NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
December 2014, one month research trip to Mount Rwenzori (The Mountains of the moon)
Richard, Mark, Stephan and i, planned a trip to the Mount Rwenzori which locals call the “Mountain of the moon”. It was the second time for my colleagues who had begun this scheme and had made the first phase. It was my first time in Africa and in particular in Uganda the pearl of Africa indeed, It was through Mark’s gossip and inspirations about the first trip success and about the beauty of the hidden but wonderful, beautiful mountain sceneries which he believed people in the world had not known yet and wished they could explore and discover the still virgin Eco system of fauna and flora in Mount Rwenzori. The mountain has huts which accommodated us with other Belgian citizens.
Interesting was Meeting an expert Sebastian the Director of Riverine Safaris and a Mountain Guide at the airport who we had informed about our return back to the Uganda in time, he was found waiting for us and since we knew about his services as had lead Richard and partners in the first trip 2010. He warmly welcomed to Uganda and later to the Lodge in Kampala for our first Night.
Sebastian is too resourceful young with all the mountain experience ranging from rock and glacier climbing, Nature interpretation, weather and time prediction skills, through him I was to know why Rwenzori mountain is called the “Mountain of the moon”, the history of the whole mountain, revealing the secretes of the Mountain gods which in the past were usually visible and how those times it was dangerous to annoy them through talking funny stories, making noise and how getting outside the hut at night would make you meet them and take you to the wild of the Mountain, how whenever you happen to see them and try take pictures of them, what danger it was those times.
This expedition was an exhilarating and rewarding Mountain Challenge experience. The central circuit hike took us 28 days and 27 nights. Since we could have more than 1 night in a Camp to pursue all activities according to our research plan. Rwenzori is a very unique block Mountain of such steep, slippery trails and frequent rains. Rainfall and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude make it a challenging trip but real rewarding in life and what one can never think of.
For peak climbers, it is more awesome and rewarding experience at Margarita peak 5109m which I managed to climb with the support of Sebastian pulling me where it was hard for me to make it, putting all my trust in him that he cannot allow me drop and slide down. According to our guide Sebastian, explained that Ruwenzori’s main four peaks rise above 4000m and which are all viewed while on highest Margarita Peak 5109m a.s.l – on Mt. Stanley
Alexandra Peak 5091m a.s.l – on Mt. Stanley
Edward Peak 4843m a.s.l – on Mt.Baker
Vittorio Emanuele Peak 4890m a.s.l – on Mt.Speke
Reaching Elena hut I began creating fear in my heart moving on too slippery rocks, but I could not late any one among us know on climbing the steep Ruwenzori’s ridges till we finally descended down to Kitandara camp that I could talk. On sharing my fears I had, Sebastian advised us a bout the best dry season being mid-June to mid-September and mid-November to mid-March while the other months is just rain and snowing. Weather condition in the mountain of the moon is unpredictable any time is hot teatime or cold water time.
Please do not ignore reviewing the Mountain Checklist for your trip
walking stick for balance and to probe the mud.
1 snow glasses,
1 day bag
1 sleeping bag
1 pr. of mountain boots
1 jogging suit
2 pairs. of woolen socks
2 pairs. of trekking trousers 2 cotton shirts warm
Woolen underwear 1 warm pullover
1 woolen cap 1 pair of gloves, woolen mitten
1 parka, extra-large with hat
1 torch, headlamp incl. batteries
Necessities on the mountain:
1 trekking bag
1 pr. of jogging shoes
1 sun hat
Handkerchiefs
5 prs. Of socks
1 pr. Snow glasses
Leggings up to the knee(Gaiters)
Rain proof and warm gear
Photo equipment
Pocket knife
Appetizer
Drugs against:
Stomach upsets
Headache
1 elastic bandage, Elastoplasts
Water purification tablets
Vitamin C tablets
Sun lotion 20
Lip ointment
For summit climbers;
1 pair. of crampon Proof Mountain boots
1 ice axe
1 Harnesses
1 pair of crampons
1 pc of 50 meter climbing rope depending on the number of the group
NB: Most of these climbing equipment’s can be hired at the base camp
For anyone out there, mountain climber, any other persons planning and willing to experience mountain Challenge in your life time in the world, plan to meet Mount Rwenzori on the boards of the Democratic Republic of Congo with RIVERINE SAFARIS which with a lot of passion i recommend for any other person intending to reach your dreams of mountain climbing you might have had for various years. Inquire and seek to make a trip with Sebastian
Mc Dons
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable and punctual service.
Our guide was very well experienced he knew all about Mukumi National Park and its habitants. Our expectations were more than fulfilled.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Completion of research about world wide Global change - Rwenzori Mountain 2014 December
Finally we came up to the conclusion of our research about global change. Buy December last year 2014, we managed to come up with our last findings having been helped by Bakamwegha Sebastian the Director owning Riverine Safaris a tour agency based in Kampala the capital of Uganda and my team of Richards, Steven and Mc Dons. We loved to use again engage Sebastian though committed with work in Kampala because we had been guided by him before during our first phase of research and having shared lots of facts a bout Uganda's climatic changes and how Rwenzori mountain used to be in the past and what it is now. We found this tour Operator more resourceful in our research due to his mountain experience and about tourism in Uganda as a whole.
Rwenzori mountain is more exciting mountain, very unique and with lots of sceneries to see such as green vegetation zones, the shape of the mountain, various river streams, nice looking three horned Chameleon. Most people call it the Rwenzori challenge because of it land scape, hikes and especially during rain season when its to too wet and slippery.
