Off the beaten track in Uganda

If there’s one thing that characterises a visit to Murchison Falls, it’s water. Not only is the park dissected by the mighty Victoria Nile, the namesake Falls are powerful, spectacular and a definite highlight. Most, if not all, lodges offer boat trips to the base to soak up the spray (literally), and if you’re feeling active, enquire about a guided hike to the top for the best views. Other water-based activities include cruises on the Nile itself, which should lead to a sighting or two of the magnificent shoebills in the reedy papyrus. This is one of only a handful of places to see them on the continent.

Onto the traditional, there’s plenty of scope for game drives and lots of wildlife to keep your binos happy. North of the river are the savannah plains where lion and large herds of elephant and buffalo roam next to Ugandan kob, rare Rothschild’s giraffe and hartebeest. South is the Budongo Forest, prime chimpanzee habitat where trekking is possible. And in between is the Nile; if you’re not on the water, we highly recommend a game drive along the edge to spot pods of hippo and Jurassic crocodiles.

With more than 400 mountain gorilla calling Bwindi home, your days here will more than likely revolve around trekking with the iconic primates. Most guests opt for two treks over a two or three-day stay. Treks depart in the morning (after a hearty breakfast) and, depending on where the gorillas are located, can last up to four or five hours. Trackers will advise on their location in the morning, but come prepared for a long(ish) walk – it all adds to the experience!

While seeing a gorilla is the highlight of any Bwindi stay, spending time in the forest is magical in a different way. Stuffed full of birds – 350 species to be precise – and butterflies, insects and mammals, a walk with an experienced guides will reveal a hidden world. It’s also possible to spot chimpanzee, various monkeys and antelope like bushbuck and forest duiker. For culture-seekers, spend time with the locals of Buhoma village, and discover the rituals of the ancient Batwa tribe, the ‘Keepers of the Forest.’