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Uganda is a country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the southwest by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. Famously called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, it is home to one of the most diverse and concentrated ranges of African fauna including the highly endangered mountain gorilla and the endangered common chimpanzee. Uganda is accessible and affordable, but not up to the high tourism standards of more mature destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania or South Africa. This gives it more edge, more authenticity and less predictability. This does not mean danger (but see Stay Safe section below), rather greater opportunities for delight -- and frustration. This is real Africa, the urban bustle of Kampala bursting at the seams then giving way to lush subsistence farming and small villages. Roads are rough (although many across the country are being upgraded), people are friendly, everything seems to have a smell all its own, and not everything moves according to schedule or to plan. Most travellers come for the gorilla safari, but other major draws are the chimpanzees, ornithology, trekking the Rwenzoris and visiting the source of The Nile river. Regions Western Uganda Gorilla trekking on the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo Cities and towns Kampala — a bustling African capital. It is the only 'city' in the country. Arua — located in the NW corner of the country, reached by daily flights from Entebbe Airport or by bus from Kampala. Entebbe — a collection of some upmarket residential streets and a slew of government offices on the shores of Lake Victoria, dominated by State House, the official residence of the Ugandan President. The location of Uganda's only international airport, about 1 hour south of Kampala by road. Jinja — located on Lake Victoria and at the source of the Nile. Home to Nile Beer. Fort Portal — a clean and well-organised highland town surrounded by extensive tea plantations, a number of fine colonial buildings and a superb Rwenzori backdrop. Gulu — Gulu is the de facto capital of the north. Mbarara — a southwestern town en route to several national parks. Kabale — a small town in the far south of the country near Lake Bunyonyi. Kisoro — located in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda next to the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. It is the closest town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mbale - It is a border town in Eastern Uganda. You can visit Mount Elgon from here. Other destinations Ajai Game Reserve is in northern Uganda and boasts a new deluxe safari camp now under construction just out side its border. A small reserve at 16,600 hectares, located on the east bank of the Albert Nile. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary gorilla tracking location. There are troops reached from Buhoma (north) and from the south at Nkuringo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is at the confluence of Rwanda and the DRC. Kidepo Valley National Park located in the extreme NE corner of Uganda on the South Sudan border. Murchison Falls National Park offers a memorable boat trip getting surrounded by crocodiles and hippos. Fishermen at Port Belle on Lake Victoria Queen Elizabeth National Park has several sectors. Kibale Forest National Park near the town of Fort Portal is famed for chimpanzee tracking and is highly recommended. Kibale Forest has the highest concentration of primates in Africa. It is home to 13 species. Twitchers will know that some of the best birding in central Africa is here too. The Kasese Crater Lakes are in the area. Lake Bunyonyi near the town of Kabale in the South West of Uganda. Rwenzori National Park is a mountain range in south-west Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ssese Islands is a beautiful stretch of islands on Victoria Lake with isolated beaches and some forest.