Uganda

Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most beautiful countries on the continent. Its tremendous diversity of wildlife is owed to its unique geographic location at the junction of the East African savannahs, the West African rainforests and the semiarid Sahelian zone of North Africa. Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are the country’s major attractions, along with the friendliness of its people. Lion, leopard and elephant inhabit the savannahs, whereas the wetlands are home to large numbers of hippo and crocodile. Moreover, over 1000 species of bird reside in the country – an incredible figure. December to February are the driest months in Uganda, along with June and July. 

Murchison Falls is named after the famous falls where the Victoria Nile rushes with tremendous force through a narrow, gorge to crash onto the rocks 150 feet below. Kibale Forest National Park, consisting of lowland tropical rain forest, tropical deciduous forest, marshes, grasslands and crater lakes, is arguably the best place in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s primary destination for viewing big game, including tree-climbing lions. Additionally, marvelous photographic opportunities present themselves while boating on the Kazinga Channel.

More than 459 mountain gorillas are known to inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Stunningly tall trees and ferns, along with creepers and vines carpet its forest floor. Even though the pace of a trek is slow, you must be in good condition to keep up; the search may take you to altitudes of 3,800 to over 6,500 feet.