Safe, and with a perpetually springlike climate, Uganda is a real treat when it comes to African travel. Ten national parks protect over half of the world’s mountain gorillas, along with chimpanzees, rare golden monkeys and a classic safari checklist including leopards, lions, elephants and hippos. Over 1,000 species of birds – more than 10 percent of all the world’s species – inhabit its mountains, forests, wetlands and the shores of Lake Victoria, the long-sought source of the Nile. The rugged ‘Mountains of the Moon’ include Africa’s third highest peak, complete with equatorial snow.

Uganda is...the pearl of Africa according to Winston Churchill on account of its beauty.

Chimpanzees inhabit several of Uganda’s protected forests, the most popular of which is Kibale – which shelters a total of 13 primate species including some 1,500 chimps. You can also track chimps in Budongo, and the stunning “underground” forest of Kyambura, set in a deep, mist-filled gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The “Mountains of the Moon” form an impenetrable, rocky chain along Uganda’s western edge, perpetually capped with snow, clouds and fog. Walks in the foothills reveal clear streams, lush vegetation and thriving villages; longer expeditions take you through bamboo and giant heathers, with the option to summit Margherita Peak – Africa’s third highest, at 5,109m.

Spend an evening being treated to cultural performances at Kampala’s Ndere Centre; learn to grind millet, “mingle” porridge over a fire, or play the stringed adungu – and enjoy joyful song and dance in each new region of the country that you visit.

Uganda is home to over half of the earth’s 850 or so mountain gorillas, and most of these live in the mist-shrouded forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tracking one of the 11 habituated families is Uganda’s most compelling activity, as a 2 - 6-hour trek up the steep slopes of the Rift Valley culminates in an eye-to-eye encounter with one of our closest relatives, lasting up to an hour.

Murchison Falls waterfall is created by the River Nile squeezing itself through a 7m-wide gap – with all the spray and thunder you would expect. Boat cruises downriver take you past elephants and hippos to admire the falls – or trek to the top if you’re up for a soaking. The surrounding national park is Uganda’s largest, with miles and miles of open savannah to explore, filled with lion, buffalo, elephant and more.

Ugandan safaris are set against stunning backdrops of volcanic craters and lakes. Walking, driving and boat safaris are possible in many national parks, and the smaller distances mean you can cover plenty of ground. Four of the Big Five can be seen in the wild – with rhinos present in Ziwa Sanctuary.

Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa! Experience the unique and diverse cultures in Uganda, the revitalized warm hospitality of the Ugandan people, the tasty food and ever-pleasant weather. Uganda’s strategic location on the equator guarantees its pleasant climate.

As a bonus, Uganda is home to the iconic River Nile, the longest river in the world, with its spectacular source located in Jinja, in the eastern part of the country. Uganda also boasts the mighty Lake Victoria, the world’ s second-largest freshwater lake, whose fish species are second to none in taste.