I recently travelled to Uganda to experience the destination first-hand. Take a peek at my travel diary highlights if you want to know what to expect on a Uganda safari.
When I say my Uganda safari was one of the best journeys I’ve ever taken, I mean it with every muddy boot, wide-eyed encounter and heart-thumping moment along the way. From standing at the top of cascading waterfalls to chilling less than two metres from a mountain gorilla, this trip delivered magic at every turn.
Arriving in Entebbe: VIP Treatment from the Get-Go
Touching down in Entebbe after a long travel day, I wasn’t sure what to expect – would it be the usual post-flight chaos? It was not. We were met before customs by a smiling Wild Frontiers transfer rep who fast-tracked us through immigration like jungle royalty. Our driver was waiting and within 15 minutes we were at our hotel — no stress, no delays, just smooth service.
First Stop: Boutique Luxury at Hotel No.5
My first night was spent at Hotel No.5, a stylish five-star boutique property tucked into a quiet corner of Entebbe. Plush rooms, warm hospitality and a much-needed good night’s sleep. The next morning, we flew to Kihihi Airstrip, the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our flight took us over Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving us stunning aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscape.
Into Bwindi: Gateway to the Gorillas
At Kihihi, we met our guide Sula — knowledgeable, kind, and calm — who would be our trusted companion for the days ahead. The drive to Bwindi was a visual feast: terraced farms, waving villagers and rolling hills cloaked in green.
We arrived at Buhoma Lodge, perched on the edge of the forest. The location couldn’t have been better — just a short walk from where our gorilla trek would begin.
That evening we gathered for a detailed pre-trek briefing. We had plenty of questions: what to pack, what to wear, how hard is it, what if a gorilla looks at me? Thankfully, Sula had all the answers.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning arrived with mist in the treetops and butterflies in our stomachs. From Buhoma Lodge, it was just a short walk to the meeting point, a major convenience. We geared up with walking sticks, gaiters, gloves and face masks — the latter to protect the gorillas from human germs.
The hike itself? Tough. We scrambled up steep trails, ducked under vines and sweated through the dense forest. My secret weapon? Peace — my porter, whose strength, patience and occasional pushing and pulling got me to the top.
And there they were. The Rushegura family. We watched juveniles play in the trees while the elders looked on. Then, the moment of moments — a mother and her baby climbed down from the trees and settled barely two metres from me. It was surreal. Our hour passed in a blur of camera clicks, quiet gasps and the occasional whispered “wow.”
Later that day, we laced up again for a guided forest walk to three beautiful waterfalls. That evening, I indulged in a complimentary post-trek massage at Buhoma Lodge — muscles aching but heart full.
Travel with Purpose: People Making a Difference
En route to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we stopped at Ride 4 a Woman — more than mere retail therapy with a purpose. This inspiring initiative empowers women facing poverty, HIV, domestic abuse, single motherhood or lack of education, through skills training and microfinance. Visitors can try their hand at basket weaving, pedal sewing and cooking, or enjoy Bakiga dancing and community bike tours. Their wider impact includes projects like Light a Home, Safe Water and Home Building.
Next stop — Agartha’s Taste of Uganda, an immersive experience where we prepared and enjoyed a traditional meal. Agartha welcomes visitors into her homestead where she weaves together stories of Bakiga life while generating valuable income for the community.
Both initiatives are supported by our Future Generations Trust, and every safari night booked with Wild Frontiers helps fund them.
Into the Wild
At Ishasha Wilderness Camp, tucked in the park’s southern sector, we enjoyed fabulous food, a sumptuous bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness, and sundowners with spectacular views across the plains. Game drives delivered on every front: a leopard in three different trees over three days, elephants by the dozens, buffaloes caked in mud, and an intense hyena hunt and kill — brutal, but part of the wild reality.
Cruising the Kazinga Channel
Further north, we cruised the Kazinga Channel, a wide 32-kilometre-long natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George, both part of the African Great Lakes system. The sheer richness of the game viewing here took us all by surprise. Hippos lounged like submerged boulders, crocodiles sunned themselves on the banks, and birds of every shape and shade fluttered along the edge of the banks.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
After an overnight at Primate Lodge, we set off for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park — widely regarded as the best place in East Africa, if not the world, to see chimps in the wild.
Kibale boasts the highest density of chimpanzees in Uganda (about 1,500 individuals). But it’s not just about chimps. This lush forest is known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” home to 13 primate species including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey.
Unlike gorillas, chimps don’t sit still. They swing, shriek and dash through the treetops, making for a fast-paced and unpredictable trek that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
Murchison Falls: Power, Beauty and the Nile
Then came the long but scenic drive to Murchison Falls. Our base, Twiga Safari Lodge, was warm and welcoming — the perfect place to recharge before more game viewing.
We spotted lions, elephants and a journey of over 30 giraffes (yes, that’s the collective noun when they are on the move!). But the star attraction was a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge. We passed giant crocs, elephant herds, a baby hippo out of the water and even a gathering of around 40 tiny crocodile hatchlings.
Final Stop: Luxury on the Nile
Our final stop was Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, set on a private island in the middle of the Nile. Rapids roared around us, but inside our riverfront suite, it was nothing but peace. The open-air bathtub with a view of the swirling water was the perfect way to unwind after the adventure.
Why Uganda? Because It Stays With You
We returned to Entebbe with full memory cards and fuller hearts. Uganda is a land of contrasts: misty forests and golden savannas, roaring rivers and peaceful forests. It’s vibrant, lush and alive in every sense.
Driving through the country revealed a kaleidoscope of daily life: roadside markets, boda-bodas carrying everything from families of five to massive bunches of bananas to furniture and even goats! Crater lakes and endless green hills made the drive scenic and enjoyable. Everywhere we went, we were met with warm smiles and waves.
Uganda is so much more than just gorillas. It’s a destination that surprises you, delights you, and stays with you long after you leave. For me, it ticked every box — and then some.
Tamlyn
Marketing & Sales @WildFrontiers
Inspired to see it for yourself? Discover our tailor-made Uganda safaris with Wild Frontiers and travel with purpose.
