Travel Expert Q&A: travels through Uganda
Rainbow Tours' Africa Product Manager, Candice, stops by for a cuppa and chats all things Uganda.
So Candice, where exactly did your trip to Uganda take you?
I went to Uganda for nine days (lucky me). During the trip, I stayed in Entebbe in central Uganda, spent a night near the rainforests of Kibale National Park (known for chimp trekking), another in Kyamburu, one night in Queen Elisabeth National Park followed by two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (where gorillas can be tracked), and finally one last night in Lake Mburo National Park.
The trip’s most unmissable photo opportunity was...
At the equator!
What were your favourite excursions?
Chimp and gorilla trekking in the forested national parks (how can you visit Uganda without searching for it's famous primates?), plus game driving and visiting the local community projects.
What surprised you the most?
How hard the trek to see the gorillas actually was - the forests are so thick and the gorilla families hang out far from human camps! And the sense of achievement that I had after having completed the trek!
The view or memory that will stick with you longest is...
By far spending an hour with the gentle giants (gorillas) in Bwindi - especially watching the baby annoy its mum by rolling around while she was trying to sleep. But also sitting on my balcony at Buhoma lodge looking out over the peaceful forest feeling completely serene.
Your most ‘local’ moment was...
When we stopped at one of the local villages, we spent time learning about the process of grinding maize with the locals.
Tell us about the best meal you ate.
I loved the simple, home-cooked food at Buhoma. Though it was nothing special, it was tasty, hearty and wholesome.
What would you recommend to others wanting to visit Uganda?
Invest in proper, durable walking boots, decent waterproofs and remember to pack a back pack for your days spent trekking.
What are you most glad you packed?
My waterproof jacket and an extra memory card!
The most unusual part of the trip was...
When a baboon sat on our safari vehicle. It just relaxed while we waited for him to move!
What was your favourite hotel?
Buhoma Lodge. It is set in the rain forest with magnificent views and is so close to the gorillas it offers brilliant trekking opportunities.
What would your number one tip for honeymooners be?
For a spectacular honeymoon, I would definitely suggest that couples spend more time in the forest and then head out to Zanzibar for some beachside rest and relaxation.
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