US
20-35 years of age
Excellent safari location!
I visited Murchison Falls National Park in July 2010 for my first safari experience ever. I'm from the U.S. and had never been to Africa, so this was a really fun new experience for me. I stayed at the Paraa Safari Lodge, which was very comfortable: clean rooms, good selection of food (compared to other places in Uganda), and a swimming pool!
The weather was warm, 80-85 degrees, and was a mix of sunny and overcast throughout the five days I was there. I was on the trip with my father, who had a personal friend who was also a guide take us out on the safari. This was nice, because it was just the three of us in the vehicle and we could go out for however long we wished, and stop for whatever my father and I wanted to look at.
The wildlife was beautiful... fifteen minutes into our first drive out we had to stop for a giraffe crossing the road right in front of us. We saw dozens of giraffes, elephants, baboons, water buffalo, hippos, and more. The only popular animal we didn't see was a lion... they are really tricky to spot, considering they are the best predator out there. However, when my brother made the same trip with my father a month later, they saw a lion, so they can be found, you just have to be patient and look!
Overall, it was a fantastic experience. I have hundreds of photos and video footage to keep forever. My tips would be to pack plenty of clean clothes you can sweat in. I completely changed outfits 2-3 times a day from being so covered in dirt, sunscreen, and sweat. Driving out in the bush will get you very dirty. Also, bring long shirts, pants, and bug spray. My father got malaria from a mosquito bite out there and was dangerously ill for weeks. Visit a doctor and get malaria pills to take before this trip!
US
35-50 years of age
The jewel of East Africa, a MUST-SEE travel destination!
We spent the first 3 days of our trip in Kampala with side trips to Jinja, Entebbe and Ngamba Island. On day 4 we were picked up by a private tour guide. He would be with us for the remaining 5 days of our trip which included Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth NP and other sights along the way. Our guide spoke decent English, was very affordable and his knowledge of the local flora & fauna, wildlife and history made him an invaluable part of our Ugandan experience. We asked him to show us the ‘real’ Uganda and he delivered! He took us to visit with local families, we watched a group of local men make alcohol from fermented bananas and stopped by a wedding in progress where we were greeted by friendly locals and invited to join the party.
The weather was perfect, cool in the mornings and evenings and warm throughout the day (never hot). The Ugandan country side is simply stunning….green patchwork covers the mountainous terrain and the people are some of the friendliest I have ever encountered. We also had incredible food throughout our journey including a delicious tilapia dinner on the shore of Lake Victoria (for the low price of $1.30).
The gorilla trekking was the highlight of our week but we also did a boat tour of the Kazinga channel which was wonderful!
I've travelled all over the world and I can honestly say that Uganda was my absolute favorite destination. The friendly people, incredible scenery, affordability and abundant wildlife make Uganda a “must-see”!!
NL
20-35 years of age
Stunningly divers, incredibly beautifull, accessible to travel and very friendly people!
Unfortunately we (a friend and I) did not get to do a safari sensu strictu (with the land cruisers, zebra's, giraffes, etc) but of what I heard there are plenty possibilities available. What we did was a more adventure / hiking / chilling vacation, in which we rafted the white Nile, visited the beautiful Sipi falls, chilled on the shore of Lake Bunyonyi and climbed the Mganhinga voulcano (or is is Magahinga?!).
Uganda is easy to travel, not only due to the high concentration of attractions over a relatively small country, but also by the friendliness of the people. Infra structure is all a bit less polished than Kenia / Tanzania, which means you might have to organize a bit more by yourself and all may go a bit less smooth. From my point of view that's part of the safari experience (aka Bush Vibe).
Review about Uganda by liesje
I liked the things we saw in Uganda, but Tanzania was better.
AR
20-35 years of age
Review about Uganda by Ezequiel
The parks are very nice (I especially liked Kidepo Valley) and you´ll never see a crowd!
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Uganda by Allison
Lots to see, expecially if this is your first safari experience!
AR
20-35 years of age
Review about Matoke Tours by Ezequiel
The service was good, everything was pretty much as promised, but I would have expected a more intensive activity during the day (more/longer game drives). I would use them again, but you you make very clear in advance what activity will be provided as a minimum.
20-35 years of age
Review about Mahango Game Reserve by Jofie Lamprecht
Small National park with a great diversity in wildlife. Don't plan to spend too much time in this park, which can adequately be seen in one evening and a morning game drive.
20-35 years of age
Review about Waterberg Plateau Park by Jofie Lamprecht
This is not a high density National Park, and with some luck you can have a good experience. Game is not habituated to game viewing vehicles. Large parts of the park can seem dull, due to thick bush. Scenically, the drive into the park and through some of the more open and koppie filled parts of the park are beautiful. Only vehicles from NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) are allowed in the park. One trip into the park is sufficient, and if combined with Etosha, this will give you your only chance to see cape buffalo other than in the Caprivi to complete your big 5 in two parks.
20-35 years of age
Review about Kaokoland by Jofie Lamprecht
Fantastic cultural experience visiting the Himba people, desert elephant and black rhino are very rewarding if you can find them.