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Amy Burns
GB
Visited:
October 2026
Reviewed: Oct 23, 2026
Email Amy Burns | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Such an amazing experience, sometimes it didn't feel real. It surpassed all of our expectations.
Visiting Uganda was such an amazing experience—at times, it truly didn't even feel real. It surpassed every expectation my husband and I had. Uganda is a breathtakingly beautiful country filled with warm, lovely, and welcoming people who made us feel at home from the moment we arrived.
The wildlife spotting and national parks were incredible, and one of the biggest surprises was how serene and quiet the game drives were. When we were at Lake Mburo, we only saw one other safari vehicle the entire time. Unlike crowded safari destinations you often see online, it felt like we had the whole park entirely to ourselves. A major highlight there was the guided nature walk—an unbelievable opportunity to walk on foot alongside giraffes, zebras, impala, antelopes, warthogs, buffalo, waterbuck, and a vast array of bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was simply breathtaking, and gorilla
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trekking was an unforgettable "pinch-me" moment. A quick tip for future travelers: do not underestimate how long or demanding the treks can be! We trekked for over six hours in total, but standing in the presence of the gorillas made every single step worth it.Another absolute must-see is the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The boat cruise was magnificent, bringing us almost within touching distance of hippos, crocodiles, and reptiles, alongside incredible birdlife.
Across Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, the lodges set against dramatic natural backdrops provided clean, spacious accommodation with stunning views that made every evening special.
We booked our 1-week gorilla and safari itinerary through Kajie Safaris—who were fantastic from start to finish—but our only regret is that we didn't stay longer! Uganda is a world-class travel destination, and if we are lucky enough to return, we will definitely be booking a longer trip.
Practical Hints & Tips for Visiting Uganda
Currency & Payment Options: Uganda operates on a closed currency (Ugandan Schillings / UGX), but right after clearing arrivals/departures at the airport, there is an array of exchange bureaus and ATMs available to get cash. I brought a mix of US Dollars and withdrew Schillings on arrival. I also used a Revolut card to ensure the best exchange rate, both for ATM withdrawals and direct purchases.
Navigating Gorilla Trekking: Do not underestimate how long or physically demanding the treks can be! We trekked for over six hours in total, though every step was completely worth it. At the pre-trek briefing, the local Batwa community performs and circulates a tip box. At the end of the trek, local crafts and souvenirs are available—there is no pressure to buy, but it is worth having local Schillings on hand.
Budgeting for Tipping & Porters: Tipping is an integral part of the experience, so don't underestimate how much cash you'll need. We tipped our main guide at the end of the tour, but as a rough guide, plan around $15 per person per day for additional park rangers and guides.
Hiring a Porter is Essential: For gorilla trekking, hiring a porter was the best $20 each we spent! They carry your daypack and help you navigate the steep, difficult terrain. Our porters did such an incredible job that we tipped them on top of the fee. In total, tips and porter costs for the two of us came to $130 for the trek alone (covering our guide, ranger, and porters). Also factor in that at each hotel/Lodge you will need to tip for porterage and other services therefore try and ensure to have low denominations to hand or tipping can become very expensive!
Emily Xu
CN
Visited:
October 2026
Reviewed: Oct 30, 2026
Email Emily Xu | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Far More Than Gorillas – A Varied, Rewarding Safari Destination
Uganda was a wonderful surprise as a travel destination—far more varied than I expected. We came mainly for the primates, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi was unforgettable: we were lucky enough to encounter two gorilla families, and the trek was efficient without being exhausting. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and the community experience were also meaningful. But what really made Uganda stand out was everything beyond the primates: Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, had an astonishing density of hippos, elephants, buffaloes and birds; Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions were a unique bonus. The scenery was lush and green, the weather pleasant, and the lodges comfortable and well located. Our guide’s sharp eyes and professionalism made the wildlife viewing even better. My only regret is not allocating more days—before the trip I didn’t realize how much Uganda offers beyond gorillas, including Murchison Falls, Ziwa’s rhinos, shoebill swamps and Jinja. As a destination, Uganda feels fresh, less crowded and richly rewarding.