We had the pleasure of hosting 13 wonderful guests from Colombo, Australia, and Miami for a 5-day Uganda safari. Which was packed with wildlife, culture, and unforgettable moments. The journey was led by field guides Tony and Hussein with Ajith and Letha as co-pilots for the entire adventure.
Let’s tag a long for the 5-days Uganda safari
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome to Uganda
The group landed at Entebbe International Airport. Where we welcomed them and transferred to Tilapia Lodge. A peaceful haven nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. Lunch was served in our lush jungle restaurant with a view of the water.
From there, we hit the road, passing through Mpigi town and a string of vibrant trading centers before pausing for a coffee break. A highlight was crossing the Equator. Where we stopped for fun photos and a few water swirl experiments. Later in the evening, as we approached the lodge, we were treated to sightings of Uganda’s iconic long-horned Ankole cattle. As well as a surprise, a very close encounter with a Shoebill stork! That moment told us we had some birding enthusiasts onboard.
At the lodge, we shared sunset views, a warm group briefing, and plans for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Safari Walk, Transfers & The Gorilla Capital
We kicked off the day with an optional guided safari walk for a nature immersion. Followed by a transfer to drop Tarique and Khairi at Topi Lodge. The rest of the group continued the journey toward the Gorilla Capital—Buhoma in Bwindi Mountains.
Our night at Buhoma Community Camp was peaceful and full of anticipation for the big day ahead.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Birding at The Neck
An early start took us to the legendary Neck of the Forest for a 4-hour hike and a life-changing Gorilla encounter with the Binyindo family, led by Silverback Kavuyo. Afterwards, we birded our way toward Topi Lodge in Ishasha, home of the famous tree-climbing lions. The lodge welcomed us with a perfect blend of thick bush, tall trees, and pure tranquility.
Ajith led a smaller group on a birding walk through open grasslands and scattered trees. Spotting highlights like the African Green Pigeon, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Red-faced Cisticola, African Grey Woodpecker, African Hobby, and more.
Just as golden hour was setting in, Hussein brought the vehicle to a halt. I spotted a lioness in a Sycamore fig near the lodge entrance! We rushed back to alert the others, and the whole group, including our senior travel blogger Mihiri Wikramanayake of Mihipedia, watched in awe from the Topi wildlife deck as elephant herds passed by and the lioness posed gracefully.
We ended the night with laughter, great food, Nile beer, and Savannah cider—a group favorite.
4: Ishasha to the Rift Valley
After a hearty breakfast with staff photos led by Suzan the waitress and our trusty guard Alex, we began the wild drive through Ishasha’s dramatic landscapes. Crossing five rivers on our way to Pumba Safari Cottages.
The views of the Great Rift Valley welcomed us, and we spent the afternoon either relaxing or joining in activities like a community visit to a local subsistence farmer (with coffee, cocoa, and tropical fruits), or hiking around the crater lakes.
Day 5: Farewell with a View to end 5-day Uganda safari
Our final day saw us heading back toward Entebbe. We capped off the adventure with a delicious lakeside barbecue, with views of Lake Victoria and the airport in the distance.
Then came a stylish transfer—via speedboat—to the airport for the group’s onward flight to Nairobi and eventually home to Colombo via Doha.
A journey full of laughter, connection, wildlife, and wonder. Truly a safari to remember.
Come for a tailor-made Uganda safari with us.
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