Below check out the after-movie from the first Follow The Fro to Uganda trip! [From Feb 2021]

The Details

What’s Included?

1. Park Entry Fees

2. Shared accommodation in 4* lodges – (2 people per room)

3. All government taxes

4. Transport in custom built 4×4 safari van

5. Game drives and boat cruise

6. Gorilla permit (costs $700 per person)

7. Professional English speaking guide

8. Meals & activities listed below

9. Bottled water & fruit snacks

Package Excludes

1. Travel Insurance

2. Meals & activities not listed

3. Personal Expenses

4. Tips while on safari

5. Beverages

6. Visa fees

7. Flights to/from Uganda

Why Partner with Buutu Safari?

1. Encourage more people to TRAVEL to Africa

In my 5 years of globetrotting, East Africa became my favorite place to travel. Yet, most of the foreigners I met while backpacking were either missionaries or volunteers. Where were all the travelers?! One of the missions of my blog is to inspire more people to travel to Africa.

2. Support  Local Economies

Local companies are crucial in fighting poverty in Uganda as they create employment opportunities for the locals. Foreign companies continue to sustain the colonial extractive economy by taking the much-needed profit out of the country. This has led to poverty and its perpetuation in Uganda. Local companies, like Buutu Safari, are wholly invested in the growth and development as they create avenues for Ugandans to earn and rise out of poverty.

Local tourism companies, like Buutu Safari:

• Reinvestment profits in Uganda.
• Offer real long term sustainable means of fighting poverty.
• Help development as they earn and retain much needed foreign exchange.
• Have an unparalleled understanding of Uganda and can share the full picture as you learn about the wildlife, culture, and history of Uganda from a local perspective.  Uganda cannot be experienced through just a wildlife prism but from a holistic view that appreciates the intricate relationship between the people, the wildlife, and the lands of Africa.
• Encourage locally-led conservation solutions and create opportunities for Ugandans to take full responsibility for conservation. There has been a disconnect between biodiversity and Ugandans. However, the benefits from tourism arising, incentivize locals to conserve biodiversity.

3. My Personal Connection with Daudi

Daudi works with Buutu Safaris, and I met him at a hostel in Uganda in 2018. After learning more about him, he became an inspiration, so when he asked me to partner with him, I easily said yes.

To share Daudis story:

Daudi left Uganda to study finance at the University of Exeter in England. After graduation, it was tough for him to find a job, but eventually, he ended up with a dream job at a hedge fund in London. But one day, while working, he looked out the window and realized that he was contributing to the brain drain out of Uganda. Was he living his best life, by enjoying his life in London, and staying a safe distance from the troubles and challenges of his home country? He realized it was time to stop criticizing Uganda’s government and failures, and return home to become more involved with developing Uganda. Daudi made a courageous effort to leave his job and return to Uganda to help build Uganda’s economy. Once in Uganda, Daudi was unemployed for close to a year; he realized there were virtually no advanced markets. Eventually, he joined a family safari company and figured out the future of Uganda lay in creating companies to create employment for fellow citizens.  Tourism provides a particularly useful starting point for Ugandans because inclusive conservation-based tourism gives the best foundation for building sustainable green economies of the future.

4. I Recommend Group Travel While in Uganda

Uganda is not the most accessible country for solo travel because there are not many backpackers, and a car is required to visit many of the destinations. A group tour helps consolidate the costs of hiring a driver and provides instant company to enjoy the beautiful destinations.

8-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Drive via Equator to Queen Elizabeth Park for evening game drive

We’ll set off at 07:00am for Queen Elizabeth National Park via the equator crossing for photos. Stop for lunch break before resuming the drive to the park. Upon arrival, we’ll drive through the savannah grasslands as the backdrop of the sun setting against the Rwenzori mountain ranges – a spectacular sunset. Game to be seen include elephants, buffalo and antelopes among others. We’ll arrive at the lodge at sunset and settle in for dinner and the night.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Wake up to the sound of wilderness and embark on an early morning game drive. Look out for the leopards, buffalo, antelope, and lion, among other big game that inhabits the Mweya peninsula. Also, look out for the smaller wildlife, especially the banded mongoose troops in this area. Return to the lodge for lunch then set off for a boat cruise along the beautiful Kazinga channel. The channel is swarming with aquatic wildlife like crocodiles and various bird species that flock this area. Return to the lodge for dinner, and an overnights stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 – Drive to Ishasha Sector – Tree Climbing Lion Territory

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Ishasha sector. After a lunch break, we’ll embark on an evening game drive to search for tree climbing lions and more game including, elephants, buffaloes and antelopes. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you arrive in the late afternoon. Unwind in the peaceful forest side lodge as you prepare for the action filled day of gorilla trekking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Arise early for breakfast, head to the park office at 08:00 am for briefing. After that, the rangers will walk you down the narrow forest paths through thick undergrowth, with the bird sounds in the background as you search for the gorilla families.

Trekking can take between 2-6 hours. However, once found the experience of watching these incredible primates in their natural habitat is well worth every ounce of energy expended on the tiring forest trails.  It is most advisable for trekkers to be in good physical condition before embarking on the trails.

Get in close proximity with the gorillas as you quietly observe these pacific primates in their natural habitat. Watch the Gorillas eat, groom and play. Packed lunched is offered during the day. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to lake Bunyonyi for the rest of the day. Arrive in time for lunch and thereafter head for a hike in the hills followed by a canoe ride on the lake in a dugout canoe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi

Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will start our excursion to Joshua’s island where we are in for a treat and a feel of the local life in Lake Bunyonyi. Learn to make a rolex and see how traditional millet beer is made as you hang out at local bar and in a homestead. Option of hiking, quad biking and swimming in the lake are also on offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Drive back to Entebbe

After breakfast we’ll embark on the 8 hour drive back to Entebbe where we will arrive in the evening hours.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Kesi Irvin as your host.

Kesi fell in love with Uganda because she felt extremely welcomed by locals, she loved the scenery of orange roads contrasted with greenery, and gorilla trekking was a surreal experience. She believes this country is underrated and wants to encourage more travelers to visit. She has been backpacking around the world since 2015 and has an adventurous travel style. Join her and a select few individuals to explore Uganda and participate in one of the best activities in the world – Gorilla Trekking!

1. Is there a payment plan, and what is the refund policy?

A deposit of $1250 is needed to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure – [Dec 6].  $700 of the deposit is non-refundable. This is because we will need to purchase gorilla permits. There are only a limited number of gorilla permits per day, and it’s essential to book these permits in advance.  Feel free to email kesitoandfro@gmail.com to discuss a payment plan that works for you.

2. What airport should I fly in and out of?

You should fly into Kampala-Entebbe Airport [EBB], Uganda, on January 4, since the tour starts at 7 am on January 5.  We also recommend flying out a day after the tour on Jan 13. If you book a flight for January 12, it should depart past 8 pm.

3. Do I need a visa?

For most nationalities, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, 90-day tourist visas can be purchased on arrival at Entebbe airport for $50 or at the Ugandan embassy in your home country prior to departure. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of entry.

4. What vaccinations do I need?

You will need a Yellow Fever vaccine, so bring a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda.

5. Who will I share a room with? 

Shared accommodation is offered, and there are 2 people per room. You will share a room with someone else on the tour. If you want your own room, there is an additional cost.

6. What should I pack? 

Look at this blog post, which details what to bring for gorilla trekking.