Uganda & Kenya Adventures
Abercrombie & Kent, one of our preferred partners hosted me on an adventurous trip through Uganda and Kenya and included a full day of gorilla trekking!
If you have ever been to Uganda, you will know it is the Pearl of Africa – a green and lush environment full of coffee farms and tea. It is a lovely corner of the world and experiencing a gorilla trek is something everyone should have the opportunity to do.
We stayed at The Gorilla Sanctuary Lodge in Uganda. It is lovely and perfectly located deep within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. For the nervous or first time safari travelers, I can confidently say embarking on your gorilla trek with porters will make all the difference. They are simply exceptional at helping to navigate the sanctuary. The vines and the undergrowth, while creating somewhat of a challenge, only added to the authenticity of the trek and really allowed us to feel like proper explorers. We spent an hour with a gorilla family and to my surprise, they paid little attention to us. It was as though we were any other animals in the Forest; a truly surreal experience.
In Kenya I visited many sanctuaries and camps, but the absolute piece de resistance, was Sirikoi Lodge. Everything, including the surrounding Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the camps, the houses and the owners, Sue and Willie Craig, just oozed charm and hospitality. No detail was overlooked. We had a grand meal served al fresco beneath chandeliers handmade with wrought iron frameworks and ostrich eggs for bulbs.
I was fortunate enough to see the “Big Five” at the Conservancy and felt at ease with our guide who was just a gem. He had a great sense of humor and was wonderfully savvy and aware. I spent a good deal of time with a group of rhinos and they were very sweet. I’m aware that’s an odd way to describe them, but they were in fact very gentle.
All in all, there are many fabulous camps and sanctuaries to be visited throughout East Africa. Whether you are looking for modern day style, or old world charm, gorillas or rhinos, high level of adventure, or luxurious relaxation, East Africa has something for everyone and I am happy to help plan the perfect trip for you.
-Cannon Spotswood