We did not find problems in communications while interacting with the local habitants along the slopes of the mountain since our guide would interpreter, services were good such as the Mountain Huts, very trusted escorts, Mountain cooks were skilled in preparing food according to order and served on time since every thing was under Sebastian's management he loved to see every thing pushing on, our expected results were attained according to our research objectives since we had some one in guide and good in advises and making various decisions hence making our trip more interesting and a success.
You should never be troubled for not making your self an inquiry to Sebastian at riverine safaris or seek any relevant information concerning tourism in Uganda, i strongly believe he can make it for you too by planing your trip in Uganda.
I highly recommend Riverine safaris for your trip to Uganda and seek whether Sebastian would be free for that period. Meet him and late me know how your tip was
Mark Anderson
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A spectaular (hassle free) experience
The staff here in Australia were very helpful and patiently worked a number of different scenarios through with our group of 7. On the ground in Africa there were NO issues, which based on the logistics of this trip was truly amazing. The quality of the drivers we had and the accommodation that we stayed at were both first class. Thank you Ubuntu and thank you to all of those beautiful animals that made this such a memorable holiday and would recommend to anyone.
Everything was a 5 star treatment!
This was not my first tour with them, about the 4th. All the tours have been the best that I have ever experienced. From start to end everything was done very professional. Excellent communication, service the best, definately more than I could have hoped for.
Elize and Johan are wonderful tour guides and hosts. Their experience, knowlegde and information about of the places we have visited was excellent!!
Flight of the Eagle Safaris & Tours is the way to go! and looking forward to travel with them again.
You guys are the best!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful and unforgettable honeymoon with Planet Africa Safaris
My wife and I used Planet Africa Safaris to book our honeymoon. From our initial inquiry with Planet Africa, the communication with Sophie and Leah was great. When we first contacted Planet Africa Safaris, we only had a basic idea of what we wanted to do & see on our safari in Tanzania. Planet Africa came up with some itineraries (at different pricing levels) for us to review and worked with us to make sure we were able to experience the safari we wanted. We felt that Planet Africa was upfront and honest with us (e.g. a certain place we wanted to stay was very nice, but in Planet Africa's opinion, not the best value), and this was very refreshing.
This was our first safari, so while we didn't know what to expect, but our expectations were quite high given the amount of money we were paying. We are happy to say that our expectations were exceeded! Our guide, Sadiq, was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly, flexible, and an overall good guy. Sadiq was a key reason why we had such an amazing experience.
The itinerary Planet Africa Safaris designed for us was excellent. The different types of accommodation we stayed in (B&Bs, luxury camps) were all nice experiences, each in their own way. The food we had at every place was nothing short of spectacular, and we received very personal attention & service everywhere we stayed.
We would not hesitate to book again with Planet Africa Safaris. They truly provided an unforgettable honeymoon experience for us.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great food and a great guide.
We climbed Mt.Kenya with a very diverse group, with varying levels of fitness and experience and it seemed at some point point some of us might not make it but James, who led the group, was exceptional at managing the group and somehow managed to get everyone to the top.
Most memorable though was the unbelievably good food that our cook on the climb somehow managed to whip-up with such limited resources. Only the thought of the food waiting at the next base kept some us going :)
I have called James again to schedule another trip this year and I am looking forward to an equally enjoyable experience.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience in the Warm Heart of Africa
I can only recommend the Malawi&Zambia expedition with Africa Wild Truck.
A visit to Malawi, with its beautiful lakeshores and friendly people as well as a safari in the stunning South Luangwa National Park in Zambia are definitely a great choice to get to know the real Africa and to avoid hordes of tourists.
Francesca and Stefano are passionate guides; they have a deep knowledge of the local culture and natural life that they transmit with enthusiasm, intelligence and humour. They have contributed to make my first experience in Africa unique... and it will not be my last one…
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly, exciting creating memories that will last a lifetime
Communications were excellent, service outstanding. Our tour took us to five different countries where we were treated like one of the family. Our request was to spend most of our time viewing the many animals of Africa and we were rewarded far beyond our expectations. I recommend AFRICAN UBUNTU SAFARIS to all who wish to visit that Country and thank Management and Guides for a most memorable holiday.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional South African experience!
My apologies that this review took so long... Was too caught up in work and in no way does it indicate any failure on the part of Kathi or African Welcome Safaris.
Kathi was amazing from the start, as I was e-mailing several tour operators to get a better sense of the options offered and costs involved. She seemed to understand exactly what I was looking for and was able to put together a detailed itinerary for my husband and I. We had a budget which she somehow managed to work around, still providing amazing tours across Cape Town, domestic flights, all transfers, quality and even luxurious accommodations and a 5-star safari experience!
Our tour guide in Cape Town, Emme, was a lovely lovely part of our trip and she really went the extra mile beyond just showing us around. The insights she provided into South Africa today and its history was compelling and she was just fun to be with. :)
Even on the ground, when we had questions or clarifications to make, Kathi made herself available via cell phone and we could easily reach her for such purposes. Really appreciate that she took the time to check in with us upon arrival to make sure we were okay and all settled in.
The safari experience promised to be great, and it really really was. In fact, I regret that we only spent 3 short days on safari at the fantastic Lion Sands River Lodge. It may not have been super luxurious in terms of the accommodation, but the service was truly amazing, and the game drives - unreal! Our ranger and tracker team, Landon and Eddy, really surpassed all our expectations and found us EVERYTHING we wanted to see.. and more! From the Big Five, to the highly endangered African Wild Dog, the cheetah, zebras (even in the wooded terrain of the Sabi Sands!), leopard cubs, lion cubs, lions mating, lions fighting over a dead wildebeest calf..... it only left us wanting more.
I am now keen to plan another safari trip, this time perhaps to see the Great Migration, and Kathi will certainly be the one I look for.