Uganda

Mount Stanley Climb & Safari

Uganda

Trip code: UGMS

Watch chimpanzees roaming through their natural habitat in Kibale Forest National Park
Summit a 5,000m alpine peak that almost lies on the Equator
Go on safari through the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth Lake Mburo National Parks
Relax in the knowledge this trip is fully carbon offset

16 days

Kandoo Summits

Tough

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda

Trip code: UGGT

Watch chimpanzees roaming through their natural habitat in Kibale Forest National Park
Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meet the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Relax in the knowledge this trip is fully carbon offset

12 days

Kandoo Safaris

Easy

Sipi Falls & Mount Elgon

Uganda

Trip code: UGME

Trek to the base of the spectacular Sipi Falls
Visit the roaring rapids at the source of the Nile in Jinja
Hike the Sasa trail of Mount Elgon, home to the world's largest Caldera
Relax in the knowledge this trip is fully carbon offset

8 days

Kandoo Summits

Challenging

Uganda the 'pearl of africa'

Known as the ‘pearl of Africa’, Uganda is a hidden gem of a destination. Sandwiched between South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Uganda is a land-locked country without any coastline. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any water here though. Uganda is home to the source of the River Nile, the longest river in Africa, at Jinja. The White Nile flows out of Lake Victoria which is the largest tropical lake in the world and bisects the country in half as it meanders through national parks of Uganda, providing valuable drinking water to the people as well as the wildlife.

Despite a turbulent past with various colonisation, conflict and despots, Uganda remains a warm and welcoming country, and the Ugandan people delight in showing visitors around. Best known for being home to one of the largest mountain gorilla populations in the world, Uganda has 10 national parks, each one distinct and special, that are home to a vast array of animals and birdlife. In fact, four of the BIG 5 can be found in the wild in Uganda, with number five the white rhino thriving in a special sanctuary where they are carefully protected. From big cats such as leopards and lions to elephants, zebra, giraffe and hyena, Uganda is an incredible place for an African wildlife safari. There are over 1,100 species of bird and 20 different species of primate here and visitors delight in the sound of the jungle as well as the sights and smells.

Less known about this East African country is that there are mountains in Uganda, and high ones at that. The Rwenzori Mountains, also affectionately referred to as the ‘mountains of the moon’, straddle the western border of Uganda towering above Lake Albert and separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Stanley is the highest summit of the Rwenzoris at 5,109m, and is the third highest mountain in Africa. Close by, Mount Baker and Mount Speke sit just below 5,000m and make up the rest of the same massif. Trekking in the Rwenzori is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path experience and only a fraction of the amount of people who climb Kilimanjaro trek in the mountains in Uganda.

On the opposite side of the country is Mount Elgon, a freestanding extinct volcano, that separates Uganda from Kenya. Mount Elgon is known for being home to Sipi Falls, a beautiful three stage waterfall, as well as a renowned coffee-growing region. The climate and altitude here make the perfect conditions for a unique type of arabica coffee bean.

In our humble opinion as travel experts, Uganda is a wonderful trekking destination with multi-day trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains a must, followed by a wildlife safari and gorilla trekking in Uganda. With more charm than nearby Tanzania, but plenty of altitude and wildlife, Uganda is ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds and explore somewhere new. We’re confident that visiting this uniquely special country will prove to be an unforgettable adventure.