One of the best aspects of our trip, was our guide Fred and driver Steven. We wish we could have worked directly Fred planning the trip from the beginning because of his knowledge of Uganda, specifically, in regards to obtaining permits to see primate groups and thier distance from the lodges, which is important because the roads in Uganda can be tricky. They went above and beyond to get us to our events safely and efficiently navigated us between activities. They knew the best spots for...
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One of the best aspects of our trip, was our guide Fred and driver Steven. We wish we could have worked directly Fred planning the trip from the beginning because of his knowledge of Uganda, specifically, in regards to obtaining permits to see primate groups and thier distance from the lodges, which is important because the roads in Uganda can be tricky. They went above and beyond to get us to our events safely and efficiently navigated us between activities. They knew the best spots for viewing animals, and their expertise made every moment feel special. Fred and Steven truly made the trip memorable. We are so thankful for the time we spent with them. All of the guides and porters on the trip were fantastic and certainly enhanced our experience.
Our recent trip to Rwanda and Uganda was an incredible adventure, but if I had to pick a highlight, it was definitely Uganda. I found it to be far less touristy, which made for a more authentic and intimate experience. The locals in Uganda were incredibly warm and welcoming, always eager to share a smile. It felt like a much more personal connection compared to the more tourist-heavy spots I encountered in Rwanda.
The wildlife in Uganda was absolutely amazing. From the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park to the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and the golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), the primate experiences were jaw-dropping. Not to mention the variety of birds and other wildlife—each day was a new adventure. The game drives at Queen Elizabeth were also fantastic, with plenty of opportunities to see Uganda’s rich wildlife in their natural habitat.
The accommodation was top-tier as well. The lodges were not only beautiful but also had that perfect blend of comfort and eco-consciousness. It really felt like you were in the heart of the wilderness, but with all the luxury and service you could ask for.
The Rwenzori Mountain Hut-to-Hut trek in Uganda is nothing short of an adventure of a lifetime. For anyone looking to push their limits, experience raw, unspoiled nature, and truly immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most stunning and remote mountain ranges, Margarita Peak is the 3rd highest peak in Africa. We only planned to spend two nights in the huts and loved it, for folks in great shape, we would highly recommend trekking to the top. We have summited Kilimanjaro and found that Kilimanjaro was an easier trek.
Hotel Reviews
Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Musanze
The staff were friendly and helpful!
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge
The Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda is a hidden gem that not only offers an unforgettable experience but also actively supports the community and the conservation of wildlife. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in the stunning beauty of the landscape, with the towering volcanoes serving as a perfect backdrop.
What truly sets this lodge apart, though, is its commitment to making a positive impact. They have an inspiring partnership with the Batwa people, providing them with sustainable employment and supporting local projects that uplift their community. This effort not only helps preserve the cultural heritage of the Batwa but also gives visitors the chance to learn about their unique traditions and history.
Authenticity & Character
The location, the staff and the authentic experiences. So much luxury in a remote space.
Location
One of the most amazing locations we stayed at, but the road can be tricky if you are scared of heights
Staff
Beyond its social and environmental contributions, the food and service are absolutely top-notch. The staff are friendly and incredibly attentive, always going above and beyond to make your stay comfortable. The meals are delicious, featuring fresh, local ingredients that highlight Uganda’s rich culinary offerings.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a wonderful staff person who took care of lighting a fire and/or bringing a hot water bottle to our room every night. She did our laundry and cleaned our boots when necessary. you can get quite muddy.
Mweya Safari Lodge
Kasese
Mweya Safari Lodge is a true standout in the heart of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering an unforgettable safari experience with the perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and incredible wildlife encounters. Located on a stunning peninsula overlooking the Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel, this lodge offers not just breathtaking views, but also an intimate connection with nature.
Authenticity & Character
Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Mweya Safari Lodge is situated, was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Uganda in 1954. The park was created to protect the rich biodiversity of the region, including a vast array of wildlife like elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the famed tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The Kazinga Channel, which runs through the park, is one of its defining features, attracting abundant wildlife and birdlife.
Location
The location of Mweya Safari Lodge is truly one of its greatest assets. Perched on the edge of the Kazinga Channel, the lodge offers sweeping views of the water and the surrounding savannah landscape. The channel is teeming with wildlife. The views from your room or the main lodge area are nothing short of spectacular, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind between game drives. We had a water buffalo staring at us during breakfast, mongooses and warthogs running around in front of our room
Staff
Staff was great, unbelievable, they remembered our names and made our stay fantastic!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Camping on Rwenzori Mountain
Unlike many mountain treks where camping is the only option, here you stay in comfortable, well-maintained mountain huts that offer a cozy respite after a day of trekking. Each hut is equipped with basic amenities with the most amazing views!
