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Uganda is home to some of Africa's most diverse and accessible wildlife, with a landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains to vast savannahs and dense rainforests. Located in East Africa, this compact but ecologically rich country offers wildlife viewing that is both abundant and world-renowned.

1,070+

Species of birds

1,500+

Mountain gorillas
(half of the world's remaining population, in Bwindi alone)

340+

Species of Mammals

Uganda is a landlocked country often called the “Pearl of Africa.” It encompasses a stunning mosaic of habitats: savannah plains (Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks), tropical rainforests (Bwindi and Kibale), freshwater lakes (including Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa), and the Rwenzori Mountains (Africa’s third-highest peak). While few species are strictly endemic, Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity comes from sitting at the crossroads of East African savannah, West African rainforest, and Central African ecosystems.

During the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), heavy rains make some roads impassable but bring lush vegetation. During the dry seasons (June–September and December–February), animals gather around shrinking water sources, offering spectacular game viewing. Despite challenges from human-wildlife conflict and habitat pressure due to one of the world’s highest population growth rates, Uganda has made significant strides in community-based conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Gorilla trekking permits and tourism revenue directly fund ranger programs and local development. As a result, Uganda remains a premier safari destination, hosting an incredible density and diversity of wildlife found almost nowhere else on Earth.

Home of the Primates

The great apes, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, are superbly adapted to Uganda’s lush, emerald forests, living both in family groups and complex social troops. It is here, in Uganda’s misty highlands and ancient woodlands, where the most extraordinary encounters with our closest relatives can be found, their intelligence and strength making short work of survival in a challenging environment, meaning few places offer a more profound wildlife experience.

Mammal Species

Uganda, a true primate paradise, boasts exceptional biodiversity, featuring mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, forest elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, bushpigs, warthogs, red and blue duikers, servals, African golden cats, otters, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Ugandan red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbabies, pottos, and over 1,000 bird species including the rare shoebill stork and the crowned eagle. Key habitats span dense forests, savannas, and wetlands, offering prime sightings of the Big Five and rare primates.

Pearl of Africa

Uganda, famously known as the “Pearl of Africa” , a name first introduced by Winston Churchill in 1908, captivated by its breath-taking beauty, lush landscapes, and remarkable diversity. It is a mosaic of misty rainforests, sprawling savannas, vast wetlands, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, and each habitat is home to a different assemblage of wildlife. Whilst there are species found nowhere else on Earth, including 24 Albertine Rift endemics, its diverse array is thanks to its position at the crossroads of East African savannas, Central African jungles, and the Great Lakes region.
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