Uganda or Rwanda for a week?

Ballard

Hi all,

I'm thinking of a week or so somewhere in Africa around September this year. I haven't been to a great deal of Africa and want to explore more of it and one of these two countries looks good at first view.

I already have almost half of my annual leave booked hence the short period for this potential trip.

One thing that would be attractive in Rwanda would be seeing gorillas but I see that the permit costs $1,500 which isn't something that I'm going to pay.

Has anyone been to either of these two countries who can give me pros & cons? I'm obviously going to do my own research alongside this but it would be good to also get some feedback if possible.

Ta.

Voyager2002

I have not been to these particular countries but have managed projects in Uganda. My immediate thought is that transport and logistics are fairly difficult, and a visit for just a week is likely to prove frustrating, unless you book some kind of package so that everything is arranged in advance. Even then, things can go wrong...

Have you already seen the more obvious tourist destinations like Kenya and South Africa?

Ballard

Voyager2002 wrote: »

I have not been to these particular countries but have managed projects in Uganda. My immediate thought is that transport and logistics are fairly difficult, and a visit for just a week is likely to prove frustrating, unless you book some kind of package so that everything is arranged in advance. Even then, things can go wrong...

Have you already seen the more obvious tourist destinations like Kenya and South Africa?

I was in Durban earlier this month and it was great but I want to see other countries. Kenya would be an option. I’ve been to Tanzania & Ethiopia and, again, they were both fantastic. Additionally I did a safari earlier this month so I’m not looking for more at this point.

I appreciate your advice. It’s something that I will bear in mind. My buddy & I generally prefer not to book things in advance but we may end up doing so to an extent if needed.

Voyager2002

Ballard wrote: »

I was in Durban earlier this month and it was great but I want to see other countries. Kenya would be an option.

Kenya offers so much that when I was there I kept extending my visa, eventually staying for seven weeks! South Africa is obviously far more than Durban, extending across several different climatic zones. Anyway, for just a week you might consider Seychelles or The Gambia. There is a section of the Gambian coast that is well-developed for tourism, with comfortable resorts and a wide choice of day-trips to nature reserves and places of interest: usually these can be arranged the day before.

Ballard

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Kenya offers so much that when I was there I kept extending my visa, eventually staying for seven weeks! South Africa is obviously far more than Durban, extending across several different climatic zones. Anyway, for just a week you might consider Seychelles or The Gambia. There is a section of the Gambian coast that is well-developed for tourism, with comfortable resorts and a wide choice of day-trips to nature reserves and places of interest: usually these can be arranged the day before.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear but my Durban trip wasn't my first to South Africa. It won't be my last either but I'm not looking to return again this year.

I don't mind a level of discomfort on a trip if the country makes it worthwhile. One particular bus trip in Ethiopia was awful for 13 hours but I'd never have seen the likes of Harar and Lalibela had I not endured that journey. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather not go through that again but if the country looks worth it then I would definitely consider it.

I would consider the Gambia but I'm not soo sure about the Seychelles, principally as I'll be travelling with a friend and always think of the Seychelles as more of a couples place.

Neither of us are really into resorts as such and all inclusive isn't for us. We prefer to go out and eat and drink wherever possible.

Thanks for your comments and I will take it all into consideration.

prenton01

Hi there

I worked in Gabon and managed to see Gorillas 4 times.
I would definitely consider Gabon transport is quite good for Africa you can fly Air France then lots of local flights across country.

here is a Pic from when i saw them

Ballard

I’m currently leaning towards Uganda. Two people in my office have worked there and I have spoken to one of them and he had good things to say about the country. I’ve emailed the other as her husband is Ugandan so I assume that she’s seen a fair bit of the country. Being as she’s the CEO I’m probably not her main priority so I might have to wait for a reply.

Nothing is set in stone though so Gabon is a possibility. Thanks for the info. The picture is great. I had a flick through a guidebook lunchtime and the fees to see gorillas can be as low as USD 500 in Uganda.