With many forests, mountains, and national parks, once you get out of Kampala, Uganda can feel like an unspoiled paradise. If you’re adamant about ecotourism, or just want to make sure your impact on the environment is as low as possible, there are some great options around the country worth noting down. First let’s break down the country’s main ecotourism industries. Among the most popular activities are gorilla treks, chimpanzee and primate treks, canoeing, nature walks, community walks, bird watching, game viewing, mountaineering, and caving. We took on a few of these activities to report on where to go and what to do.
Gorilla Trekking
Let’s start out with gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable National Forrest is one of the top spots to check out the mountain gorillas in Uganda. Numerous tourist companies offer eco-friendly trips to Bwindi. Some encourage cultural development, and others even prompt travelers to bring gifts. However, if you’re going independently, a great place to stay is the CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp. It’s a budget option and guests stay in comfortable tents with 2-4 bed options. Money goes to benefit gorilla research, with a clinic in camp that focuses on overall health within the local gorilla population.
Chimp and Primate Trekking
For Chimpanzee and primate treks, there are places all over Uganda that offer this, but by far the most popular is in Kibale National Park. Accommodations like Chimp’s Nest provide tree houses and cottages which are solar powered and work around the local environment without interrupting the natural flow of the forest’s inhabitants. In Mgahinga National Park, Golden Monkey treks, caving, and mountaineering on the Virunga Mountain Range make for an immersive experience.
Volcano Safari’s lodge brings plush bandas with compost toilets, water-conserving showers, and gorgeous views without sacrificing luxury. However, these do come with a hefty price tag. For those wanting low impact on the the environment and the wallet, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp near Mgahinga offers camping and bandas for a very reasonable price. They will also help organize volunteering and community walks in villages nearby.
Murchison Falls
In Murchison Falls National Park, numerous activities are offered, such as bird watching, chimp treks and game viewing. There are campsites throughout the park (although some require an overnight guard to stay with you for approx 40 USD). However, Red Chili’s Campsite will put you up in safari tents as hippos graze nearby.
Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park is perfect for avid hikers and those looking to interact with nature. Campsite offers decent facilities, although it’s a good idea to bring your own food. There are also a few bandas and a wildlife lodge. Trails exist around the park and guided walks are popular way to enjoy the local flora and fauna. Impressively, this rundown is really only the tip of the iceberg in eco-destinations around Uganda. So get out there and experience Uganda with a clear conscience. The more we support local ecotourism, the more it will flourish around the country. So your contribution is important. Stay informed, ask questions, and let’s make sure Uganda remains this beautiful for years to come.
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