Planning a trip to Ouganda with limited time to discover the most beautiful jewels of the "Pearl of Africa"? We've prepared a list of must-see visits and activities for a 10-day stay in Ouganda. Follow the guide...

Discovering Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake

It's impossible to conceive of a trip to Ouganda without discovering the famous Lake Victoria. Stretching across 68,800 km² between Ouganda, Kenya and Tanzania, it is Africa's largest lake and the world's second-largest freshwater body after North America's Lake Superior.

To enjoy the magnificent landscapes bordering the lake and observe locals in their daily lives, nothing beats a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. The most popular route departs from the city of Entebbe toward Jinja.

Meeting the last mountain gorillas

Did you know that Ouganda is home to half the world's mountain gorilla population? It's at Bwindi National Park that you can experience something you'll encounter almost nowhere else. Indeed, you can embark on a mountain gorilla trekking expedition in their natural habitat within the park's humid forests.

Accompanied by trackers and qualified guides from Ouganda Wildlife Authority, you'll set out on a multi-hour trek to search for these primates. Once contact is made, you'll have an hour to enjoy their company. One thing is certain: this encounter, as breathtaking as it is moving, will stay with you forever and alone justifies a journey to Ouganda!

Meeting the chimpanzees

After the mountain gorillas, Ouganda offers you the opportunity to meet primates recognized as mankind's closest cousins: chimpanzees! For this, we recommend heading to Kibale National Park, a protected forest reserve where you can embark on a chimpanzee safari with a forest guide.

Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is known for housing one of the world's densest primate populations, with over 12 recorded species including the blue monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, olive baboon...

Good to know: as with the gorillas, you'll enjoy one hour of observation once contact is established. If you wish to spend more time with them, it's possible to participate in chimpanzee habituation sessions. Don't hesitate to ask us for more information if you're interested.

Safari in the Ugandan savanna

Ouganda is home to national parks and private reserves, all as incredible as one another. So much so that it's difficult to choose when you want to go on a wildlife safari.

If you don't have time for several, we recommend the must-visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and the mystical Lake MBuro National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vast protected area that serves as a haven for rich biodiversity and varied landscapes, ranging from scrubland to lush forests, savanna and wetlands.

You'll see many wild animals: lions (including tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region), large herds of Uganda Kobs, topis and buffalo, antelopes, elephants, hippopotamuses, hyenas…

It's worth noting that Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to no fewer than 600 bird species, making it number one across all of East Africa in terms of avian richness.

Lake MBuro National Park

Want to discover creatures found nowhere else in Ouganda? Head to Lake MBuro National Park. Although it's the smallest of the country's national parks, it houses extraordinary biodiversity.

Among species found only here are impalas, Burchell's zebras, red mongoose, rock hyrax and Cape eland (Africa's largest antelope).

The advantage? Because there are very few predators in the park, you can do a safari on foot, by bike or even horseback! Pure freedom guaranteed...

Bird watching

With over 1,000 different bird species throughout the country, Ouganda is home to more than half of Africa's bird species within its borders. It's therefore a prime destination for birdwatchers.

Here are the best places to watch birds in Ouganda :

Mabamba Swamps

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamps is a wetland area home to over 260 recorded bird species. Among them is a bird highly prized by ornithologists: the shoebill, an extraordinary bird with dinosaur-like features. On a canoe tour with a guide, you'll observe other species such as grey pelicans, African cormorants, African fish eagles, blue-breasted bee-eaters, white-winged terns, marsh harriers...

Bigodi Swamps

Located in the highlands of southwestern Ouganda, on the border of Kibale National Park, Bigodi Swamps form a marshy area that is home to over 300 bird species. The star of the show? The magnificent great blue turaco. You'll also find crowned eagles, crowned cranes, papyrus gonoleks, Nahan's francolin, numerous parrot species...

Kazinga Channel

Nestled within Queen Elizabeth National ParkKazinga Channel is a 36-kilometer waterway connecting Lake Edward to Lake George. Over 500 bird species are recorded here, including many migratory birds. Boat excursions are available to observe them.

Lake Bunyoni

Head to southwestern Ouganda to discover Lake Bunyoni. It is characterized by a freshwater expanse surrounded by verdant hills sculpted by terraced cultivation and dotted with 29 islets. Over 200 bird species live in the surrounding areas, including the park's national emblem: the famous crowned crane! Note that it's also possible to swim in certain areas of the lake!

Lake MBuro National Park

In addition to wildlife safaris, Lake MBuro National Park is a prime location for birdwatching in Ouganda. Consisting of marshes, it's an ideal habitat for birds. In total, 310 bird species inhabit the park. You'll see, among others, African fish eagle, yellow-billed rail, saddle-billed stork, Crowned lapwing...

Not sure how to organize your stay to discover all of Ouganda's highlights? Want to follow an itinerary to save time? Discover our "Express Ouganda" tour featuring the country's main attractions!