The vast Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, is the source of the mighty Nile, the longest river in the world, which, after leaving the Lake surges through a tiny 6 metre (20 feet) gap over the Murchison Falls in a frothing tumult of white water.
To the west the soaring Rwenzoris stretch snow-covered peaks skywards, their lower slopes covered in thick rain forest merging into exotic high altitude giant heathers. Further south the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shelters some of the last remaining mountain gorillas, the dense forests forming one of the richest biological areas in Africa. The nearby Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic peaks, are also home to some of these giant gentle animals.
Elsewhere the Kibale Forest contains the highest density of primates, including chimpanzees, in Africa. Some of Uganda’s parks shelter secretive forest elephants and a bewildering array of birdlife. Other parks are home to the more familiar savannah elephants as well as other large game including lion, zebra, buffalo and hippo. The adventurous can undertake an exhilarating white water rafting trip below the Murchison Falls before relaxing and planning the following day’s game viewing. Hartley’s will ensure that your holiday in the “Pearl of Africa” not only matches, but exceeds, your expectations.