Uganda: 20 days discovering authenticity (page 9 of 9)

Wow, Ben, for a trip that’s happening in... 3 years? 4 years? You already have some really precise ideas 😉.

Actually, when I start getting interested in a destination, I begin by filling out my daily planning table to visualize it better, and then I keep updating and correcting it over months or even years based on feedback, travel journals, etc... But in this case, the itinerary seems so well-honed that there’ll be few changes to make—except for your suggestions to make up for the gorilla trek we won’t be doing.

For the minimum age for the chimps, I’ll try to negotiate once I’m there (my youngest is 12.5 years old)... but if they enforce a limit, I guess there’s a reason...

I’d be *very* interested in your feedback, because in 3 years, our youngest will be 12.5 years old 😉! If chimps or gorillas aren’t possible before 15, oh well, we’ll wait 🏴‍☠️ !

If chimps and gorillas aren't an option before 15, oh well, we'll wait 🏴‍☠️ !

Yeah, wait like that and the two oldest won't want to go with their parents anymore—it'll save you some money

If chimps and gorillas aren't an option before 15, oh well, we'll wait 🏴‍☠️ !

Yeah, wait like that and the two oldest won’t want to go with their parents anymore—saves you some money 😇

Good point!! And we’ll be able to go see the gorillas 😏 !

Hi Bernard,

I’m so glad this report convinced you! 🙂

I’m sure you’ll love this charming country and can’t wait to see your photos after your trip 😉.

Happy planning! 🙂 Delphine

Hi Guillaume,

Preparation is already well underway!

I forgot to mention that during our day in the Rwenzoris, we saw that there are 3- or even 4-day treks available, and we thought that option was really great. If we’d had more time and known about it, we would’ve considered it because in one day, we could only do a round trip (which was still really nice).

We’re not big mountain enthusiasts, and the week-long trek option didn’t interest us at all, but 3–4 days in the lower areas with such interesting vegetation would’ve been perfect for us!

Just adding more options to the mix ;) !

Finally, if we didn’t have Delphine’s luck of spotting a shoebill at every marsh corner, you can plan a trip to Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe.

😏 Mabamba Swamp is, I think, the spot with the best chances of seeing the shoebill. We couldn’t fit it into our itinerary, which is why we went with the other possible options to spot one! (In the end, we really loved our early morning trip to Ziwa, so no regrets—but it does add a detour!)

I forgot to mention that during our day in the Rwenzoris, we saw that there are treks lasting 3 or even 4 days, and we thought that option was really cool.

Yeah, the Rwenzoris are definitely tempting. 😛 We did a one-day hike up to 2,500 meters, but several days would be amazing—just to reach the giant lobelia moorlands. Though that means climbing between 3,500 and 4,000 meters through high-mountain swamps and all that. But the variety of landscapes must be totally worth it.

For climbing in the Rwenzoris, there are three options: - The northern part of the range, west of Fort Portal: For example, Karugutu - Ntandi, where a taxi can pick you up to return to the starting point. Or the Kazingo Trail between Kazingo and Bundidugyo. But these are more like short treks.

The real mountain experience is in the central or southern sectors: - Central sector: the oldest, Nyakalengija Valley. Where you’ll find the Mahoma Trail (3 days) or even full expeditions lasting one or two weeks. - Southern sector: Kilembe Valley. Where treks range from 1 to 15 days. We chose the southern sector—it’s newer, better maintained, and it was indeed great. While there, we chatted with two high-altitude mountaineers who had just returned from a 2- or 3-summit expedition over two weeks. They said it was stunning but tough. It’s worth noting that it rains 300 days a year in the Rwenzoris.

Anyway, if I go back to Uganda, the Rwenzoris will be a must-do.

Hello, Your story is amazing. I’m actually looking for inspiration because we’re planning a big trip at the end of February/beginning of March 2021 with our two boys, who’ll be 12 and 15. Could you give me an idea of the budget, even if we’d only be there for two weeks compared to your three? Outside of Europe, we’ve been to Sri Lanka and Guadeloupe with our kids, and I know this would be completely different again—it’d be incredible for all four of us. Thanks again.

early March 2021 with our two boys, who will be 12 and 15.

Hi,

Just a quick note—the younger one won’t be able to do the gorilla trek or the chimpanzee visit, as they’re only allowed from age 15. He might get a bit frustrated.

Yes, thanks—I hadn’t noticed the minimum age.

Hi there,

Thanks !

You’re right—you do need to watch the minimum age for some activities, but even without the gorilla or chimpanzee treks, Uganda has so much to offer.

