Because of Uganda's unique location on the African continent, the geographical diversity is astounding; the highest non-volcanic range of mountains in Africa, the second largest lake in the world, the Nile River, rainforest, savannah, wetlands and semi-desert, rolling hills and endless flatlands. And the wildlife that inhabits this land reflects this diversity.

Uganda's situation as the cross-point - the connection between East Africa and Central Africa, the border between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere - is echoed in its fauna.

Traditionally, people speak of the big 5 when discussing African animals. In Uganda our big 5 is slightly different. We have 2 types of elephant (both the larger savanna and the smaller forest species), lion, buffalo, giraffe and the rare and wonderful mountain gorilla. This country is a real haven for primate species and numerous studies are being conducted on the forest-dwelling chimpanzees that will help us to further understand the evolution of man.

Thanks to Uganda's forward thinking policies on conservation, the natural habitats of many wildlife species are being preserved through the establishment and maintenance of protected areas: national parks, game reserves, forest reserves and conservation areas.