Uganda Eco Lodges in the heart of Africa

Discover “The Pearl of Africa” with Uganda Eco Lodges and Tours, where adventure meets sustainability! The country is home to home to gorillas, lush rainforests, savannahs, and crater lakes. It is a dream destination for ecotourists seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Stay in Uganda Eco Lodges and experience the country’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture—while supporting conservation and local communities every step of the way.

Uganda Sustainable Excursions and Tours

 To visit our Eco Lodges and Tours please go here: Hotels and Tours in Uganda. Click below to go to individual listings.

Ecotourism in Uganda

Uganda has increasingly focused on sustainable tourism in recent years. The focus is mainly on:

Community-Based Tourism
– Many projects involve local communities, so that tourism benefits them directly. Think of guides from the villages and homestays.

Low-impact tourism
– There are strict rules in national parks to limit the number of visitors at a time (one example being during gorilla trekking).
– There is an increasing focus on Uganda Eco Lodges, waste management and sustainable transport.

Unique ecotourism experiences
– Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga.
– Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
– Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel.
– Bird safaris in wetlands and swamps.

Flora and Fauna of Uganda

Uganda is located on the transition from East to Central Africa and therefore has an incredible ecological diversity:

Animals

– Mountain gorillas (endangered): more than 50% of mountain gorillas in the world live in Uganda (especially in Bwindi and Mgahinga).
– Chimpanzees (endangered): they mainly live in Kibale Forest, but also in Budongo and Kalinzu.
– Lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, and crocodiles: these animals can mainly be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
– Tree climbing lions: the lions adapted this unique phenomena in Ishasha to deal with the features of this location (southern Queen Elizabeth National Park).
– Rare antelopes: like the sitatunga (semi-aquatic, they have splayed hooves. Also known as marshbuck) in swamp areas.

Birds (over 1,000 species!)

– Uganda is a paradise for birdwatchers.
– Some of the birds to be found are the rare shoebill stork (classified as vulnerable), trogons, hornbills and papyrus-bound species (several of these species are considered vulnerable).
– Well-known birding spots: Mabamba Swamp, Semuliki, and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Plants & Ecosystems

– Rainforests: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest.
– Savannahs: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls.
– Swamps and papyrus areas: critical for birdlife and biodiversity.
– Rwenzori Mountains (with glaciers, giant lobelias and ferns). 
– Lakes and rivers: Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and the Nile River – important for waterfowl and aquatic ecosystems.

Top Ecotourism Destinations in Uganda

If you want to travel sustainably, here are some recommendations:
– Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla trekking and community projects. Gorilla permits contribute to conservation and the local economy.

– Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee tracking, go birding and visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Bigodi is a local initiative and bird paradise. You can go on guided nature and cultural village walks.

– Queen Elizabeth National Park – with savannahs, wetlands & tree lions. Go on a boat safari on Kazinga Channel. Visit the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

– Murchison Falls National Park – Waterfalls and boat safaris on the Nile. Combine nature with waterfalls and birds.

– Lake Bunyonyi – Quiet, picturesque surroundings with many Uganda Eco Lodges. Canoeing, birding, relaxing in eco lodges | No bilharzia (parasitic worms that cause diseases) – it is safe to swim in the Lake.

– Rwenzori Mountains – Trekking in the “Mountains of the Moon”. Multi-day trekking in a unique alpine area | UNESCO World Heritage Site, go walking with local guides.

– Mabamba Swamp –Go canoeing to spot shoebill storks | Go on community-based birding tours to see many different species of birds.

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Uganda

This itinerary combines nature, wildlife, community projects and relaxation – and stays within a reasonable travel distance.

WEEK 1

Day 1-2: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp
– Arrival Entebbe
– Excursion to Mabamba Swamp for the shoebill stork (by canoe).
– Overnight stay in an eco lodge near Entebbe.

Day 3-4: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls
– Departure to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (hiking).
– Continue to Murchison Falls National Park: boat safari on the Nile river, safari and waterfalls.
– Stay in one of the Uganda eco lodges.