Here are some rough costs for this trip:

Permits (gorillas, chimpanzees): $3,000 Activities, parks, etc.: $3,000 Accommodation: $2,800 Car and guide: $3,500 Miscellaneous: $1,000

This is approximate and for 4 people over 3 weeks, following the itinerary we took. You’ll also need to add international flights.

Happy to help if you have any questions.

Thanks for this feedback. We’ll be there for 2 weeks (February break or Easter).

Hi there, If you have the choice, February will be better than Easter weather-wise. Muriel

Yes, that’s true. For now, I’ll look into my budget, but it’d clearly be a dream come true for the four of us.

Hello Delphine,

Love your travel journal and the photos! It was super helpful for planning our trip to Uganda—I’ve already read it five or six times. The little * ratings are so handy, even if everyone’s tastes can differ.

Thanks to you, I discovered the day hike in the Rwenzoris to meet the three-horned chameleon. It’s now part of our itinerary, and based on your experience, we’ve opted for accommodation near the start/finish instead of Fort Portal 😉 I’ve also added nights at Eagle Nest, Byonna Amagara, and Rwenzori Guesthouse 🙂🙂 I’d already heard good things on Trip* but your post really confirmed my choices.

I’m also hoping to spot the shoebill at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We’ll be staying overnight there too. By the way, I’ve read mixed reviews about Ziwa Rhino Ranch as a place to stay. But from what I gather, if we want to do the shoebill activity, we don’t really have another option but to spend the night there. I saw you rated Ziwa Ranch 2* and that it was one of the things you liked least. What wasn’t great about it?

In 18 days, it was tough for us to fit in Kidepo and Sipi Falls without rushing. Such a shame because your photos make them look amazing, and you clearly loved both spots. Guess we’ll have to plan a second trip there 🙂

Huge thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed journal. Pascale

Thanks to you, I discovered day hikes in the Rwenzoris to meet the three-horned chameleon. It’s included in my itinerary, and after your experience, we opted for accommodation near the start/finish instead of Fort Portal 😉 I’ve also added nights at Eagle Nest, Byonna Amagara, and Rwenzori Guesthouse 🙂🙂 I’d already had positive feedback on Trip* but that confirms my choice.

I’m also hoping to be lucky enough to spot the shoebill at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We’ll be spending the night there too. By the way, I’ve read mixed reviews about Ziwa Rhino Ranch as accommodation. But apparently, if we want to do the shoebill activity, we don’t have much choice but to stay overnight there. I saw that you rated Ziwa Ranch 2 stars and that it was among what you liked least. What wasn’t so great?

Pascale

Hi Pascale,

You’re welcome 🙂. I’m so glad my travel journal could be helpful! Awesome about the Rwenzoris! For Ziwa Rhino Ranch, nothing major, but the rooms really weren’t great! Our girls slept in a room with 3 sections and at least 10 beds! So they had options, but it was almost unsettling! Otherwise, the restaurant wasn’t bad, and best of all, we were surprised to have rhinos right outside our room at sunrise! So comfort-wise, meh, but for one night, it’s totally fine. We loved the morning excursion to meet the shoebill.

Happy planning. You’re in for a wonderful trip! Are you also traveling with Paul’s agency? When are you going?

Delphine

Hello Delphine,

Got it about Ziwa Rhino Ranch. As long as it's clean (and the food is okay 😉), I can handle one night there, especially if I'm lucky enough to have rhinos greeting me at my door in the morning 🙂

I'm in touch with Paul to organize the trip. Your positive feedback, along with Muriel's, convinced me, and I didn’t really look into contacting other agencies to compare. We're finalizing the itinerary now. I'm still debating where to do the gorilla trek and how to organize the last 3 days between Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. For the rest, it's a pretty classic route with a little detour through Semliki NP.

We're going at Christmas/New Year’s to celebrate my 50th birthday. It’ll be without our teens, though, since they’ll be in the middle of exam prep at that time. The hardest part will be waiting once everything’s booked and set 😎

PS: I might reach out for your thoughts on your trip to Borneo and the Perhentian Islands. I don’t think I saw a travel journal about it. My family is pushing me to go, but I’m not super motivated. When I read that you were a bit disappointed by the environmental destruction, that’s exactly what’s holding me back from exploring the region. I’m afraid I won’t find the wild, natural side I’m looking for. But anyway, it’s not happening anytime soon.

Have a great weekend, Pascale

Hi Delphine,

With the forum closing, I didn’t get a chance to thank you for that amazing travel journal, which really motivated me and helped with planning our trip to Uganda. We were thinking of going in June 2024, but it’s been pushed back to summer 2025! 🙂