Destination Jungle Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, APTA, AUTO & UTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
What I like best about Destination Jungle is the personalized service.
Safari to Kidepo Valley Park, Uganda – January 2014
Why Kidepo? Well, in 2012, my friend Mary and I visited the Entebbe zoo. There was a plaque outside the enclosure of each animal explaining where the animal could be found in the wild. Lo and behold, almost all the animals could be found in the wild in Kidepo Valley Park – far more different species than in Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth parks. Kidepo Valley Park boasts over 400 species of birds and 75 or so of mammals. There are fewer poachers here than in the better known Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth parks because there is less pressure of population in this remote area in the far northeast of Uganda.
Organizing the trip was a cinch: It took a gentle walk from our Kampala hotel to the Destination Jungle office on the top floor of the Kampala Casino, plus a huge wad of Uganda shillings (worth 2500 to the dollar at the time).
Day 1
Kampala traffic was gridlocked as everyone was scrambling to equip their kids for the new school year and our driver, Charles, apologized for being late. After a while, though we left the fumes and congestion and were well on our way to Gulu. Our driver was knowledgeable and his English was excellent. In addition, he had brought along a case of bottled water and picked up fresh fruit along the way so we wanted for nothing. We immediately got into Ugandan politics!
An hour north of Kampala, we stopped in the Nubian (Muslim) town of Bombo to visit an elderly acquaintance Mary and I knew from a peacebuilding workshop. This gentleman had served in the King’s African Rifles! Unfortunately, his wife was out.
After a Western-style lunch – the first lettuce I have eaten in Uganda – the road deteriorated considerably and our pace slowed as we swerved around the potholes and sometimes had to hit the ditch where the tarmac had crumbled away from the edge of the road, leaving only one asphalted lane in the middle of the busy highway.
Our first night was in Kitgum, a day’s drive from Kampala, where we had nice accommodation and drank a beer with another acquaintance, Bosco, a facilitator from a trauma healing workshop I had just attended.
Day 2
Things got more exciting the next day as we left Kitgum for Kidepo and travelled east, somewhat parallel to the South Sudan border. The scenery became more and more fascinating. Great jagged mountains loomed in the distance, thrusting themselves out of the plain. (I could not help feeling a twinge of regret that we were on a game drive not a hike or a climb.) This part of the trip took half a day on atrocious roads. We left Acholiland, an area depopulated of its people and cattle and still recovering from the Lord’s Resistance Army war that raged for two decades, to enter the province in the far northeast of Uganda, Karamoja. In Achloliland, there were still landmine warning signs. The countryside got noticeably dryer and the people poorer. Gone were the lush banana groves of southern Uganda: this was cotton, sorghum and millet country. There was practically no traffic except lorries packed with crops and people going to market. The passengers were all crowded along the edge of the vehicle with their feet dangling down – a mixture of bare feet, boots and flipflops. Otherwise the only traffic on the road consisted of pedestrians, children as well as adults, trudging along with huge bundles of crops or grass for thatching and, more often, jerry cans on their heads. The bore holes are often a few kilometres from people’s homes.
Formalities on entering the park were minimal: we did not even show our passports or sign the visitors book. The park is mainly grassland and it was very dry. The rivers dry up in the dry season but there is one permanent water hole so the animals tend to congregate in that part of the park. We immediately saw, oribi (small ginger coloured, very graceful antelopes) and buffalo galore. Also a family of warthogs running through the bush with their tails bolt upright. Unfortunately, the binoculars we had brought were useless but our driver was kind enough to lend us his binoculars. The roof of the Land Cruiser opened up so we could stand up to take photos out of the top.
For the second and third nights, we stayed in a banda (cottage). There are also two campgrounds in the park and one posh safari lodge near the bandas, which was completely deserted except for the staff, although I gather there had been guests over Christmas. The bandas have a bad reputation. (I was warned off them twice before going to Kidepo. But don’t believe a word of it; the accommodation is Spartan but perfectly acceptable. Our driver had brought food enough for a good cooked meal twice a day in addition to a hearty breakfast.
At 4 p.m. we went for an afternoon game drive with a Uganda Wildlife guide and our driver. We saw lots of buffalo again and watched in awe as a troop of elephants crossed the road, taking their time and lumbering across in their usual stately manner. The guide received a phone call that a lioness had been spotted, and we drove the Land Cruiser off the rutted track and slowly followed her and her cub as they stalked through the long tawny grass. We also saw Jackson’s hartebeest and waterbuck.The birds were too numerous to mention.
