Uganda is another of Africa’s most friendly and welcoming countries with women in the fields stopping their harvesting of tea leaves to give you a wave as you wind your way through the hills to your next stop. Whilst there are now options to fly between some of the country’s highlights some visitors like to explore t­he popular western parks and forests by road with a private guide to ease the way.

The mountain gorillas that shelter in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have long been the main attraction in Uganda and the forest is home to nearly 400 of them, nearly half of the world’s population of this endangered species. There are also some 350 bird species and 220 species of butterflies and it is among the most diverse forests in East Africa with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.  So be prepared for sensory overload as you trek through the forest to find the gorillas and you may well come across other primate species as well.

Combine this with some chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kibale Forest as well as a more traditional East African wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls and you will have a very rounded wildlife safari. There is some fantastic bird watching to be had all over the country and if the prehistoric looking Shoebill Stork is still on your wish list then a boat trip on Lake Albert in the wild and beautiful Semliki Wildlife Reserve should be included in your itinerary; here there are 34 endemic bird species, as well as a chimpanzee research project and wild chimpanzees. If you head to the far north east of Uganda you feel like you could be on the open plains of the Serengeti at Kidepo National Park but you have the whole place to yourself for some wonderfully wild game viewing.

Uganda can still feel a bit rawer than some other safari destinations and the focus is really on the primates and wildlife as opposed to those destinations that offer endless luxury lodges and plunge pools!  Prepare for adventure. The advantage over Rwanda for gorilla trekking is the cheaper cost of the permit and accommodation.