I can’t thank you enough for documenting your adventure …. I’m 71 and in pretty good physical condition but was concerned about my stamina … this video shows me that while it will be a bit of a challenge I have time before my trip to fix that .
Absolutely! Four years ago we traveled to Kenya with my 83 year old grandfather so I am sure you could do it! The people of Uganda are so supportive and can definitely help to alleviate any of those concerns. Also, for the chimp and gorilla trekking, you can let them know you would prefer a shorter hike and ape families can be found with a hike/walk as short as 15 min. You've got this!
going to UGANDA in july for 3 weeks with a guide cant wait .doing the whole country . love your videos and really informative cant wait . from what im seeing it is an amazing country .doing midrange accomadation . Thanks for a the great videos
@StNickTravels Definitely the gorilla and chimp treks . Also visiting the tribes in North East Kidepo Np Moroto . Good to get other people's experiences . Get information. Yours is great .
Great video. When bringing US dollars please make sure you bring perfect new bills as Ugandans have great difficulties exchanging bills that have even the slightest knick, cut or stain.
Wow awesome. I'm travelling from Australia to Uganda, Tanzania, zambia, Namibia and south Africa in 3 weeks time. Bit nervous as I'm bringing my 3 year old daughter.. but equally excited. Great video thanks
What an incredible trip! So cool to be sharing it with your daughter, as well! We went to Namibia and South Africa too and have some other videos from there. Africa is such a beautiful place!
Hi! I'm going to be travelling alone to Uganda this week and would be happy to exchange over messages for more tips and details! Thank you for this video super informative!
Absolutely! You can find all of those locations on the map in the description of our video, but we have also listed them here: Vehicle Company: 4x4 Uganda Lodging: Murchison - Mama Washindi Lodge - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/mama-washindi-lodge.en-us.html?aid=8073218 Kibale - Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve - nkuruba.com/ Queen Elizabeth - Pumba Safari Cottages - pumbasafaricottages.n.nu/ Ishasha - BullBush River Camp - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bullbush-river-camp.en-us.html?aid=8073218 Bwindi - Bwindi Guest House - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bwindi-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=8073218 Lake Mburo - Hyena Hill Lodge - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/hyena-hill-lodge.en-us.html?aid=8073218
So glad you enjoyed it! You are going to have an amazing trip! Happy to share some packing details, please see below. We do have a safari link on our Amazon page you can check out here: www.amazon.com/shop/stnicktravels/list/31O4023SSUZSK?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d. We would say the following items are definitely essentials: - Binoculars: Must have for sure, worth getting a decent pair - Animal Spotting / Identification Book: Definitely needed on a self-drive but can be fun for checking off animals even if with a guide. - Portable Power Bank: Game drive days are usually all day so easy to run out of power - Pack Towel: Versatile, especially for a self-drive - SD cards: Several if you're a photographer - Clothes: Go with light items that provide a lot of coverage. This can help with sun, bugs, dry quickly, etc. Hope that helps and please let us know if you have any questions!
Thank you! I would suggest we spent around $2,250 USD per person, not including our flights to get to Uganda. The primary cost is the permits which were quite pricey!
Great video! Thanks for all of you tips. You mentioned credit cards don't always work. Was this true with gas stations as well? We are going in a few weeks and plan to have cash, but are hoping to pay as much with a card.
Glad to hear it was helpful and appreciate the support! From what we remember, most gas stations did not have an issue paying with card but we recall one or two explicit instances of it (one very small station outside of Ishasha and another between stops where we had to walk across the street to an ATM). We mostly had issues with it in paying for permits at the park entrances and then at two of our hotels.
@@StNickTravels yes, on the bottom of mountain muhabura, it's where you will find the mountain gorillas, and many species of the primates. You can have an experience of meeting the batwa tribe, the first inhabitants ov the area who are regarded as the shortest people in east Africa with their stone age skills of day today living. And above all at this mountain peak, u can step foot in three countries at once, that is Uganda, Rwanda and The congo with a view of two cities, Kigali and Goma of two different countries at once at a clear weather day, so much, I can't say it all, hope to meet you here, thanks 🙏
How did you get the permit for the Bindi Ntlpark / Gorilla Trekking? What company did you hire the car with? + Edit: do you have a complete itinerary? i.e. day 1 arrival to day x departure? What telephotolense did you bring for safari? Did you had a fridge / cooler in the rented SUV (for food + snacks)? Did you take malaria prophylaxis?
