DE
35-50 years of age
Not like other safari destinations!
I have been lucky enough to take several safaris in East Africa over the last few years (in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania). If you're looking for the "classic" safari in an open-top vehicle admiring the wildlife on the plains, perhaps Uganda is not really the right destination for you. You probably won't see huge migrating herds like in the Serengeti, for example. And perhaps you'll find the general infrastructure and tourist facilities a bit more basic and lacking the luxury factor. But what I found in Uganda was something special, and quite different from other safari destinations I've been to.
My primary reason for going on safari to Uganda (and Rwanda) was to see the mountain gorillas, and that experience is worth a whole review in itself, so all I'll say about that here was that it was an extraordinary, wonderful experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Truly the highlight of my trip by far.
Also magical were walks in the forests, hearing chimpanzees shrieking in the trees, and coming close to them (with great care!). Those forest treks really made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Lots of fascinating monkeys to see and hear in those magical forests too.
Another highlight for me (in one of the forest treks) was the encounter at the bat cave in Maramagambo Forest (although the last I heard it has been closed to the public due to health fears).
I opted to take a camping safari, rather than lodge-based. It's truly the best way to experience the magic of the bush. There is nothing quite like lying in your tent at night, listening to the sounds of lions roaring nearby, monkeys shrieking in the trees, and hippos grazing on the grass outside your tent. There are no fences and "safe" enclosed campsites - you are truly amongst nature. One night a group of elephants came into our camp, another night it was lions. Not for the faint-hearted, but truly extraordinary, and you don't experience these things in lodges. Also, it's worth bearing in mind that camping safaris are quite luxurious - I had a very comfortable tent set up for me every night, complete with bed and wash-stand. Showers and toilets were portable and therefore not luxurious, but on the other hand you can only laugh and feel the wonder of the bush when a baboon steals your toilet paper... Food was excellent, all transported along with us vacuum packed for freshness as part of a very impressive logistics operation that accompanied our safari as it moved around the country.
Some "normal" game drives were also included in this safari, and while perhaps not as spectular as others I have been on in East Africa, there was still some excellent game viewing to be had. Highlights of game drives included the incredible tree-climbing lions (seen several times), a leopard strolling in front of our vehicle, and of course the spectacular birds (even as a non-enthusiast I couldn't help but be blown away by the incredible birdlife). Guides were very hard-working and dedicated, always making every effort to find the most elusive wildlife and get us up close, but always respecting nature at the same time. They were very, very few other tourists around, so we didn't experience the "20 vehicles surrounding a lion" phenomenon that often blights safaris in the more popular safari destinations.
In short, I can say that Uganda is perfect for the more adventurous safari-goer who wants to do something a little different (more on the wild side). If you're willing to get wet, muddy, bitten by ants, and exhausted in order to get up close, on foot, to some of the most wonderful and rare creatures on earth, this is the place. For me, Uganda is all about spine-tingling experiences in magical forests, and getting face to face with the wildlife, with no vehicles or fences to separate you. I've never been anywhere quite like it.
IE
35-50 years of age
So Many People!
If you stop for a picnic in Uganda miles from any village or sign of habitation, be sure to take out some extra fruit because by the time your kettle is boiled, you'll have a handful of spectators. Ugandans love to see visitors to their country, some will beg, some will smile, but all will welcome you.
The climate is hot and humid for much of the time, so loads of light clothes is the order of the day. We had clothes washed a few times on our trip, and that made travelling lighter. Be ready for muddy streets, and tropical downpours, but you will be back to sunshine and dust within a few hours!
Uganda is a very green country, you will get to see just about everything growing there. It is seemingly possible to get 2 crops of potatoes per year from the same field. You will see many small households growing subsistance food right beside their homes, and you'll also see huge commercial tea farms.
The accomadation varies wildly. You can find small inexpensive bed and breakfast type places, and also plush luxury lodges. Many of these are a little dated and some are a little basic, but the food is generally very good. In a few weeks of travel, we had no tummy upsets, and really liked most of the dishes.
The road network is a bit haphazard, and off the main routes the roads may only be passable outside of the rainy season, so take this into account while planning. Traffic in Kampala is hectic enough to make Italians flinch.
The wildlife parks were superb. The tree climbing lions in QENP are well worth tracking down, and the Gorilla's are a "must see".
Overall, it's a great destination. Some of the parks can arrange walks with the rangers, and this is a superb experience as you get to hear and smell live in the game parks much more intimatly than when in the back of a Toyota or Landrover.
NL
35-50 years of age
Review about Uganda by gipukan
As it's a small park the number of different animals is limited but that makes one focus on more than just the big five.
DE
50-65 years of age
Uganda - the undiscovered beauty
We operate together with the inhabitants of a small village north of Mityana a humanitarian project in Uganda to improve their lives sustainably. In 2009, we have for the first time together with our children (teenagers) Uganda. An absolutely worth experiencing country. In Kampala, as in many cities of other developing countries to feel optimism. In the country however, the time has stopped and the people live largely in poverty and subsistence agriculture. It is striking that all the automotive business of Indians and Pakistanis can be controlled. The chinese start the exploitation of large oil deposits seen in the northwest. therefore, the roads built in the resource-rich regions very well. European hotels are found only in large cities. But who can get along without electricity and warm water does not necessarily need to take a shower, can also opt for an African hotel.
MX
35-50 years of age
Wonderful encounter with nature
This was my very first time in an African Safari and I was really hoping to see elephants and giraffes among others. As we entered the park, just a few meters from the gate, we were welcomed by a beautiful family of elephants. They really came in close to us to the point that we could almost touche them (a big no no).
The scenery was wonderful with green grass and trees and small streams and creeks running across some of the roads.
Our guide was incredible patient with us as we took our time to take pictures and video of everything that moved.
DE
35-50 years of age
Review about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by Marcus Richardson
A magical place. If you don't get a huge adrenaline rush here, there is something wrong with you.
DE
35-50 years of age
Review about Kibale National Park by Marcus Richardson
A spine-tingling, magical place.
DE
35-50 years of age
Review about Queen Elizabeth National Park by Marcus Richardson
A huge park, very diverse, very few tourists. Something for everyone here. It's very beautiful. The only problem is that humans "thinned out" a lot of the wildlife through appalling slaughter some years ago, and the populations are recovering only very slowly.
IE
35-50 years of age
Review about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by Merv Colton
I have rated this very highly however the only wildlife we saw were the Gorillas. We trekked as a group of 8, ages between 22 and 65, and we call made it the 3 hours to get to see the Gorillas. The rangers and porters were very professional, and took great care of us, and even better care of the Gorillas which I was pleased to see.
IE
35-50 years of age
Review about Kibale National Park by Merv Colton
We went to see the chimps, but on the day we visited, it was raining, and they mainly stayed high in the canopy. It would be good to plan a few days in this area to be sure to get to see them.