Uganda is one of Africa’s underrated gems. Known for gorilla trekking, visitors often miss out on other areas of this friendly and welcoming country. Easily accessible and combinable with the rest of East Africa, we recommend repeat visitors to Africa spend more than just two or three nights gorilla trekking and add on time for more exploration.

Kampala and Entebbe lie in the south of the country on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is where your safari starts. Head west towards to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its famous prides of tree-climbing lions. This is an extraordinarily biodiverse area and can be explored by vehicle, on foot and by boat.

From here, head south to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Time with the great apes will change your life forever. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to almost half the gorilla population in the world, with a 90% success rate of finding them and a strictly monitored one-hour visit with them. Not only are there gorillas but a large population of other primate species. We recommend spending one day gorilla trekking and another day doing a general trek in the forest with the Batwa tribe, getting a true insight into life in the tangled forest. A gorilla permit is required and limited spaces may affect your travel dates.  

Head west towards Queen Elizabeth National Park en route to Kibale National Park, home to a large chimp population. Spend time with these primates during walks into the forest. To the west, the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain range stands sentry over this beautiful area of rolling hills and forests.

Continue north to the shores of Lake Albert, skirting the eastern edge to where a tributary of the Nile River — known as the Victoria Nile — flows into the lake. You are now in the northwest of the country where the Murchison Falls National Park is located. This is one of Africa’s oldest and largest parks and is home to the impressive Murchison Falls as well as a range of wildlife including the Rothchilds giraffe, a co-species of the Nubian giraffe. Chimp trekking is another major attraction in the neighbouring Budongo Forest, which has a strong resident population.

Head back south to Kampala — and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, take a detour east to the charming town of Jinja, a hub for all things adventure: white-water rafting on the Nile; mountain biking; bungee jumping; trekking and much more. This is a popular town small enough for a relaxed wander and gift shopping. Admire the eclectic architecture and enjoy an iced coffee in one of the local cafes or restaurants.