20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible place for scientists, and probably everyone else!
I stayed at the Makerere University Biological Field Centre (a research centre) in Kibale Forest NP as a zoology student, rather than travelling there as a tourist, so my opinions might not all be applicable to people looking to go on holiday there. But for what it's worth, Kibale is incredibly beautiful, 'untouched' by touristy culture, and still relatively close to a hospital at Fort Portal. All of the Ugandan people we met were overwhelmingly friendly and accommodating, and our forest guides were extremely knowledgeable of the forest and the movement of its animal inhabitants, of which there were many!
I personally saw 6 different species of primate, including chimpanzees, and others in my group saw even more, such as the elusive l'Hoest's monkey. A troupe of olive baboons lived near the research centre and roamed around exploring and causing trouble; they were generally not aggressive and could be chased away if needed - but keep your doors locked! As for the birding, it isn't my speciality but we spent two mornings mist netting on the forest floor and caught ~30 different species of small bird (and a few very large beetles), there was a pair of turacos nesting near the research centre which we saw daily, and a few hornbills that came to eat the insects from our insect traps in the morning; as well as the many birds living in the forest canopy.
The weather at the time we were there switched unpredictably between blazing sunshine and incredible downpours with lightning over the hills, which was fine for us who don't mind getting soaked while wandering through the forest, but may not be ideal for people on holiday - and of course, the weather will vary depending on the time of year. The only downside I could possibly think of to staying there was the isolation from the outside world - barely any phone signal, no internet, no particularly easy roads out of the forest (at least where we stayed). However, as in my case, I'm sure many will find the isolation quite enjoyable!
Just what I was looking for in an African safari.
The weather was first of all fantastic. The accommodations were some of the best that i have ever seen with wonderful food and great areas to hang out. All the guides that we had made the trip great and they were willing to answer all questions that we had. They were very well educated even the professor I went with was impressed.
Review about Zambia by Natalie
We did not have time to go and see some of the plains animals because of the time of the year. Other than that it was all good.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
excellent
We used the services of Cardboard Box in 2010 and have used them again recently for a forthcoming trip, on both occasions they were outstanding. You can simply send them a rough itinerary and they will provide you with all sort of information and advice and will book everything for you. Everywhere we stayed last time was perfect. Not sure how they could improve their service. We'd recommend them to anyone.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awaken to Africa is the best!
My family and I went on safari with Awaken to Africa in August 2013. It was a life-changing 10 days and such an amazing experience. Grace booked everything for us and her suggestions were perfect. She asked great questions in order to get an idea of how we travel and what we like to do and made a perfect itinerary. Each camp was perfect and our guide, Justin, is amazing! Everything, from the visa process at the airport to heading back to JRO to depart, was easy and well planned. The safari itself was amazing and we were able to see a lot of animals including the wildebeest crossing the Mara river. Justin is very knowledgeable and very nice. He is a wonderful guide and I highly recommend him. I would definitely use Awaken to Africa again!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guide/driver fabulous scenery, lodges and itinerary.Couldnt ask for more but they fitted it in
Adjusted route to fit in all we wanted. Great guide, perfect organisation.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Why use another tour operator when you can experience the best - Paul and Inter-tropical Tours!
When I wanted to tour Uganda with my young son, a trusted friend suggested I call Paul Nangai at Inter-tropical Tours and Travel. We spent 2 weeks with Paul, touring his beautiful country, and it was one trip that my son and I will never forget. Through phone calls and emails, Paul spent a great deal of time planning for the perfect trip in the months leading up to our arrival in Kampala. Once in Uganda, Paul met us at the airport and personally took care of every detail of our stay. We toured the Nile River, hiked to Murchison Falls, went on a chimpanzee safari and a couple of big game safaris. We saw so many animals, from very large crocodiles, hippos and elephants to very small, colorful birds and absolutely everything in between. It was all so perfect! Ugandans are the most gracious people and we felt at home there. The lodges where we stayed ranged from simple and eco-friendly to extremely high end and we loved each one - all were unique. The food was amazing; Paul would often stop and buy different foods for us to try. I loved the grilled Nile perch. One of my son's favorite mornings included a ferry trip. He had never experienced a river crossing by ferry and loved the fact that Paul drove the van right onto the boat. Paul and I would spend evenings talking about his country, it's people and the animals that are a part of every day life for Ugandans. During those 2 weeks, we grew to love Uganda. It will always be special to both my son and me. Thank you, Paul, for teaching us about your country and the beautiful people who call it home. When my son is old enough, I will be returning to Uganda to take him on a mountain gorilla safari and I wouldn't dream of asking anyone other that you to plan the safari for me and to accompany us.
HR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best time we ever had on vacation
I have done safari and tribe tours with Shadows of Africa about a little less than a week ago and overall adventure turned out one of the best of our lives. We have been before to parks in South Africa, but nothing can be compared to vastness of Serengeti and uniqueness of Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara. Safari driver Anthony was amazing with all information and was able to answer all our questions during the trip and also gave as an insight of daily life of Tanzanian. Spent four days on safari with my family. A visit to Hadzabe tribe with local guide was also specially memorable as we were invited to have lunch with them and boys were trying the hunting with bow. All in all from start to the end of safari, all went well, Natasa and office staff are still in contact with us as we are still in Tanzania ending out trip on Zanzibar. Without a doubt if we return back, we choose Shadows of Africa again!
THE most beautiful place in Africa.
Since visiting this park all future parks visited are compared to this absolutely magnificent place.Stunning scenery that leaves you humbled and misty eyed.Great accommodation options,fantastic guides,easy access from Lusaka,and such a large choice of activities from walking to game drives,fishing, canoeing and motorboat safaris. There is certainly nothing ho hum about this little Eden.God was smiling the day he created this place.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome safari trip!
This is one of the best trips we ever had, and big thanks to Thale and Ryan (wild planet safari) for showing us South Africa!
South Africa is a beautiful country, and we got to see alot! In the national parks we saw the big five many times! Even saw hippos fighting, that was so cool! The service was always good, and these two guids knows everything! If you have a question i bet you $100 they will give you the correct answer! And Ryan(eagleeyes) will spot all the animal, although the animal is hidden far away! This whole trip was an amazing experience, and it's not the last time we're going with Wild Planet Safari on a trip! Thanks guys! :)
Magnus and Christer!