Uganda Highlights 2024 –
Wanderlust Group Trips Week 1
After the success of my annual Tanzania safari trips, I had a lot of requests to create a Wanderlust Group Trip to Uganda for wild gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking had been on the top of my bucket list for years so I set to work building the perfect custom luxury trip in collaboration with an incredible locally owned company, Devine African Safaris.
The trip was so popular I added two additional weeks to the original plus I will be bringing back next year.
For my first very Uganda trip, I couldn’t have asked for a better group. The dynamic among everyone was off the charts! It was 9 days of non-stop laughs and memories. And huge thanks to both our local Uganda guides Emma and Emma.
Here’s everything we got up to for my first epic trip around Uganda!
Day 1
Everyone flew in Entebbe for the start of our trip!
Those of us who arrived early decided to go on a day trip to Mwaba Swamp for a shoebill safari to try and see this rare prehistoric bird!
Our safari was successful and it was a super way to begin the trip. Check out the photos I capture of this scary looking dinosaur bird!
That evening we had a fantastic welcome dinner at our stunning hotel, Latitude 0 in Kampala.
Day 2
Next morning we set off for a drive to Kibale National Park!
We stopped at cute little roadside fruit stands along the way and photo spots before checking into the stunning Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 3
Our day began with a delicious breakfast at our lodge before driving to the nearby Kibale Forest!
The briefing began at 8am where we learned all the do’s and don’ts of wild chimpanzee trekking.
We then were divided into two groups (with a ranger and armed guards) and set off into the forest. The hike was relatively easy and flat!
After about an hour, we arrived at the chimpanzee family we would be spending time with. It was thrilling! They were swinging over our heads, mating above us, calling out to one another and the chaos was incredible.
After about 30 minutes of them hooting and hollering in the treetops, they began to descend RIGHT next to us!! What a rush!! There were chimpanzees everywhere on the ground walking right past us.
We continued our drive that evening to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive itself was so scenic!
Day 4
The next morning, we departed early and headed off for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before visiting a beautiful salt lake full of flamingos.
In the afternoon, we went for a scenic boat cruise on the stunning Kazinga Channel to see hippos and other wildlife.
That evening we had free time at the lodge and enjoyed taking pictures with the resident warthogs!
Day 5
We had a long and super scenic drive to arrive at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Our jaw-drops when we arrived at Haven Lodge and had an incredible view overlooking the forest we would be hiking into the following day.
Once we settled into our beautiful individual lodges, we went on a walk through the community near the entrance gate to sector one of Bwindi.
We walked through town, visited some shops and took photos with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sign.
Day 6
We started the day with a breakfast at the stunning Haven Lodge before heading over to our briefing for wild gorilla trekking.
We were so jittery, nervous and excited!! This was the day many of us had been waiting for!
Our group was divided into two groups as the maximum with any gorilla family is 8 at a time.
One group had a shorter, more flat hike to reach their family. While my group had a steep uphill 90 minute hike. But the hike itself was gorgeous!!
I hired a porter for $20 who carried my bag and assisted me throughout the hike. This is a great way to support the local community!
After 90 minutes of intense hiking, we reached two gorilla trackers in the forest who had been with our family.
They took our their machetes and carved out a path through the thick brush.
Once we arrived with the family, we had an entire glorious hour to observe, photograph and marvel at these beautiful, rare and endangered creatures.
Following our trek, we drove to the beautiful Birdnest Resort through the mountains!
Day 7
Today we did a safari en route to our next lodge! We got up close with so many animals: zebra, giraffe, antelope and more.
We checked into our most luxurious lodge yet then went for a swim in the pool!
It was a spectacular sunset and that night, the lodge prepared for us a private dinner outside under the stars. The vibes were off the charts!! It was such an unforgettable night.
Day 8
We woke up early for a sunrise breakfast. The lighting was perfect so I captured photos of everyone in front of the lodges!
We then said goodbye to our beautiful lodge and went to meet Damien our armed bush walking safari guide.
For the next hour and half, we got to safari by foot! It was so exciting to be up so close with the wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park.
It was then time to drive back to Kampala. We stopped and had lunch at the Equator line along the way!
We said goodbye to Emma and Emma before our goodbye dinner. And in the evening, some of us went out dancing for a final night together in Kamapal!
Day 9
One last breakfast together before everyone started departing for the airport!
Huge thanks to each and every person on this trip who made my first Uganda group trip such an incredible and memorable experience.
