5 OTHER SPECIES TO SEE IN UGANDA

1 Mountain gorilla

Uganda provides a refuge for the world’s largest population of these endangered great apes. Twentyone groups have been habituated for tourism and research in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest along with one troop in Mgahinga on the border with Rwanda. A permit to trek with the animals for one-hour costs US$700 (£502), with most groups departing from Buhoma in Bwindi. However, you’ll need to head to the Rushaga section, on the other side of the forest, for a four-hour habituation experience, which costs US$1,500 (£1,075).

2 Nubian giraffe

Formerly known as the Rothschild’s giraffe, this re-classified subspecies is one of the most threatened. Find them in three of Uganda’s national parks: Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo. Numbers have improved in recent years due to conservation efforts and translocations in partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (giraffeconservation.org). A pale pelt and long white socks distinguish the Nubians from other giraffes.

3 Lion

If you want to encounter some of Africa’s most agile big cats, visit Ishasha, in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where a combination of heat and hunting opportunities sends them into the boughs of fig trees. In the northern sector of the park, some lions have also been known to scale candelabra euphorbias. Elsewhere in the country the cats can be seen in Murchsion Falls and Kidepo.

4 Great blue turaco

Uganda’s varied topography and undulating altitudes harbours a raft of native and migratory bird species. This turquoise beauty is one of the most spectacular, and locals believe a sighting will bring them good luck. Feasting mostly on fruits, they can be found all over the country. Courtship displays at the start of the rainy season are especially entertaining: males bow and bob their crests, fan feathers and chase each other through the canopy.

5 Golden monkey

Living alongside the headlinegrabbing great apes are 20 species of primates. One of the most charismatic is this hairy-cheeked creature, which can be found in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga National Park. It’s possible to trek to a habituated troop, with permits costing US$90 (£65) for one hour or US$100 (£72) for a longer habituation experience. Watch them rattle through an array of amusing expressions as they scamper and tumble between the trees.