Mountain Gorillas in the Fog: Why Experiencing Undiscovered Uganda is a Must-Do

Uganda is emerging as a tranquil and rapidly developing tourist destination, challenging historical perceptions often dominated by the legacy of Idi Amin's regime and the activities of figures like Joseph Kony. Travel organizer and "Travel Planet" founder and director, Gabrielė Štaraitė, presents contemporary Uganda as a safe country actively fostering tourism, offering a stark contrast to its past.

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There are certain border regions where it is not recommended for tourists to go, but they are never included in tourist routes. Travelers stay in quality accommodation, the food is adapted to Western tastes, and in larger cities, all necessary services can be found – from pharmacies to healthcare facilities.

Štaraitė addresses common concerns among first-time African travelers, such as safety and living conditions. She reassures potential visitors that while certain border regions are not recommended for tourists, these areas are typically excluded from travel itineraries. Accommodations are described as high-quality, and food is adapted to Western palates. Major cities provide comprehensive services, including pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Regarding fears of the Ebola virus, which sometimes surface due to Uganda's proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Štaraitė notes that only isolated cases, originating from the neighboring country, have been registered in Uganda over the past fifteen years. Local authorities possess extensive experience in managing risks, with enhanced controls at borders and in medical facilities ensuring that the virus's spread within the country is not a significant issue.

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Uganda is the best place to observe mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Therefore, any travel itinerary is planned to include these 'trekking' tours, and along the way, other national parks are added where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and other African animals.

While Uganda may not match neighboring Kenya or Tanzania in sheer wildlife concentration, it offers unique attractions. Štaraitė identifies Uganda as the top location for observing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Trekking tours to see these primates are central to most itineraries, often combined with visits to national parks where lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes can be spotted. The opportunity to see mountain gorillas is particularly special, as they are found in only three countries globally. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently unsafe due to ongoing conflicts and Ebola risks, while Rwanda's gorilla-viewing permits are nearly double the price of Uganda's. With approximately 450 mountain gorillas residing in Uganda, out of a global total of over a thousand, encountering them in the mountains is likened by Štaraitė to meeting a member of the royal family.

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Meeting them in the mountains is like seeing a member of the royal family.