Edris the MD poses with two of our safari jeeps.
Uzuri Uganda Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- AUTO & FDSA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $55 to $600 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
NZ
Email Karo and Grant | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally reliable and prepared to go the extra mile for us every minute every hour and every day.
Absolute Trip of a Life Time
For Karo and Grant from New Zealand
Travel Uganda : Travel Uzari Safaris
For introduction, my husband Grant and I are from a dairy farm in New Zealand have done A LOT of travelling. This trip was a big safari bucket list experience we wanted to have before our second lot of knee replacements put paid to us! We went with Uzuri Ugandan Safaris and it was by far the BEST decision and trip of our lives. Read on and see why you should book with them too.
So our great Ugandan adventure began flying from the cold grey climes of winter in New Zealand to tumble us in the colour, confusion and cacophony of Entebbe Airport. We bustled from the challenging arms of Ugandan customs into the bright warm sunshine, and the warm welcoming arms of our guide Joe from Uzuri Ugandan Safaris.
We can’t say how wonderful it was to be looked after by someone who was obviously very experienced and so easy to be with. To spend our 9 days in a country so foreign to our own and feel so relaxed and so secure was brilliant. The long distances, the traffic, the terrain in this busy colourful country would have been a nightmare for us to negotiate on our own. But Joe made us feel just so safe and we could just sit back and take in all the wonderful sights and sounds.
Just a short drive that afternoon to our first accommodation at the Karibu Guest House where the staff made us feel more at home than my own mother. Beautiful food and comfort plus. Every accommodation that was organised for us was far above our expectation in every respect. We felt a little too special. It was very hard to go home!
Each evening Joe would have a wee chin wag with us to go over our day and prepare us mentally and physically for our next big day. And every day was … BIG! No down time for us … just as we wanted it. You could organise absolutely anything with Joe, at any time, to change anything that your wee heart or physical capability or incapability desired.
Our first day was an extensive drive in our comfortable safari jeep across the whole country to Kibale Forest National Park, but Joe kept us entertained all the way. He stopped at anything that slightly piqued our interest or stunned us … like the troupes of baboons wandering the roads. Stayed at ‘Tree Tops’ for the night. It was like out of the movies and seemed just too good for us … but we weren’t complaining!
Our next day had us gob-smacked already. It was a chimpanzee excursion out of this world. Joe ensured we got Florence, a ranger who certainly knew her business … and her chimps inside out. She took us searching along easy walking paths to find the families. We found them high up, swinging in the canopy and were totally enthralled. But Florence had us ripping along paths and positioning us so when they all came swinging down, we were hunkered in places where they were all just lumbering past in groups. Amazing feeling to almost reach out and touch them. Photos galore.
We were off in the afternoon to the Katwe Salt Mining Crater Lakes. A fascinating look at how the Katwe made and still make a living from mining the salt. Historically the lifestyle put many of their people’s lives in peril and our guide there had personal experience of this that made this excursion all too poignant.
That night we resided at Bush Lodge, which was probably our most exciting accommodation of the trip. We were completely and CLOSELY surrounded by wildlife. The first night we found ourselves being personally guided by our hosts to our cabin to ensure our safety which gave the whole experience excitement. That night the sounds of the wildlife was mind … and ear blowing! Like you were sleeping among the animals. So not surprising to peep out our door around 2am to discover a hippo grazing a mere 5 meters away.
The next day our Safari time at Queen Elizabeth National Park was scheduled. Here Joe came into his own. He went beyond the call of any imaginable duty to ensure we had the best experience ever. He negotiated the many hours of bottom bouncing, mud and pothole obstructions with great skill and aplomb. With his patience and skill driving and guiding, Joe enabled us to see the sights of our lifetime. Our bucket list was being realised. Herds of hippos, mighty elephants with calves, a pride of lions, water buffalo, horror inducing hyena, bouncing bushbuck, vultures in a feeding frenzy, scampering mongoose, strutting warthogs, three species of monkeys and a myriad of fascinating bird life.
What a day … Joe spent from 5.30am to 7pm totally committed to ensuring we had this time where you couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces.
We also on that day navigated the Kazinga Channel linking lakes George and Edward. Seething herds of Hippo and many families of elephants trundling down to the river for fun and food and photos.
