Can't recommend this trip & agency enough! I probably messaged around 20 tour operators to set up a 4 day trip in Uganda, and no one offered as much advice, help & guidance as Bamboo Ecotours, and Edison specifically. Always available, even when you're asking annoying questions at 3AM.
Also want to send a big shout-out to our guide Jackson. The most loving and caring guide you can find in Uganda, and definitely a friend for life! Miss you my friend, hope life is treating you well.
As a female in tech from the US traveling solo, I initially chose this tour provider because I wanted an (I’ll admit) luxury, SAFE, and customized private tour experience which would maximize wildlife (Gorillas, tree climbing lions, elephants, hippos, etc..) and scenery ( from rolling hills of Kigali to mountains, lakes, grasslands of Uganda). I got this and so, so much more.. it was a trip and guided experience that exceeded and unparalleled what I had hoped for. Here’s what you need to know:
When you first contact Bamboo Eco Tours, Edison will be responsive, thorough, helpful, and pleasant in all communication. He really made me feel at ease that I was dealing with a professional and reliable company- the beautiful, customized itinerary reflecting my preferences in lodging was an extra touch. I was very pleased to learn after booking that Bamboo Eco Tours is Ugandan-owned and operated; in the presence of so many foreign tour operators in Africa, the ability to support such a strong national operator helps drive the local economy.
Now to Jackson.. on safari, your experience is heavily shaped by your guide. I’m incredibly grateful that I was paired with someone as patient, caring, skilled and kind as he. Jackson was a wonderful conversationalist and knowledgeably answered my (numerous) questions spanning topics across nature, culture, and politics. Im very happy for his excellent company and friendship, and did his best at every stage of the trip to ensure I was having a great time. For instance- prior to gorilla trekking, the drivers work with the rangers to breakup tourists into groups and each group treks to a different gorilla family. Jackson hooked me up by linking me with a family that had 4 babies AND close to the forest edge that day, resulting in a shorter hike with excellent pictures that saved us from the rain and hailstorm many others suffered that day.
Get a porter! Even if you are capable of carrying your own bags, these locals walk miles each day for the hope of getting hired to sustain their families. Hiring them (and tipping well) supports them and their family in a profound way.
You must also do the Batwa experience. It was difficult to learn about the eviction of the Batwas from Bwindi and their present struggles - so again, supporting the community with a visit is incredibly impactful and helpful to them. It was heartwarming when the guide for this experience, Oscar, shared photos of the food they were able to buy and distribute from the visits tips. This is a must - do experience, and the Ugandan gin I shared afterwards at a bar with with Oscar, my porter Charity, our security Geoffrey will be a lasting memory.
Both Lake Mutanda resort and Buffalo Safari lodge were well maintained and to the standards of luxury and comfort I’d hoped for. The staff- particularly at lake mutanda- were so kind and operated the resorts very well. And you may just turn a corner to find an elephant grazing in the grounds at Buffalo Safari…like I did! And if you have extra time at lake mutanda, do the canoe experience!
One last shout out for Jackson- I felt incredibly safe with him at the wheel, as he was a skilled driver across the unpaved and often torrentially wet roads. He also guided me across the border crossings and was organized and ready for any of the road checks we encountered. When I found myself low on cash a few times, Jackson generously covered me so I could buy/experience whatever I wanted until I could get to an ATM. It was such a pleasure getting to know him and spending the 4 days with him this trip
If you’re looking for a Ugandan tour operator, choose no one other than Bamboo Ecotours and ask for Jackson.
This trip with Bamboo Ecotours was an experience I will never forget! Our driver, Fred, was someone that takes everyone's wishes into consideration and makes the journey entertaining and comfortable. He was always there ready to help us in anyway needed. If I would book a tour to see the gorillas in Uganda, this company would be my number one choice! Edison was helping me to plan the trip since 2019 already. My experience was so successful because of his expertise, patience and customer-centricity (we must have changed 50 mails as i was not sure of booking the trip and was eliminating risks on the way).