August 2024

For two weeks, we had the opportunity to experience firsthand one of the countries that has fascinated us the most in the world: Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Located in the Great Lakes region, this paradise for nature lovers is home to everything from the iconic Big Five to the last remaining mountain gorillas. However, what surprised us the most wasn’t the animals, but the large number of children who greeted us with radiant smiles every time they waved.

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Our adventure began in Entebbe, traveling north along the path of the majestic Nile River. Before reaching Uganda's famous national parks, we stopped at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in the country where you can see the white rhinoceros, which is being reintroduced after local extinction. The most fascinating aspect of this reserve is that the entire tour is done on foot, allowing you to get as close as 10 meters to these impressive animals, giving you a true sense of their immense size.

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When we arrived at Murchison Falls National Park, we couldn’t help but enjoy the breathtaking landscape. Everything was lush green and teeming with wildlife. We observed families of elephants, herds of kob, buffalo, giraffes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and lions. And beyond the wildlife, Murchison Falls, a true natural wonder, showcased the raw power of water in all its glory.

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On our way to Kibale, we stopped in the towns of Kibiro and Hoima, where we experienced life outside the national parks. We love visiting local markets, as they are a reflection of a country's reality. We even joined in dancing with the locals!

In Kibale National Park, we had one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters. For an hour, we watched a young chimpanzee playfully swinging from tree to tree, practicing its coordination under the watchful eye of its mother. It was a magical experience, but an even more extraordinary one was yet to come.

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Our next stop was Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon worldwide. We were lucky enough to see a majestic lioness resting in the branches after a meal, still with traces of blood from her prey. We also witnessed a group of vultures feasting mercilessly on a kob, laying bare the raw brutality of nature. After admiring the stunning Twin Lakes, trekking to see chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, and marveling at the wildlife on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, the most anticipated moment of the trip arrived: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

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Getting to Bwindi is quite an odyssey, but the reward is well worth it. Here, in one of the last remaining sanctuaries for mountain gorillas, we ventured deep into the dense forest, accompanied by five rangers who cleared the way with machetes. After a long hike, we found the gorilla family we were looking for. We spent an hour with them, observing an authentic family of 13 gorillas, including two silverbacks and a five-month-old baby. Watching them interact, play, eat, and rest was, without a doubt, the most beautiful experience of our lives.

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This journey left us with unforgettable memories and a deep connection to the nature and people of Uganda.