Day 3
The following day we went in search of ostriches, travelling to the northeast of the park, jutting out towards the spot where the South Sudan and Kenyan borders meet. The Uganda Wildlife guide accompanied us, as did his gun! Thanks to the sharp eyes of our driver and guide, the ostriches were spotted, careering across the plain on their great long legs. We then took a break at the hot springs – the water was hotter than bath water. Nearby trees were decorated with weaver bird nests. The bird enters the nest through a hole in the bottom and a short corridor then opens into the hollow nesting area. Grass is used as construction material. We returned to the Land Cruiser to find our driver flat on his back inspecting the underneath of the vehicle. Drivers here have to be mechanics as well!
We returned to the bandas the way we had come, crossing a number of dry riverbeds, including the Kidepo River, which was lined with burassius palms. Most of the park is semi-arid, with scattered acacias and thorn bushes and the slightly damper environment of the dry river bed brought an onslaught of tsetse flies. I exclaimed as one bit me and was surprised that nobody reacted. It was only later that I realized that this type of tsetse fly does not cause sleeping sickness. I had been all but ready to call my medical insurance company until my mind was put at ease!
We saw more oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, baboons, waterbuck and buffalo and sighted a giraffe at a distance, neck outstretched and feeding on an acacia – the thorns do not put giraffes off!
Our guide explained that the park was originally frequented by local Karamajong hunters, who used nets to catch game. Under the British colonial regime, it became a controlled hunting area, and it was gazetted as a park in 1962, the year of independence. The name “kidepo” comes from the word for “pick” in Karamajong because the local inhabitants living along the river used to harvest the fruit of the borassus palm. They were resettled when the park was established.
African jacana, kestrel, superb starling, wood hoopee (chestnut coloured, with stripes), yellow and grey weaver birds, sooty char, lappet-faced vulture, cordon bleu, francolin and guinea fowl were among the species we sighted today. Other bird sightings included a ground hornbill, a very colourful Abysinnian roller and various types of harriers, eagles and doves.
Some animals came right into the banda compound. One day it was warthogs; the next a Jackson’s hartebeest and on our final day a zebra. There were always wagtails, with their funny walk, looking like English ones, but bigger.
The highlight of our evening game drive was a group of eight giraffes right near the track. And we were even privileged to watch a young male lion hiding in a bush, who unfortunately looked unwell. There were herds and herds of buffalo dotting the plain in incredible numbers as well as solitary elderly males or “retired generals”, as our guide called them. As we returned for supper, the mountains turned pink in a memorable sunset.
Day 4
Our luck held on our final game drive on the morning of our last half day in the park. (Our German banda neighbours, who did not have a guide, told us they had seen nothing.) On our way out of the park, we again saw elephants and zebras. The buffalo, baboons and warthogs we barely glanced at. They were so commonplace we became quite blasé about them.
After leaving the park on our last day, we drove as far as Gulu, in other words we covered the whole of the part with the really bad roads. Gulu was a chance to check email even though the internet café was so dark and crowded I could hardly see to type.
Driving back to Kampala was a bit of an anticlimax because both Mary and I were very pleased with our stay in the park and now we had to face everyday reality. We parted company at Karuma Falls after photographing the Nile and saying goodbye to the baboons on the road, who were being fed a banana by a police officer. Mary was off to her work with a women’s organization in West Nile in the far northwest of the country and I was bound for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Oh well, good things can’t last for ever!
BE
Email Maureen Hynderick | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
better than expected
we had a great time. The organisation was good, we good make changes to our planning. The lodges were adapted for young travellers and the meals were ok, we would have liked to eat more local food but that's the way of tourism. We were very pleased to have a good driver. Some of the hotels were better than we are uses too, so it was impressive. the scenery, the wild life and the magnificient sun was the best of all. thank you
safari to see wild animals was up to our expectations
had a very comprehensive tour of the different reserves. Lodging was very good and our driver/guide was extremely dedicated to make our tour comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.
