Uganda Advice
Aug 28th, 2008, 01:09 AM
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Uganda Advice
Hi there
Adrian and I are going to be arriving in Uganda in early October and have two weeks to explore. We are really excited and want to see all we can in this time
We are really keen to do a gorilla treck (if possible), visit Queen Victoria park and go rafting on the great Nile! We are really keen to find out more...Does anyone have advice for some of the beautiful spots we could visit? Any info would be hugely appreciated! Nicky and Adrian
Adrian and I are going to be arriving in Uganda in early October and have two weeks to explore. We are really excited and want to see all we can in this time
We are really keen to do a gorilla treck (if possible), visit Queen Victoria park and go rafting on the great Nile! We are really keen to find out more...Does anyone have advice for some of the beautiful spots we could visit? Any info would be hugely appreciated! Nicky and Adrian
Aug 28th, 2008, 02:32 AM
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It's over ten years since I was last there so can't offer up to date advice. But just wanted to congratulate you on your choice of Uganda. Fabulous.
On my last trip I also had two weeks. I travelled from Kampala to the Sese Islands, and on in a very roundabout way to Fort Portal; visited QEII Park and returned to Kampala.
This was all done using public transport. Another reason I'm posting, really; to say that you can get almost anywhere you want to go, though it might involve a few changes, and a few waits while the matatu fills up.
Had done a gorilla trek previously from Zaire which is why is doesn't feature here.
Loved the Sese Islands - you may wish to consider.
All the best.
On my last trip I also had two weeks. I travelled from Kampala to the Sese Islands, and on in a very roundabout way to Fort Portal; visited QEII Park and returned to Kampala.
This was all done using public transport. Another reason I'm posting, really; to say that you can get almost anywhere you want to go, though it might involve a few changes, and a few waits while the matatu fills up.
Had done a gorilla trek previously from Zaire which is why is doesn't feature here.
Loved the Sese Islands - you may wish to consider.
All the best.
Aug 28th, 2008, 04:10 AM
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Uganda is fantastic. You are going to love it!
I went with Wild Frontiers http://www.wildfrontiers.com and would highly recommend them. The guide was superb and made the long drives interesting.
I went with Wild Frontiers http://www.wildfrontiers.com and would highly recommend them. The guide was superb and made the long drives interesting.
Sep 23rd, 2008, 05:58 AM
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Nicky: If you want to get far flung look into a visit to Kidepo Valley N.P. in the far north. I believe Apoka Lodge is the only one in the entire park which is supposed to resemble the Masai Mara but without the tourists.
Sep 23rd, 2008, 06:57 AM
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kidepo is only a high rate place!!!
I agree with afterall... Uganga is a beautiful country to travel around with public transports..
I0ve been there 3 years ago and I would suggest Lake Bunionyi and kisoro... superd landscapes and wolderful treks...
and, of course, the gorillas (I had been visiting nkuringo group from kisoro...)
I agree with afterall... Uganga is a beautiful country to travel around with public transports..
I0ve been there 3 years ago and I would suggest Lake Bunionyi and kisoro... superd landscapes and wolderful treks...
and, of course, the gorillas (I had been visiting nkuringo group from kisoro...)
Sep 23rd, 2008, 09:02 AM
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i would follow PB advice and contact
http://www.safariuganda.com/profile.htm
i met jonathan wright several times but regrettably i haven'T visited his camps yet.
he seems to be a very honest guy who takes his business seriously.
happy planning!
div
http://www.safariuganda.com/profile.htm
i met jonathan wright several times but regrettably i haven'T visited his camps yet.
he seems to be a very honest guy who takes his business seriously.
happy planning!
div
Sep 23rd, 2008, 09:58 AM
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Cost is all relative and on a public transport backpack trip, yes, Apoka in Kidepo Valley would be very expensive. However, at a 2009 rate of $405 pppn including meals, drinks and activities it would be one of the more affordable lodging options mentioned on this board. I believe due to the extreme remoteness it takes an expensive charter flight to access but where else is there a sensational national park with only one lodge?
I do believe there is a public campground as well for people willing to make the long haul by road, 9 hours from Kampala if driving yourself.
There probably isn't a day that this park has more than 30 tourists in it. There are interesting cultures to visit in the area too.
I do believe there is a public campground as well for people willing to make the long haul by road, 9 hours from Kampala if driving yourself.
There probably isn't a day that this park has more than 30 tourists in it. There are interesting cultures to visit in the area too.