Happy to provide some additional info: We got the gorilla trekking permit through our hotel in Bwindi - Bwindi Guest House. Most places you stay can assist with those types of things! They picked up the permits from the capital for us and had it ready to go. If you end up booking with them you can use our link to support us (it doesn't cost you anything): www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bwindi-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=8073218 We rented from the car through 4x4 Uganda, they were great! www.4x4uganda.com/ If you watched our full RUclips series I think it gives the best depiction of the itinerary but generally we did 2 days Murchison Falls, 1 day Kibale, 4 days Queen Elizabeth, 1 day Bwindi, and 1 day Mburu. Our lens was an older Nikon 70-300mm zoom lens. No fridge cooler in the SUV but we know that's common. We just had dry snacks and ate daily at our hotels. Yes, we did take the daily malaria meds when we were there! Hope that helps and that you have an amazing trip!
@@StNickTravels Hi there, Thank you so much for the reply. Apparently, they changed the way the hand out Gorilla / Chimp Permits this year - you only can get them through tour guides (4x4 rental companies classify as tour guides). Did you bring your own mosquito nets with you or were you always provided mosquito nets at the hotels? Thanks again!
@@KongKillha Oh that's interesting! I would imagine. the 4x4 company can assist as we understand the permits must be picked up from the capital. Every hotel we stayed at provided a mosquito net! I can't imagine one that would not provide it but can always double check with them if there are any concerns.
Thank you so much!! So if you don't hire a guide, you only pay the park entrance fee, not the game drive fee? Also I'm hoping to do this as a solo woman if you have any recommendations on how you would feel doing this
Correct! It isn't necessary to hire a guide and you can save on the fee there! If you have never been on safari, I think we would recommend a guide though! Maybe just for the first day at each park or something. If you are well traveled and have traveled solo to other places, we think you would be okay in Uganda! Having traveled there as a couple it is tough to say for certain, but all of the lodges have amazing staff that can be super helpful in supporting you.
Hi there - We totally understand the concern as it is such a far away place and there is not a lot of information out there. Definitely valid as a parent! We felt COMPLETELY safe throughout our time in Uganda. Ugandans are some of the friendliest people we have met abroad and always so helpful and caring. Kibale National Park and the nearby area had many other tourists so I am sure they will not be alone, as well. It will be a great experience! Take care and let us know if you have any other questions!
@@StNickTravelsAs a Ugandan 🇺🇬 I'm glad that your trip was very nice and exciting. Nice to hear (again) that we're a very friendly people ❤😊 Cheers 🥂🥂🎉
Hey, I have traveled around the world over 66 years, crossed the himalayas on a 50 year old miotorbike etc. Normally I drive myself, like that. However i Married an Ugandan last year and spent two weeks there. In Uganda you get a driver, or if you really want to drive, you get a guide full time. They cost nearly nothing compared to your peace of mind. You don't drive in the anarchy of Kampala alone. They get you to all the animal hotspots on sfari because they are on the phone to their mates. You allways get to a convenient restaurant for lunch. When you are stopped on the road by the police, who all resemble Idi Amins Bastard sons you go through like a silk glove. My wife and I were hit ny Covid during the stay, our driver navigated us 35km to the nearest pharmacist. Try doing that when you are coughing up your guts.
Amazing, you're going to have such a great time! What specific activities are you planning to do? If you have any questions, we'd be happy to help out!
Using Google Flights is definitely the best approach to identify options depending on where you're coming from! I would guess that Ethiopian Airlines does the most service so anything in the Star Alliance group such as United, Lufthansa, and Ethiopian. Hope that helps!
G’day! Very informative- thanks 🙏 We are planning a self drive trip in Uganda next month, do you recall the per day price of the safari car rental? Did they also sort your National Park tickets/gorilla trekking? Thanks 🙏
Thank you! It was an epic trip and we're sure you'll have a great time! We paid about $70 a day for the vehicle but you could definitely do it cheaper if you are open to others. We really wanted a vehicle with the pop top since we were doing so many safari days. We found our lodges to be most helpful for arranging permits and information although we're sure the rental company could help too! The only permits we actually did in advance were the gorilla and chimp trekking which we did with the lodges. All of the national park permits we just bought upon arrival which was super easy. Hope that helps and let us know if you have any more questions!
