Bwindi Forest, Uganda © Shutterstock
Uganda
Kingdom of the great apes
Tailor-made trip to Uganda
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We design your tailor-made trip
Why travel to Uganda
- OBSERVING GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEES
- THE HABITUATION DAY WITH THE GREAT APES
- PRIVATE SAFARIS WITH A FRENCH-SPEAKING GUIDE
- MURCHISON FALLS ON THE NILE
- FLY-IN SAFARIS TO EXPLORE THE NORTHERN PARKS
- ONE OF THE BEST SITES TO OBSERVE THE SHOEBILL STORK
A particular favourite
Parc National Murchison Falls
By Karine W., traveller with Étendues Sauvages: “My first encounter with the Nile took place on a ferry crossing the White Nile, in Murchison Falls National Park, at sunset. Heart pounding and a little overexcited – the Nile was right there in front of me! – I heard some rather hoarse breathing and saw what looked like small triangles emerging from the water. At first I didn’t realize it was a hippopotamus. Then two, three, four, and more snouts appeared. The excitement was at its peak. Or so I thought… The next day, we got up well before dawn, impatient. We wolfed down breakfast in no time. Setting off on safari as quickly as possible, not missing the sunrise, savouring every minute on the savannah: that was our obsession. I like to think the Nile had cast a spell on us. Whatever the reason, none of us would ever regret that haste. None of us would ever forget that day.”
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When to travel to Uganda
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Expert advice
Your questions / Our answers
What is the maximum number of people per group for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Each trekking group is limited to a maximum of 8 visitors, who will be the only ones to see the gorillas that day. This reduces the risk of stress and transmission of human-specific diseases to the gorillas. Since gorillas share approximately 98% of their genotype with humans, anyone showing even mild signs of illness is not permitted to join a gorilla trek. A restriction designed for the well-being of our close cousins — and, as it happens, ideal for us too, making THE encounter all the more powerful.
How long can you stay with the gorillas?
For protection purposes, the visit will not exceed one hour. Beyond that, the gorillas become anxious.
Can you go on photographic safaris in Uganda?
Absolutely. Uganda is best known for great ape tracking, but it is also home to numerous parks where African wildlife can be observed. Some, such as Murchison Falls National Park, are recognised for the quality of their safaris.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also well worth considering if you want to combine primate tracking with a photographic safari, as it lies between the chimpanzees of Kibale and the gorillas of Bwindi.
Other, equally compelling parks remain little-known addresses, to the delight of photographers. Kidepo Valley National Park, with its striking landscapes, and Semliki National Park, tucked away in a remote corner of south-western Uganda, are among the rare places on this planet that remain entirely untouched and wild. Here, animals stay hidden and reveal themselves only on their own terms.
From what age can children go gorilla trekking?
Children under 15 are not permitted to take part in a gorilla trek.
Is it possible to have a French-speaking guide in Uganda?
Uganda being a former British colony, most guides are English-speaking. However, it is very easy to be accompanied by a French-speaking guide. Many come from neighbouring Congo and speak French fluently.