3 Best Sights in Uganda

Delivering a different experience to tracking chimps in the wild, this sanctuary occupies its own island in Lake Victoria. Here visitors can observe the rescued and orphaned chimps during any of the three outdoor feedings; for an extra fee, get an up-close view during the 6 pm indoor feeding. Lying 23 km (14 miles) southeast of Entebbe, the sanctuary was established in 1998 and is run by the Chimpanzee Trust whose mission is to conserve the chimpanzees' natural habitat as well as provide care to rescued animals that can’t survive in the wild. A portion of the sanctuary is fenced off for day-trippers to observe feeding sessions from a raised viewing platform—an excellent photographic opportunity in itself. The real appeal, however, lies in getting to spend a night or even volunteer: overnight visitors (the island has an eco-lodge overseeing the lake with a fresh breeze) can opt for the volunteering experience. Be prepared for extensive medical requirements, but the chance to care for our closest relatives will melt your heart.

Open exclusively to pre-booked visitors, the immersive Sunbird Hill Experience offers bird and butterfly treks on forest-edge trails in search of more than 250 bird species, insects, reptiles, and hundreds of butterflies and moths. Encounter the reality of human-wildlife conflict as you inspect the elephant trench and beehive fence deterrent with Silver, a reformed poacher and retired wildlife ranger; tour Butterfly Village with expert site guides for a glimpse of the vibrant Red Glider and the curiously named Flying Handkerchief (butterflies). The $30 donation to NGO In the Shadow of Chimpanzees supports grassroots conservation projects and includes refreshments and half-day access to the Birders’ Lounge and natural history library.

This community-run conservation project managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) offers a popular guided nature trail through Magombe Wetland, near Bigodi. Its more open terrain frequently delivers better bird-watching and monkey-spotting than neighboring Kibale Forest. Here, endangered red colobus are common, with the chance of seeing black and white colobus, the Ugandan endemic crested mangabey, and L'Hoest's and red-tailed monkeys. Serious birders will enjoy the knowledgeable guides, who can identify the wetland's 200-odd species with ease. The 5-km (3-mile) trail takes three to four hours, and if you don't have waterproof boots KAFRED can lend you a pair for free. Porters can be booked in advance. Traditional lunches, village walks, and Tinka's Homestay (voted Best Homestay 2016) are also on offer. Created in 1992, KAFRED is the only swamp walk that directly funds the community; its success has birthed multiple copycat swamp walks so be wary of whom you're signing up with.