A walk safari in Uganda's wilderness
Likana Safaris Uganda
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- AUTO, UTB & UWA
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $3,400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email María | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was amazing! Totally recommend!
The whole tour was incredible. Our driver and guide David was very friendly, explained everything very well and gave his all in the safaris. Thanks to his persistence we saw lions and a leopard! Couldn’t ask for more.
The accommodation was also incredible. Most of the places had a swimming pool to relax, the food was way above my expectations and the beds were very comfortable. I had never been in such beautiful hotels!
The owner of the company is also very friendly and texts you often to see if things are going well or if you need extra help.
Incredible experience!
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Email Stephanie B. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Adventure of my Life! Forever Thankful!
Visiting Africa, and specifically gorillas, was my top bucket list item of my life. Coming from the US and not having any idea where to start or what company to trust, I am beyond grateful that I found Likana Safaris. Bonny made planning the entire trip a breeze. I let him know all that I wanted to do and see, and the luxury accommodations required to bring my mom and aunt along- and he made it happen (AND MORE)- all within Uganda and within our budget.
From the very start, he was extremely communicative. He checked in often and made any and all adjustments necessary to create our own, personalized, itinerary. We did a "14-Day Uganda Luxury Safari and Gorilla Habituation Adventure". It took us all around the beautiful country and there was always something to do. We did every type of safari you can imagine- in the open top jeep, walking, boating, hiking...I didn't know there was so many ways! We added white water rafting, chimpanzee trekking and gorilla habituation for some adrenaline rushes. The lodges they chose for us were spectacular. The staff were all welcoming, the places were clean and the views were excellent. Any changes that were needed, the lodges and Likana were able to accommodate efficiently and professionally.
Our driver David, couldn't have been better! He was so extremely polite, attentive and safe. The traffic and roads over there are definitely not like anything we ever experienced before, and he was so confident and calm in all situations and we always felt safe. He always made sure we were taken care of and went above and beyond to listen to our preferences and go out of his way to surprise us with little extras. We talked about liking mangos, next thing you know he pulls over to buy some fresh mangos...talk about pineapples, BOOM, they appear! We joked that we are going to start talking about diamonds next... :) He went out of his way to meet with the manager of the Gorilla Habituation the day prior to let them know about physical limitations members of our group had, and they were able to adjust and personalize our group to meet our needs. We felt like every activity was extremely personalized and private, which was our preference. By the end of the journey, there were tears saying bye to David, as he becomes not only your guide but your friend.
Outside of the the incredible adventure, I had a desire to help in any way I could while I was in their country. I am a pediatric SLP and discovered a non-profit called "Hope Speaks" in Uganda that provides pediatric therapy services. Bonny made a relationship happen with them for me! His persistence in getting in touch with them to make this connection for me was inspiring. This is a company that cares deeply about their clients and their country. Prior to me arriving, he met with the founder of Hope Speaks in their office in Kampala to discuss their needs and facetimed me in from the USA to meet and create a plan. He arranged a conference room at the hotel I was staying at when I arrived and the Hope Speaks team all joined for a training. The Likana Safari team also all joined in this meeting and training. They provided a space, a screen, a photographer, refreshments/snacks..etc. It was absolutely incredible what he was able to put together just so I can contribute what I wanted to within my passion area. He didn't seek payment or reimbursement for any of the work that went into arranging all of that, and Likana developed a partnership with Hope Speaks to be able to spread their mission further. This collaboration speaks VOLUMES to who they are at the core as a company. I feel very blessed to have had them by my side in this adventure of a lifetime. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Bonny, David and the entire Likana Safari team! I will hands down recommend them to any person who has a desire to discover Africa. I left feeling like I got everything I wanted and more out of that trip.
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Email Ian MacKenzie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great experience of the best of Uganda--Not cheap, but you don't want cheap in Uganda!
The owner put together a very comprehensive two-weeks-plus that hit all the highlights that are must-see and filled in the inevitable dead zones with some pretty good stuff. Our driver and the owner were reliable which is important. We had some miscommunications due to Ethiopian Airlines constantly changing our flights which left us stranded at the end of the trip with a blank day-and-a-half--but Likana came through with additional activities and updated transport. I really do NOT recommend Ethiopian--fly Qatar. Our driver David was very serious and organized and kept us on track with a little bit of humor and generally looked after us. The lodges were outstanding and we ended with a huge bang at Wildwaters Lodge in the middle of the Nile and rafting! Things to keep in mind--tipping demands are relentless. Every cool place you go you will be required to have someone other than your actual guide, usually many someones and all expect tips. Bring lots of cash and get lots of smaller denominations before you leave Kampala. Second, Kampala is a waste of time so don't bother with touring it. Third, Uganda is not generally hot. It can be actually pretty chilly especially at night (Lake Bunyonyi springs to mind) and heat is not a thing. Bring some sweaters. Ugandans are friendly and cheerful, but this is a VERY poor country.