Great Review of Churchill Safaris on Trip Advisor by one of our past clients!

We chose Churchill Safaris after getting prices from a couple of operators for the same itinerary. Ether at Churchill was very responsive to emails (I had a phone message from her the day after sending my first inquiry which was a pleasant surprise) and worked with me to customize our trip. She made suggestions, answered questions promptly, assured me we’d have a Land Cruiser with pop-up top, and came back with a price that seemed more than fair.

We booked with them in summer 2012 and then started the count-down to our February safari. During that time I did request a few changes and it was never a problem. We made our down-payment and then final payment by paypal.

Everything on our trip went as planned -- no glitches. We had a fantastic time, a great guide (Emmy) who was sweet and helpful and fun to talk to (and on those looooong drives that was a good thing!) and I’d recommend Churchill with no hesitation.

Read more at:  http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293840-i9254-k6214263-Trip_Report_We_came_for_the_gorillas_but_saw_so_much_more-Uganda.html

School Tree Planting Project in Kisoro

 

The mysterious fog that lingers over the ancient trees of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, is almost as famous as the gorillas that call the forest home.  So when the myst began to fade community members immediately took notice. Due to deforestation and erosion, the residents responded by planting more trees, conserving land, and investing in other economic activities besides agriculture.  Since then the myst has returned to Bwindi but there still continues to be struggles between Uganda's rising population and conservation.   

As tour company Churchill depends on the preservation of Uganda's natural resources and decided to invest in a conservation project in Kisoro District, right next to Bwindi.  Our school tree planting project, which began several months ago, focuses on educating students at local schools and engaging youth with discussions surrounding conservation.  The project also works with these students to plant school gardens and tree nurseries.  Since the beginning of the project over three thousand trees have been planted.  

A number of Churchill clients have visited the project, and have helped in planting trees as well as interacting with students.  If you are interested in off setting your carbon footprint during your travels to Uganda or just want to learn more about our project send us an email.

Five Steps to Haggling like a Local 

Buying anything in Uganda is an art form, a sophisticated dance between buyer and seller that requires patience, the gift of gab, and an incredible sense of humor.  Learning how to partake in this exciting exchange can be addicting, and is a great way to learn more about Ugandan culture.  You might even be tempted to try it when you return home and go to refuel your car or pay for your groceries.

1. Do your research

Going to a market without doing your research first is like going to the grocery store  on an empty stomach, it's just plain dangerous.  Most markets will carry similar souvenirs and gifts so its perfectly reasonable to go to a few to gage prices before settling on any purchases.  Speaking to locals about what is reasonable to pay and what markets carry the best prices is also beneficial.  If you can make a local friend who can do your bargaining for you, it's even better!

 2.  Be able to walk away

Do not fall in love at the market. Even if it's love at first sight, if the price seems unreasonable it more than likely is.  Being able to walk away from that perfect purchase is the hardest aspect of bargaining, but haggling takes patience.  Hold your poker face, seem nonchalant, and don't automatically go for your wallet at the buyer's first price.  

4.  How low can you go? 

 At the end of the day many of the women and men selling at craft markets will be relying on that income to support their families.  Although you should never pay for the first price offered, if you go too low the buyer won't be making any profit.  

5.  Enjoy it  

Going to the market is a cultural experience, and even though it can sometimes be frustrating, try to enjoy the experience of it.  Between the stacks of used clothes, knock-off phones, and fake Gucci purses, there are always some real treasures to be found!

Five Unmissable Food Experiences in Uganda

1.  The Rolex
Not to be mistaken for the watch, the Rolex is one of Uganda's most pervasive street foods, found on almost corner throughout the Kampala. Street vendors start with a chapati, a simple ball of dough stretched into a circular disk which is then submerged into a pan of hot oil, till it's cooked through.  The vendor then cracks one or two eggs into a small cup mixing with salt, thin slivers of cabbage, and tomato.  With a hefty portion of oil the egg meets the pan and bubbles and fries until it is scooped up and placed on the chapati.   Rolling the whole thing up like a burrito, the Rolex is greasy, unhealthy, and delicious.

 

2. Matoke 

If one food that was to define Uganda matoke would be it. The simple plantain based food is a staple for most of the country, especially central areas like Kampala and Entebbe. On market days big bunches of green plantains are brought in from the country side, and quickly sold across the city. Making the dish requires a surprising amount of skill and patience. Women often take on this responsibility; coupling the small plantains in their hands they glide a knife between the skin and actual plantain, until it is released. Once the plantains are pealed they are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed over water until they turn yellow and soft. The texture-less dish has a slight bitter flavor due to the banana leaves, and is almost reminiscent of mashed potatoes.  

  

3. Millet 

Also known as Karo, millet is a cereal crop that is eaten at tables across Uganda. The grain which resembles small beads is ground up to make a powdered substance which is then blended with cassava flour. The combination is then added to boiling water and mixed together for around fifteen minutes, until it becomes a brown sticky ball. Removed from the pan, the millet is served in a small traditional basket made from papyrus.     

4. Posho

Known as the 'starving food' in the villages, posho is only eaten when there is nothing else... and if that doesn't wet your appetite for the stuff I don't know what will!  The white starchy dish is made with dried maize flour combine with boiling water.  The mixture is stirred for fifteen minutes or so until the water becomes absorbed and is almost fluffy. Completely tasteless, posho is usually accompanied with beans or some sort of sauce.    

5.Grasshoppers  Driving through the countryside at night, you may be unsure what you are looking at first, large iron sheets bathed in light surrounding a large barrel drum crowd the roadside, and are Uganda's famous grasshopper traps.  Unsuspecting grasshoppers, drawn to the light, are caught in the containers and harvested in the morning.  Deep fried in hot oil and dusted with salt, the crisp critters taste almost like a potato chip.

