'The Pearl of Africa' according to Winston Churchill - Uganda, to many people is one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Africa. The capital, Kampala, is situated on hills on the northern edge of Lake Victoria, and the neighbouring city of Jinja is built over the outlet from that lake. The scenery to the west along the border of Zaire is dominated by high ranges of mountains, the Ruwenzori's (Ptolemy's 'Mountains of the Moon'), and is suitably spectacular, as are the regions to the north of Kampala, around the Murchison Falls. The 'Idi Amin' days have long disappeared. Uganda in the late 1980's and early 90's is a place of improvement and regeneration. Roads and buildings have been or are being rebuilt, and the economy is slowly re-asserting itself. The tourist industry is still small - but is growing; game parks are being restocked and services in Kampala and around the country being improved.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a World Heritage Site in the south-west, is why most people come to Uganda as its main attraction are the 300 or so endangered mountain gorillas living there. However most people try to combine this with visits to Murchinson Falls National Park, the largest park in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, game walks in Lake Mburo National Park or enjoy the Kasinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Sese Islands are 84 forested islands are often referred to as the 'Islands of the Gods'. Situated in Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, they offer an amazing wildlife and birdlife opportunities as well as beautiful beaches.