Uganda is a landlocked country in East/Central Africa. It is right next door to Kenya and can easily be combined with an African safari taking in both countries. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region and in the south lies a substantial chunk of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.
Rainforest meets savannah in the west of Uganda and the effect is spectacular. Troops of chimpanzees roam through the forests of Kibale and mountain gorillas live in the protected sanctuaries within Bwindi’s lush forests.
Although renowned for its gorillas, Uganda possesses remarkable diversity. Lions can be found climbing and living in trees near Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park and shoebills are sometimes seen near the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park in the north. A worthwhile addition to any Uganda safari.
A significant feature of Uganda is its 60 protected areas (and 10 national parks). Of these, both Bwindi and Rwenzori Mountains National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Conservation has been a key feature of the development of Uganda as one of the leading African safari destinations. Wildlife highlights include not just mountain gorillas and chimpanzees but also colobus, golden cat, jackal, lion, giraffe and elephant. Uganda is also a bird-watcher’s dream with over 350 species such as crested crane, Uganda’s national bird and the rare shoebill.