Africa is one of the most special destinations for enjoying a trip that combines cultural richness with breathtaking, wild nature. It’s a continent especially popular with adventure seekers, particularly those drawn to safari destinations like Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania. But there’s more to Africa than just its most acclaimed spots.
Among them is Uganda, the destination of one of content creator María Garrido ‘s recent trips . She describes it as magical and far more exotic and different than many other places she has visited. She traveled there with her husband (founder of the travel agency Voiash Viajes a medida ), and they hope to return once their children are older.
Both were looking for an enriching and surprising experience, to get away from the mundane and what we might identify as a classic safari, to live new, less common, and more intimate experiences. Uganda offered precisely that: chimpanzees in the wild, mountain gorillas, boat safaris on the Nile, and very different and absolutely special experiences that will remain forever in their hearts.
“Open landscapes, great rivers, and dense jungles coexist in the same country, something unusual even for travelers experienced in Africa. This diversity makes Uganda very special ,” is how María Garrido describes it. She arrived as an expert traveler and returned absolutely amazed and surprised by a country full of cultural richness, friendliness, and unique gastronomy.
“The warmth and friendliness of its people, the tranquility of the journey, and the excellent infrastructure make for a very comfortable experience. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking something authentic and different, especially on a tailor-made trip like the ones we offer at Voiash Grandes Viajes,” he explains, emphasizing the magic of the country, its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and once again how much he is looking forward to returning, especially because of its people (although also because he still has a couple of locations left to visit).
“The people are extremely friendly, always willing to help and with a constant smile. I was able to immerse myself in the community of our guide, who runs an incredible project helping both the elderly and the young. Uganda is a country that makes travelers feel comfortable and safe.”
Uganda is perceived as a natural transition between the open savannas of Kenya, Tanzania, or Botswana and the lush forests of Central Africa, a visual marvel that few countries are fortunate enough to possess. “The contrast between the power of the Nile, the waterfalls, and the wildlife is striking and very different from other, more well-known African parks,” she describes, referring to Murchison Falls National Park . For her, it was the most surprising destination on her trip to Uganda, although Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a close second: “It occupies a very special place; it’s a humid, mist-shrouded forest, mysterious and profoundly impressive, home to mountain gorillas.” Our protagonist also mentions other places that pleasantly surprised her, such as Kibale Forest , where she experienced seeing chimpanzees in the wild, and Queen Elizabeth National Park , with the Kazinga Channel as a highlight.
” Gorilla trekking is one of the most impactful experiences of the trip. It doesn’t inspire fear, but rather a profound respect: the gorillas mark their territory, and visitors are fully aware that they are entering their world ,” admits Garrido, assuring that the activity is always conducted with respect and guaranteeing the safety of both the animals and the visitors, thus supporting a responsible and sustainable way of traveling. It’s worth noting that Uganda is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making this experience essential for truly understanding the country.
Another remarkable sight was the gorilla families with their young, or the groups of animals along the Nile, which were able to enjoy the tranquility of the place, allowing them their space—for her, one of the significant differences between Uganda and other African countries. “Wildlife observation is experienced calmly and without crowds ,” she remarks, impressed by the animals in their natural habitat.
“The coffee is the best I’ve ever tasted. I had the opportunity to see the whole process with a lovely lady from whom I was able to buy quite a few bags of coffee, which have already been used up at home.”
One of the most unusual foods is the Rolex , a very popular street dish. The name comes from ” roll eggs” : a hot chapati with an egg inside, rolled up on the spot. “The play on words perfectly reflects the local sense of humor ,” he says.
Regarding hotels, María tells us that tented camps allow you to experience the full safari experience without sacrificing comfort. In colder areas, like Bwindi, traditional lodges work better. They allow you to enjoy the experience comfortably while immersing yourself in the wild nature that characterizes the country. “Staying close to the key attractions allows you to optimize your time and better enjoy each experience ,” she explains. She recommends hotels like Nile Safari Lodge (Murchison Falls), Entebbe Forest Lodge (Entebbe), Gorilla Forest Lodge (Bwindi), and Elephant Plains (Queen Elizabeth National Park ), all nestled in a well-maintained natural environment for an idyllic experience in prime locations.
“Sleeping while listening to nature is an essential part of the journey.”
She reveals that the most essential part of the trip is having time to be present and enjoy it without rushing. Good trekking boots , gaiters, and a raincoat are also key. Her secret? Staying near the parks and eating at lodges was essential for fully enjoying the trip. Furthermore, it’s also a perfect destination for solo travelers; with a local guide and driver, you have more than enough to experience Uganda safely.