Could our trip get any better … YES!!! The Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I wouldn’t want to spoil anyone else’s personal experience of this by talking too much of our own. This was THE most exhilarating, thrilling time of our lives to date. (In our 60’s) we couldn’t recommend this trip more. Challenging, life changing, life enhancing and so rewarding on every front. We would have based our whole trip just around this … it was that good. JUST DO IT!
Our final day was spent with the Batwe people at Mgahinga National Park, who took us back in time. We spent three hours with four of their people who walked us through the jungle in which their people used to thrive. They re-enacted the way they lived. It was fascinating and personal. The villagers all arrived at the end to show us traditional song and dance and they happily had us join in even with our knee replacements impeding our rhythm.
Back in our jeep with ‘our’ (now almost family) guide Joe to make our way back to Karibu Guest House to catch up with Edris from Uzuri Home Office. Edris had communicated extremely well all through the previous year, and painstakingly organised our trip to totally fit with our time interests and energy. These two men were wonderful representatives for not only Uzuri but for Uganda. We are forever thankful they were recommended to us by our daughter in law who also could not speak more highly of them.
Thankyou Uzuri Uganda Safaris. We were ‘enchanted’ … and experienced something we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
Cheers Karo Preston and Grant Wills, New Zealand.
Email Fay | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very efficient, great communication to gather all information to tailor make your holiday
From first contact I was impressed with speedy communication, all questions answered, up front prices and selection of accommodation. The tour operator was very helpful with our change of flights, he produced a full itinerary, greeted us at the airport and kept in touch throughout our stay. Ronnie our Driver was a fantastic driver! He got us everywhere on time and dealt with flat Tyre very efficiently. Our chimp and gorrilla trek experience is one we will remember for a lifetime.
BE
Email Giulia M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience with Uzuri
We are very happy to have chosen Uzuri Uganda Safaris for our 9 days trip in Uganda. Since the beginning (quotation moment) Edris appeared to be fast, responsive and reliable and he did really his best to plan the perfect trip based on our requests.
Ronnie, our guide, picked us up at the airport in Entebbe and since then was always with us providing explanations about Uganda’s traditions and animals lifestyle. Ronnie was really incredible, he wanted for us the best experience ever and he didn’t hesitate to adjust a bit the original plan to increase our chances to see the best animals. At the end nature is unpredictable and you really have to follow its course.
Our trip started with a chimps trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Incredible experience meeting the chimps family moving around the trees.
Next step was Queen Elisabeth National Park. Here we had the chance of seen many animals such as elephants, buffalos, cobs, warthogs and last but not least a family of lions feeding on a buffalo (wow). We also had a boat trip on kazinga channel, where we met many hippos, crocodiles, birds and elephants. This is really a must to do.
We moved then to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elisabeth National Park where we met the incredible tree climbing lions, this was a unique experience. We were very lucky. Unfortunately no luck in seeing leopards.
We moved then to the best part of the trip: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here we met the Kyaguriro family of mountain gorillas. Unfortunately we were not able to see well the Silver Back as he was sleeping! The forest is really impenetrable so very important to have good hiking shoes and long trousers + shirt. In Bwindi we stayed at the ‘ride4awoman’ organization where we learned to weaving with the women of the community, very nice experience.
We then did a hike in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where we saw the golden monkeys. For me this was really the best part of the trip, you don’t want to miss this. Also here long pants and hiking shoes are required!
Last part of the trip was the Lake Mburo National park. Here we saw many baboons, Impalas, zebras and giraffes (so so close giraffes).
Before leaving, as we had a late evening plane, Uzuri offered us a room in a lodge to rest and refresh ourself before going back home, very much appreciated.
Overall we are very happy about the journey: the lodges booked by Uzuri Uganda Safaris were very comfortable (still keep in mind you are doing a safari) as well as the safari car used for the trip! You will spend a lot of time in the car, so this is an important aspect.
AE
Email Mattia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The pearl of Uganda’s tour operators
Everything was just magical.
Uzuri is 100% worth the money (we would have paid even more!)
Everything was super smooth from day 1. Edris’s communication was perfect, he planned everything meticulously for us and we coordinated over WhatsApp.
Our guide, Joaquin, made us feel super safe all the time and also went an extra mile to get my glasses at 3 am back before our departure from a 9h-driving-far lodge where I accidentally left them.
