Robert & Doreen
Travel Recommendations
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Uganda and Rwanda are home to the world's entire Mountain Gorilla population. Trekking through the rainforest to visit the gorillas in their natural habitat is an incredibly unique and special experience. Conservation efforts to grow the population of gorillas are supported by these well-organised treks. If you wish to do gorilla trekking you will need to purchase a day permit from Ugandan or Rwandan Wildlife Authorities. Your tour company should be able to arrange this for you and you should book by early in 2025 if you want to secure a permit, since they are limited in supply. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in South-West Uganda is the most common location for gorilla trekking. This is a 4.5 hour drive from Kigali and a 10 hour drive from Kampala. You're likely best to get there by flying to Rwanda and driving north across the border to Rwanda. Permits cost $600. Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is in the north of Rwanda, a 2.5 hour drive from Kigali. Permits cost $1,500.
Wildlife Safari
East Africa has the most iconic parks for wildlife safari in the world and July is in the dry season which is ideal for wildlife viewing. The most famous parks in the region include: Masai Mara, Kenya - Easily accessible for anyone traveling through Nairobi, the Mara is famous for having a high density of "The Big Five". The Great Migration of 2 million wildebeest typically starts in July. Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti, Tanzania - Accessed via Kilimanjaro Airport. Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest caldera, an extinct volcano, full of wildlife. Links directly into Serengeti. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda - Close to Doreen's hometown in Western Uganda, QENP, is famous for tree-climbing lions, 600 bird species and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Murchison Falls, Uganda - 5 hours drive north of Kampala. You can hike to the spectacular waterfalls on the River Nile. Abundant wildlife, chimpanzee trekking and river safari.
Trekking and Adventure Travel in Uganda
Uganda has plenty of options for trekking and adventure travel beyond the typical safari. Here are a few of our favourites: Jinja - World-class white-water rafting, bungee jumping, boat rides and kayaking along the Nile River. We recommend staying at one of the lodges on the banks of the Nile, for example, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge ($$$), Nile Falls House ($$), Explorers River Camp ($). Crater Lakes - The volcanic crater lakes, particularly around Fort Portal and Kibale, are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing in serene rural landscapes. We also really love spending time at the lakes further south, Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. Hiking in Western Uganda - This region offers dramatic and diverse landscapes ranging from tropical rainforests to glaciers and extinct volcanoes. For multi-day hikes research options in the Rwenzoris, known as the "Mountains of the Moon", while for shorter hikes check out Mount Sabyinyo in the south and Semuliki further north.
East African Coast
The coastline from Kenya to Tanzania, has beautiful white sand beaches, excellent seafood and rich Swahili culture. A great place for a short beach retreat. Our #1 favourite place in the world is Shela on Lamu Island, accessible via a short flight from Nairobi. A Lamu sunset dhow trip is an incredible experience. Other great coastal retreat options include Kilifi and Diani in Kenya, and Zanzibar, which is more touristy but has an excellent range of tourism facilities and direct flights to Europe.
City Activities in Kampala
If you have a day in Kampala, book a driver for the day, it'll be the easiest way to get around, then go to some of the historical sites: Kasubi Tombs - A World Heritage site and burial grounds for the kings of the Buganda Kingdom, Uganda's most powerful kingdom from the 13th century. Call ahead to book a tour with Prince Joseph. Gaddafi Mosque - The largest mosque in East Africa. Take a quick tour inside and ask to climb the minaret for views across the city. Kabaka's Palace - Drive down Kampala's Royal Mile between the Parliament of the Baganda Kingdom to see the statues of the Baganda clans and visit the King of Buganda's palace. There are golf courses in Kololo and Munyonyo, and sailing on the lake at Kazi. Food: Le Chateau on Ggaba Road for excellent Belgian food and beers, Cantine Divino in Kololo for Italian, Cafesserie for salads and bistro food (multiple locations). For Ugandan food, try the Luwombo at Jikoni in Kololo or if near the lake, take fried fresh lake fish.
Travel Tour Companies
There are plenty of tour companies who can arrange bookings for your safaris and other travel. Here are a few we recommend: North & South Travel - experienced safari tour operator across East Africa run by a friend of ours. (https://www.northandsouthtravel.com/index.php) Bujo Safaris Uganda - has organized trips for friends and family before (https://www.safaribookings.com/reviews/p4081)