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
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.
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.
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.
US
Email Andrea | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Uzuri Uganda Safaris are the BEST!!!!!
I am writing this review on my one year anniversary from the best vacation trip ever!! Last year I went on a Safari with Uzuri Uganda Safaris, with Edris, Joachim and Ronnie. I was with my two daughters who joined me on my number one bucket list experience, Africa.......the Chimps and Gorillas. Going to Uganda was both exciting and bit nerve racking for me, as we were three females, going into a place that I was not sure what to expect. From the very first minute we were on the Safari, Edris took fantastic care of us. We always felt safe. The lodging that he selected was exactly as we requested and the experiences met our utmost expectation. Of course the time spent with the chimps and gorillas will never leave our hearts. I am so grateful to Edris and his team for making my dream to go Africa the best it could ever be!!! I can not recommend Uzuri Uganda Safaris high enough, they are the BEST!!
DK
Email Eva Götzsche and Mogens Pedersen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfectly organized and guided tour of the highligts of Uganda
We are just finishing up one of the best vacations of our life. Together with our guide Ronnie, we have toured Uganda for the last week and bring home with us unforgettable experiences of close encounters with chimps, lions, leopard, rhino,elephants, gorillas and countless other species. The tour has been perfectly organized, nothing has gone wrong and our driver and guide Ronnie has been always helpful and knowledgeable, patiently answering our many questions. We are in love with this magnificent country and warmly recommend you to let Uzuri organize your trip.
CH
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience with Uzuri Uganda Safaris
We had an amazing experience traveling through Uganda with Uzuri. Abdallah was very welcoming and helpful. He really tried his best and went above and beyond to show us all the beautiful animals this country has. And we did see everything from elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, pumbas, buffaloes, a leopard and even a python. We can also highly recommend the gorilla and the chimpanzee trekking. Abdallah is an excellent driver and provided us with water and snacks. The booked accomodations were far better than expected. All rooms/tents were huge with double bed, private bathroom (hot water in the shower) and mosquito nets and also very clean. The food was tasty and they always have an option if you don't like anything or have allergies. You also don't stay hungry as the portion sizes are huge. Also the staff is very friendly and helpful.
All in all our travel to Uganda exceeded our expections!
DE
Email MC | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience in the pearl of Africa
Gorillas were definitely on top of our must see list whilst visiting Africa and our experience went indeed beyond expectations.
We booked a 4-day gorilla trekking in Uganda: landing in Entebbe, we hit the road to Mbarara where we spent the first night. The day after we made it to Kisoro and prepared for the gorilla trekking, which took place on the third day in Mgahinga National Park.
The experience cannot be put in words. It’s true that we spent long hours in the car, but the colorful and authentic landscapes of Uganda made it quite short - we got a glimpse of Ugandan culture and we spontaneously stopped to lunch and even have some tasty bananas.
Abdala was an extremely kind guide and driver - he taught us a lot about Uganda and ensured everything went smooth during the whole experience. He also showed us local cuisine places which we would never have found on our own - I think we tried the best brown rice in our lives in Kisoro!
And the GORILLAS were the real star: we were so close to them that we really felt no boundaries. It is a once in a lifetime experience that is really worth the permits price, the road and all the efforts. You could tell how passionate Solomon, our gorilla trekking guide, was. And he definitely transferred it to us!
Besides, it was not only about the trip, it was about the preparation: Edris, the Uzuri Safaris Manager, was there to answer all our questions and requests (and we had a lot !!) whilst we were preparing for our tip and he was also there to solve any last minute and on the spot issues.
With Uzuri safaris we had a breathtaking experience in Uganda, we recommend it 100000% to anyone willing to discover a country full of beautiful corners, beautiful and smiley people and beautiful gorillas.
Five stars to them
BD
Email Mohammad Zafar Khaled | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very efficient
Transportation from Kigali to bwindi National Park and back to Kigali was efficiently done.
Accomodations in Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge was value for Money and scenic.
Guided Tracking was very helpful.
And finally we could meet a Mountain Gorilla family and spent good time with these wonderful creature.
Email brett | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 day Uganda Gorllias Via Kigali, Rwanda
After contacting many different tour companies I decided to go with Uzuri Uganda Safaris as the price point and level of accommodation offered was better than most others I looked at.
Edris was very helpful before hand with Visa information and last-minute date changes so we could get the accommodation we wanted. We stayed at Mutanda Lake resort and Bird nest resort. Both resorts were amazing but we wish we added an extra night so we could have more time to enjoy and explore Mutanda resort. Our guide was great and helped us with the boarder crossing and made sure everything went smoothly.
Seeing the Gorillas was a highlight of our 6 week trip through Africa and I Highly recommend booking with Uzuri Uganda Safaris as it was everything we had hoped for.
DE
Email Lisa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect vacation with Uzuri Uganda Safari. Safe yet thrilling adventures, best food and lodges.
Our Uganda Trip with Uzuri was a blast!!! A requested package proposal was straightforward without a long wait, the messages very polite, and our contact (manager) Edris was easygoing and very flexible due to (our) flight options. Our guide Joachim was the most wonderful human being. He was calm in the most annoying traffic and crazy road conditions. We were well informed about the schedule, there were daily briefings at all meals - we would respectfully discuss personal wishes, realistic options and circumstances and mutually set travel / tour-times. We could always rely on Joachim's suggestions to be only in our interest, safety and well-being, and to have the best time. His network is significant and he seemed to be a respected and much liked colleague to other guides on the way. His knowledge of his country and nature is endless, his enthusiasm and tirelessness is very catching. He is a practical problem solver (two slight car problems, fixed within the next hour, mostly by himself and/or due to his perfect network). Also he quietly prepared all next tour steps in the background making it all seem to heavenly fall into place. The lodges were absolutely fantastic, the food choices were fresh, tasty and healthy. Thanks to you, Team Uzuri. We will keep you in our hearts!!!
Out itinerary was: Start in Entebbe -> QueenElizabeth NP (game drives!)/Lodge:SimbaSafariCamp -> Kazinga Channel Boat Trip (small game drive) -> Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Trek/Lodge Ride4aWoman -> (Lake Bunynonyi)/Lodge BunynonyiOverlandResort -> Lake Mburo (game drives & Giraffe walking tour)/Lodge:Eagle’s nest. All of it was ab-so-lu-tely fabulous and unforgettable!!!! The only thing that could have been skipped was Lake Bunynonyi, but it cut one very long drive down to two lesser hour drives… For a trip like this you shouldn’t be prone to motionsickness. You gotta be fit and able to sit in a jerking car for hours - but it’s worth it! By the way: my personal tip for a book to prepare would be the "Bradt Guide" also look at some documentaries about the treks and game drives to get a feeling for what to expect.
