on earth where mountain gorillas survive in the wild, and tracking them through Bwindi's dense forest remains the country's signature draw. The Nile begins its run north from Lake Victoria here, and the Rwenzori mountains, snow-capped despite sitting almost on the equator, mark the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beyond the gorillas, Kibale Forest holds the highest density of primates anywhere in Africa, and Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to lions that climb trees, a habit found in only a handful of populations worldwide.

Highlights

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Track mountain gorillas through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the last strongholds for the species in the wild
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Raft or kayak the source of the Nile near Jinja, where the river leaves Lake Victoria
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Spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a rare behaviour found in only a few populations worldwide
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Trek the Rwenzori Mountains, glaciated peaks rising above equatorial rainforest on the Congo border

Hidden gems

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Visit Kibale Forest, home to the highest density of primates in Africa, including large chimpanzee communities
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Explore Kidepo Valley, a remote park in Uganda's northeast with semi-arid plains and few other visitors
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Track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes
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Spend time on the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, a low-key escape of fishing villages and forest trails