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Uganda: A pocket guide

Close-up portrait of a Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), the national bird of Uganda
Panoramic View of the Plains of Uganda near Kabale

Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa, and it is from this beguiling African nation that the first drops of the Nile begin to flow. Uganda’s varied landscape provides habitat for an extraordinary diversity of species, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Here you can track gorillas in forest jungles, trek across volcanoes, white-water raft on the Nile, or simply soak up the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches around Lake Victoria. The plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park are home to elusive leopards and tree-climbing lions, and the Kazinga Channel has one of the highest bird counts in Africa.

Phenomenal Forests & Wildlife

Uganda also boasts the continent’s tallest mountain range: the Rwenzoris, aka the Mountains of the Moon. The mountains form a formidable border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Below their snow-capped peaks, mist clings to the branches of a dense tropical forest crisscrossed by hiking paths, providing precious habitat for majestic mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are home to the highest concentration of primates in the world—including half the current population of the world’s mountain gorillas, an endangered species.

Unique Luxury Accommodation

An influx of tourists has led, in recent years, to an increase in luxury developments across Uganda. Vacation rentals nestled in the heart of the country provide sensational views, often from the opulent comfort of a private pool. Thanks to its elegant hospitality, as well as its stunning landscape and impressive conservation measures, Uganda stays in the hearts of its visitors long after they have left this enchanting land.