Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and home to more national parks and reserves than any other African nation.
Explore the treasures of one of Africa’s most iconic destinations
Bwindi is one of the best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring encounter with mountain gorillas. With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas residing here, guided treks through the dense jungle provide a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close. Trekking through the misty, verdant forest, you’ll follow your guide as they track the gorillas through their natural habitat. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking. Watching the gorillas interact, play, and go about their daily lives is a profound and moving experience that will stay with you forever.
In addition to its famous gorillas, Bwindi is home to over 120 species of mammals, including forest elephants, duikers, and several species of monkeys. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species recorded, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems create ideal conditions for a wide range of flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the colorful African green broadbill, the elusive Shelley’s crimsonwing, and the striking Rwenzori turaco. Whether you’re trekking through the forest or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Bwindi’s rich biodiversity ensures an unforgettable nature experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient, mist-covered forests and its most famous residents, the endangered mountain gorillas. Covering 331 square kilometers, this park is a sanctuary for a rich variety of wildlife and plant species, offering a truly magical and immersive nature experience.
The communities surrounding Bwindi have a deep connection to the forest and its wildlife. Visiting the local Batwa communities, often referred to as the “Keepers of the Forest,” offers a unique cultural experience. You’ll learn about their traditional way of life, their intimate knowledge of the forest, and their efforts to conserve their cultural heritage. Participating in a cultural tour, watching traditional dances, and listening to ancient tales from the Batwa elders adds a meaningful and enriching dimension to your visit to Bwindi.
Rare wildlife and a rich cultural experience make Kibale National Park a unique, must-see.
Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda, is celebrated as the Primate Capital of the World. Spanning 795 square kilometers, Kibale’s tropical rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. The park’s rich biodiversity and lush landscapes make it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Kibale offers one of the best chimpanzee tracking experiences in Africa. Guided treks through the forest provide the opportunity to observe these intelligent and social primates in their natural habitat. As you trek through the dense forest, your guide will share insights about the chimpanzees’ behaviors, social structures, and conservation efforts. The moment you encounter a troop of chimpanzees is exhilarating, as you watch them swing through the trees, groom each other, and communicate with their distinctive calls. The experience of spending time with our closest living relatives in the wild is both fascinating and humbling.
In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale is home to a variety of other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the rare and elusive Uganda mangabey. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from tropical rainforest to woodland and savannah, support a wide range of wildlife. The rich biodiversity of Kibale extends beyond primates, with over 375 bird species, 250 butterfly species, and numerous mammals. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by sightings of the African pitta, the green-breasted pitta, and the black bee-eater, among many others. Exploring Kibale’s lush forest trails offers endless opportunities for wildlife sightings and nature photography
Adjacent to Kibale National Park is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area that offers excellent birdwatching and cultural experiences. A guided walk through the wetland sanctuary provides a chance to see a variety of bird species, primates, and other wildlife. The sanctuary is also home to several community projects aimed at supporting local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism. Visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary enhances your Kibale experience, providing insights into the local ecosystem and the importance of community-led conservation initiatives.
From diverse wildlife to stunning landscapes and rich culture, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an unforgettable experience for any traveler
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the country’s most popular and diverse safari destinations. Covering 1,978 square kilometers, the park’s varied ecosystems, from savannah and wetlands to forests and lakes, support a rich array of wildlife and offer a wide range of safari activities. Named after Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the park in 1954, this national park is a jewel in Uganda’s crown.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and hippos. Game drives through the park’s varied landscapes offer excellent opportunities to see these animals up close. The open savannahs of the Kasenyi Plains are ideal for spotting lions and large herds of Uganda kobs, while the dense forests of the Kyambura Gorge are home to chimpanzees and other primates. The Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, offers a unique and thrilling wildlife experience. Watching a lioness perched high in a fig tree, scanning the savannah below, is a sight you’ll never forget.
