There are certain magical names in Africa, names which conjure up images of mystery, of exotic fauna and flora and even of certain danger. I had the pleasure of visiting one of these places last year; the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south-west corner of Uganda, home to troupes of mountain gorillas. After a bone-jarring ten-hour drive from Kampala punctuated by traversing villages with the locals shouting "mzungu, mzungu" (white man, white man,) you reach the elegant Clouds Mountain Lodge, a 1930s inspired hill station building with commanding views of both the Bwindi forest and the Parc des Volcans in Rwanda.
The dense forest of Bwindi is reminiscent of the Vietnam jungles with steam and humidity rising from the green foliage. Hacking your way through, courtesy of the tough Uganda National park rangers, you will meet the tranquil beauty of the mountain gorillas at rest and at play, a sight which will stir the deepest humanity in every human who happens upon it.
From Bwindi, I traversed by Land Rover via the Queen Elizabeth National Park, home of the curious tree hanging lions, to the bottom eastern edge of Lake Albert. Semliki Lodge, situated in the Toro Semliki Game Reserve, had suffered much during the civil wars of the 1970s and 80s. It is now in a period of recovery and is home to a long-standing research project into chimpanzee behaviour and habitat. By boat and via a labyrinth of waterways I spied the extremely rare and prehistoric looking African Shoebill. If I was more of a birder, this sighting would have ranked as the summit of my passion and provoked huge jealousy amongst my peers.
Flying in the ubiquitous Cessna Caravan to the most northeasterly corner of Uganda, we crossed the Murchison Falls, another one of those seminal African names.
A simple hour and a half of flight and you arrive in the most splendid of wilderness areas, the Kidepo National Park which borders the newly christened South Sudan. If you enjoy your safari experience remote and exclusive, Apoka Safari Lodge is for you. The abundant game with large herds of elephant and buffalo, Rothschild giraffe and rarer breeds of antelope will entertain you in an area which was once earmarked for the personal lodge of Idi Amin. Dear old Idi is thankfully long gone but the skeleton of his lodge remains.
A delightful surprise is a visit to the remote local villages; these villagers carry on their business as they must have done for hundreds of years, with little modern intervention and are the perfect antidote to the most western cynic.
So there it is, Uganda, Winston Churchill’s "Pearl of Africa." I do not disagree.
Uganda the Pearl of Africa
Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge located in the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. With 12 luxury suites and a commitment to culinary excellence, the lodge offers a unique and unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings, indulge in opulent accommodation, and embark on captivating adventures, such as gorilla tracking and immersing in the local culture. Let Mahogany Springs be your sanctuary of pure excellence and tranquillity.
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge is an exceptional safari lodge located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. With just eight luxury bandas, guests can enjoy a serene retreat surrounded by the beauty of the Virunga Mountains.
Mount Gahinga Lodge offers a unique opportunity to explore the park's wonders, including gorilla trekking and golden monkey encounters. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and embark on unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Ugandan wilderness.
Engagi Lodge
Engagi Lodge in Bwindi is a contemporary and luxurious establishment located near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. With breathtaking vistas of the forest canopy and a serene atmosphere, your stay will be truly unforgettable.
Engagi 's stunning architectural design, use of locally-sourced materials, and attention to detail create a unique and authentic experience. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Embark on an extraordinary adventure and encounter Uganda's endangered mountain gorillas at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nestled within the captivating forest, this luxury camp offers a unique starting point for your gorilla trekking experience.
Explore the sanctuary for rare forest elephants, primates and wildlife. With convenient access from Kihihi airstrip or road transfers from Kigali or Kampala, your journey to this enchanting destination is just a step away.
Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Nestled within Uganda's Kidepo National Park, Kidepo Savannah Lodge beckons with its extraordinary fusion of opulence and untamed wilderness. Boasting only 12 tented suites, this safari lodge guarantees an intimate and genuine safari adventure.
Kidepo Savannah combines cultural authenticity with modern comfort and takes pride in providing exceptional dining. Thrilling game drives, a cultural visit, a nature walk and star-gazing are among the activities available. The staff go above and beyond to ensure a perfect stay.
Ndali Lodge
Ndali Lodge, nestled near Uganda's wild Kibale National Park, offers a unique experience combining luxury and adventure. With breathtaking views of Nyinambuga Crater Lake and the Rwenzori mountains, the ten quaint en suite luxury cottages provide a refuge from the ordinary.
Guests can indulge in fresh cuisine and impeccable service while exploring the untamed joys of the park, including chimpanzee tracking. Whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, Ndali Lodge is the perfect getaway.
Mweya Safari Lodge
Mweya Lodge is a safari lodge located in Queen Elizabeth Park, Uganda. With 54 elegant rooms and suites, the lodge offers a luxurious and comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a fusion of local and international cuisine, relax by the infinity swimming pool and rejuvenate at the Mweya Health Club and spa.
The lodge also provides thrilling game drives, boat journeys, and chimpanzee tracking experiences. With breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Great Rift Valley, Mweya Safari Lodge is the perfect gateway to an unforgettable African adventure.
Murchison River Lodge
Escape to Murchison River Lodge, a tranquil retreat nestled on the banks of the majestic River Nile. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Uganda's largest national park, this eco-conscious lodge offers modern comfort in harmony with nature. Indulge in delightful culinary delights while enjoying panoramic views of the park and the iconic river.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature and contribute to the preservation of this pristine wilderness.