2 independent reviews for Gorillas & hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains
Reviews for Gorillas & hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains
Jane Currie review 10 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Actually seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat...so special.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The treks were very demanding due to weather conditions, altitude and terrain. Ensure you're up to it and have rain proof equipment.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were give the opportunity to see local villages and dances. Hopefully our visit and gratuities helped the local community....I believe the permit required to see the gorillas goes towards their conservation and wellbeing.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would describe this holiday as an adventure rather than a holiday! Managing the hikes was certainly a personal achievement....As an aside I didn't realise the tour operator used a different company to provide the holiday. Not sure the tour operator needed to be involved!Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your feedback. We are so pleased that seeing the gorillas did not disappoint. Booking through a UK tour operator provides you with financial security. Some local ground handlers only work with tour operators and not directly with the customer.
Jennifer Steward review 8 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many memorable moments: tracking gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP and discovering two gorilla families interacting; climbing up and down the 3 peaks of Mt Sabinyo - a challenging hike with impressive scenery into three countries (Uganda, Rwanda and DRC); trekking to the otherworldly Lobelia Gardens in the Rwenzori Mountains; spotting a leopard in Mt Mburo NP on New Year's Day; meeting the Batwa people and discovering their culture. The list could go on... :-)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
While the country is magnificent and the people friendly, the distances are long on bumpy and dusty dirt roads. There are not many places to stop for a rest/ meal. The Rwenzori trek is challenging and the weather is tropical - be prepared for heavy rain and deep mud on the trails. Make sure all your gear is properly rain-proofed and good waterproof boots are a must. The mountain huts can be cold so bring warm clothes and sleeping bag. The itinerary is evolving so travelers should be prepared for changes and adjustments (both prior to travel and when in-country) - don't expect everything to go exactly as planned.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much so! Guides (and porters) from the local community were used and some of the accommodation was linked to conservation projects - we were given insights into the Conservation through Public Health initiative in Bwindi. The trip also introduced us to the Batwa people and their culture and ongoing challenges.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Uganda is an incredible country! The trip was a great blend of challenging trekking (Rwenzori) and hiking (Mount Sabinyo), cultural and conservation experiences. There were some elements which did not go exactly as planned but, overall, that did not detract from my enjoyment of of the holiday. The key trip elements were five stars - fantastic and unforgettable - however the trip management and itinerary need a little refinement which reduces the rating overall.Holiday Reviews
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