Two Uganda safaris, unforgettable memories

By Ann & Mark | Two Uganda safaris, unforgettable memories and plans for a third adventure

Some holidays are so good that you start planning the next one before the memories of the first have even faded. That is exactly what happened to us in Uganda.

We first travelled to Uganda with Naseeb Safaris in January 2025, returning for a second safari after our first experience was so good. The second trip did not disappoint, and we are already planning our third journey with the same team.

Looking back, what made both safaris special was not just the wildlife, the beautiful landscapes or the lodges. It was the combination of a carefully planned itinerary, a knowledgeable guide, thoughtful personal service and the feeling that we could simply enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.

How we found Naseeb Safaris

We discovered Naseeb Safaris through a Google search while researching our first Uganda safari.

From our very first contact, the team was responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. We found several safari suggestions on the website, but none quite matched what we had in mind. Rather than trying to fit us into an existing package, they happily created a bespoke 15-day itinerary around our interests.

Our journey included Jinja, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

We had plenty of questions during the planning process, and Naseeb was always happy to answer them. We also had Zoom calls to discuss the details and explore the recommendations in more depth.

This made a real difference. Planning a safari in a country you have never visited involves many decisions, from choosing destinations and accommodation to understanding travel times and deciding which activities to include. Having someone knowledgeable who listened to what we wanted helped us feel confident about our plans.

Thanks to the guidance and recommendations we received, our first Uganda safari turned out to be an amazing experience.

Choosing the right safari vehicle

When planning our first trip, we had the choice of travelling in a safari van or a safari Land Cruiser. We opted for the Land Cruiser, although it was a little more expensive.

We were glad we made that choice. The vehicle was comfortable for game viewing and highly manoeuvrable, which made a real difference during our time in the national parks.

On safari, the vehicle is more than just transport between destinations. You spend a considerable amount of time travelling, watching wildlife and positioning yourself for good views and photographs. Having a vehicle that is comfortable and suitable for the terrain adds a great deal to the experience.

For us, the Land Cruiser was well worth the extra cost.

Our wildlife encounters: Lions, elephants, giraffes and chimpanzees

One of the wonderful things about travelling through Uganda is the variety of wildlife experiences available. Our itinerary took us through different landscapes and habitats, each offering something memorable.

We experienced so many incredible moments that it is difficult to choose favourites.

We saw lions resting in a tree and witnessed a lion chasing its prey. We encountered a massive herd of elephants and giraffes crossing the track, and we found ourselves surrounded by chimpanzees in the forest.

Another unforgettable moment was a very close encounter with a silverback gorilla.

These experiences were very different from one another, which was part of what made the journey so rewarding. Watching a predator in action on the savannah is a completely different experience from being in the forest with chimpanzees or encountering a mountain gorilla at close range.

Every destination had its own highlights, and our itinerary allowed us to experience a wonderful range of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.

Nasiib: Our guide, driver and safari expert

Our guide and driver, Nasiib, was simply the best.

He had also helped curate our itinerary, so he understood the journey from the planning stage through to the final day. He met us at the airport, drove safely and confidently, and made sure we were well looked after throughout the trip.

His knowledge of wildlife was impressive. He seemed to know everything there was to know about the animals we encountered, and his ability to spot wildlife was remarkable.

During our second safari, we travelled with Nasiib again. We were delighted to have the same guide, and he was just as impressive the second time around.

How he managed to spot everything he did was quite incredible. He also seemed to know exactly where to position the vehicle to give us the best possible views of the animals.

For anyone who enjoys photography or simply wants to observe wildlife properly, this can make a real difference. Finding an animal is one thing; being in the right position to watch it comfortably and appreciate its behaviour is another.

Nasiib’s experience, attention to detail and understanding of the wildlife helped make both journeys memorable.

Travelling with dietary requirements

I am vegan, so food can sometimes be a challenge when travelling. It was therefore important to us that our dietary requirements were understood and communicated to the lodges before we arrived.

During our first safari, Nasiib helped sort out any food-related issues I encountered. On our second trip, Naseeb Safaris informed the lodges in advance and reminded them about my dietary requirements.

The result was excellent. We had no problems, and the food was superb.

This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference to the comfort of a holiday. When travelling for two weeks or longer, knowing that your dietary needs have been considered allows you to relax and enjoy the experience.

I really appreciated the care taken to make sure this was handled properly on both trips.

The lodges that made our safaris special

The accommodation was another highlight of our Uganda safaris.

During our first trip, Turaco Treetops and Buffalo Lodge particularly stood out. We loved the atmosphere and the experience of staying at these properties as part of our journey through Uganda.

On our second safari, we stayed at a slightly different selection of lodges, and once again the accommodation was excellent. Mihingo, Buffalo Lodge and Turaco Treetops were particular favourites.

One of the advantages of planning a tailor-made safari is the ability to choose accommodation that works well with your route, interests and preferred style of travel.

For our second trip, Naseeb Safaris suggested a slightly different itinerary and different lodges where appropriate. We appreciated the recommendations, and the arrangements worked very well.

Returning to Uganda did not mean repeating exactly the same holiday. We could enjoy familiar places while experiencing a different combination of destinations and accommodation.

Why we returned to Uganda with Naseeb Safaris

After such a good first safari, choosing Naseeb Safaris again for our second trip felt like a natural decision.

We already knew how professionally the team worked, how carefully the itinerary was organised and how well Nasiib looked after us. It gave us confidence to return and enjoy another journey without worrying about whether the arrangements would meet our expectations.

Our second safari confirmed that our first experience was not a one-off. The organisation was first class, the lodges were excellent, our dietary requirements were handled well, and having Nasiib as our guide again made the trip even more enjoyable.

What we particularly appreciated was the combination of professionalism and personal attention. Our trips were organised around what worked for us, rather than simply following a standard itinerary.

That is what made the experience feel special.

Already planning our third Uganda safari

We have now travelled with Naseeb Safaris twice, and we are already planning our third trip.

For us, that probably says more than anything else about our experience.

Our first safari introduced us to Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Our second gave us another opportunity to explore the country with a slightly different itinerary, excellent accommodation and the same wonderful guide.

Both journeys left us with memories we will treasure.

Uganda has so much to offer, and returning gives us the chance to discover more while enjoying the places and experiences we already know we love.

We would like to thank Naseeb Safaris and Nasiib for making both trips so memorable. From the first questions during the planning stage to the final days of each safari, we felt that we were in very good hands.

We are looking forward to coming back for our third adventure!

Ann — two Uganda safaris with Naseeb Safaris, and counting.

Ann & Mark’s first trip itinerary

Ann & Mark’s second trip itinerary

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