Uganda is just amazing and the best way to experience it is with Uzuri. Best places, best food and best experiences guaranteed.
IT
Email Fabio Dall'Osso | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding experience: Gorillas and Chimps!
Defining the travel program took some time and the availability and flexibility shown by Vincent was always excellent. We were able to tailor the trip to our preferences of accommodation standards and tour destinations.
Throughout the trip Vincent proved to be an excellent guide helping us to appreciate all aspects of the trip. He didn't hesitate to add a game drive when this allowed us to see a family of lions with their prey.
The real stars of the trip were the Gorillas and the Chimps, an experience that we will always remember and which was organized to perfection.
A stop that we really liked was also the one at lake Mutanda which, when the weather permits, offers a breathtaking view of the volcanoes.
Uzuri has proven to be a serious and reliable operator that I will recommend to all my friends without a doubt.
US
Email Prentice K | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Uzuri Uganda Safaris, owned and operated by Edris Kasambira, planned an August 2022 trip to Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya for my wife and me. I will start with the conclusion: Edris did an outstanding job organizing the trip that met and exceeded our expectations – a true “trip of a lifetime.”
Edris and I communicated often so that he fully understood what we wanted and we understood the trip options and limitations for fulfilling our dreams. We communicated mostly on WhatsApp. Edris always responded to my questions almost instantaneously with full, clear and helpful answers. He speaks and writes English perfectly – along with several other languages. Edris worked with his partner in Kenya – Rickshaw Travels – to make sure the trip was planned and executed perfectly. He was a delight to work with.
The trip itself was magnificent. We were met at the airport by a driver and taken to a wonderful Nairobi hotel for the night (Day 1). The next morning our driver took us to Wilson Airport – a small national airport – for a one-hour flight to a small dirt airstrip in Maasai Mara National Reserve. We were picked up at the airstrip by our driver/guide. We checked into Mara Bush Camp Private Wing, where we stayed for four nights. After lunch we headed out with guide in a land cruiser to explore Maasai Mara. We continued to explore Maasai Mara Reserve for three more days, before heading back to Nairobi on Day 6 for our flight to South Africa.
I highly recommend Mara Bush Camp Private Wing. It is a beautiful camp on the Talek River (which flows into the famous Mara River) with excellent accommodations, food and service. We stayed in a large luxurious platform tent with full bath and big porch – very comfortable. The camp provided all our meals, including packed lunches for our excursions during the day. The food was excellent. The camp is not fenced in, but a Maasai man was stationed outside our tent at night. We felt perfectly safe the entire time. I highly recommend you request one of the tents located right on the Talek River; it is full of hippos and crocodiles that you can see most of the day. Be aware, however, that you will hear hippos bellowing throughout the night.
Our guide and driver for Maasai Mara National Reserve was Michael (his English name). What a delight he was. Friendly, funny, informative, Michael speaks excellent English and has outstanding knowledge of the National Reserve and its wildlife. And, he is an expert driver, which is needed for the very bumpy and bewildering network of dirt lanes and paths in the Reserve (none of which are marked with signs). We got excellent, up-close views of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, African buffaloes, giraffes, many types of antelopes large and small, hippos, crocs, eagles, and many other animals. The Great Migration of the Serengeti was in Maasai Mara while we were there, and we saw several Mara River crossings by herds of wildebeest and zebra (with crocs lying in wait; one of which got a wildebeest calf during a crossing). However, the very large, chaotic crossings take place in July, before we arrived.
I also did a balloon ride across the Reserve; my wife has a fear of heights and decided not to participate. The Maasai Mara landscape – broad, rolling, amber grasslands with scattered acacia trees and ribbons of green riverbanks - is even more beautiful from the air. The price was $450 and included a sumptuous brunch on the open Maasai Mara plains after the ride. It was worth it for me.
Michael drove us back to Nairobi on Day 6 (5.5 hours). We choose to drive rather than fly so we could see the landscape, towns, and people along the way. We are glad we did. After a tour of Nairobi and a delightful visit to the Giraffe Centre, Michael dropped us off at the airport for our 9:00 PM flight to Johannesburg. What a trip!!
