Uganda Travel Guide

Life Experience

I visited Uganda 3years ago, as a student in order to work on a project about their living standars. Because of the project I met a lot of people and I have to admit that they are very friendly and hospitable. The weather in Uganda is normal, not dry but warm. The food is cheap and tasteful. They mainly offer goat sticks, soup with rice and vegetables and mattoke which is a traditional plate made by bananas. The accommodation was good as the staff was very willing to serve you, but it was a little bit slow. As far as the transportation is concered, they have "boda-bodas", which are motor bikes where you sit behind the driver. They also have buses and vans which are like taxis. The scenery is green and magnificent and there is a great variety of wildlife to explore by selecting this country as a safari destination. This safari had been arranged by the hotel where I stayed, situated in Mbarara district. We woke up in the morning and a bus booked by the hotel, took us to "Queen Elisabeth National Park". Approaching to the park we were astonished by the beautiful sunrise. Then we left it all to our communicable guide who was explaining all only in english, as the official languages are english and swahili. Small safari vans took us to indiscribably places in this huge park, driving among a lot of animals. The feeling that you get when you are so close to them cannot be discribed. It is unbelievable that you are in their natural living place. Elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys are just a few of what you can see. This is a life experience that you have never imagined!!!

Uganda is a great destination to get off the beaten track from countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.

We enjoyed our time in Uganda and saw a great variety of wildlife in the three parks that we visited. The weather in late June / early July was great. The food and accommodations at the parks were first-rate. The roads are a little challenging and take time to cover the distance, but add to the authentic feel of being on safari in Africa.

Uganda is amazingly fertile and beautiful. If it can remain at peace, it's people have a very bright future.

The friendliest place I have ever been

The wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park is slightly limited, with no signs of the big five (although there were talks of bringing back the giraffes, as conditions were thought to be very good for them now). Howeever, this did not limit the experience of thew safari. We knew from the beginning what animals we could expect to see, and they were out and about continuously. We came very close to the animals, and the were curious yet healthily cautios when we were present. It did not feel like they were too used to people, and we rarely met another group while on our game drive.

The scenery was beautiful, and so inspiring! Our breakfast at the lakeside cafè was of decent quality at best, but it was amazing to see all the animals, birds and to enjoy the lake view while having our breakfast. Our accomodation was parted; two people stayed at the spectacular and luxurious Mihingo Lounge. The other two stayed more or less in the bush, in a one-room house with toilets outdoors. We ran into animals on our way to the bathroom! Fascinating, and slightly scary. Food at Mihingo Lounge was excellent, food at the lakeside restaurant was decent. We had a teenager from the park collecting us from the restaurant at nighttime on a boda boda. It was a thrill to ride through the park at nighttime.

The safari included a boatttrip, which was great for birding, and a walking safari. The latter was the safari highlight; a two hour walk on the green steps, surrounded by buffalos, topis, waterbucks and a bucnh of other animals I cannot rememeber right now. Our guide was fantastic. A friendly, intelligent young man with a heart for nature. And a great storyteller he was too!

As for Uganda, it was marvellous. I have not been there for the last time.

I had a great experience in Uganda seeing all the animals I expected to see and more. Elephants,hippos,wart hogs,zebras, big horned cattle,weaver birds, azure kingfishers, storks, cranes, the crested crane, spoonbills, lions, gorillas,moneys,crocodiles, a magnifent leopard and beautiful butterflies in their thousands.

In Uganda you can see the green (more rainy) Africa, and you see two kinds of great apes. In other countries are more great herds (Tanzania, Kenya).

Beside mammals, the avifauna is just incredible diverse, be prepared for many new species on your personal list!

Uganda is a very warm and friendly place, with few of the hassles you find elsehwere, even Kampala itself proved welcoming even in some of the poorer areas of the centre. Safari-wise, still not the level of game viewing of other countries, but you can't fault it for beauty in the parks. Friends of mine have also recommended Murchison Falls (where I hope to go this year - 2012). Fort Portal is a good base for visiting the Ruwenzoris, one of the Gorilla viewing areas. My visit to Uganda was to visit friends, and we used their own vehicles (4wd) with no guide with no problems. A very enjoyable experience throughout my 2 week stay.

While the city of Kampala, in my opinion, is just another dirty & crowded African city, the countryside & wildlife are very special.

some very "out of the way" places to visit so if you want adventure then this could be the place for you