Uganda
Uganda or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised by relatively dry and flat savanna in the North, with verdant mountains in the West, and vast dense and remarkably lush forests in the central region. The nation is home to an astonishingly diverse range of African wildlife including the highly endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with plenty of white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding facilities on offer. Add to this some friendly locals, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a capital city full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants, and it is easy to see why Uganda has gained itself a reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country'.
Top Uganda stays
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Kyambura Gorge Lodge
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Hotel No. 5, Entebbe
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Buhoma Lodge
Highlights of Uganda
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Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest or in Kyambura, Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Witness the Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
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Enjoy white water rafting on the Nile
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Explore the town of Jinja
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Visit Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake
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Murchison Falls National Park
Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with a green, mountainous landscape. Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park encompasses 4,507m-tall Mt. Karisimbi and 4 other forested volcanoes. In the southwest is Nyungwe National Park, with ancient montane rainforest that's a habitat for chimpanzees and other primates
Top Rwanda stays
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Bisate Lodge
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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
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The Retreat
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One & Only Nyungwe House
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One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
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Magashi Lodge in the Akagera National Park
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Singita Kataza House
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Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Highlights of Rwanda
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Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
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Visit the Genocide Museum
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Day tour of Kigali, Africa’s cleanest and safest city
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Big 5 Safari in Akagera National Park
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Chimpanzee guided walks in Nyungwe National Park
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Take a swim in Lake Kivu, borders with Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo
A land of steamy jungles hiding half the world's lowland gorillas, masses of forest elephants, and hooting, swinging troops of chimpanzees, the Republic of Congo is on the cusp of becoming one of the finest ecotourism destinations in Africa. Boasting three excellent and little-visited national parks where everything from luxurious safaris to bush camping is possible, the main attraction to this alluring slice of West Africa is the raw, untrammelled call of nature. However, Congo-Brazzaville (as it's often called to distinguish it from Democratic Republic of Congo, south of the Congo River) also enjoys a pleasantly laid-back capital city in Brazzaville, some decent beaches on its Atlantic coastline and the warm and welcoming Congolese culture. For those ready to heed the call of the wild – and are not afraid of adventure – the Congo awaits.
Top Congo stays
Odzala Discovery Camps -
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Ngaga Camp
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Mboko Camp
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Lango Camp
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Sangha Lodge
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Odzala Discovery Camps
Highlights of Congo
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Trekking for Gorillas in The Mbeli Bai area
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Witness forest elephants and chimpanzees in the Nouabal-Ndoki National Park
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Discover the Congo Basis with more than 1000 species of birds and abundant wildlife
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Walking Safari in the Ndzehe Forest
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Paddle down the Lekoli River, looking for forest elephants, primates and birds