UGANDA – The Pearl of Africa
Christened by Winston Churchill as ‘Africa’s Pearl‘, Uganda remains one of my favorite destinations.
Hiking into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers magical insights into the wild lives of the great apes who call it home. Invigorating treks into the forest give visitors an incredible sense of how mountain gorillas have adapted to their lush environment which highlights the importance of protecting it.
Bwindi is home to over half the 1,000 mountain gorillas (up from 300 in 1997). It’s worth noting, and celebrating, how successful our conservation efforts within tourism supports this region. Our vibrant industry has facilitated enormous opportunities for the Ugandan people at the camps and lodges, which spins off for local markets and health centres.
During our June safari, we visited the impressive Bwindi Community Hospital, a vital and inspiring presence in the region. We saw firsthand the commitment and expertise of highly skilled local guides, researchers and park rangers, who embody the spirit of Ugandan achievement. Having guided safaris in Bwindi since the late ‘90s, I’m continually impressed by the area’s extraordinary biodiversity and the ingenuity of its people.
Through the great work of Ugandan and international vets, not only gorillas, but the many primate species found there have thrived under the protection of the national park. The evocative nature of this place is so memorable with dinosaur like bird calls from the Great Blue Turaco among others, who’ve adapted to these central African forests.