Sep 23rd, 2008, 09:29 PM
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Gritty: not yet, just lots of research as it's sitting at the top of my list for new safari places I would like to go. I was hoping to visit in October but couldn't make it due to other things going on but I do hope to have the opportunity in 2009 if I can work it in.
There are a lot of recommendations to fly as the northern area has not always been safe. Interestingly though even when there was high rebel activity they did not occupy or cause issues in Kidepo because the local people of the Karimajong tribe were known to be fierce warriors who armed themselves well, thus the park area remained preserved and safe.
The owner of Kidepo also runs the only lodge in the Toro-Semliki area which is an area that contains rainforest contiguous with the D.R. of Congo and is an area where you can see both forest elephants and buffalo as well as the larger savanna elephants and buffalo -- very unique to see both in one location. There is also an opportunity to go out with chimp researchers.
When I go I will also visit Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge which is the first community based lodge in a partnership with the local community of Nkuringo, Wild Places that owns the above lodges, and the African Wildlife Foundation.
I think it is an amazing circuit and I can't wait to experience it.
There are a lot of recommendations to fly as the northern area has not always been safe. Interestingly though even when there was high rebel activity they did not occupy or cause issues in Kidepo because the local people of the Karimajong tribe were known to be fierce warriors who armed themselves well, thus the park area remained preserved and safe.
The owner of Kidepo also runs the only lodge in the Toro-Semliki area which is an area that contains rainforest contiguous with the D.R. of Congo and is an area where you can see both forest elephants and buffalo as well as the larger savanna elephants and buffalo -- very unique to see both in one location. There is also an opportunity to go out with chimp researchers.
When I go I will also visit Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge which is the first community based lodge in a partnership with the local community of Nkuringo, Wild Places that owns the above lodges, and the African Wildlife Foundation.
I think it is an amazing circuit and I can't wait to experience it.
Sep 25th, 2008, 04:20 AM
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X Predator B: Nkuringo is a beautiful area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park...
but I went there before the opening ofClouds Mountains Lodge...
The Semuliki Valley is breathtaking too.. Your one should be a very special tour.. But.. are you e Travel agent?
are you looking for new paths?
but I went there before the opening ofClouds Mountains Lodge...
The Semuliki Valley is breathtaking too.. Your one should be a very special tour.. But.. are you e Travel agent?
are you looking for new paths?
Sep 25th, 2008, 06:50 AM
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Balengo: glad to hear another confirmation on those areas. You are correct that I am involved as a safari planning agent which I have disclosed on this board but I don't discuss it here out of respect for the board rules.
Wild places that are less discovered are of special interest to me as I prefer to spend time in large wilderness settings with as few people as possible and as a wildlife biologist I am particularly drawn to unique wildlife features which has attracted my interest to these parks in Uganda. Kidepo has 28 mammal species not found in any other Ugandan park and as you have seen first hand the Congo forest/savanna interface at Semuliki and Toro-Semliki has an incredible diversity so I have developed great interest in seeing these locations. I'm interested in visiting Clouds because I'm a big believer in accruing large benefits to local communities and this project should be very beneficial to the people of Nkuringo. I hope these type of partnerships become common in the future.
Wild places that are less discovered are of special interest to me as I prefer to spend time in large wilderness settings with as few people as possible and as a wildlife biologist I am particularly drawn to unique wildlife features which has attracted my interest to these parks in Uganda. Kidepo has 28 mammal species not found in any other Ugandan park and as you have seen first hand the Congo forest/savanna interface at Semuliki and Toro-Semliki has an incredible diversity so I have developed great interest in seeing these locations. I'm interested in visiting Clouds because I'm a big believer in accruing large benefits to local communities and this project should be very beneficial to the people of Nkuringo. I hope these type of partnerships become common in the future.
Sep 29th, 2008, 06:59 AM
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Dear Predator,
about Clud's lodge... I've heard very different opinions..
One of these is the fact that gorilla permits for visiting Nkuringo group will be exclusivity of the lodge... I think that if this info will be right it's not such a good thing...
(now you need a transfer from kisoro to get there... and you have to pay guys to take you there...)
about Clud's lodge... I've heard very different opinions..
One of these is the fact that gorilla permits for visiting Nkuringo group will be exclusivity of the lodge... I think that if this info will be right it's not such a good thing...
(now you need a transfer from kisoro to get there... and you have to pay guys to take you there...)
