Most Inspirational Moment
For the trip organised by Exodus the gorilla and chimp trekking were both highlights. We took the optional second day on each occasion and were surprised how differnt the second day was, especially for the gorillas. If you do two gorilla treks your tour leader will try and make sure you see a different group on the second day.
After the Exodus trip we spent a few relaxing days in Entebbe, and had the most insprirational moment of the entire trip when we visite a tiny fishing island called Makusa, only an acre but with 450 people living in wooden shacks only just above the level of the lake. Everyone was so friendly and the kids so happy - makes you appreciate that you don't really need all the trappings of modern life.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Male was the group leader and was fine. We spent more time with Sula who we found more lively and keen to discuss anything. We learnt a lot about Uganda from Sula. Both worked really hard to make sure we were happy, and took great care of us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect anything special on your first night, the Central Inn was adequate but no more. We stayed at a much better place in Entebbe (Gately Inn) for 5 nights after the end of the Exodus trip.
Don't expect to see shoebills on the quick stop at Mabamba swamp. We were lucky enough to see one on a separate trip after the Exodus holiday, but you have to go to the right place.
Take at least one walking stick on the gorilla trek, but depending on your age and fitness you may not need one on the chimp trek.
Use the services of a porter on the gorilla trek, well worth the $15 plus tip.
The plants that look like nettles on the gorilla trek don't sting and we didn't encounter much that would warrant a pair of gloves, but someone on our group went on a more demanding second trek where gloves and robust clothing were needed.
Despite the number of flying insects on the gorilla trek none of them seemed to bother us.
You may find that you get better results from a good HD video than a conventiuonal camera when trying to capture the chimps and gorillas - more fun watching the videos when you get home too. A good HD video such as a Sony Handycam only weighs a fraction of a camera with large zoom.
Tip as generously as you can as local hotel staff and others are on very low wages. If you take a close up of a local person offer money in advance and agree an amount that seems fair.
No one has change, anywhere, so get mainly low value shilling notes when you exchange your dollars.
The exchange rates for dollars to shillings is much better for values of $50 or above.
Take a few extra days at the end and visit Murchison Falls if you have time.
If you have time in Entebbe you could visit the Reptile Village and Makusa Island, both well worth the trip.