We recommend Destination Jungle as a very efficient travel agency for one who whishes to visit Uganda
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing company to travel in Uganda and Rwanda
What an amazing company. The family of 4 was for 15 days in Uganda and Rwanda. The company made our life so comfortable and safe, cant say enough about how well we were all taken care of and the knowledge of the area we were traveled was unbelievable. The company turned out to be the best and honest. We can not explain with words, how we enjoyed this trip.
There have not probably many people known the Uganda and Rwanda very well except for those who like adventures. If you wish to have life time memory, go to see mountings gorillas and golden monkey, and use the best company in Uganda - Destination Jungle.
Email Kim Frost | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Uganda and Rwanda Experience
I recently had the opportunity to spend 20 days in Uganda and Rwanda and my chosen operator was Destination Jungle. Months of planning my trip involved research but also frequent correspondence with Christina Olah from Destination Jungle. Christina provided me with excellent service during the months leading up to my dream holiday. Every detail was covered in a professional yet friendly manner.
Upon arrival at the airport in Entebbe, I was met and transferred to my accommodation and was excited to meet with Christina that evening. She took the trouble to travel from Kampala after work to meet with me. I was grateful for this kind gesture.
I was assigned a Driver/Guide named Kasule Hussein who I soon realized was not only knowledgeable about all aspects of the two countries, but was also very personable.
Throughout my travels, Kasule ensured that I was safe and well looked after at all times.
All details of the itinerary had been planned to perfection by Christina and everything fell into place as it should have.
I was very sad to farewell Kasule at the end of my journey in Kigale as we had got along very well.
I would book again with Destination Jungle without hesitation and am happy to recommend DE to any future travellers.
I had the holiday of a lifetime.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Personalized service catering to my needs was great.
All the arrangements were made by Destination Jungle, which is based in Kampala. They laid on transport - a 4x4 private hire – arranged for one of the best guides to accompany me and even asked about my food preferences. Making the arrangements was a piece of cake: I just dropped in at the office to make the payment after arriving in Kampala. And I got personalized service, which always makes a huge difference.
DE
Email Giles | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We can't lie about it. Our safari was memorable
My wife and I visited Uganda for 13 days and planed our trip with Destination jungle safaris. We received only expectation as we expected and have no hesitation to recommend it to you if you have plans to visit Uganda. We loved it and plan to visit again in the future. Boaz and Christina thank you for a wonderful trip!
IT
Email Simona | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Two amazing weeks in the Pearl of Africa
We spent two wonderful weeks around Uganda thanks to the flawless organization of the tour by Costantino, the director, and his collaborators. We were five nature lovers, so our tour was tailored to see as many animals as possible. The tour operator proved to be very helpful just from the very first steps of the tour organization and they managed to accommodate all our requests. All the accommodation were clean and comfortable and the staff was always friendly. One of our travel mates walks with crutches, but we always found kind people willing to help him in any occasion.
The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, was clean and in perfect conditions. Fresh bottled water was available during the whole tour and plastic was collected to be recycled (not so usual in Uganda!). A special mention to our guide, Charles, who, in addition to being an excellent driver, is also a great expert of the Uganda fauna. He often spotted mammals and birds that were almost invisible to our eyes.
If you are a vegetarian, do not worry because in every place we had the possibility to eat vegetarian food. We would like also to point out the tour operator attention to the local environment and social issues. We loved to be the first tourists engaged in the Bugoma Forest Conservation Campaign and we do hope that Costantino and his supporters can preserve this precious forest. Not to mention the fact that, during the gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we stayed in a lodge run by the local community, so that the money earned from our stay could be invested for the community welfare, in particular for the construction of a water tank for the dry season. We really appreciated the idea to give back something to this beautiful country!
IT
Email Lucia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything very well organized by Destination Jungle
We were 5 persons. We have organized everything from Italy by mail with the very kind and helpful Constantino (the agency's director). Everything was organized very well indeed. Our guide, Charles, was very good: good drivers, excellent knowledge of fauna, very punctual and polite, he satisfayed us in every request and speaks excellent English. We stayed in very nice hotel/lodge, very clean, friendly staff. The agency is very sensitive to the environment and is launching a campaign for the preservation of the Bugoma forest that we had the pleasure of visiting.
IT
Email Marisol | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Discovering Uganda with an excellent company
Thanks to Costantino for the unforgettable travel, thanks to our guide Jack, the best one could ever meet, a real friend! We would like to come back one day!