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Uganda – An unforgettable journey to see the mountain gorillas

Posted on 10th September 2025

(Thank you to Karin Fleck, one of our long time clients, who was kind enough to share her experience and images of her journey to Uganda with us)

 

My recent trip to Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ fulfilled a long-awaited dream of mine: to one day observe mountain gorillas in the wild.

On arrival I could already sense that this country was different. Its people are open, friendly and curious. Whether at local markets or out in the countryside, a simple smile is enough to immediately create a feeling of connection.

 

 

I stayed in a lodge overlooking the volcanoes of the Virunga massif. The very first morning here is etched into my memory. A heavy fog draped itself over the hills as the sun slowly pushed through, revealing the distant outlines of the volcanoes. By evening, a calm settled over everything – broken only by the chirping of crickets and the gentle crackle of the fire. This place, on its own, made the journey worthwhile.

 

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was the highlight of the journey. At dawn, after a short introduction from the rangers, we set out into the forest. The path wound through dense mountain woodland, climbing steep slopes and threading along narrow trails. It was tiring, but anticipation carried us forward and gave us strength. Then, at last, we found the gorilla family – and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The silverback rested calmly among the trees, while the youngsters tumbled and played nearby. The encounter was breathtaking; an hour in their world, a privilege that felt nothing short of extraordinary.

 

Beyond the gorillas, Uganda has countless wonders to discover. Its landscapes are wonderfully varied – dense rainforests, endless savannahs, and shimmering lakes that catch the light. Along the journey, it’s the people who leave the deepest impression: their warmth and openness turn every encounter into a joy.

For me, Uganda was not just about meeting the mountain gorillas, but about discovering a country brimming with beauty and generosity of spirit. It’s a place I long to return to, and one I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone in search of wild nature, remarkable wildlife, and truly authentic experiences.