We enjoyed everywhere we stayed! Below are the lodge names and what we enjoyed about them. Let us know if you have any further questions! Murchison - Mama Washindi Lodge - Great view, good food, local feel Kibale - Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite - Beautiful property, lake is fantastic, tons of monkeys on site Queen Elizabeth - Pumba Safari Camp - Amazing view, staff go above and beyond, good food Ishasha - Bullrush River Camp - Nice by the river Bwindi - Bwindi Community Guesthouse - Work with local hospital, super friendly staff, large rooms Lake Mburu - Hyena Hill Lodge - Amazing view, new rooms and community area
Great video! Did you do any trekking? Would you say the trails are easy to find? Is it allowed to trek without a guide/ranger? One safety concern is running into wild animals along the way. Thanks 😊
Thank you! We did the hiking/trekking with the chimps and gorillas but that was it. I'm not sure how many places you could do it without a ranger or guide. When we went with them for chimp/gorilla trekking they told us they were there not to protect us from the apes but in case we ran into an elephant or other animals. Stay safe and enjoy!
This whole series was fantastic. So informative with such specifics given.
Thank you so much! Glad to hear that it was beneficial!!
Thanks so much for loving my country and talking well about it. God bless you always. The truth always sets us free.
It is a beautiful country!
Great tips.i am glad your loved my motherland
I can’t thank you enough for documenting your adventure …. I’m 71 and in pretty good physical condition but was concerned about my stamina … this video shows me that while it will be a bit of a challenge I have time before my trip to fix that .
Absolutely! Four years ago we traveled to Kenya with my 83 year old grandfather so I am sure you could do it! The people of Uganda are so supportive and can definitely help to alleviate any of those concerns. Also, for the chimp and gorilla trekking, you can let them know you would prefer a shorter hike and ape families can be found with a hike/walk as short as 15 min.
You've got this!
Oh and be sure to let us know how it goes!
going to UGANDA in july for 3 weeks with a guide cant wait .doing the whole country . love your videos and really informative cant wait . from what im seeing it is an amazing country .doing midrange accomadation . Thanks for a the great videos
Thank you so much for the support! You are going to have such an amazing trip!! What are you looking forward to most?
@StNickTravels Definitely the gorilla and chimp treks . Also visiting the tribes in North East Kidepo Np Moroto . Good to get other people's experiences . Get information. Yours is great .
Great video. When bringing US dollars please make sure you bring perfect new bills as Ugandans have great difficulties exchanging bills that have even the slightest knick, cut or stain.
Sooo true
Wow awesome. I'm travelling from Australia to Uganda, Tanzania, zambia, Namibia and south Africa in 3 weeks time. Bit nervous as I'm bringing my 3 year old daughter.. but equally excited. Great video thanks
What an incredible trip! So cool to be sharing it with your daughter, as well! We went to Namibia and South Africa too and have some other videos from there. Africa is such a beautiful place!
Thanks for the tips :) next year I will be going to Uganda this video was very helpfull😀
We're so glad it was helpful and you enjoyed it! Feel free to reach out if any further questions come up!
really helpful thanks both! Headed to UG this March can't wait
Glad it was helpful and appreciate the support! We're sure you'll have an amazing time!
Let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks for visiting the pearl of africa. Come again next time
Thank you guys this was all so helpful 🤍🤍 i am coming to uganda in 2025!
Glad to hear it! We hope you have an amazing trip and let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks v much - useful video...I'm leaving for Uganda tomorrow.
Amazing, have a great trip!!!
Thank you for sharing! My partner and I are looking to go this year so I found this super helpful :)
Glad you enjoyed it and that it helped you all out! Feel free to reach back out if any further questions come up in your planning process!
Feel free, we shall welcome you. 🤝🏽
Hi! I'm going to be travelling alone to Uganda this week and would be happy to exchange over messages for more tips and details! Thank you for this video super informative!
Hey Erik! Sounds like you're set for an amazing trip! Feel free to dm us on Instagram for anything further! instagram.com/stnicktravels/
Very informative video
This is everything true for a Uganda safari
Awesome tips . If you come to Sri Lanka you will see plenty of leopard.
Thank you! Is it common to go on safari in Sri Lanka?
Would you mind sharing which lodge you stayed at and who/where you hired your vehicle from. Btw great video
Absolutely! You can find all of those locations on the map in the description of our video, but we have also listed them here:
Vehicle Company: 4x4 Uganda
Lodging:
Murchison - Mama Washindi Lodge - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/mama-washindi-lodge.en-us.html?aid=8073218
Kibale - Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve - nkuruba.com/
Queen Elizabeth - Pumba Safari Cottages - pumbasafaricottages.n.nu/
Ishasha - BullBush River Camp - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bullbush-river-camp.en-us.html?aid=8073218
Bwindi - Bwindi Guest House - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bwindi-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=8073218
Lake Mburo - Hyena Hill Lodge - www.booking.com/hotel/ug/hyena-hill-lodge.en-us.html?aid=8073218
Beautiful video
Loved this whole series, we are traveling in December and would love to know suggestions for packing, any must have items that were super helpful?