Day 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park
– Drive to Kibale (sustainable transport, which focuses on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transport. Use of a local driver or shared minibus.
– Go chimpanzee tracking and visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
– Stay at one of the Uganda Eco Lodges with local staff.

WEEK 2

Day 7-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
– Safari in the northern part of the park.
– Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
– Optional: visit community projects or the salt production area at Katwe.

Day 9-10: Ishasha Sector
– On to the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
– Spot tree climbing lions!
– Stay in a small lodge with sustainable practices.

Day 11-12: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
– Gorilla tracking (get a permit via Uganda Wildlife Authority).
– Community walk or visit to a women’s project. For Example Ride 4 a women
– Stay in a lodge that supports local communities.

Day 13-14: Lake Bunyonyi
– Relax at the lake (swimming, canoeing, bird watching).
– Last night in one of the Uganda eco lodges on an island.
– Return to Entebbe via domestic flight or overland (depending on time).

Ecological threats in Uganda

Deforestation
– Deforestation is one of the biggest threats, mainly due to logging for firewood, agriculture and commercial exploitation.
– The forests of Budongo, Mabira and Bugoma are under great pressure. Land invasion and illegal logging are the main problems.

Climate change
– Changes in precipitation and temperature threaten both biodiversity and food security.
– Extreme weather and flooding are becoming more common, especially around lakes and rivers.

Wildlife crime and poaching
– Poaching of elephants, antelopes, pangolins and birds.
– Illegal trade undermines tourism and threatens vulnerable species.

Human-animal conflict
– In areas around parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, conflicts arise when animals destroy agricultural crops.

Pollution and habitat loss
– Mainly due to unsustainable agriculture, mining and poor waste management.
– Lakes such as Lake Victoria are being polluted by plastic, chemicals and human activity.

Government of Uganda Ecotourism and Sustainability Policy

Fortunately, the government and many small-scale initiatives are increasingly committed to sustainability and nature conservation. Below is an overview of the most important ecological threats, the government’s policies, and some inspiring nature conservation projects.

Positive developments
– National Development Plan III (2020–2025) recognizes the importance of nature for tourism and economic development.
– Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) https://ugandawildlife.org/ manages national parks and protected areas with a focus on community involvement.
– Revenue sharing policy: 20% of tourism revenues from national parks go to surrounding communities.
– Support for community-based ecotourism, especially around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , Kibale National Park and Lake Bunyonyi.

Challenges
– Limited budget and manpower for conservation of natural areas.
– Corruption and weak enforcement in environmental permits.
– Slow implementation of climate and environmental legislation.

Examples of Small-scale Conservation Projects in Uganda

Kibale Association for Rural and Economic Development
Tanzania is starting to promote ecotourism with initiatives like KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Economic Development). It is a community based group that formed to preserve Magombe wetland which is next to Kibale Forest National Park. KAFRED also advances education, health and growth in the wider local community. They are involved with advancing conservation practices in the area’s primary schools and we all know that children are the hope for the future.

The Uganda Community Tourism Association
Their goal is to empower local communities in sustainable development. They help small scale community ecotourism.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (near Kibale Forest)  
– Community-driven project for wetland and biodiversity protection.
– Eco-walks, bird watching, and income for local people.

Conservation Through Public Health (Bwindi)
– Integrates public health and gorilla conservation.
– Works with communities around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to reduce human-wildlife conflict and disease.

Rwenzori Mountains Community Conservation
– Helps local guides, porters and villages to develop sustainable mountain tourism.
– At the same time, protects unique alpine flora and fauna.

Snares to Wares Initiative (Murchison Falls region)
– Former poachers create art from metal snares.
– Alternative source of income and awareness of wildlife conservation.

Mabamba Wetlands Eco-Tourism Association
– Focuses on wetland conservation and shoebill stork conservation.
– Community members offer canoe trips in traditional boats.

Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF)
– They work wildlife restoration, anti-poaching and education.
– They are also Involved in restoration projects in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls.

Uganda Eco Lodges and Travel Safety

Check in advance about the safety in Uganda and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on Uganda.