Various Uganda destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – this is where you’ll trek to find the endangered mountain gorilla. A world of steep mountain rainforest, it supports over 300 gorillas, half the world’s population. The forest is fringed by the blue Virunga volcanoes bordering Rwanda and Congo. It’s a World Heritage Site and hotspot for mountain gorilla trekking. Trekking these dense forests, you may see elephants, duikers, African golden cats, and giant forest hogs. Gorillas aren’t the only primates in the park, as chimpanzees and many species of monkeys also inhabit these hills.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – the variety of wildlife here is rich and sightings are common. You’ll be watching lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The park even features unique tree-climbing lions. The birdlife is colorful and dense, with over 611 species filling the reserve. Of special note: a side trip to Kyambura Gorge is an especially rewarding paradise alive with chimps and other primates.

Kibale Forest National Park – this is a thick rainforest overflowing with primates like the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. It offers protection to a substantial population of habituated chimpanzees and other primates. Forest elephants also rumble through the woodlands and a special treat – over 250 species of butterflies and hundreds of bird species.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a world of waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers atop some of its mountain peaks. This beautiful but uncrowded park contains several rare plants and animals.

Kidepo Valley National Park – the lost valley encircling this park is a stunning canvas of perhaps the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You’ll find animals here not seen elsewhere in Uganda like cheetahs, aardwolves, bat-eared foxes, and lesser kudus.

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s largest park contains another gift from the Nile – in the narrow gorge here, the wide river is squeezed and suddenly plummets with astonishing power down into Lake Albert. The result is an unforgettable explosion of cascade and thunder you can feel in your bones. The park also includes strong populations of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – not a wild park but a controlled protected space, the sanctuary on Lake Victoria supports about 50 orphaned chimps that have been rescued throughout the country. On this richly forested island, they are rehabilitated and wander freely. Forest walks with the chimps are offered for a fascinating one-on-one experience.