So glad you enjoyed it! You are going to have an amazing trip! Happy to share some packing details, please see below.
We do have a safari link on our Amazon page you can check out here: www.amazon.com/shop/stnicktravels/list/31O4023SSUZSK?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d.
We would say the following items are definitely essentials:
- Binoculars: Must have for sure, worth getting a decent pair
- Animal Spotting / Identification Book: Definitely needed on a self-drive but can be fun for checking off animals even if with a guide.
- Portable Power Bank: Game drive days are usually all day so easy to run out of power
- Pack Towel: Versatile, especially for a self-drive
- SD cards: Several if you're a photographer
- Clothes: Go with light items that provide a lot of coverage. This can help with sun, bugs, dry quickly, etc.
Hope that helps and please let us know if you have any questions!
Great trip and thank you for sharing. Kindly share cost estimates for your trip.
Thank you! I would suggest we spent around $2,250 USD per person, not including our flights to get to Uganda. The primary cost is the permits which were quite pricey!
Great video! Thanks for all of you tips. You mentioned credit cards don't always work. Was this true with gas stations as well? We are going in a few weeks and plan to have cash, but are hoping to pay as much with a card.
Glad to hear it was helpful and appreciate the support! From what we remember, most gas stations did not have an issue paying with card but we recall one or two explicit instances of it (one very small station outside of Ishasha and another between stops where we had to walk across the street to an ATM). We mostly had issues with it in paying for permits at the park entrances and then at two of our hotels.
Next tym come back for mountain hiking in south western Uganda, I will guide you😀😀
We would love that! Any animals to see out there?
@@StNickTravels yes, on the bottom of mountain muhabura, it's where you will find the mountain gorillas, and many species of the primates. You can have an experience of meeting the batwa tribe, the first inhabitants ov the area who are regarded as the shortest people in east Africa with their stone age skills of day today living. And above all at this mountain peak, u can step foot in three countries at once, that is Uganda, Rwanda and The congo with a view of two cities, Kigali and Goma of two different countries at once at a clear weather day, so much, I can't say it all, hope to meet you here, thanks 🙏
@@StNickTravels even mt Rwenzori is near by queen Elizabeth national park
❤ love the people
Great film, thank you. I'm heading to Uganda next year, do you need permission to film there or is it pretty relaxed?
Thank you! It's very relaxed. As long as you don't film any security checkpoints or police areas, it's no big deal at all!
@@StNickTravels excellent. Thank you
How did you get the permit for the Bindi Ntlpark / Gorilla Trekking?
What company did you hire the car with?
+ Edit: do you have a complete itinerary? i.e. day 1 arrival to day x departure?
What telephotolense did you bring for safari?
Did you had a fridge / cooler in the rented SUV (for food + snacks)?
Did you take malaria prophylaxis?
Happy to provide some additional info:
We got the gorilla trekking permit through our hotel in Bwindi - Bwindi Guest House. Most places you stay can assist with those types of things! They picked up the permits from the capital for us and had it ready to go.
If you end up booking with them you can use our link to support us (it doesn't cost you anything): www.booking.com/hotel/ug/bwindi-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=8073218
We rented from the car through 4x4 Uganda, they were great! www.4x4uganda.com/
If you watched our full RUclips series I think it gives the best depiction of the itinerary but generally we did 2 days Murchison Falls, 1 day Kibale, 4 days Queen Elizabeth, 1 day Bwindi, and 1 day Mburu.
Our lens was an older Nikon 70-300mm zoom lens.
No fridge cooler in the SUV but we know that's common. We just had dry snacks and ate daily at our hotels.
Yes, we did take the daily malaria meds when we were there!
Hope that helps and that you have an amazing trip!
@@StNickTravels Hi there,
Thank you so much for the reply.
Apparently, they changed the way the hand out Gorilla / Chimp Permits this year - you only can get them through tour guides (4x4 rental companies classify as tour guides).
Did you bring your own mosquito nets with you or were you always provided mosquito nets at the hotels?
Thanks again!
@@KongKillha Oh that's interesting! I would imagine. the 4x4 company can assist as we understand the permits must be picked up from the capital. Every hotel we stayed at provided a mosquito net! I can't imagine one that would not provide it but can always double check with them if there are any concerns.
Thank you so much!! So if you don't hire a guide, you only pay the park entrance fee, not the game drive fee?
Also I'm hoping to do this as a solo woman if you have any recommendations on how you would feel doing this
Correct! It isn't necessary to hire a guide and you can save on the fee there! If you have never been on safari, I think we would recommend a guide though! Maybe just for the first day at each park or something.
