This is the update page for the Bradt Guide to Uganda, 5th edition, by Philip Briggs
For updates posted prior to July 2008, please select a page from the menu bar on top
For more recent updates, please consult the recent posts or archives opposite, or search on any topic that interests you
Click here to read about the Bradt Guide to Uganda
Click here for updates to other African countries
Click here to read about Philip Briggs
Click here for Philip Briggs’s blog
The update pages on this site contain hard information and more subjective impressions culled directly from reader feeback for Bradt Uganda. They are intended to supplement or update information in the guidebook, and include details of tourist and volunteer-related services forwarded to me by hotel owners, NGOs, eco-tourist projects et al. I have not verified this information first-hand: all opinions and assessments both positive or negative are those of the individual correspondent, and the inclusion of any given establishment should not be mistaken for a direct endorsement of its services on my part. This update website is a free service to readers and can be used without obligation. Prospective travellers to Uganda are, however, encouraged to email me on their return with any impressions and new information that might be of benefit to those who follow in their footsteps. And if you do find Bradt Uganda useful, you’ll be doing me a big favour by posting a review on www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk or a similar online bookseller.
August 12, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Nice site Phillip. Had to happen one day and well handled and presented. Look forward to more.
I have read every page too!
August 21, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Hello Phillip,
I’ve just discovered these blog and I can see I’ll spend a few days just reading all I can…It looks very useful! Thanks! We are a couple planning to go to Uganda in 3 weeks..(We haven’t got the airplane tickets yet and depending on your answer, we might go somewhere else..)We are planning a trip from 15th September to the 5th of October. We’ve read that the rains start in October. What do you think? should we leave the trip for later on?
We would be grateful for a prompt reply (we can’t delay any longer buying the tickets) Many thanks in advance and congratulations for your blog.
Patricia
August 22, 2008 at 6:02 am
Hi Patricia,
The wettest months in most part of the country are March-May. Sep and early Oct are at the cusp of the dry and wet seasons, so what rain does fall is unlikely to affect roads etc in a major way. It’s not as ideal as Jun-Aug for things like gorilla tracking, but plenty of people track gorills throughout the year. So it wouldn’t stop me from travelling to Uganda (but maybe take a good raincoat…!)
Cheers, Philip
August 27, 2008 at 11:50 am
My wife and I are planning a trip to Bwindi and Ngamba Island in mid October for gorillas and chimps. Just discovered the website, and wouldlove to get as much info as possible.
Thanks
Harry Croft, MD hacmd@aol.com
June 23, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hello Harry Croft,
It is possible to travel from Kampala, visit the Ngamba chimp island sanctuary and overnight on the island. This includes round trip transport from Kampala to Entebbe, a visit to the Uganda Wild life Education Centre, round trip boat transfer from Entebbe prier to the island, park entrance fee, viewing of chimp including the feeding, accommodation for one night and 3 meals. Excludes beverages, tips and personal items.
Bwindi:
Bwindi impenetrable Forest is located in south western Uganda on the edge of western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting a large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world’s population of 700 mountain gorillas make their home in the forests of Bwindi.
Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L’hoest’s monkey, black and white colobus, potto, Demidoff’s and needle-clawed galago. Three hundred forty-seven species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered. Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush, white-belled robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, blue-headed sun bird, strange weaver and the Shelley’s crimsonwing. Over 200 species of butterflies have farming and mountain scenery. Drive through to Bwindi {10 hour drive}.
Nice trip from Eco-Royal Voyages.
September 1, 2008 at 9:40 am
I have been to Uganda from UK a number of times over that past 3 years and have been helping a local family set up & open a lodge/guesthouse and campsite right on the main Kabale Road 50 kms past Mbarara.
We have formed & registered a CBO and all profits will go into benefit the local people. Uganda Lodge is facilitation community projects and training (see http://www.ugandanetwork.org )
The current facilities include 4 individual bandas each with its own shower (hot water by request) plus same for 4 bedrooms at back of main house. Toilets are near at hand & both blocks have a “sit down” variety as well as the “difficult for oldies” type!
There is now power so lighting, TV etc plus a bar, pool table and darts board. Accomodation is 10,000 UgX per night – discount for longer stays. Food available by request.
Upgrades continuing as money allows, but already a large open-sided hall has been completed and a craft centre/workshop is underway to offer training facilities to local community.
Area is just at beginning of mountains so great for hill-walking & we can arrange for village tours.
We have two 4×4 vehicles which we can hire outt with driver at very reasonable rates (one is kept in Kampala)
We also welcome volunteers long or short term and have a variety of jobs they could do – depending on interests and skills. No up-front registration fees – just pay for their food & accomodation. See http://www.volunteerinuganda.org More info call Ann on +44 1932 562757
September 3, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hello, how are you?