US
Email Marla | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Safari Team
I just returned from an outstanding trip to Uganda! I began working with Edris over 3 years ago to plan this trip for a "large" group - 13 people. Covid happened, we had to make date changes, we had participant changes, and lots of other challenges thrown at us. Edris was flexible, helpful, and always available. I truly can't say enough positive things about working with Edris. Finally we were able to make the long planned trip the end of August 2022.
The trip was wonderful, we saw and experienced so much. We had wonderful gorilla and chimp treks. Our driver and guide Joachim prepped us on what to wear, what to expect, and how to behave in the presence of the animals. His prep was spot on as one member of our group was approached by a large male gorilla. She did exactly as instructed and all was well.
We also went to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and did a sunset cruise, visited the EXCELLENT Ride 4 Women Cooperative (a MUST visit on your trip), hiked in the Bigodi wetlands, visited the Equator (twice!!), drove through Queen Elizabeth National Park and got to see a lion in a tree among on things! Plus we got to see a lot of the beautiful countryside and crater lakes. Uganda truly is a stunningly beautiful country.
Edris, Joachim and Ronnie treated our group to a fantastic trip. The guys were upbeat, positive, funny and REALLY hard working. We quickly all became friends!
The lodging was wonderful and the food was truly outstanding. Edris even worked with one of the lodges to provide a birthday cake for my mom who turned 75 on the trip. The cake was wonderful and it meant so much to me that we were able to have the cake for her. The only complaint from the group was that the food was too good and that everyone gained weight! If that's the only complaint, then you know the trip was great!
Here's one last specific example of the outstanding customer service we experienced. Like a dummy, I left a number of items in my windowsill at a lodge. It was night vision equipment, a solar charger, other chargers, etc. These were expensive items. The lodge contacted Edris after we'd left, explaining that I'd left all the items. Edris and Joachim coordinated the shipment of all of these items back to Kampala, so I would have them before I left to head home. I was shocked that they got it done. This team is truly amazing.
This is an EXCELLENT team that will work with you to provide your dream trip to Uganda. I wholeheartedly recommend them and hope to see them all again someday!!
US
Email Scott Berg | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Edris and his team of highly trained guides provide an exceptional safe and secure safari experience
Review of Uzuri Uganda Safaris
Scott Berg
I highly recommend Uzuri Uganda Safaris for anyone planning a safari to Africa. My wife and I spent a wonderful week in August 2022 with Edris and his two guides exploring several national parks in Uganda including: Kibale Forest National Park to see the Baboons and Chimps, Biwindi Impenetrable National Park for tracking the Mountain Gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and across Uganda to see elephants, lions and the interesting culture and people.
It is very important to hire competent guides/drivers that can safely navigate the busy roads and dirt tracks. The drivers were also competent guides and interpreters with incredible knowledge of the flora and fauna of Uganda. They were also very open to discuss the many challenges faced by the native population and country. The Land Cruiser safari vehicles were perfect for the rough road conditions, well equipped with water and clean for every day of the journey.
The accommodations that Edris arranged for us were first class, along with the food and full bar. The service personnel at the hotels were friendly and courteous. None of our party of 13 experienced any safety, security or health issues, which is key to any successful African safari.
I cannot say enough good things about Uzuri Uganda Safaris and will seek them out for any future travel to Uganda and the surrounding areas.
US
Email Lilly | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly kind and accommodating to all needs
I will start the review by saying firstly… I had the best African experience with Uzuri Safaris!! Edris, Ronnie & Joaquin were the best tour guides - incredibly accommodating and kind. We had an extremely busy schedule for the 6 days we were with them, and their execution of the itinerary was so well done. Highlights of the trip- chimpanzee and gorilla treks! The food & hotels they coordinated were top notch (and I am a picky person)! Also, we traveled with a group of 13, which can get difficult to navigate, but it went very smoothly with them. On top of it, the 3 tour guides turned into 3 friends very quickly. Wouldn’t have wanted to go with anyone else!
SE
Email Peter | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best service in a fantastic country!
I was on a business trip in Uganda and had Edris and his staff as drivers. They were so professional and friendly! Their knowledge and sense of what one needs exceeded all expectations. I am a filmmaker and got all the help I needed. There was a high level of comfort in the cars, interesting stops along the roads and great experiences they offered. Thanks to their help, they made my job easy.
When I return to Uganda, I will definitely make sure to hire Edris again.
