Uganda

The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is a landscape of deep lakes, towering mountains and thick rainforests. Boasting wildlife not found anywhere else. Uganda has 54% of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Considering that there are only 880 or so mountain gorillas, this is a significant contribution to world heritage. The mountain gorillas are found in the world heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (50% of world mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National Park.

In addition, about 11% of the world’s bird species are found in Uganda—a country about the size of Oregon in North America; or UK in Europe. There are over 1060 bird species in Uganda and one can literally begin birding right after departure from the airport or a step through the border. Africa’s largest and highest mountain range, the Mt. Rwenzoris are found on the western rim of the Great Rift Valley that goes through Uganda.

Uganda is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river that flows from the Lake Victoria, the largest tropical fresh water lake, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. Renowned for its mountain gorillas – as well as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and leopards – there are plenty of ways to see the wildlife: whether you’re mountain trekking or on a safari, you’ll be astonished by the natural beauty of this underrated area.