Uganda: The Pearl of Africa and Home of the Gentle Giants

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a land of dramatic contrasts—volcanic hills, mist-shrouded forests, sparkling lakes, and meandering rivers, from the mighty Nile to a tapestry of highland lakes. Tucked into these landscapes lies a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter: trekking through dense, ancient jungle in search of mountain gorillas. It's an experience that will immerse you in the soul of Africa.

Gorilla Trekking

The crown jewel of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas—an astonishing 400 individuals across 14 habituated groups in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Trekking here is both challenging and profoundly rewarding: forest trails carved through dense montane jungle lead you to a fleeting, unforgettable encounter with these majestic apes. After a briefing, hikers - guided by park rangers and trackers - navigate up to several hours through the undergrowth before being granted a precious 60 minutes with gorillas in their natural habitat. These encounters will leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Ngamba Island

Just a 45–50-minute speedboat ride from Entebbe, Ngamba Island offers a different, yet equally stirring, primate encounter. Founded in 1998 by the CSWCT with support from the Jane Goodall Institute and others, the island protects over 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees in a 95-acre forested sanctuary.

On an elevated viewing platform, visitors witness twice-daily feedings—chimpanzees emerge from the forest, engaging in grooming, playful squabbles, and other charismatic behaviors that echo our own. It’s intimate, ethically-grounded, and utterly absorbing.

Beyond the primates, the sanctuary supports a vibrant ecosystem: birdwatchers can spot forest and water birds, monitor lizards, fruit bats, and more.