The mountain gorillas are highly endangered species that can only be viewed in three countries on the planet that are Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. They are very interesting animals that attract tourists from various parts of the world. Mountain gorilla are the leading tourist attractions in the Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda and volcanoes national park in Rwanda however it does not mean that they are the only wildlife species the two countries can offer. The other major untamed mammals that can highly interest a tourist on a wildlife safari include:

The Tree-Climbing Lions
They are located in the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park located in western Uganda. Most lions are typical of staying in lowlands doing what they are best at – hunting and then relaxing in the savanna grasses after a big catch however the ones in Queen Elizabeth national park relax in the tree branches which very un common among lions.
Tourists to Uganda should not make a mistake of leaving the country before visiting the Ishasha sector to see the king of the jungle hanging in tree branches.
Queen Elizabeth national park can be accessed en route to Bwindi impenetrable national park on the Kampala- Mbarara Bushenyi highway.

Golden Monkeys
These can also be viewed in the jungles of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Nyungwe, and volcanoes in Uganda and Rwanda. They live in groups ranging from10 to 30 and mainly feed on leaves and wild fruits. They are called golden monkeys because they have a golden patch on their skin. Tourists on gorilla’s safaris in any of the forests have high chances of viewing these primates however those who strictly want to only trek them are free to do so.

Forest Elephants
In the rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Kibale forest national park is one of the largest mammal specie with the largest brains-the forest elephants. They spend most of their time feeding and can eat up to 270 kilograms a day. A well-grown forest elephant weighs about 12,000 kilograms with a life span between 55-70 years.
Forest elephants are very sensitive and dangerous animals that mainly feed on plant leaves and grass. Though they are rarely seen on wildlife safaris in the forests, they are very interesting species that can give a tourist a wonderful experience.

L’Hoest Monkeys
These are some of the unique primate species one should definitely not miss seeing while on an African safari in Uganda and Rwanda. They can be found in the forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest, Kibale forest national park and Nyungwe forest. They are easily differentiated from other primates by their orange eyes and white beards.
These forest dwellers usually feed on leaves, wild fruits, mushrooms and other edibles that the jungle provides.
They also live in groups and can be seen by tourists on wildlife safaris especially those going for gorilla tracking.

The Hippopotamus
This mammal is unique because it can survive both on land and water. The hippos are the third largest land animals and they mainly feed on grass but spend most of their time in water.
Hippos are very dangerous animals capable of killing and actually they kill humans more than lions do. They usually reproduce and give birth in water. A fully-grown hippo has a life span between 40 to 50 years. In Uganda, they can be best seen in the waters of the Kazinga channel that connects lake Edward and lake George.

Chimpanzees
These are closest human being relatives with about 98%DNA similar to humans. They live in the equatorial rain forests of Kibale forest national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda as well as in Nyungwe forest and volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Just like human beings, the chimpanzees greatly take care of their young ones and also live in groups of their close families and relatives. In groups ranging from 10 to 50, the chimpanzees keep exploring the rain forests looking for food. They mainly feed on wild fruits, bamboo shoots, leaves and plants. Most of the chimpanzee groups in Uganda and Rwanda are habituated and can therefore be visited by tourists however only 8 tourists are allowed to visit a given group a day in order to minimize change and disease transmission from human beings to the animals.

The Giant Forest Hog
This is the largest pig that lives in the African wilderness. Forest hogs are sometimes referred to as wild pigs; they are black and have a hairy skin. A forest hog is a very adoptive animal that means that it can easily cope up with a new environment.
A fully-grown hog can have about 600 kilograms however sadly, humans hunt them for food and their numbers are constantly decreasing. These incredible animals can be viewed both in Uganda and Rwanda.