Uganda Trip Review: Lake Mburo, Bwindi, & Bunyonyi in 5 Days

Okay, so you are thinking about seeing Uganda, right? Well, like your standard trip might involve, I spent five pretty jam-packed days exploring just a tiny piece of what this cool country offers. And just so you have an idea, this wasn’t like your average vacation; it was more like an adventure sprinkled with wildlife encounters and seriously, seriously gorgeous scenery. I’m going to take you through Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (that’s a name, huh?), and the intensely serene Lake Bunyonyi. Each spot was totally different and contributed something pretty amazing to the overall trip.

Lake Mburo National Park: A Gentle Introduction

Lake Mburo was kind of a chilled-out start to the whole experience. Compared to some other bigger parks in East Africa, Lake Mburo is relatively compact, yet don’t get me wrong, it’s full of charm. Anyway, what you notice right away is how approachable the wildlife feels here. Apparently, it’s common to see zebras grazing near the entrance gate, so too it was, and that’s the vibe. The park’s famous for its large population of zebras, as you may already know, plus there are giraffes, buffaloes, and all sorts of antelopes pretty much everywhere you look. The birdlife is extremely rich, too it’s almost a birdwatcher’s paradise, apparently. I took a game drive one afternoon, and seriously, the sheer number of animals you can spot in only a couple of hours is impressive.

In some respects, a boat safari on Lake Mburo itself gives you yet another angle on the wildlife. So, apparently, you get to see hippos lounging in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. Apparently, there’s something extra magical about seeing animals from the water; everything just seems more peaceful. And of course, just to add to the adventure, I did a walking safari. That might be the thing to do in Lake Mburo, actually! This, you know, let you get a bit closer to the nature that’s all around you. Obviously, you are with an armed ranger, but walking through the bush knowing there’s, like, wildlife nearby adds a bit of an adrenaline rush to the mix, you know?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Gorilla Trekking

Alright, so, Bwindi. This place is completely different. Like, you move from open savannah to dense, misty forest. Seriously, it feels like you are walking into a totally separate universe. Bwindi is famous for its gorilla population, so if you are going all that way you probably have an intention to see them. Trekking to see the gorillas might be difficult, yet let me tell you, it’s worth every single bit of effort.

Very first, apparently you get a briefing from the park rangers. This is where they explain, arguably, the rules of engagement and give you some background on the gorilla family you will be visiting. Then, like your trek starts. It could last anything from like, two to six hours, that can be a tough challenge, and in that case, it depends on where the gorillas have wandered that day. Seriously, you are hiking through dense forest. You are scrambling over fallen logs and pushing through thick undergrowth. It is pretty tiring. But, anyway, once you find them, it’s hard to put into words how it feels. In some respects, to sit quietly and observe these majestic creatures in their own environment is almost a privilege.

You get only an hour with them. An hour sounds like not enough, you know? Still, apparently it’s long enough to just soak it all in. Like your hour rushes by! So there’s babies playing, mothers grooming their young, and the silverback, you know, like keeping a watchful eye on everything. You can take pictures, if you have a good enough camera to hand. Make some mental memories, actually. And honestly, like as I was saying, I could have stayed there all day.

Lake Bunyonyi: Relaxation and Reflection

Following the intensity of the gorilla trek, Lake Bunyonyi was sort of the perfect place to wind down, basically. As a matter of fact, it’s known as the “place of many little birds” and that could be a very accurate description. As a matter of fact, the scenery here is gorgeous; that includes intensely green, terraced hills that drop down to the water’s edge. What is unique about Lake Bunyonyi is actually that it is dotted with something like 29 islands. I decided to take a boat trip to explore a few of them.

Some have pretty interesting histories. You should go to the “Punishment Island”. As I was saying, it might sound a bit grim, yet apparently it was once used to abandon unmarried pregnant girls. Also, you could see the main island, so too, that’s got a school, it might be worth trying out. Most of the activities around Lake Bunyonyi are kind of low-key. Maybe some swimming (it is safe from hippos and crocodiles, they say), or perhaps canoeing, bird watching, or just generally kicking back and enjoying the views. I stayed in a little eco-lodge, in that case it was built on one of the islands. As a matter of fact, it was incredibly peaceful. You have probably not experienced anything like that before.

Planning Your Own 5-Day Adventure

Right, so now you are thinking about your own trip, I expect. Actually, trying to fit Lake Mburo, Bwindi, and Lake Bunyonyi into five days does need some pretty careful organization. So, to put it simply, travel times between these spots could be longer than you would hope. And very importantly, you have to book your gorilla trekking permit way, way in advance; just because those permits can sell out months ahead of time.

Very first, arguably find yourself a reliable tour operator. Then, they’re going to handle, perhaps, the logistics. Things like transportation, accommodation, and the gorilla trekking permit that I talked about, are kind of important. Typically, try to aim for lodging that does not feel overly touristy. Look for something with kind of local charm, basically. So too, seriously consider the time of year you are visiting. The dry season (June to August and December to February) might be great for gorilla trekking and general wildlife viewing, yet very also, these are the most intensely busy times. So, maybe a balance might be what you need.

Finally, and now like I am being serious, pack appropriately. Durable, comfy walking shoes are vitally, vitally important for the gorilla trek. Very then, lightweight, quick-drying clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a rain jacket. All might come in handy. Respect the environment, too; that probably does not need saying. Listen to your guides, follow their advice, and remember to leave no trace behind. Uganda, obviously, is such a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, you probably won’t be dissapointed, in fact. Hopefully my review provides you with something to help you get organised before going.

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