It started with an idea: let’s go to Kidepo Valley National Park. A borrowed Landrover, the recruitment of a few mates and a selection of odd tents with missing pegs and we were off. What we discovered was magical. At the time we lived in Murchison Falls National Park, which we loved, and still do, but Kidepo was special: just awe inspiring, stunning beauty and the feeling of exclusive wilderness.
We were sold and we know you will be too, but back then we struggled to find a tour company to take us because of the poor roads and a lack of decent, affordable accommodation. Basically go it alone or fly in.
A lot of work has been done to bring the roads up to a good, all weather standard (sshh, don’t tell everyone!) and in our 4×4 vehicles we carry with us our own tented camp, kitchen and all singing all dancing (literally!) chef. We can do the same at any of the national parks in Uganda, or if you prefer, we can take you to the best lodges they have to offer.
We all grow up sadly, and while we still love the great camping experiences, sometimes a fabulous lodge is more to our taste. In the name of hardwork, we visit every lodge we use before we send our clients there-now that's dedication!
Buffalo Safari Camps was born out of a love of Uganda and it's wild places. We want to take you there because we love to go there ourselves!
With the experience we have gained over the years we have chosen for you what we believe is the best and safest way to see Uganda, be it budget, mid-range or top-end options. Unlike many other "safari companies" we directly employ our guides and own our own fleet of vehicles, not just hiring in cars and drivers as they're needed. This allows us to be certain of the quality of both guide and vehicle. We do not leave your safety to chance.
We live here so we have an intimate knowledge and love of the parks, campsites and lodges available. This enables us to be absolutely up to date on which places are great value, which are just great and which survive only on their reputation.
When the best option is camping we are very happy to provide the best camping experience with our own chefs. Sometimes this is at a lodge campsite, others at an established site within a park and at others out in the wilderness.
At Buffalo Safari Camps we all believe passionately about investing in the future. Of course, as a business we invest in our assets and maintain them in order to provide our clients with a safe, clean and comfortable experience with us. More than that though, we invest in our team of wonderful people. Naturally we look after their financial and social needs as best we can, but we also look to develop their professional capacities too. We helped Ronald financially and through a flexible approach to work to complete his Masters in Public Administration. Our staff driver/guides have attended various recognised guiding skills courses as well as the renowned “On Course” 4×4 driving courses. David “Prudi” has been supported through his senior school and catering training studies by Buffalo Safari Camps and now provides his delicious meals on our camping safaris. We see this as a virtuous circle whereby our staff benefit and are happy in their work, which creates a happy environment for our clients and, when our clients are happy our business moves forward.
We are acutely aware that there is a big world outside our little world; after all, it’s where we take our clients. We like to do our bit to help here too. In addition to our annual membership as a supporter of Uganda Conservation Foundation we also make a donation of $5 for every client we take on safari. Never has the threat to Africa’s wilderness and wild creatures been greater than it is today and it is in everyone’s interest to conserve what remains. Here in Uganda tourism plays the major role in that and the support of UCF and their projects from the tourism industry is key.
In 2017 we have started a tree planting programme, planting two trees for everyone who comes on safari with us. It's not totally scientific and we're not claiming to be carbon neutral, but we did some research on the internet and estimated that, if left for 20 years, this will probably offset the carbon we use on our vehicles for the average safari. More importantly, we're planting sustainable, indigenous mixed forests underneath which people can grow cash crops such as vanilla, coffee and bananas. We are doing this in Uganda and we believe this is a whole load better than plantations of exotic species and will have a very positive local impact.
Less formally, Buffalo Safari Camps has supported Soft Power Education’s “People and Parks” conservation programme around Murchison Falls National Park, East African Playgrounds building programmes in Uganda, Jinja Hippos Rigby Club and we take an active involvement in our trade organisation, the Association of Uganda Tour Operators as well as supporting the development of the country as a whole through the prompt payment of our taxes.