If you are well traveled and have traveled solo to other places, we think you would be okay in Uganda! Having traveled there as a couple it is tough to say for certain, but all of the lodges have amazing staff that can be super helpful in supporting you.
Hi !! My son is going to kibale national park in April and I’m very nervous - do you feel safe in Uganda?
Hi there - We totally understand the concern as it is such a far away place and there is not a lot of information out there. Definitely valid as a parent!
We felt COMPLETELY safe throughout our time in Uganda. Ugandans are some of the friendliest people we have met abroad and always so helpful and caring. Kibale National Park and the nearby area had many other tourists so I am sure they will not be alone, as well. It will be a great experience!
Take care and let us know if you have any other questions!
@@StNickTravels thanks you so much this helps!!!
@@StNickTravelsAs a Ugandan 🇺🇬 I'm glad that your trip was very nice and exciting. Nice to hear (again) that we're a very friendly people ❤😊 Cheers 🥂🥂🎉
Been there done that 10/67 SABENA
Hey, I have traveled around the world over 66 years, crossed the himalayas on a 50 year old miotorbike etc. Normally I drive myself, like that. However i Married an Ugandan last year and spent two weeks there. In Uganda you get a driver, or if you really want to drive, you get a guide full time. They cost nearly nothing compared to your peace of mind. You don't drive in the anarchy of Kampala alone. They get you to all the animal hotspots on sfari because they are on the phone to their mates. You allways get to a convenient restaurant for lunch. When you are stopped on the road by the police, who all resemble Idi Amins Bastard sons you go through like a silk glove. My wife and I were hit ny Covid during the stay, our driver navigated us 35km to the nearest pharmacist. Try doing that when you are coughing up your guts.
I’ll be going this year
Amazing, you're going to have such a great time! What specific activities are you planning to do? If you have any questions, we'd be happy to help out!
@@StNickTravels Hello dear
I plan on taking my family to Accra in August. What are the best flight options?
Using Google Flights is definitely the best approach to identify options depending on where you're coming from! I would guess that Ethiopian Airlines does the most service so anything in the Star Alliance group such as United, Lufthansa, and Ethiopian. Hope that helps!
Thank you very much for the helpful video! :)
We're so glad to hear that! Are you planning your own trip to Uganda?
G’day! Very informative- thanks 🙏 We are planning a self drive trip in Uganda next month, do you recall the per day price of the safari car rental? Did they also sort your National Park tickets/gorilla trekking? Thanks 🙏
Thank you! It was an epic trip and we're sure you'll have a great time!
We paid about $70 a day for the vehicle but you could definitely do it cheaper if you are open to others. We really wanted a vehicle with the pop top since we were doing so many safari days.
We found our lodges to be most helpful for arranging permits and information although we're sure the rental company could help too! The only permits we actually did in advance were the gorilla and chimp trekking which we did with the lodges. All of the national park permits we just bought upon arrival which was super easy.
Hope that helps and let us know if you have any more questions!
Great video. 🤝🏽
Thank you! Uganda is an amazing place!
@@StNickTravels For sure, also tell your friends to come visit us.
Do you have any amazing lodges to recommend?
We enjoyed everywhere we stayed! Below are the lodge names and what we enjoyed about them. Let us know if you have any further questions!
Murchison - Mama Washindi Lodge - Great view, good food, local feel
Kibale - Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite - Beautiful property, lake is fantastic, tons of monkeys on site
Queen Elizabeth - Pumba Safari Camp - Amazing view, staff go above and beyond, good food
Ishasha - Bullrush River Camp - Nice by the river
Bwindi - Bwindi Community Guesthouse - Work with local hospital, super friendly staff, large rooms
Lake Mburu - Hyena Hill Lodge - Amazing view, new rooms and community area
You are so kind 🇺🇬
💕 Love it
Great video! Did you do any trekking? Would you say the trails are easy to find? Is it allowed to trek without a guide/ranger? One safety concern is running into wild animals along the way. Thanks 😊
Thank you! We did the hiking/trekking with the chimps and gorillas but that was it. I'm not sure how many places you could do it without a ranger or guide. When we went with them for chimp/gorilla trekking they told us they were there not to protect us from the apes but in case we ran into an elephant or other animals. Stay safe and enjoy!
Tons and tons of potholes 😲
Sooo many potholes!! Sometimes they sneak up on you too!
How can I get uganda visa from Pakistan
Your Pakistan people don't like African. So why u want to go in Uganda.
😊😊
For other travelers....a bottle of Coke works as a good bribe.
Also a great recommendation! We tried offering some candy but she wanted something "healthier." Got us out of it either way!
good fotoage. fellow-👐