10 reasons to visit Uganda

You'll never forget the moment you first lay eyes on a gorilla in the wild in Uganda. Bwindi National Park (or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) is the best place to see endangered mountain gorillas - this protected site is home to around 460 mountain gorillas. Unlike lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered species in the world. You'll need a gorilla permit to visit the national park, but the cost of this permit is included in our Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Discovery tour cost.

Anticipation builds as you scale steep paths and trudge through muddy ravines in search of these majestic creatures. Then, as if out of nowhere, the ranger reveals a family of gorilla chewing bamboo shoots, scratching their heads and climbing trees. Time seems to stand still as you observe these gentle giants relaxing in their natural habitat - a mystical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

In addition to gorilla and chimp, other wildlife you can see in Uganda include leopards, hyena and buffalo. Lake Mburo National Park is home to 68 species of mammals and is one of the only places in Uganda where you can find zebra. Explore this African wilderness and be rewarded with potential sightings of giraffe, zebra and even an elusive leopard! This expansive national park also has a large wetland area - keep your eyes peeled for hippo and crocodile, and join a boat tour for birdlife sightings of kingfisher, fishing eagle and white-warbled warbler.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that a country in Sub-Saharan Africa would be arid, dry and golden. But this couldn't be further from the truth in Uganda. The landscape is dominated by emerald green plantations growing bananas, tea and coffee. Bwindi National Park is home to more than 1,000 flowering plant species and 200 different trees, many of which are endemic. Keep a lookout for African green broadbill, colourful butterflies and countless rare mammals on your travels.

You'll be wowed by the endless scenes of rolling hills, waterfalls and cloud-studded blue skies. Appreciate the nature that surrounds you at Lake Mburo National Park, with flora including acacia and papyrus. In the surroundings of Bwindi National Park you can join a guided nature village walk to take in more rich flora and fauna of Uganda.

By visiting Uganda, you are helping to protect one of the most endangered creatures in the world - the gorilla. Did you know that 80% of the money raised from your gorilla permit (which is included in the tour cost) is used to fund conservation projects, supporting the survival of one of our closest primates? Furthermore, the local economy benefits from the economic and employment opportunities that travellers bring to the area.