Authenticity & Character
Comfortable accommodations that are well-kept up.
Location
Spectacular Views!
Staff
Staff carried up all cooking supplies and sleeping supplies, guides were very friendly and knowledgeable!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Huts were very clean and well-maintained.
Lake George View Golf Resort
We stayed at this resort for one night and wished we could stay longer!
The setting of the resort is simply breathtaking. Perched on the edge of Lake George, it provides panoramic views of the shimmering waters and the distant Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whether you’re enjoying a meal on the terrace or relaxing in your room, the serene beauty of the lake is always within sight. The area is abundant in wildlife, with plenty of birdwatching opportunities and the occasional sighting of hippos or elephants along the shores. It’s a place where nature and luxury merge seamlessly.
Authenticity & Character
Very authentic, had a rough 18- hole golf course that would have been fun to play if we had more time!
Location
Off the beaten track and semi close to start the Rwenzori Mt. trek
Staff
The staff was the best part! Great service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Kyaninga lodge
Kibale national park
What truly makes Kyaninga Lodge stand out is its dedication to helping children with disabilities. The lodge has partnered with local organizations to support children in the area who have physical or intellectual disabilities. Whether it’s through educational programs, medical assistance, or direct support, Kyaninga Lodge is making a tangible impact in the lives of these children. As a guest, knowing that part of your stay contributes to this cause adds an enriching layer to the experience—you're not just enjoying luxury, you’re also making a positive difference in the community.
Authenticity & Character
In every way, Kyaninga Lodge is a place that makes you feel good about where you are—both in terms of its environmental efforts and its social impact. The combination of luxurious accommodations, breathtaking natural beauty, expert guides, and genuine community involvement makes it one of the most unique and rewarding places to stay in Uganda.
Location
Kyaninga Lodge is a perfect blend of eco-luxury and comfort. The cabins are beautifully designed, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering both privacy and stunning views. The lodge has a strong eco-conscious focus, from its solar-powered energy to sustainable practices that help preserve the natural environment. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with large windows that allow you to take in the scenic beauty of the crater lake and its surroundings right from your bed.
Staff
The guides and staff at Kyaninga Lodge are simply exceptional. Their knowledge of the area is extensive, and their enthusiasm for the flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region is contagious. Whether you’re taking a guided nature walk around the crater lake, embarking on a cultural excursion, or just asking about the local wildlife, they go above and beyond to make your experience richer and more personal.
The staff's hospitality is second to none. Every member of the team greets you with a smile and ensures that you feel not only comfortable but truly welcomed. They’re always happy to assist with any requests, and their attention to detail makes your stay even more special.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very Clean!
Activity Reviews
Day Hike of Mount Bisoke
Volcanoes National Park
We are sure it is a beautiful hike on a clear day! It was down pouring and super slick when we went. I really enjoyed the hike but would recommend postponing to a clear day if possible
Golden Monkey Trekking Experience
Volcanoes National Park
The trekking experience offers the rare opportunity to see these monkeys in their natural habitat. The golden monkeys are extremely social, and their playful behavior makes them incredibly fun to watch. During your trek, you’ll have the chance to observe their unique interactions, from grooming one another to playfully swinging from tree to tree in the dense bamboo.
Quality of Experience
The trek itself is less physically demanding than the mountain gorilla trek but still requires some level of fitness. You’ll embark on a morning briefing, followed by a guided walk through the park's bamboo forest. The trail takes you through beautiful landscapes, with a chance to spot other wildlife like Colobus monkeys, bird species, and even forest elephants if you're lucky.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The trekking guides in Volcanoes National Park are some of the best in the business. Not only are they expertly trained in tracking and understanding primate behavior, but they are also deeply passionate about conservation. Their knowledge of the golden monkeys, as well as the wider flora and fauna of the park, adds an extra layer of value to the experience.
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We actually ended up doing this at Mgahinga NP, one of the best experiences in my life!
Quality of Experience
Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking is a hidden gem and one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences Uganda has to offer. Located in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Mountains on the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this park offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path gorilla trekking experience that is equally thrilling and rewarding. For those seeking an authentic, less touristy adventure while still witnessing the majesty of the endangered mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is the perfect choice.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The trekking guides in Mgahinga are absolutely exceptional. They are knowledgeable about the gorilla families, the surrounding ecosystems, and the park’s history. Their passion for wildlife conservation and gorilla protection is evident in everything they do. They are also incredibly skilled at ensuring the trek is not only safe and enjoyable but also educational. They provide fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, the challenges of conservation, and the history of the park.
