Uganda

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Locking gazes with a 180 kilogram silverback Gorilla is an encounter to remember. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest, home to 350 of the last 650 gorillas in the world is one of the best places to track and observe the lifestyles of these gentle giants. Further east, Kibale forest houses the largest concentration of primates in the world, where chimpanzees and acrobatic monkeys reside. Hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts can explore Rwenzori, "the Mountains of the Moon,” a massif formed from 6 separate mountains filled with burgeoning diversity in plant and wildlife. Bird lovers can see over 1000 species of bird, more than in all of Europe and adrenaline junkies can river raft the “Source of the Nile” where class 5 rapids await. Uganda is home to the Batwa and Bambuti pygmies, hunter gathers who are among the earliest inhabitants of the region, as well as a number of other culturally diverse groups.

Darren D.

You have two options for lodging in Kitgum, Uganda the Bohma Hotel or Fugly's. Look no further then the second choice listed as your final destination. After spending a week at Fugly's I could never stay anywhere else in the region. In fact it was one of the best hotel stays from my vast travels.

The proprietors of Fugly's are Patrick and Lynn, two natives of South Africa. They are some of the most enjoyable and animated folks to be around while sitting at the bar enjoying a Club, Nile or Bell. The region contains a very high concentration of NGO and IGO activity. As such you find yourself running into people from all over the globe. They are working in a post conflict environment after the scourge of LRA activity ending just under two years ago.

The grounds of Fugly's are well maintained. It used to be their home before turning it into the place to stay. It is a bit like a hostel in the way you live, sharing facilities and potentially sleeping with another in the room. There is no A/C and you have to ensure you grab a mosquito net as not all beds had them waiting overhead.

The staff is incredibly kind and courteous. They are a blast to talk to and will learn your name the first time around and not forget. The meals are incredible. There is no menu, you eat what they serve, but will be mindful if you have special requirements. One in our party was a vegetarian, his food was equally incredible. Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not that much more if you require it.

There is no TV and no internet so plan accordingly, but then again in this part of the world not having these luxury's is the luxury. Many nights spent around the fire enjoying some incredible conversation with a cold beer. You can't really ask for more.

You won't find a website or a book that has information on Fugly's, but rest assured it is there and waiting. The intrepid need only apply. If you're in Kitgum chances are you are just that person. Even if you don't stay, enjoy a meal or a drink, you'll be happy you did.

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Heather W.

Track down the Nile River Explorers. Raft the Nile while you can. Another damn is in the works and the river will no longer be raftable. The price is great and the rapids are awesome. One of the best days of my life. You will get tossed out of the boat, so be prepared to get wet. There are several class 5s and they can be knarly, but what a thrill so ride the source of the Nile. There are a couple crocs who make their home wear you launch, so stay in your boat until the guide tells you it is safe. You will see some amazing wildlife and have a great afternoon. Buy the DVD of your trip. You will want it to remember this amazing piece of teh river that will never be the same after the damn is built. Plus the extra footage shows the best wipeouts of the season.

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Heather W.

When you are scheduleing your activities for the day at this resort; do the boat tour up to the falls in the morning. It will be cool enough for the crocs and hippos to be out of the water. You will see a lot more animals. We saw hundreds of crocs and hippos as well as dozens of wild elephants and water buffalo. Take your safari ride into the park lands in teh evening as the lions will be out later in the evening for their hunt. We saw every animal there was to see in one day save one big cat. We did get to see a whole pride of lions including cubs. We saw so many giraffe that we actually seemed to get bored with seeing them!

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Uganda Travel Guide