When Kyle, owner of Widevision Travel, was invited to spend eight days exploring Uganda with a fellow guide and friend, the main attraction was obvious: the chance to trek through the forest and see mountain gorillas in the wild.
That alone was enough reason to go.
But what he found was a country filled with so much more than he could ever have imagined.
From rare shoebills and incredible birding to gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, volcanoes, local villages, coffee farms, fishing on the Nile and some truly unforgettable people, Uganda turned out to be one of those places that keeps surprising you.
Starting the Journey in Entebbe
The adventure began in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
One of the first experiences was heading out by boat in search of one of Africa’s most unusual birds, the shoebill.
Seeing these enormous, almost prehistoric-looking birds in their natural environment was an incredible start to the trip and just the beginning of what would become an exceptional birding journey.
Uganda is a paradise for bird lovers, with an extraordinary variety of species and habitats. From wetlands and forests to mountains and national parks, there seemed to be something new to spot everywhere they went.
A visit to the botanical gardens in Entebbe gave Kyle another glimpse into the country’s biodiversity, with incredible birdlife, tropical plants and beautiful natural surroundings.
Gorillas, Chimpanzees and the Forests of Uganda
Then came one of the experiences Kyle had travelled all the way to Uganda for: trekking to see the mountain gorillas.
Making your way through thick, ancient forest and suddenly finding yourself just metres away from a gorilla family is difficult to describe.
You watch them feed, interact and move through the vegetation around you, and for a moment everything else disappears.
It was every bit as extraordinary as expected.
But Uganda had another incredible primate encounter waiting: chimpanzee trekking.
Heading into the forest in search of wild chimpanzees brought a completely different energy to the experience. Hearing their calls through the trees and then finally seeing them in their natural habitat was another unforgettable moment.
Within a matter of days, Kyle had experienced gorillas, chimpanzees and later golden monkeys, each completely different and each remarkable in its own way.
Experiencing Local Life and Traditions
What made this trip particularly special was that it wasn’t only about wildlife.
Kyle spent time visiting local villages and markets, meeting people and learning about traditions and skills that have been passed down through generations.
They learnt how traditional baskets are woven, how fires are started using traditional methods and how indigenous forest communities have historically created and positioned animal traps.
These experiences gave the journey another layer entirely.
Rather than simply travelling through Uganda and looking at the scenery, there were opportunities to meet people, ask questions, learn and experience a little of everyday life.
Coffee, Honey and a Taste of Kisoro
One particularly memorable stop was HP Kisoro Organic Coffee Roastery.
Here they learnt about Ugandan coffee, from how it is grown and processed to the different varieties and flavours produced in the region.
Of course, there was plenty of tasting involved too.
They sampled different coffees and even tasted incredible raw honey straight from the honeycomb.
For coffee lovers, it was one of those simple but memorable experiences that connects you directly to the place you’re visiting. You aren’t simply drinking a cup of Ugandan coffee; you’re meeting the people behind it and understanding where it comes from.
Volcanoes and Golden Monkeys
The landscape continued to change as the journey took them into Uganda’s volcanic regions.
There were volcanoes to climb, spectacular mountain scenery and another wildlife encounter many travellers don’t even know about: golden monkeys.
These beautiful and incredibly energetic primates are found within a very limited area of the Virunga mountain region, making the opportunity to see them in the wild particularly special.
One day you’re standing metres from a mountain gorilla in dense rainforest. Another you’re following golden monkeys through the trees or looking out across a volcanic landscape.
Uganda constantly changes around you.
Murchison Falls and Fishing the Nile
The adventure eventually took Kyle to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before crashing dramatically below.
Here, the trip took to the water once again.
Kyle had the opportunity to fish the Nile for the legendary Nile perch, surrounded by wild landscapes and some very impressive Nile crocodiles.
Game drives through the national park added another completely different wildlife experience, with the chance to see some of Africa’s iconic animals across Uganda’s open landscapes.
For someone who loves fishing, wildlife and being outdoors, it was difficult to ask for much more.
Eight Days That Felt Like Several Different Adventures
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much was packed into eight days.
Gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee trekking. Golden monkeys. Shoebills. Incredible birding. Volcanoes. Rainforests. Lake Victoria. The Nile. Fishing. Game drives. Crocodiles. Coffee. Raw honey. Markets. Villages. Traditional skills and some extraordinary people.
And between all of that, beautiful accommodation, incredible scenery and moments that simply couldn’t have been planned.
Kyle went to Uganda expecting the gorillas to be the highlight.
Instead, he came home talking about the entire country.
Uganda Is Coming to Widevision Travel
This wasn’t simply an adventure. It was also an opportunity for Kyle to experience Uganda firsthand and start discovering how Widevision Travel could share it with others.
He travelled the routes, experienced the activities, met local guides and communities, stayed in the accommodation and got a real feel for what makes Uganda different.
Now we’re putting together curated Uganda adventures for travellers who want to experience it for themselves.
The idea is to combine beautiful accommodation with the kind of experiences Widevision Travel is all about: nature, wildlife, adventure and genuine connections to the places you visit.
Gorilla and chimp trekking. Golden monkeys. Exceptional birding. Volcano hiking. Fishing the Nile. Wildlife. Local culture. Coffee experiences. Beautiful landscapes and plenty of unexpected moments along the way.
Because Uganda isn’t a destination you simply visit.
It’s a place you experience.
We went for the gorillas. We came back blown away by everything else.
And now we can’t wait to take you there.
