Uganda’s wildlife reflects the country’s remarkable range of habitats, from open savannas and riverbanks to dense forests and mist-covered mountains. Mountain gorillas inhabit the highland forests, while elephants, lions, and antelopes roam the plains. Chimpanzees swing through the treetops, and hippos crowd the waters of the Nile. With more than 1,000 bird species and a great variety of mammals, reptiles, and insects, Uganda offers endless opportunities to observe nature. Spending time with the great apes in their natural environment was one of the most powerful experiences of my life—an encounter that stayed with me in thoughts and images for months afterward.