Sneak Preview

The spectacular landscape of Uganda is gradually replacing the memories of an unsavoury and bloody past. Visitors are drawn to the safari parks, where families of chimps have been trained to interact with humans. Gorilla tracking is another big draw in this country blessed with diverse wildlife, throbbing forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and sparkling lakes. Relatively unknown is the treasure trove of birds in Uganda, an absolute must for bird enthusiasts!

Travel Advisory! Some countries have issued a travel warning to Uganda, especially its gorilla parks and the border areas, where there have been recent instances of insurgent attacks.

A visit to the Bwindi National Park is a must when in Uganda. The park boasts of 120 mammal species, 360 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. Mountain gorillas, 326 in number, cover almost half of the world’s population of mountain Gorillas. You will definitely have the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter here in Uganda!

Historically Speaking

Uganda was inhabited by various tribes and ruled by monarchies before the British made it a protectorate in the 19th century. In 1962, Uganda gained its independence from British rule. Since then, this country has been in the throes of politically inspired violence, beginning with the coup by the (in)famous Idi Amin in 1971. His reign of terror continued till 1979 when he was overthrown with the help of Tanzania. After years of political vacuum, Yoweri Museveni, who took over the reigns in 1986, and the new government, has embarked on an economic and social recovery programme.

Habitat

Most of Uganda is plateau with mountains in the eastern parts. The land varies from semi desert in the northeast to the lush and fertile shores of Lake Victoria, the Ruwenzori mountains in the west and the beautiful mountainous southwest. The country is 900m above sea level, sloping from South to North.

Uganda has abundant rainfall making it possible for the people to be involved in large-scale agriculture. Lake Victoria and Victoria Nile, which flow through much of the country, provide the much needed water for the plains.

The country has a rich and varied wildlife and evergreen and lush vegetation. Baboons, elephants, gorillas, leopards, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, buffaloes, hyenas and hippopotamuses dot the landscape. Uganda is famous for its Gorilla Parks – the Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.