If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in Africa, look no further than western Uganda. This region is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife, landscapes and cultures on the continent. In this post, I will share with you my experience of spending 10 days in western Uganda, exploring its natural wonders and learning about its rich history and heritage.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
I arrived in Entebbe, the gateway to Uganda, after a long flight from London. I was greeted by my guide, Kevin, who would accompany me throughout the trip. He drove me to my hotel, where I checked in and rested for a while. In the evening, I went for a walk along the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the Nile River. I enjoyed the sunset and the breeze as I watched the fishermen preparing their boats for the night.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, I packed my bags and headed to Kibale National Park, about five hours drive from Entebbe. Kibale is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Along the way, I stopped at Fort Portal, a charming town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. I visited the local market and bought some fresh fruits and snacks for the road.
I arrived at Kibale in the afternoon and checked into my lodge, which was surrounded by lush forest. I had some time to relax and enjoy the views before going for a guided nature walk in the park. I saw many birds, butterflies and monkeys, and heard the calls of the chimpanzees in the distance. I returned to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Today was the highlight of my trip: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. I woke up early and had a hearty breakfast before meeting my guide and ranger at the park headquarters. They briefed me on the rules and regulations of chimpanzee tracking, such as keeping a safe distance, not using flash photography, and being quiet and respectful.
We set off into the forest, following the trails of the chimpanzees. It took us about an hour to find them, but it was worth it. I saw a group of about 20 chimpanzees, including males, females and babies. They were busy grooming, feeding and resting in the trees. They seemed oblivious to our presence, but occasionally looked at us with curiosity. I was amazed by their intelligence and expressiveness and felt a connection with them.
I spent an hour observing them, taking photos and videos, and listening to their vocalizations. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I thanked my guide and ranger for their professionalism and knowledge and headed back to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, I visited a nearby community project that supports conservation and education in Kibale. I learned about their efforts to protect the chimpanzees and their habitat, as well as to empower the local people through sustainable livelihoods. I also met some of the children who attend their school and library and donated some books and stationery.
Day 4: Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, I bid farewell to Kibale National Park and drove to Queen Elizabeth National Park, another gem of western Uganda. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its wildlife diversity, scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It covers an area of almost 2,000 square kilometers, encompassing savannahs, forests, wetlands and lakes.
I arrived at Queen Elizabeth in time for lunch at my lodge, which overlooked the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a magnet for wildlife, especially hippos, elephants and buffaloes.
In the afternoon, I went for a boat cruise on the channel, which was a great way to see wildlife up close. I saw hundreds of hippos wallowing in the water or grazing on land; elephants drinking or bathing; buffaloes resting or cooling off; crocodiles basking on the banks; antelopes such as waterbucks, kobs and topis grazing; as well as many birds such as kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, storks, herons and more. It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride, with a captivating view of the sunset over the channel.
Day 5: Game Drive and Salt Lake Visit in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today I woke up early for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. My guide drove me to the Kasenyi plains, where I saw many animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, zebras, giraffes and more. I was lucky to see a pride of lions hunting a buffalo, which was a thrilling and dramatic sight. I also saw a leopard resting on a tree branch, and a hyena carrying a carcass.
I returned to the lodge for breakfast, and then drove to Lake Katwe, a salt lake that has been mined by the local people for centuries. I met a guide from the community who showed me around the lake and explained the process of salt extraction. I learned that salt is an important commodity in Uganda, and that the lake provides income and employment for many people. I also learned about the challenges and risks of working in the lake, such as exposure to harsh sun, salt and water.
I visited the salt museum, where I saw some tools and equipment used for salt mining, as well as some products made from salt, such as soap and candles. I also visited the salt market, where I bought some souvenirs and sampled some salted fish.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, I packed my bags and drove to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It has more than 1,000 plant species, 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and 120 mammal species, including 10 primate species.
I arrived at Bwindi in the afternoon and checked into my lodge, which was nestled in the forest. I had some time to relax and enjoy the views before going for a guided walk in the park. I saw some monkeys, such as blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as some birds and flowers. I also visited a nearby waterfall, which was refreshing and beautiful.
Day 7: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today was another highlight of my trip: gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. I woke up early and had a hearty breakfast before meeting my guide and ranger at the park headquarters. They briefed me on the rules and regulations of gorilla tracking, such as keeping a safe distance, not using flash photography, and being quiet and respectful.
We set off into the forest, following the trails of the gorillas. It took us about three hours to find them, but it was worth it. I saw a family of nine gorillas, including a silverback (the dominant male), females and juveniles. They were feeding on leaves, fruits and bamboo shoots in a clearing. They seemed relaxed and comfortable with our presence, but occasionally looked at us with curiosity. I was amazed by their size and strength, as well as their gentleness and sociability.
I spent an hour observing them, taking photos and videos, and listening to their grunts and hoots. It was one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring experiences of my life. I thanked my guide and ranger for their professionalism and knowledge and headed back to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, I visited a nearby community project that supports conservation and development in Bwindi. I learned about their efforts to protect the gorillas and their habitat, as well as to empower the local people through education, healthcare, tourism & crafts. I also met some of the women who make beautiful baskets from natural materials, and bought some as gifts for my friends and family.
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, I bid farewell to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and drove to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. It is a natural wonder, I had never seen a lake with 29 islands! dotting its serene waters. I was lucky enough to stay at African Tent Resort, a cozy and charming place that offered stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious and fresh.
After a hearty lunch, I decided to explore the lake by boat. It was a relaxing and fascinating experience, as I learned about the history and culture of the people who live on the islands. Some of the stories were heartbreaking, like the one of Akampene Island, where young girls who got pregnant out of wedlock were left to die or drown. Others were inspiring, like the one of Bwama Island, where a British doctor named Leonard Sharp dedicated his life to treating leprosy patients and educating them. He also built a school, a church, and a hospital on the island, which are still in use today. His home was on Njuyeera Island, where I saw his grave and some of his belongings.
The boat ride lasted for about two hours, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I saw many birds, fish, and plants along the way, and I felt a deep connection with nature. Lake Bunyonyi is truly a magical place, and I can’t wait to go back there someday.
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