 

Whose Hungry?

Kampala, Uganda seems like an unlikely foodie destination, and although the small East African nation may not be able compare internationally to the food giants of Rome or Paris, it can be argued that African cuisine has long  been ignored in the culinary scene.  With an array of options spread out throughout  the capital new fusions and classics are constantly being updated and revised bringing a new voice to the art of food and cooking.  Kampala's first annual food festival is to take place in October 6th, the event will bring together an assortment of rising chefs and experienced judges which will hopefully bring more attention to Kampala's blooming culinary scene.

Kampala Nightlife

Renowned throughout East Africa for its infamous nightlife Kampala is quickly becoming a major site on traditional safari circuits.  With a variety of bars, clubs, and hangouts placed throughout the city there is always something going on during the week, with things really kicking off on the weekend.  Here are a list of some of our favorite local hangouts.

Bubbles O’Leary

Self proclaimed as Uganda’s only Irish bar, Bubbles is an infamous local haunt drawing an eclectic clientele of expats and Kampala business professionals.  Weekdays provide a more relaxed atmosphere with local bands performing and trivia nights, while the weekends draw large and rowdy crowds.  A relaxed garden setting and outdoor patio surrounds the classic Irish pub structure which is notorious for holding dance parties that last till morning.  Their excellent Irish stew is the perfect cure for the morning after hangover.

Cayenne

Located in Ntinda not far from the center of Kampala, Cayenne is a large open-aired venue that plays a mixture of Indian and Western hits on most nights.  Frequented by Kampala’s elite the drinks are pricey, but you are paying to be seen.  Rarely getting busy till well after midnight, when it does pick up it is a party not to miss.

Iguana

Situated near the center of town Iguana is fairly new bar that already has a large following.  The upstairs venue and outside patio plays a variety of techno and house music, which brings in a younger crowd of expats, volunteers, and locals.  With several couches clustered around the dance floor it is the perfect place to drink a cold beer and people watch throughout the night.

Mish Mash

Another popular hangout, Mish Mash is located in the heart of the city along Accacia Avenue.  The large sprawling lawn is transformed into a dance floor during the weekend where an eclectic mix of international covers and African pop music is played.  Behind the main building lies  a bar and several secluded tables for those wanting a calmer  and more relaxed evening with friends.

Capital Pub

An infamous local haunt Capital Pub is located along the Kablagala strip, or as locals call it the “Tijuana of Uganda.”  Crowded and sweaty this local bar plays a range of Ugandan music and African hits throughout the night.  Locals often come here to play pool and to enjoy the cheap beer. 

Uganda’s Big Five 


Coined by hunters as the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot Africa’s Big Five have long dominated the safari scene, with travelers coming from across the globe to catch a sighting of these legendary animals. Even though Uganda is lucky enough to hold the Big Five within its borders it also contains enough adrenaline packed and slightly dangerous activities to satisfy the most hardcore of travelers. Narrowing it down to just five is difficult, but here is our list of Uganda’s most heart pounding Big Five Adventures.

1. The Kidepo Pilgrimage

The journey to one of East Africa’s most remote and unspoiled National Parks is not for the faint of heart. Set in the furthest North East corner of Uganda along the border of Sudan, Kidepo Valley National Park is a two-day journey from Kampala. The treacherous terrain is a worthy match for even the most rugged land cruiser, and during rainy season you have a better chance of reaching the park in a canoe than a vehicle. Those that are brave
enough to traverse the roads are rewarded with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and some of Uganda’s most coveted bird species. Best of all, the park is deserted, leaving intrepid travelers to enjoy the spoils one of Africa’s most remote wildernesses all to themselves.

2. Conquering the Nile
The longest river in the world, the Nile has given birth to civilizations, eluded explorers, and now at the source in Jinja is where adventures come to conquer the white water rapids. For thrill seekers plunging headfirst into the massive swirling waves, often to be ejected from the safety of their rafts is the highlight of their time in Uganda. Taking on grade five rapids with names like “The Bad Place,” the Nile is the perfect destination for any adrenaline junkie.

3. Volcano Walk
In the towering shadow of the Virungas amongst the mysterious mist of Bwindi is the dramatic setting where Nkuringo Walking Safaris sets off into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  Clients can choose between several routes including the arduous hikes up the extinct volcanoes Muhabura or Sabyinyo where the Congo, Uganda, and Rwandan borders intersect. Although a walking safari may not get your adrenaline pumping, the steep terrain will definitely get your heart racing.

4. Paragliding
Having recently set up shop on the slopes of Mount Wanale in Mbale, paragliding is the newest extreme sport to enter Uganda’s repertoire. Soaring above the fertile green landscape is the closest that humans can get to flying. Actual flight time varies between 15 minutes to one hour, and is dependent upon the weather and the amount of elevation gained during flight. As the only paragliding operator in Uganda, Fly Mami Afrika adheres to strict USHPA standards and employs a fleet of experienced and trained staff.

5.Biking Uganda
Exploring Uganda out of the safety of a safari vehicle is not for everyone. For adventurers that wish to experience the natural and cultural wonders on a more intimate level, biking Uganda is the best
option. Through rural villages and national parks, nothing is more exhilarating than being feet
away from the wildlife on a bike. Traditional routes include exploring Mburo National Park
before heading South through the rolling hills of Uganda, eventually landing on the doorstep of Bwindi. Another option is biking up to Murchison Falls National Park before departing to Gulu and
then to Kidepo, where you can bike through the National Park. Interested in a Big Five adventure safari where you also get to see Africa’s Big Five? Send us an email about putting one or all of our Big Five in your safari!