2 Best Sights in Uganda

A stunning three-hour diversion along rocky tracks in northern Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Explosion Crater Drive runs between the Queen's Pavillion (turn off the Kikorongo-Katunguru highway at the Equator Markers) and the Kabatoro Gate (AKA the Main Gate) on the Katwe public road. You don't need a guide but a competent 4x4 driver and vehicle are a must. The drive is known for its scenic vistas rather than wildlife-viewing (though elephants are relatively common, lions are not unheard of, flamingos can be spotted seasonally and the crater environment is great for spotting birds of prey), the drive traverses the Katwe crater field. This area of the park is littered with steep-sided volcanic craters, each containing its own microhabitat, from ancient rainforest to a sulfurous lake. It's enough to make geologists of us all.

The forested ridges of Kyambura Gorge form a deep cleft in the savanna landscape between Maramagambo Forest and Lake George, creating a natural boundary between Queen Elizabeth National Park and neighboring Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. Offering the chance to spot chimps on guided forest walks, the chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is more active than most; you may have to cross the river by fallen log (slippery when wet!) and the steep sides of the gorge can be difficult at best. But it's a mysterious, primeval place (made famous by the BBC's Chimps of the Lost Gorge) and worth the 1.6 mile (2.5 km) drive from the Katunguru highway just for the view alone. Chimp permits (USD$50) can be arranged with the UWA locally, but limited availability means it's best to secure them in advance from their HQ in Kampala. Visiting the viewing platform is free, provided one has paid park entry fees.