Uganda is the source of the Nile, home to Africa’s highest mountain range, and has the highest concentration of primates in the world. It is a truly unique and incredible destination, especially for the some of the best wildlife encounters.
It is particularly famous for its gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, some of the best birdlife in the world with over 1,000 species, and Big Five encounters. Pair this with its intensive conservation and anti-poaching efforts, and there is no question that Uganda should be at the top of your bucket list for wildlife viewing. Uganda has many protected national parks, each worth a visit if time allows.
Here at Humboldt Travel we have shortlisted the top areas to visit for wildlife encounters, paired with some of the best luxury places to stay for each.
Starting with the UNESCO-protected Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a large forest located in south-western Uganda. It is the only place where chimpanzees and mountain gorillas live in the same ecosystem and is home to over half of the worldwide population of these gorillas. There’s therefore no better place to visit for primate trekking.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge is located inside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is known for being one of the country’s best lodges for gorilla trekking, as well as offering the best bird viewing of the region.
Not only is it perfectly located for experiencing some of the best wildlife encounters in Uganda, but it is also a fantastic high-spec lodge with only eight luxury tents, ensuring an intimate, exclusive experience. Each villa is decorated with locally made art and the furniture is made from natural materials. A free-standing bath in each room overlooks the forest for a relaxing soak after a day of trekking and exploring.
Gorilla Forest Lodge also plays a vital role in protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Every stay helps to fund projects which support local communities and conserve the endemic wildlife and the forest itself.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The lodge gets its name from the fact is often sits well above the clouds hovering over the forest below.
This lodge also has just eight rooms, but this time, they are spacious private cottages with their own private sitting rooms, fireplaces, big picture windows which look out toward the Virunga Volcanoes, as well as outdoor verandas with sitting areas.
Not only are the main lodge and the cottages filled with commissioned art from local artists, but the lodge itself was built in partnership with the local community of Nkuringo, as well as the Africa Wildlife Foundation and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge therefore not only benefits the mountain gorillas and their habitat here, but also supports the development of the local community who are the real owners of the lodge.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge also overlooks the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with stunning views of the forest canopy across a serene stream. It is once again a fantastic place to spot the many monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage in this part of Uganda.
This property has ten new and updated bandas (a hut with a thatched roof), each offering full privacy and fantastic views from their terraces. The lodge also has a library and lounge, as well as a spa, dining area and bar. It’s the perfect spot to put your feet up after your bird watching, gorilla trekking or nature walks.
What makes your stay even more special here, is knowing your stay contributes to the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, which has been setting an example in conservation since 2009. Its main goal is to build long-term, self-sustaining projects that will enrich the livelihoods of the local communities, increase the conservation of the endangered mountain gorilla and restore their natural habitats, as well as overall reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Further south, and you get to the Ngahinga National Park. While small in size, this park really packs a punch with its wildlife, landscape and cultural significance.
As well as the famed gorillas, Ngahinga is also home to the endangered golden monkey, elephants, blue monkeys and, of course, many species of bird. The landscape surrounding the lush forest is impressive with the Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo volcanoes towering overhead. The Batwa indigenous tribe inhabit this region Uganda and are believed to be one of the oldest populations Africa.
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Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge is without a doubt the best place to stay in this region. The lodge, comprising of eight private bandas, is located at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is the perfect base for gorilla tracking, searching for the rare golden monkey, climbing a volcano, and most of all, sharing the culture of the Batwa tribe and learning about the uplifting community projects taking place.
Each hand-built banda is named after a Virunga volcano, and is connected to the main lodge via pathways, making sure you feel safely connected while also completely private. The interiors are decorated to reflect the magic of the traditions of the Bufimbira people. Each banda has an ensuite luxury shower room, fireplace and private porch.
This lodge is also a part of the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, who built Gahinga Batwa Village, a permanent village for the Batwa Community in 2018. After being displaced from their home in the park, the village allows the tribe to build homes and have land for agricultural and recreational use.
For another completely different wildlife experience, head up to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landscape here is made up of wetlands, mountains and expansive plains. With a more varied landscape, come a more varied set of wildlife. Here you can find lions, leopard, elephant, hippo, cape buffalo, hyena, warthog and much more. There are over 600 species of bird in this park alone, including flamingo, eagles, pelicans, storks and African Skimmers.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a great place to stay to enjoy the wild of the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is set next to the Ntungwe River, each tent overlooking the water.
The main lounge and dining space of this camp is a relaxed and warm space to wind down, and although food can be served up here, most meals are served ‘al fresco’ beside the river. In the evenings, a fireplace is lit next to the water, providing the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a sundowner and share you day’s experiences.
The low impact, eco-sensitive camp is designed to respect and complement the environment, meaning nature is truly all around you. The rooms are nestled amongst the trees along the river, and troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys may swing by overhead, and keep an eye out for hippo in the river!
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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