Gorillas, chimpanzees and the Impenetrable Forest

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Dine atop the thundering Nile River at Wildwaters Lodge

Dense, dark forests home to wild mountain gorillas and sociable chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and crocodiles meandering through the waters of the start of the Nile river; Uganda is home to a range of phenomenal wildlife experiences. 

Often nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Africa’, Uganda is a lush, green mountainous region kept watered by its lakes and streams. The town of Jinja, on the banks of Lake Victoria, is the source of the Nile - the world’s longest river. 

Take a boat cruise to see the Nile crocodiles or go white water rafting to explore the start of Africa’s most important waterway, then head to Sipi Falls, a beautiful waterfall on the slopes of Mount Elgon. 

Visit local tea and coffee plantations in the region, or explore the landscape by foot with our local guides while learning more about the flora and fauna around the extinct volcano. 

While Uganda is home to Africa’s Big Five animals, it also offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet mountain gorilla in their natural habitat. 

Trek through the dense jungle to see these beautiful animals at rest and play, and carefully observe them for around an hour. 

If you want to spend even more time with them, you can join the Gorilla Habituation Experience and support the crucial work habituating gorillas and ensuring their survival. 

Immerse yourself in their world to understand our distant cousins, and watch how the troop interact with one another. This is also a great opportunity for close up photographs 


Featured Uganda Trips

Our luxury itineraries for Uganda are all customised and tailor-made to perfectly suit you. There is a wealth of option here for the adventurous to the decadent Uganda can offer the right trip for you.  

Start by experiencing the wildlife highlights Uganda has to offer, try and spot the Big 5 in the different locations before adding on the amazing primates to top that all off. For the more adventurous look at the Discover Uganda itinerary really taking you to all corners and some unique gems, such as rafting on the river Nile or trying to spot Cheetah in Kidepo NP.  

Tribes & Treehouses
Rebecca Blakey
Rebecca Blakey Family Travel Specialist
A Birding Tour in Uganda
Leonie Taylor
Leonie Taylor Luxury Travel Specialist

Where to go in Uganda

One place every visitor should go to is Bwindi National Park, home to the famous mountain gorilla. Come face-to-face with a wild gorilla, and track them and their troop through Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest. Your local guide will also take you through the forest to meet the Batwa Pygmies, an ancient forest tribe of Uganda. Learn about their history, culture and traditions that make them unique in the region. Move to the jungles of Kibale Forest to search for wild chimpanzees, then explore the vast savannah lands of Queen Elizabeth National Park via guided game drive safaris. Walk through the ‘Valley of the Apes’ in Kyambura Gorge and meet more chimpanzees, as well as baboons, colobus monkeys, red-tailed and vervet monkeys.

Covering a sizable area of the country is Lake Victoria, and you can take a sunset cruise from Entebbe to explore the waters or visit Mabamba Swamp, an area of wetlands home to the Shoebill Stork. Head North to Murchison Falls National Park for a stunning hot air balloon flight and take a cruise to see the mighty river tumbling through a narrow gorge, or stand on the waterfall rim to fully appreciate its ferociousness. 

Your Luxury Accommodation Options

Our fantastic lodge relationships mean you receive preferential treatment as a Wayfairer guest plus access to our excellent rates. View a selection of our favourites below.

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“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".

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"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"

"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"

"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."

"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."

"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."

"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."

"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."

"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."

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