One of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to Uganda’s largest population of mountain gorilla and is understandably a highlight of any trip to the country. Dense rainforest mixed with bamboo and nettles covers the steep ridges of the hills and valleys in this national park which forms the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The trek to reach the gorillas is challenging and can take as long as five hours. However, your first glimpse of a gorilla is unforgettable and easily ranks as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Whilst here, keep your eyes peeled for black and white colobus monkeys whose fluffy tails stand out against the dark green canopy.

One of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to Uganda’s largest population of mountain gorilla and is understandably a highlight of any trip to the country. Dense rainforest mixed with bamboo and nettles covers the steep ridges of the hills and valleys in this national park which forms the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The trek to reach the gorillas is challenging and can take as long as five hours. However, your first glimpse of a gorilla is unforgettable and easily ranks as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Whilst here, keep your eyes peeled for black and white colobus monkeys whose fluffy tails stand out against the dark green canopyPart of Uganda’s charm is that it still less developed than many mainstream tourist destinations. This means things may not always run smoothly, but if you are happy to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery, you are sure to have an amazing adventure.One of the few places in the world to see wild chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park has dense and diverse vegetation which provides food and sanctuary for 13 species of primate. It is an excellent park for exploration on foot as paths lead deep into the forest. It is one of the best places in Africa to search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as well as blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey. Nearby, the Bigodi wetlands are a birder’s paradise, boasting a colourful array of marsh-dwelling birds and clouds of butterflies. Kibale is also surrounded by dozens of pretty crater lakes, which offer superb walking opportunities for the more active traveller, as well as tea plantations which blanket the countryside in verdant greens.

Beautiful game reserve with lions, elephant, buffalo and more. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the west of Uganda and has savannah plains interspersed with euphorbia candelabra. Hippos line the Ishasha River and lions can be found lounging in the low boughs of the fig trees in the southern plains.Further north, the Kasenyi Track is home to a wide variety of antelope including Uganda kob, bushbuck, reedbuck and topi. Elephant and buffalo are prevalent throughout, and the shores of the Kazinga Channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George are lined with fish eagles, pied kingfishers and African skimmers. More than 600 species of bird can be found here, and for those keen to explore on foot, the Maramagambo Forest is a real highlight.

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Africa, where the Nile flows dramatically through a narrow gap into the Great Rift Valley

A bird-watcher’s paradise, and a chance to see the incredible shoebill stork

Home to the source of the River Nile, making it one of the best places in the world for exhilarating white water rafting and bangee jumping.