For one of our travel specialists, Meg, being in Africa is never just about the wildlife but getting to know the people as well. After finding her feet and enjoying a few luxuries at Latitude 0°, Meg met Tony, her marvellous guide who saw to every detail of her safari in Uganda. On their way to Murchison Falls National Park, they stopped at roadside markets, meeting the local people and picking up a few pineapples – Meg maintains they’re the best in the world.
There was also time for a walk amongst the residents of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where white rhinos have been reintroduced into Uganda. Next up was the Falls themselves, where Meg was left drenched and grinning (and far, far cooler), in awe of the impressive gallons tumbling over the edge. Then it was time to settle into Nile Safari Lodge, which comes with gorgeous views of the river from your own massive banda – Meg could have stayed forever.
The next day was packed with adventure as they left straight from the lodge’s dock and boated along the pristine water, arriving in a birder’s paradise, the Nile Delta. After a beautiful morning of fantastic sightings from the water and on land, Tony and a wonderful bush breakfast was waiting for them. A siesta revived the group enough for an afternoon boat ride – an ice-cold Nile beer was called for, followed by a view of Murchison Falls from below.
After a rather eventful day on the road, it was time to make themselves at home at Papaya Lake Lodge, which boasts sublime views over the Lyantonde crater lake. The following morning, they woke early to go trekking in search of Kibale’s chimpanzees. One of Meg’s absolute highlights, they were led by Annette, an amazing woman ranger (one of six in Kibale), who was passionate, knowledgeable and a pure joy to chat with. Seeing the chimps up-close, completely at home in their natural habitat was an experience Meg will never forget.
There was incredible wildlife spotting in Queen Elizabeth National Park and an evening boat ride on the shimmering Kazinga Channel, before settling into the chic and oh-so-comfortable Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The next day, they enjoyed a game drive through the Ishasha Sector, famously home to tree climbing lions, before arriving at Bwindi Lodge in time for a chat about gorillas around the fire and something delicious to eat.
Bright and early the next morning, it was finally time to go gorilla trekking. They followed the trail of the Rushegura family, before coming face to face with them, and remaining in their presence for a precious hour. The silverbacks were majestic, the babies were adorable and the experience, utterly life-changing. They also visited the Ride 4 a Woman organisation, which empowers women in Uganda through a variety of projects – it’s definitely the place to pick up some souvenirs too.
The next day, Meg and her group were assigned the Mubare gorilla family, which is watched over by the largest silverback in Bwindi. Standing within a few metres of him gave Meg goosebumps and memories to last a lifetime. The connections Meg made with her guide, the trackers and porters, staff and local people made her trip even more special. There were many toasts made at the lively Bwindi Bar after a day of trekking!