Next month of November I will be working in Kampala for a month.I am saving 4 days to go to see the gorillas either at Bwindi or Mgahinga.4 days would be enough for a trip there from Kampala? Which park would you recommend the most?.Any suggestions about safari companys working in the area?.Excellent guide Philip.Thank you.Marta.
October 20, 2009 at 9:39 am
Hello Patricia,
If you are planning to visit the gorillas in Novembe i recommend the Bwindi Impenetrable forest and i am sure 4 days will be enough.
Day 1: Kampala / Bwindi
Day 2: Gorilla tracking
Day 3: Visit Lake Bunyonyi
Daty 3: Drive to Kampala
Try out http://www.atlassafarisuganda.com
October 20, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hi Jolly,
do you have experiences with this tour operator? And/or with some more? I’m often asked for a word of advice, but since I always travel individually, I can’t.
Greetings from
Arndt
September 6, 2008 at 6:30 am
Hi Marta, quick note from Arusha to say that Bwindi is the better bet, assuming that you can get a permit, and you could get there and back with time for a full days tracking in 4 days – any KLA operator in the book could organise this – cheers, Philip
September 25, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hello Phillip,
I will be traveling to Uganda with a group of 15 (including my family of six) and am looking at staying at Forest Cottages on the outskirts of Kampala.Do you know anything about this property? I keep reading conflicting reports about this place and would very much appreciate hearing anything you might know. I love your book. Keep up the good work!
September 26, 2008 at 11:18 am
Hi Michael,
I’m on the road right now so can’t easily follow up on this, but I don’t know Forest Cottages offhand…!
Best, Philip
October 1, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hi,
This site looks great. Just an update on Boomu Women’s Group – the community tourism project just outside the park gates of Murchison Falls National Park. A search on ‘Boomu Women’s Group’ has shown that they are still there as evidenced by a couple of blogs of a from visitors who visited last month (September 2008). They seem to have had a great time, so if anybody wants further information beyond the website (www.boomuwomensgroup) there is information on the web.
Best Wishes, Lan
October 29, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I wonder if anyone can help me. You detail in these pages the process of taking a vehicle from Kenya into Uganda. I’m wanting to take a Ugandan registered vehicle into Kenya and Tanzania. Is this going to be difficult? I am assured by the AA that there is no need for a carnet and no paperwork/ issues within East Africa. Is this true? If i get insurance in Uganda to cover all 3 what issues could i have? Thanks for all the useful information.
June 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Hello Peter
You need to have Insurance for those countries you want to go to, have the Original Log book for the Vehicle and if it is not in his names, have the passport copy of the owner and the owner but write to that one taking the vehicle allowing him to cross those boarders with his vehicle, they pay boarder crossing fees at the boarder
March 4, 2009 at 9:25 am
First of all – excellent guide (as was the Tanzania one I used a couple of years ago).
I’m trying to book the CHEX Chimp habituation experience in Kibale have tried every Ugandan contact listed and ones I’ve found on the web. No one seems to know how etc – does anyone have a good solid contact?
Thanks Mark
June 23, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Hello Mark,
The Chex chimps you are looking for are found in Kibale. Any progress so far? In case you have not found a contact we can be of help. Thanks Imelda
March 28, 2009 at 10:35 am
KYAMBURA GAME LODGE
Does anyone have information about Kayambura Game Lodge? (Not Kyambura Gorge Lodge)Is there any information available on the web?
Thanks
April 22, 2009 at 10:16 am
hello Mark,
Did you try Abacus African vacations
http://www.abacusvacations.com
I have done my Uganda Travel with this Ugandan owned company and the consults at this company seem to know everything about Uganda. My friend did this Chimpanzee habituation experience with them last year and he had praises for this company to.
June 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hello Hary,
Gorilla Tracking is the major activity in Bwindi, some one needs a Permit to track the Gorillas and it is USD$500 payable to UWA and the permits are limited per day, so early booking is required.
August 20, 2009 at 2:50 pm
KYAMBURA GAME LODGE (QENP, near Kyambura Gorge)
We stayed in this newly opened lodge and found everything excellent. You can see the elephants from yor cabin’s terrace. And the staff is really friendly and helpful. I recommend it to anybody. You can see some pictures here: http://taibilimunduan.blogspot.com/
Dani
October 5, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Hello!
After reading Bradt travel guide, I assumed that it’d be good to stay for more than 2 days at Murchinson Falls NP, specially to visit the Victoria Nile Delta. However, some tour companies told us that it’s not worth it – can anyone advise on this? If it’s worth it (like I believe it is), can anyone suggest a reliable tour company or car rental or something to stay at Murchinson for at least 3 hole days?
Best regards,
Natércia
October 14, 2009 at 8:20 am
Hello,
2 days in Murchison falls is worth it, really. To enjoy the Murchison Falls itself is very very impressive. And a boat tour on the nile with hippos, elephants, birds and crocodiles … very nice.
If you are looking for travel agencies: Have a quick look to my website. There you will find databases with many tour operaters and their contact information.
Greetings
Arndt Embacher