In two words: mountain gorillas. This lushly forested Ugandan national park is one of the best places to visit in Africa if you want to see these gentle giants – the world’s largest primate, weighing in at up to 200kg – in their misty mountain homes. Staring into the liquid brown eyes of a giant silverback is undoubtedly the highlight of almost all visits to Bwindi. But it is also an excellent place to see forest dwellers such as yellow-backed duiker, L’Hoest’s monkey and a full 23 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift, among them the gorgeous African green broadbill
- When to visit Bwindi: Gorilla tracking runs all year, but the drier months of June to August and December to February are best.
- Where to stay: Each of the four gorilla-tracking trailheads is served by a selection of upmarket and midrange lodges.