The guides work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to ensure that the trekking experience is conducted responsibly, with an emphasis on minimizing the impact on the gorillas and their environment.
Transport
We did not have to walk far to see the gorillas!
Ride 4 a Woman Biking Community Tour
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We ended up not doing this activity and did a Batwa cultural tour instead which was fantastic!
Half Day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
We saw a leopard! Fred and Steven did a great job
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kazinga Channel Water Safari
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ascend to Sine hut
Rwenzori National Park
Rwenzori Trekking is an extraordinary adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the most stunning and unique ranges in Africa. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," the Rwenzoris offer a challenging, rewarding, and truly immersive trekking experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and remarkable wildlife.
Quality of Experience
The diversity of landscapes on the Rwenzori trek is nothing short of spectacular. From lush rainforests filled with towering trees and wildlife to alpine meadows dotted with giant lobelias, to rugged glacier-covered peaks, the scenery changes dramatically as you ascend. The mix of ecosystems means you’ll be surrounded by a variety of plant species, from colorful wildflowers to giant mosses, which add to the magic of the trek.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guides and porters are crucial to making the trek enjoyable and safe. The local guides are incredibly knowledgeable, with a deep understanding of the Rwenzori ecosystem, the flora, and the fauna. Their insight into the region’s history, culture, and natural environment adds a fascinating layer to the trek.
They’re also experts in navigating the challenging terrain and are there to ensure your safety and success. The porters, who carry your gear and help with the climb, are both friendly and essential to the experience. Their unwavering support makes the trek more manageable, and their sense of camaraderie creates a warm, community atmosphere.
Half day Chimpanzee Trekking
Rwanda
One of the best aspects of our trip, was our guide Fred and driver Steven. We wish we could have worked directly Fred planning the trip from the beginning because of his knowledge of Uganda, specifically, in regards to obtaining permits to see primate groups and thier distance from the lodges, which is important because the roads in Uganda can be tricky. They went above and beyond to get us to our events safely and efficiently navigated us between activities. They knew the best spots for viewing animals, and their expertise made every moment feel special. Fred and Steven truly made the trip memorable. We are so thankful for the time we spent with them. All of the guides and porters on the trip were fantastic and certainly enhanced our experience.
Our recent trip to Rwanda and Uganda was an incredible adventure, but if I had to pick a highlight, it was definitely Uganda. I found it to be far less touristy, which made for a more authentic and intimate experience. The locals in Uganda were incredibly warm and welcoming, always eager to share a smile. It felt like a much more personal connection compared to the more tourist-heavy spots I encountered in Rwanda.
The wildlife in Uganda was absolutely amazing. From the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park to the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and the golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), the primate experiences were jaw-dropping. Not to mention the variety of birds and other wildlife—each day was a new adventure. The game drives at Queen Elizabeth were also fantastic, with plenty of opportunities to see Uganda’s rich wildlife in their natural habitat.
The accommodation was top-tier as well. The lodges were not only beautiful but also had that perfect blend of comfort and eco-consciousness. It really felt like you were in the heart of the wilderness, but with all the luxury and service you could ask for.
The Rwenzori Mountain Hut-to-Hut trek in Uganda is nothing short of an adventure of a lifetime. For anyone looking to push their limits, experience raw, unspoiled nature, and truly immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most stunning and remote mountain ranges, Margarita Peak is the 3rd highest peak in Africa. We only planned to spend two nights in the huts and loved it, for folks in great shape, we would highly recommend trekking to the top. We have summited Kilimanjaro and found that Kilimanjaro was an easier trek.
Quality of Experience
Kibale National Park is a UNESCO-accredited site, and much of the revenue generated from tourism goes toward conservation and community outreach programs. The experience helps support the protection of these endangered primates while contributing to the economic development of the surrounding communities. It’s clear that the staff and guides are deeply committed to conservation, and this adds an enriching layer to the experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guides who lead the trekking are an integral part of the experience. With years of training and firsthand experience, they have a deep understanding of the park's ecology and the behavior of chimpanzees. Their enthusiasm and passion for wildlife conservation make the trek not just educational, but also engaging and memorable.
Local specialist: Stephan Meyer-Buenau
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