For travelers there is Murchison Falls, known for the world’s most thrilling commercial white-water rafting. There are the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori, the Virunga Volcanoes, and Mount Elgon.
This country is also home to Lake Victoria and the forest lined crater lakes that dot the rift valley floor and Fort Portal.
It is home to the Bwindi National Park, famous for its population of Mountain Gorillas. It is located in the Rukiga Highlands, near the Western Rift Valley and is a very popular destination for gorilla trekking.
Created in 1991 Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest is the home to half of the world’s remaining 600 Mountain Gorillas. The name "Impenetrable" definitely applies here, with dense vegetation and vines in a lush rain forest.
Chimpanzees can also be seen in Kibale Forest and Chambura Gorge. There are excellent opportunities for seeing game, as well as boat trips on the Kazinga Channel in The Queen Elizabeth II National Park. Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains provide opportunities for trekking, and there are fresh water fishing opportunities on Lake Victoria.
Travel Warnings
Kampala is a relatively safe city. By day you can walk the streets and visit local markets. Common sense prevails, do not walk the streets at night and not wear jewelry or carry a lot of money.
The region of the The Congo (DRC) immediately across the border from southwest Uganda has a history of instability and violence. Some gorilla trekking operators cross over into eastern DRC. It is not recommended that avoid these tours. It is also recommended that treks be booked with a reliable tour operator with security guards accompanying the tour.
Visa Requirements
A visa that can easily be obtained at all entry points.
Immunization
Yellow fever vaccinations are required and anti-malaria drugs are recommended as malaria is common.
An example of a 3 Day Gorilla Safari
Note: Security personnel accompany tourists on gorilla-tracking visits in south western Uganda.
Day 1:
Depart from Kampala and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a stop at the Equator for a lecture and photo op. Continue on to Mbarara with a stop for lunch. The drive passes banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns. Continue on to the kigezi highlands, and further on where the triangular peaks of the Virunga volcanoes can be viewed before descending into the valley to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park. Dinner and overnight stay at the Gorilla Resort.
Day 2:
Depart after breakfast for gorilla trekking, hiking through the undergrowth and thick creepers. The trek can vary from 2 to 9 hours depending on the group, the terrain vary with the movement of the gorillas. If the afternoon is available, their are optional guided tours on the Munyanga River trail, or a village to see experience how Ugandan's live. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3;
After, return to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for lunch, with a drop-off to your hotel or directly to the airport Kampala.
Costs for the land package ranges from US $1,800 to US $2,100/person and excludes airfare and personal expenses.
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