Derrick, we will never forget you!
The tour is over and I am honestly so sad, I didn’t want to say goodbye to my wonderful guide. He felt like family by the end.
I just finished a 7-day private tour around Uganda and it was absolutely amazing.
We were picked up by our guide Derrick at the airport (tip: don’t freak out if you don’t find him immediately )
Our itinerary was packed in the best possible way: rhinos, breathtaking waterfall, game drives, boat tours, chimpanzees, gorillas, a walking safari… every day was something new and unforgettable.
We booked the budget accommodation option and it turned out to be such a unique experience.
• Our first lodge was peaceful, and we were the only guests there.
• The second had incredible views and felt more luxurious.
• The third was located through a village, and we even saw an elephant right outside the lodge ????.
• The fourth was at a place that supports local women (which I loved).
• And the final lodge had the most amazing view ever — we could hear hippos in the distance at night!
And then… Derrick.
He is a true professional with so much knowledge about Uganda, nature, wildlife, and culture. A very safe driver, a calm presence, always patient, always caring. You can tell he truly loves what he is doing. He is our gentle giant, and the trip simply would not have been the same without him.
If you’re lucky enough to get him as your guide, your trip will be unforgettable.
Tips for future travelers:
Uganda is more strict about currency than other African countries we’ve visited.
Even though USD is accepted, the bills must be new, clean, crisp, and recent. Some places rejected our dollars and even our cards, which caused delays.
My advice:
• Pay as much as you can in advance
• Exchange some money at the airport for smooth tipping
• Keep local currency with you at all times
There were also some amazing people who made this tour unforgettable. The staff who answered my emails and gave me clear instructions were so helpful. Stella from the boat tour was beyond incredible , I only wish I had more cash with me to tip her properly. The wonderful waiter Dennis at Chimpanzee Lodge was unbelievably sweet! Susan from Irungu Forest even arranged a ‘private night safari’ for us outside the lodge. (We saw an elephant)And our park ranger Jolly from Kibale was the absolute best.
These four people went above and beyond, and I truly hope you get to meet them too.
Uganda has stolen my heart and Derrick, thank you for everything. You made this trip beyond special.
First, the country is beautiful, diverse and spectacular.
Secondly, the Enterprise read all my emails very carefully, especially in which I asked for a good guide and mentioned that it was my wedding anniversary. They managed both details exceptionally well.
Third party, the car, being a car older than Methuselah and looking bad (compared to other company cars we have seen), I can only say that at no time have I felt uncomfortable and that it has fulfilled its function, that of taking us without problem anywhere that has been requested (and that in Africa is a lot). We've been in other newer cars in Africa and they've dumped us.
Fourthly, the hotels being the simplest, have all been comfortable (perfect beds and cushions, although in all, mattresses we sleep), the meals well though generally very repetitive, yet very good
Fifth, and last point with special mention, ZEDIUS, deep down I think there are no words to describe it, but I try. Exceptional driver and good guide (but there are sure to be many like that). As a person he is fantastic, good person, smart, fun, attentive, eager to live, have fun and have fun (like us). I think he must also know the 50 million Ugandans, but not only that, everyone he greets or talks to, as well as knowing and calling him by name, is rating that they appreciate him and care about him, amazing! Finally, I'll just say I wasn't a guide or driver. He has been a good friend with whom we have spent a wonderful and fun holiday with the three of us, my wife, him and me.
Finally to say that above all you have to go with an open mind and want to have fun, people in Uganda if you go with this attitude is exceptional. Toni
We had an excellent driver who knew a lot and helped us with all our questions. Very good service and quick response!
Everything was very good organised.
The lodges for murchison and the chimp trekking were very beautiful.
Little disappointed in the lodge at Queen Elizabeth. Not really friendly and not much to do in the environment.
For the rest we had a pleasant roadtrip with home to Africa.