One of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel provides an unparalleled opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The channel’s banks are a magnet for animals, and you’ll often see elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes coming to drink and cool off. The abundance of birdlife along the channel, with over 600 species recorded, makes it a birdwatcher’s paradise. From majestic fish eagles and kingfishers to colorful bee-eaters and pelicans, the Kazinga Channel offers a rich and immersive wildlife experience.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to the Maramagambo Forest, a dense and biodiverse tropical forest that offers excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Guided walks through the forest provide the chance to see primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as a variety of bird species. The forest is also known for its bat cave, which houses thousands of bats and is a fascinating sight to behold. Exploring the Maramagambo Forest adds an adventurous and educational dimension to your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, Lake Mburo offers a peaceful escape…
Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is a small but stunning park known for its picturesque landscapes and rich wildlife. Covering 370 square kilometers, the park’s rolling hills, open savannahs, and acacia woodlands create a serene and beautiful environment. Lake Mburo, the park’s centerpiece, adds to its charm and provides a haven for a variety of wildlife.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and leopards. The park is one of the best places in Uganda to see zebras, often found grazing in the open savannahs. Game drives through the park’s varied landscapes offer excellent opportunities to see these and other animals up close. The park’s five lakes, including Lake Mburo, attract hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Whether you’re exploring the park by vehicle, on foot, or by boat, the abundance of wildlife and the stunning scenery make every moment special.
A boat safari on Lake Mburo offers a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife and landscapes. As you glide across the tranquil waters, you’ll have the chance to see hippos and crocodiles up close, as well as a variety of bird species. The lakeshores are fringed with lush vegetation, providing a haven for waterbirds such as fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. The boat safari is a relaxing and scenic way to experience the beauty of Lake Mburo and its surrounding wildlife.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few parks in Uganda where walking safaris are permitted. Guided walks through the park offer a unique and intimate way to experience the wildlife and landscapes. Walking through the savannah, accompanied by an experienced guide, allows you to see animals and birds up close and learn about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. For an even more unique experience, consider a horseback safari, which offers a thrilling and eco-friendly way to explore the park. Riding through the open plains and woodlands, you’ll have the chance to see zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife from a different perspective.
As one of Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation areas, you’ll experience stunning scenery, rare wildlife and unlimited adventure.
The highlight of any visit to Murchison Falls National Park is the chance to see the magnificent Murchison Falls up close. Boat safaris on the Nile River take you to the base of the falls, providing a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The boat trip also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species commonly seen along the riverbanks. The Nile’s waters attract elephants, buffaloes, and other animals, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. For an even more dramatic view, hike to the top of the falls and feel the sheer force of the water as it cascades down the gorge.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes. Game drives through the park’s varied landscapes offer excellent opportunities to see these animals up close. The open savannahs of the northern sector are ideal for spotting large mammals, while the dense woodlands and riverine forests provide habitat for primates and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to the rare and endangered Rothschild giraffe, which can often be seen browsing on acacia trees. Whether you’re exploring the park by vehicle, on foot, or by boat, the abundance of wildlife and the stunning scenery make every moment special.
The Nile Delta, where the river flows into Lake Albert, is a rich and biodiverse area that attracts a variety of bird species. The delta’s wetlands provide habitat for numerous waterbirds, including the rare shoebill stork, as well as a variety of fish and other aquatic life. Boat safaris in the delta offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, as well as the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The tranquil and scenic environment of the Nile Delta makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. Visiting a local village offers the chance to learn about the traditional way of life, customs, and crafts of the local people. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, such as traditional dances and storytelling, and to purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. These cultural encounters add a meaningful and enriching dimension to your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, providing insights into the lives and traditions of the local communities.
Budongo National Forest is a premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, offering an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced trackers, you’ll venture into the dense mahogany forest, following the calls and rustles that signal the presence of a chimpanzee troop. Observing their dynamic behavior—swinging through trees, playing, grooming, or foraging—provides a rare and intimate glimpse into their world. The thrill of standing just a few meters away from these highly intelligent creatures makes chimp trekking in Budongo an unforgettable highlight of any Ugandan safari.
After a long day of exhilarating adventure, bask in the comfort of Uganda’s unique lodging experiences.
Bakiga Lodge
Chimpundu Lodge
Gorilla Mist Lodge
There’s no one-size-fits-all when you’re planning a trip this big. That’s why we tailor your experience to align with your exact preferences and budget.
At Tapestry of Africa, we make it easy by offering expert guidance and detailed planning from start to finish so you can effortlessly enjoy the journey of a lifetime.
