Uganda is a well-known tourist destination because of its unique geographical features. It is a special place because of its rich plant life, different animal species, and pleasant climate, which varies from one region to another. The country has different climate zones, including tropical, savanna, and semi-arid.
Uganda’s forest reserves are home to many species. These forests provide shelter for thousands of wildlife species, including chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, scaly-tailed flying squirrels, and elephant shrews.
The forests are filled with tall trees and thick plants, creating a rich environment for wildlife.
Uganda’s tropical climate has led to the growth of tropical rainforests, which are spread across different parts of the country. Many of these forests have been made into national parks to protect the animals that live there.
The main attractions in these forests are chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, which bring many visitors each year and help Uganda’s tourism industry.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Most visitors to Uganda come to see the thick rain-forest called Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The name “Impenetrable” comes from the thick plants and high tree cover.
This forest is in southwestern Uganda and is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. There are only four places in Africa where mountain gorillas live.
Besides Bwindi, these great apes can be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Mgahinga Forest
Mgahinga Forest is protected by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area and is found in southwestern Uganda. It shares borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
The park has three of the eight Virunga mountain ranges: Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), Mt. Sabyinyo (3,669m), and Mt. Muhavura (4,127m). Mgahinga Forest is also near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The phrase “where silver meets gold” refers to the rare golden monkeys that live alongside silverback gorillas in Mgahinga National Park. The park has one habituated gorilla family that visitors can track.
Kibale Forest
The best place to see chimpanzees in Africa is Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. The park is home to more than ten species of primates.
These include olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, bush babies, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, pottos, red colobus monkeys, and De Brazza’s monkeys.
This makes Kibale the top location for primates in the world.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is found in Murchison Falls National Park. The main entrance is through the Kichumbanyobo Gate in the southern part of the park. This is the second most visited place in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking.
Tracking begins at 8:00 am, and all activities start at the Ecolodge.
Budongo Rainforest is known for its large mahogany trees. The forest has more than 400 tree species, 360 bird species, 9 primate species, and 300 butterfly species. It is a mix of savanna and thick forest.
Bugoma Forest
Bugoma Forest Reserve is found in the Hoima area in western Uganda, south of Lake Albert. It has more than 400 tree species, 250 butterfly species, and 300 bird species. It is home to many primates, including baboons and chimpanzees.
The forest is also home to about 32 mammal species, including golden cats, buffaloes, kobs, and forest elephants.
Mabira Forest
Mabira Forest is Uganda’s largest tropical rainforest. It is located in the Lugazi Buikwe district, east of Kampala.
The forest is known for its tall trees with large roots. It is home to many wildlife species, including baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and mangabey monkeys. Other animals include different bird species, red short-tailed bats, leopards, bushbucks, and kobs.
Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest is found in the Mpigi area along Masaka Road, about 37 kilometers from Kampala. It is one of the best places for bird watching and is also a good location for researchers and nature lovers.
The forest is home to vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Other small animals found here include pangolins, pottos, banded mongooses, squirrels, and bush babies.
Kalinzu-Maramagambo Forest
Kalinzu-Maramagambo Forest is found in Bushenyi and Rukungiri districts in southwestern Uganda. Maramagambo Forest is inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the Rift Valley. It covers an area of 580 square kilometers.
Otzi Forest Reserve, located 18 km northeast of Moyo Town, covers 188 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of 760 to 1,667 meters. It is near the international border with South Sudan and is found on a highland that overlooks the White Nile.
