Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas.
Welcome to the heart of wild Africa, where every breath of mist carries the rhythm of ancient forests, and every golden sunrise awakens a symphony of wildlife. Uganda’s national parks are more than just geographical marvels — they are sacred landscapes where adventure, conservation, and raw natural beauty collide to create some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on earth.
From the mystical canopies of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where endangered mountain gorillas quietly roam beneath the cover of emerald green, to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where elephants gather near crater lakes and lions rest high in fig trees, Uganda’s parks are alive with wonder. Each park offers a unique story — not just of biodiversity, but of ancient traditions, modern conservation efforts, and the promise of sustainable, immersive tourism.
Venture north to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge in a dramatic display of force, surrounded by giraffes, hippos, and elusive leopards. Or journey east to Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with waterfalls, caves, and untamed hiking trails that whisper the secrets of time. In the shadows of volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park bridges wildlife and culture, offering not just gorilla treks, but a connection to the spirit of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers.
This guide is your starting point — an insider’s path to understanding where to go, what to see, and how to experience the very soul of Uganda’s wilderness. Whether you’re dreaming of walking among gorillas, gliding through papyrus wetlands on a boat safari, or standing beneath thunderous falls, the Pearl of Africa has a park that will awaken something primal in you.
So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and prepare to meet the wild — this is where your gorilla trekking dreams and unforgettable safari adventures truly begin.
Truly Iconic Highlights in Uganda
Trek through Bwindi’s mystical rainforest and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their breathtaking natural home.
Encounter mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on Mgahinga’s misty volcanic trails, where culture and alpine wildlife thrive together.
Unwind after your trek with a peaceful canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most tranquil and scenic highland lake.
Enhance your gorilla trekking safari with an optional chimpanzee encounter in Uganda’s lush forests, adding depth and diversity to your primate adventure
Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda – Our Most Popular Itineraries.
Explore our gorilla trekking safaris for every traveler—solo, family, budget, or luxury. All tours include permits, transport, accommodation, meals, and park fees. Whether for a quick trip or a deeper adventure, we’ve got you covered.
National Parks—Where Gorilla Tours Meet Wildlife Safaris
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, beckons with Bwindi and Mgahinga’s lush forests where world‑renowned gorilla trekking seamlessly blends with thrilling wildlife safaris and vibrant cultural encounters.
Top Uganda National Parks for Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris.
Discover Uganda’s top national parks—Bwindi, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale—where unforgettable gorilla treks, golden monkey sightings, tree-climbing lions, and chimpanzee encounters come together in one seamless safari adventure.
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: Uganda’s Trailblazing Wildlife Vet and One Health Champion
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a pioneering Ugandan wildlife veterinarian and global conservation leader whose life’s work has transformed the future of mountain gorilla conservation. She is internationally recognized for her integrative One Health approach, linking the health of wildlife, people, and their shared environment to safeguard the delicate balance of ecosystems like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Early Passion and Education
Born and raised in Kampala, Gladys developed a love for animals at a young age and started a wildlife club while in secondary school. Her passion led her to become one of the first women in Uganda to study veterinary medicine. She earned her degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London and later pursued postgraduate training in specialized fields like wildlife health, nonprofit leadership, and sustainable business.
Breaking Barriers in Wildlife Conservation
In 1996, she made history as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinary officer for the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In this role, she conducted groundbreaking fieldwork with endangered mountain gorillas, identifying health risks posed by human interaction—particularly from eco-tourism and communities living near protected forests. Her early discoveries showed that gorillas habituated for tourism often carried parasites originating from humans, sparking her lifelong mission to bridge public health and conservation.
Founding Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)
In 2003, Dr. Gladys co-founded Conservation Through Public Health, a nonprofit that integrates human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability. CTPH trains health workers, supports community sanitation projects, delivers reproductive health services, monitors wildlife health, and raises conservation awareness in villages bordering Bwindi.
One of the organization’s most innovative ventures is Gorilla Conservation Coffee, launched in 2015. By supporting local farmers with training and market access for premium coffee, the initiative reduces dependence on the forest for survival and helps protect gorilla habitats. This social enterprise creates a direct link between conservation and livelihood, making sustainable choices viable for communities.
Awards and Leadership
Dr. Gladys has earned global recognition for her pioneering work. Among her many honors are the Whitley Gold Award for conservation, the Sierra Club EarthCare Award, the UNEP Champion of the Earth Award for Science and Innovation, and the prestigious Edinburgh Medal. Her voice has become a respected presence on the boards of international conservation organizations and African primatological societies.
She has been a trusted advisor to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Gorilla Organization (UK), Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Trust, and several regional science and conservation platforms.
A Lifelong Commitment to Community-Led Conservation
Her conservation philosophy is rooted in real-world experience. In 2003, she treated a gorilla for scabies, a disease traced to human contact. This incident underscored the urgent need to care for human communities alongside the wildlife they live near. Through CTPH, Dr. Gladys ensures that villagers have access to medical care, clean water, family planning, and economic alternatives—so conservation becomes a shared goal, not an imposed burden.
Her inclusive vision has redefined how conservation is practiced in East Africa, promoting mutual benefit over conflict between parks and people.
In the Media and Beyond
Dr. Gladys’s life and work have been featured by major global media, including BBC, National Geographic, The Guardian, CNN, and PBS. Her memoir, Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet, tells the story of her personal path through the forests of Uganda, her scientific breakthroughs, and her passionate advocacy for a healthier planet.
In the Realm of Giants – Bwindi & Mgahinga in Frames.
Wander through an elegant gallery capturing Uganda’s most exclusive gorilla sanctuaries, where ancient forests cradle the last mountain gorillas in a world of mist, mystery, and majesty.
Essential Planning Tips for Visiting Uganda’s National Parks.
Get ready for the wild heart of Africa with expert travel tips on when to visit, what to pack, where to go, and how to make the most of your safari across Uganda’s breathtaking national parks.
Why Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda is not just a destination — it's the very soul of gorilla trekking. With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas calling its misty forests home, Uganda offers the rarest encounters in their most authentic setting. Here, your journey is not rushed or crowded. Instead, you’re guided by experienced rangers through pristine jungles where gorillas live as they always have — wild, free, and magnificent
From insider travel insights to unforgettable trekking guides, our blog is your trusted path into Uganda’s wild heart — connecting you with mountain gorillas, breathtaking landscapes, and the soul-stirring adventures that make this land unlike any other.