UGANDA&RWANDA

Gorillas in your midst... And more besides!

These two African nations share a common border and a totem animal - the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Each has its own special flavour and unique brand of hospitality and much more besides iconic great apes. So let's take a look at each...

Uganda

Beyond the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and time spent trekking in search of mountain gorillas, the rest of Uganda is waiting to be discovered... Infinitely worthy of exploring in its own right, this breathtaking East African nation is renowned for its biodiversity and the rather large river that has its source within its borders... 


This is where the Nile begins its arduous journey to the Mediterranean Sea, in the town of Jinja, not far from the capital of Kampala. That's right - the longest river in the world starts right here in considerable style, plunging over spectacular waterfalls and through incredible lakes along the way. 


It's also a country where lions have learned to climb trees, where primates of all shapes and sizes abound and where one of the most freaky looking birds on the planet - the shoebill stork - has its home. So grab your binoculars, bird book and camera and let's go!

Best Times To Visit

Things To Do

  • Track gorillas

    Head into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - the place where Dian Fossey began her seminal research into mountain gorillas - and come face to face with these remarkable great apes. As with Rwanda, tracking requires a good level of all-round fitness and the ability to walk over rough terrain for often hours at a time. Think of it as the monthly supermarket challenge on steroids and you'll be fine.

  • Primate walks through Kibale National park

    Uganda equals primates - from the beautiful golden monkey, the black and white colobus and L'Hoest's monkey to the thick-tailed bush baby and, of course, chimpanzees. And if it's primates you're after, then Kibale National Park is the place to be where you can walk to your heart's content while tracking them.

  • River cruise to Murchison Falls

    Forget Agatha Christie and go African Queen instead... Combine the hedonism of a cruise on the Nile with some fabulous game viewing and the chance to witness the drama that results from the river being forced into a narrow 7m funnel-like gorge over Murchison Falls. Best done in the dry season (December to February or June to September) it's the White Nile at its best.

  • Track Lions with the Ugandan Carnivore Program

    Discover the magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions think they're leopards and climb trees with impunity! Have a carnivore encounter like no other and contribute directly to their conservation with the Ugandan Carnivore Program based in the park. You'll track lion, hyena and leopard on this experiential tourism expedition and become an integral part of the effort to save these amazing creatures.

  • Spot shoebill storks in the birding paradise of Semliki

    You don't have to be a birder to appreciate the oddity that is the shoebill stork! Standing as much as 1,5m tall with a massive 2,3m wingspan, it's something of a holy grail for African birding enthusiasts. As is Semliki National Park - a twitcher's fantasy and ornithological paradise that's home to this avian rarity and more than 420 other bird species.

Rwanda

The gorilla capital of Africa because of the ease of access to the trekking locations, Rwanda is also one of the most scenically beautiful nations on the continent, thanks to its dramatic mountains, rolling hills and glittering lakes. 


It's got a hit list as long as your arm too... From Lake Kivu and the Volcanoes National Park to the capital city of Kigali, Rwanda is packed with things to do, places to see and experiences to be had, not the least of which is coffee tasting with some of the rarest blends in the world waiting to be sampled.


There's plenty for culture vultures too, from watching the colourful Batwa people in a tribal dance-off to enjoying wonderful traditional food and exploring the buzzing, colourful markets. Combine it easily with Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania or just devote your entire holiday to exploring the hell out of it. 

Best Times To Visit

Things To Do

  • Gorilla trekking and orientation tours

    There's no denying that trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in the Virungas is top of the list of Rwanda's tourism attractions. Easily reached from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is where it's at. 


    Top tip: trekking can be hard work, so if you're not used to walking for long periods (like hours at a time), maybe hit the gym for a bit beforehand to build up endurance and stamina. It'll be more than worth the effort.

  • Kayak, hike or bike Lake Kivu

    One of East Africa's lesser known Great Lakes, Kivu is the perfect destination to include in your itinerary if you're after some good, old-fashioned rest and relaxation. Take to the water on a kayak and get that upper body pumping, or jump onto a bicycle, grab a picnic and explore the shoreline on two wheels. The hiking around the lake is off the charts, so bring your walking shoes and backpack!

  • Visit the Genocide Memorial Centre

    Rwanda's troubled past has been artfully laid to rest in this thoughtfully designed and emotionally evocative memorial to the victims of the 1994 genocide in which more than half a million Tutsi people died over a 100 day period. The centre is the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims and today teaches peace and tolerance. There are no words. Just go there.

  • Explore Kigali's colourful markets

    Get your culture vibe on and explore the capital city's wonderful markets, learning about Rwandan heritage and traditions in the process. Colourful, vibrant and full of authentic crafts, foods and music, spend a day just immersing yourself in everything that makes this country so special.

  • Search for chimps in Nyungwe National Park

    The mountain gorilla isn't the only great ape worthy of mention in Rwanda. In Nyungwe National Park it's all about its smaller cousin, the chimpanzee, our almost human relative. Trek the forests looking for these fascinating creatures and learn more about their (and our) behaviour as you go.