Major Atttractions
antelopes, bats, bush babies, butterflies, chimps, climbing lions, crocodiles, eagles, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, hippos, monkeys, pythons, rhinos, shoebill, tortoises, zebras

Mountain Gorillas and other Primates
Uganda is proud to share part of its land with the world's largest range of primates, from the tiny galagos or bushbabies to the rare, and endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei). In many parts of the country, and on any day, visitors can enjoy a forest trek to view families of primates. Something rarely available elsewhere in Africa, it is one of Uganda's greatest attractions.
Chimpanzees abound in many regions and several national parks have facilities for guided walks to meet them in their natural habitat. In Murchison Falls National Park, Semliki, Kibale and Bwindi, families of chimpanzees (as well many colobus and other monkeys) can be encountered. Many conservation programmes ensure their protection, and all local tour operators can include primate trekking in their itineraries. The Isinga Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Isinga Island in Lake Edward is particularly exciting.

Only around 600 of the magnificent mountain gorillas are said to exist in the wild, although intense conservation programmes have succeeded in arresting their decline. About 300 are said to live in the Virunga Conservation Area which is made up of linked national parks, including Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda's Park National des Volcans, and the Parc National des Virunga in Zaire. Here, in the Virunga Mountains, in the southwestern corner of Uganda, there are integrated conservation programmes.

Some 45 of these gorillas live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, although all of the groups have home ranges that extend into all the three countries.

The rest of the mountain gorilla population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, about 25 km north of Mgahinga, where further international conservation programmes have been instituted.

Deep in the forests, the primates live in family groups that are very protective of their home ranges. Each group usually consists of a dominant male, with several females and their young, and some non-adult males. To watch them in their natural habitat is certainly one of the most inspiring experiences available to the serious safari-goer.

Limited gorilla trekking is available daily (in Mgahinga only when the gorillas are in the park), but no guarantee of gorilla sightings is given. Numbers of visitors are restricted to six, with only one group in each park a day. Advance booking is, therefore, essential. In Bwindi there are two groups of habituated gorillas: Mubare (14 animals)., and Katengegyere (six animals). To protect the gorillas from human diseases no children under 15 or sick people (even with just a cold), may go trekking.

In Mgahinga National Park, be prepared for a 13-km walk or by 4WD vehicle from Kisoro and then strenuous walking and scrambling through thick undergrowth. A good physical condition is vital . In Bwindi conditions are slightly easier, but it is still a strenuous experience. To prevent behavioural disturbances, strict rules are explained to the group by the ranger in charge of the expedition.

Strong walking shoes are essential, together with light waterproof long trousers to protect the legs.

Birds, Butterflies and Reptiles
".... a profusion of brilliant life" ... birds, butterflies and wildlife, Uganda has it all.
For ornithologists, botanists, lepidopterists, or just simple lovers of nature, Uganda has such a wealth of attractions that each visit will yield new discoveries.

Because of the wide range of habitats, from alphine crags to wetlands that attract migratory and well as indigenous birds, Uganda is blessed with a profusion of birdlife. Some 463 species have been recorded, and more are being identified each year. The Great Rift Valley is one of the world's most important migratory routes, the majority of seasonal visitors having joined the valley from Europe, attracted by the warmer climates and plentiful food supplies. The wetlands around Uganda's lakes, including Lake George wetlands (protected under the Ramsar Convention) and the Rift Valley swamps, are the place to watch shore and waterbirds. The highlands and alpine regions provide opportunities to observe magnificent eagles and other raptors in their natural surrounding. The forests are home to a profusion of woodland birds and clouds of colourful butterflies, while on the broad grasslands vultures compete with tiny sunbirds for the birdwatcher's attention. Remember to bring a good book on birds.

Birds to look out for
Crested Francolin Mgahinga/Rwenzoris
Rwenzori Turaco Mgahinga/Rwenzoris
White-necked Raven Rwenzoris
Kori Bustard Kidepo
Kivu Ground Thrush Bwindi
Shelley's Crimson Wing Bwindi
Rwenzori Batis Bwindi
Red-throated Alethe Bwindi
Ross's Touraco Mt. Elgon
Crowned Eagle Mt. Elgon
Lammergeyer Mt. Elgon
Fish Eagle Mt. Elgon
Blue-breasted Kingfisher Queen Elizabeth/Lake Albert
Shoebill Stork Murchison Falls/Lake Mburo Swamp/Bisina
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Lake Mburo
Crowned Crane Kibale/Queen Elizabeth
Sacred Ibis Semliki/and most parks