Bwindi Photo: Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge
Bandas on the edge of the forest, close to the gorilla trekking start point.
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uganda
Uganda has some of the richest primate viewing in Africa. Around half of the world’s mountain gorillas live here, most in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees anywhere.
Add Queen Elizabeth National Park, with tree-climbing lions and boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, and Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge.
It’s greener and wilder than many safari countries, with fewer visitors and friendly guides. It suits active travellers who want to see primates at their best.
where to go
Steep, dense forest home to around half of the world's mountain gorillas.
The best place in East Africa to track chimpanzees.
Savannah, crater lakes and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
A sunken forest with a small community of chimpanzees.
The Nile bursting through a narrow gorge, with game on the riverbanks.
A quiet lake of terraced islands, lovely for a rest after trekking.
when to go
Trekking runs all year, but the drier months make it easier.
June to September
Drier forest trails and good game viewing. The most popular time.
December to February
Another good window, with green landscapes.
March to May, and October to November
Heavier rain and muddier trails, but fewer visitors and lush forest.
where to stay
Bwindi Photo: Volcanoes Safaris Bandas on the edge of the forest, close to the gorilla trekking start point.
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Bwindi Photo: Sanctuary Retreats Tents inside the national park, surrounded by rainforest.
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Bwindi Photo: Wild Places High on a ridge with views to the Virunga volcanoes.
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Queen Elizabeth Photo: Volcanoes Safaris A converted coffee store above the gorge, with a community project.
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Queen Elizabeth Photo: Uganda Safari Company Looking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Uganda, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
An hour with a gorilla family deep in the forest.
Spend up to four hours with a family being introduced to people.
Track chimpanzees through the forest with expert guides.
A boat trip past hippos, elephants and buffalo.
Take a boat up the Nile and walk to the top of the falls.
Meet the forest people who once lived in Bwindi.
Bwindi is steep and the trek can take several hours. Porters are available and we’ll help you choose the right sector for your fitness.
Yes, you need to be 15 or over to trek to the gorillas.
Both are excellent. Uganda offers good value and pairs well with chimpanzees, while Rwanda is quicker to reach from Kigali. We’ll help you decide.
Uganda is a malaria area and yellow fever vaccination is required. Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic, and check the TravelHealthPro website.
By road with a private driver-guide, or by light aircraft to save time on the longer journeys.
pair it with
The Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. Small, exclusive camps and some of the best guiding in Africa.
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The Maasai Mara, Laikipia's private conservancies and the Indian Ocean coast. Classic safari country.
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Lake Malawi's clear water and islands, easily paired with a safari in neighbouring Zambia.
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Tell us which primates you'd love to see and we'll plan the permits, lodges and route.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
