Trek Uganda

Highlights of Uganda

Primates: Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking

Providing a less expensive (though equally exceptional) mountain gorilla tracking experience than neighboring Rwanda, Uganda is an absolute requirement for Africa travel enthusiasts seeking adventure and authenticity. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the crown jewel of gorilla treks with a thriving gorilla population and a variety of upscale yet understated lodges overlooking the lush backdrop of the region. Equally compelling is a visit to Kibale National Forest, home to the chimpanzees. Permits for chimp treks are a fraction of the cost of those for gorillas and the experience is no less thrilling; in many ways the highly active chimpanzees keep you on your toes even more than their larger, more famous relatives at Bwindi.

Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Beyond primates, Uganda offers a wonderful Big Five safari experience, most notably at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you’ll track lions and leopards in the morning, cruise the Kazinga Channel alongside hippos, elephants and crocodiles in the afternoon and end the day sipping on G&Ts watching the sunset from Ishasha, the park’s southern sector. Also worth visiting is nearby Kyambura Gorge, an unmissable location not only for hiking but also more challenging and adventurous chimpanzee trekking.

Adventure Experiences

Adventure is abound in Uganda, from climbs up the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to rafting down the white rapids of Jinja. Murchison Falls, the country’s largest wildlife park, offers not only access to the impressive waterfalls with which it shares a name but also classic safari, rhino tracking and more chimpanzee treks.

Travel Guide

The proximity of Rwanda makes it a natural pairing with Uganda, particularly for those looking for multiple yet varied primate tracking experiences. Uganda can also be easily combined with nearby Kenya or Tanzania for more traditional Big Five safari. Many European and Middle Eastern carriers operate direct flights to Entebbe. Kenya Airways’ nonstop flight from New York is also an easy way to the region with a quick layover in Nairobi.