12 independent reviews for Uganda wildlife and activity holiday
Reviews for Uganda wildlife and activity holiday
Wim van Vliet review 17 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were too many to mention. Visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, visiting the Chimpansees in Kibale, the mighty Murchison Falls and the Murchison National Park with all its abundance of wildlife. The interactions with the local community who were so kind and friendly, despite their hardships. The participation in the Source of the Nile Ultra Trail run, me 50km and my wife 12km. The great people we met. The support of Jackson and the unwavering efforts by George, our guide, to make this a holiday never to forget.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book local so that more of your money supports the economy of Uganda. Be prepared to spend many hours on bumpy unpaved roads. Be flexible in your needs and expectations, definitely share your specific needs with your tour company and guide but at the same time take advise from them, they know local customs and sensitivities best.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our holiday definitely supported the local communities in Uganda. Each and every activity means work and income for the local people. This in turn helps to protect the flora and fauna in National Parks. People understand that tourists means income and without a healthy flora and fauna there will be no tourists. In addition to that, tips to local guides, performers and staff makes a little difference. Needless to say that travel in general does contribute to global warming and does have its impact on the environment. Having said that, the support for the community and with that the protection of wildlife and flora and fauna in National Parks far outweighs the negatives.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Booked a 15 days tour of Uganda. With the support of Jackson, tailored the trip to our personal needs, including participation in the Source of the Nile Ultra Trail run. No problems for Jackson and his team. Local Guide George was absolutely fantastic, making our holiday an unforgettable experience. Goerge went over and above his duties to ensure we got more than we asked for. You can not wish for a better team to serve you. Minor glitches with booked accommodation were resolved quickly and efficiently.Val Roper review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The interactions with the animals that we trekked to find or saw from our safari car. The sites and sounds of the country that we visited to see the extremes of the country from rich to very poor and appreciate more what their lives entail.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Most people prefer Ugandan Shillings as a tip or payment not dollars we found. Best exchange rates are in Kampala. Only drink bottled water and ask where any ice came from. Keep an open mind to every sight and sound you see and hear. Be ready to get up very early almost every day...so go to bed early ! Many of the projected journey timings slipped due to traffic and poor roads, which meant we arrived later than expected and the some country roads are very bad, so take care if you have a bad back.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We took a full extra suitcase of clothes that we wore and left behind with a note in every hotel we stayed in for the staff, which we believe they appreciated. we tipped everyone who helped us in any way. We gave away all our extra food to local people. We did the habituation experience with the Gorillas, which we were told helped to keep these wonderful animals safer. We would have liked to recycle the plastic water bottles but not really possible ?4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous holiday overall.Peter Robbins review 13 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My wife and I recently took a trip with this operator based in Kampala, Uganda. We took their "14 days Uganda’s Most Popular" safari. It was an excellent trip. Our wildlife viewing experience, including the Gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee tracking, was amazing. The countryside and the Ugandan people were also a huge addition to our enjoyment of the trip. Lodge selection was also excellent. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. One final comment - your tour guide can make or break even the most well planned trip. Well, our guide Remmy Kityo was amazing!! He had an uncanny ability to spot all kinds of wildlife (including birds) while at the same time safely navigating the pot-holed and rutted roads. We've had many guides on previous trips and we can safely say that he is one of the best. If you can request his services, you should. All in all, we had a fantastic trip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Look at several itineraries offered by Primate (or other companies for that matter) to make sure it covers everything you would like to do. Also, do research on the safari companies. You want someone with a good reputation.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it definitely benefited the local people and supported conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We have traveled extensively around the world. This was right up there in terms of an amazing holiday experience. Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa". We agree.James Farrell review 31 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Holiday? No this trip was definitely an adventure and we loved every minute of it. From the first contact I made with Responsible Travel it was smooth sailing all the way as they pointed me to the operator in Uganda and Jackson. It was a pleasure to deal with him and eventually meet him on two occasions while in Uganda. What a wonderful trip he and his team had ready for us. We spent 15 marvelous days with the incredible Leticia Nalumansi our guide. A great ambassador for her fellow guides and indeed for her country Uganda. Leticia made everyday memorable for us but I suppose the highlight would have to be spending time with the great Silverback Gorilla and his family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We were well prepared and had ourselves in good physical condition for this adventure. A good degree of fitness is required if you are to get the best from this trip but it is not necessary to be a marathon athlete either!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we felt we had made a little bit of a contribution to many local community run organisations that we came in contact with on our travels.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An incredible experience! We both loved every minute of it so would give it the top rating possible. Hats off to: Responsible Travel, the operator and Jackson. The brilliant Leticia and the many other guides and people we came in contact with on our ADVENTURE in Uganda.Eva Tzoref review 22 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
this tour is memorable on all 15 days. the top was to meet the gorillas, this was Really amazing2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I really hope so4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Gorgeous. fantastic amazing. Thank you to organaized it for usAnn Bosley review 2 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking the Mountain Gorillas at Rhusaga/Bwindi, trekking the Chimpanzees at Kibale, White water rafting at Jinja, a dawn game drive in QENP and much ,much more2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do take a good camera, mobile phones just won't capture the magnificence of animals and surroundings. Do read every review you can find so you are aware of what to pack and the suggested tips for guides etc.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I know that I helped the conservation of the animals with the permit and entry fees paid. I did my best to personally help some of the very poor families in the Bwindi area by using my very generous Turkish airlines baggage allowance to take some decent quality clothing and trainer shoes that I no longer wanted to donate (with the help of our tour guide) to those who would appreciate them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Howard Tollit review 11 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The primates, especially the Gorillas...amazing and a bit humbling.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure that if you are booking to visit the non-habituated Chimpanzees at Kibale you know that there is a high likelihood you won't find the group. If you want to spend an hour with the Chimps you need to book the habituated group.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. All of the parks we visited (especially Bwindi and Kibale) made it clear that our (controlled) presence was significantly benefiting the local community as well as wildlife conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
