The drives between locations in Uganda and Rwanda can be long, but they are also an adventure in and of themselves. While Volcanoes Safaris has WIFI available in all vehicles to keep you busy and connected, I preferred to keep my eyes aimed out the windows during our drives. This is because, aside from the fascinating glimpses of the local culture, as you journey through these East African countries, you'll have the opportunity to experience incredible wildlife encounters.
Here are just some of the creatures I encountered during our drives: Uganda - enjoying the show from my first "tusker" (Erin Correia)
1. Elephants: Both Uganda and Rwanda are home to populations of African elephants. These magnificent creatures can often be spotted in national parks and wildlife reserves along the route, making your long drive an awe-inspiring experience.
Traffic on the way to Bwindi (Erin Correia)
2. Baboons: Baboons are commonly found in the wooded areas and savannahs of Uganda and Rwanda. Keep an eye out for troops of these playful and social primates as they forage for food or traverse the terrain, adding excitement to your journey.
Kazinga Channel Cruise - enjoying the buffalo and crane (Erin Correia)
3. Water Buffalo: Water buffalo, also known as Cape buffalo, are frequently encountered in the wetlands and grasslands of the region. These formidable animals are known for their impressive horns and can often be seen grazing or wallowing in waterholes, though we also enjoyed encounters with them away from the water.
Queen Elizabeth National Park - meeting some warthogs! (Erin Correia)
4. Warthogs: Warthogs are a common sight along the roadside and in open grassy areas. Their distinctive appearance, with warty facial features and curved tusks, is fun to capture on camera - especially if you can catch them while kneeling to eat!
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Erin Correia)
5. Waterbucks: These large antelope are often found near water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and swamps. Their shaggy coats and distinctive white markings make them easily distinguishable as they graze and congregate near the water's edge, though they can be spotted in the grasslands as well.
As well as several more that we encountered, but I was unable to capture a clear picture of:
6. Kob: The Uganda kob is a smaller species of antelope that can be spotted grazing in the grasslands and open savannahs, showcasing their graceful movements, and making your drive more captivating. They are also a great indicator of whether or not predators are present. If the kob are relaxed, laying down or grazing in different directions, danger is likely not near. However, if the kob are all standing alert, facing the same direction, it is a good time to start looking for lions or other predators!
7. Colobus Monkeys: Colobus monkeys, with their striking black and white fur, are commonly seen in the trees along the roadside. They are known for their agility in the treetops and their unique social behaviors.
8. Topi Antelope: The topi is another species of antelope that you might encounter during your drive. With their reddish-brown coats and curved horns, they add to the diversity of wildlife sightings along the way.
So, while the drives in Uganda and Rwanda can be long, they are an adventure in their own right, offering not only the chance to admire stunning landscapes but also a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and create unforgettable experiences.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