From start to finish our safari with our tour operator (introduced via Responsible Travel in the UK...thanks Rosy) was brilliant. Jackson was extremely efficient and attentive during the planning and confirmation/ payment process and answered our questions promptly and helpfully. We chose the tour operator because I believed they offered the best value and quality of service compared to the other operators we looked at. Jackson even visited us 'on tour' and saw us off from the airport. We had read very good reports of Alex as our guide, and because he is a bird expert and I enjoy watching and photographing them, we requested Alex be assigned to us. We thoroughly enjoyed Alex's company and expertise. He didn't overwhelm us given we were touring together for 11 days and knew when to offer advice and guidance. He is clearly well respected amongst his peers and knew everyone throughout, the short-cuts, and how to get the best for us out of the tour. Uganda is an amazing country with the most wonderful and welcoming people, They really believe that tourists (to see the Gorillas for example) are helping the local communities as well as the conservation of the wildlife. Uganda is in my limited experience the number 1 destination for primates, birds and scenery but don't expect a big game everywhere 'Serengeti' experience (although we didn't visit Murchison Falls). The vehicle was comfortable and clean (a Hiace) and the accommodation selected was excellent everywhere...some mid-price and some high end. The food was brilliant and plentiful. We travelled in late Jan/ early Feb. and saw very little rain. There were very few if any insects. Water was provided in the vehicle throughout. The roads are unmade beyond 150km of Kampala so journeys are a bit bouncy but Alex mitigated this as far as he could. We would completely recommend Uganda, and the services of our tour operator. We plan to return next year with our daughters and will be using the same operator again.David Shafer review 13 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to pick out one thing. I enjoyed every part of being on or near the Nile. It is such a magnet for wildlife and Murchison Falls is breathtaking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is a busy itinerary. I wish in some ways there could have been one down day, but I do not know what I would have cut out. Travels should be aware that they are responsible for paying tips for guides at parks. On small group trips in other countries we had done that through a group fund. I had trouble having the right amount of cash for tips.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The operator that conducts the trips for Responsible Travel uses a lot of community based organizations. Most were very good and in that way I felt I was benefiting local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. There are a few things that’s Responsible Travel could do better in explaining how they local partner company works. That said, the variety in Uganda is tremendous and the people were very friendly. My guide picked out things to show me based on my interests and that was special.Christin Monson review 30 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was marvellous. The white water rafting very memorable, safari drives and river trips great but if I have to choose the most memorable thing it would of course be the gorilla trekking followed closely by the chimpanzee trekking. A wonderful holiday and well looked after by Alex our driver and guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a torch, sometimes dim lighting in lodges, and a few power cuts. Also helpful when walking to and from accommodation to eating areas at dusk and in the dark.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it benefited the local people who worked in the lodges and the national parks. Many places we stayed in reduced food waste by serving a set meal and they also used solar power to light the lodges.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Unforgettable.Kate Cullen review 7 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The mountain gorrilas - great trek into the mountains spending over an hour with the gorillas. The scenery was stunning which topped off the experience. Great opportunity for photography. The river trip in Queen Elizabeth Park was amazing , saw elephants playing in the lake. Everyday offered someone new and exciting so the list could go on.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If travelling from UK , take sterling and some dollars. When arriving get shillings , not many places take dollars. Also you will get a better price if paying for goods in shillings. Better to leave tips in shillings. If you have space in your luggage take clothes which can be given away. Children's clothes would be very much appreciated. Buy some sweets to hand out to the kids along the way - make sure it is a big bag as the kids ensure everything is shared out equally.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A large proportion of the cost is on Game Park entry and Permits - so this money goes to the Ugandan Wildlife Association. All of the areas we visited rely heavily on tourism which provides jobs for local communities. Tourism has definitely lifted the standard of living for communities and drawn attention to these areas , attracting projects to help with education and health.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent holiday , better than i had expected.Sabine Mosch review 14 Feb 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wildlife is simply amazing to see. Particularly finding the gorillas after hours of hike is so rewarding. Definitely worth all the sweat and muscle pain.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
With Jackson and his team we always felt in good hands. Things were organized perfectly and the team is very knowledgeable and helpful. Bring insect repellent (though it's not as bad as we had thought beforehand), a torch and travel sickness pills (in case you get sick easily - the roads are 'African style'). Vegetarian options available everywhere.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Many of the tours employed local guides who knew the area really well. We stopped to buy food on local markets along the way. Several of the lodges were solar powered or only provided electricity when necessary.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was the perfect trip: great places, great people, good value for money. We couldn't have wished for anything more.Jennifer Thomson review 9 Dec 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Unfortunately there are just too many great memories to pick from this trip, as every day rewarded you with something amazing. Despite the +1600km we covered, each mile was worth it to provide all the opportunities.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The roads are extremely bumpy, which makes each journey long in time, but not necessarily in distance. Therefore, you need to be a good passenger, which also applies to the road rules the drivers adopt. A good torch and Travel Johns are essential recommendations when camping.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe the National Park entry fees will support local communities to continue to build and strengthen the area(s).4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a once in a life time experience which has created many lasting memories.Holiday Reviews
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