About this blog: This is a look back on our Uganda trip of mid December 2025. The first impressions I had about the country, that contributed to the travel experience and made it a memorable one! I also write about how I would do thing differently if I am to take the trip one more time in future. For example, not just primates, I would educate myself a bit of the incredible avian species of Uganda and write about the bird watching experience as well.
Entering Uganda and Visa on Arrival
I crossed the border from Rwanda to Uganda on a road trip.
Lush green plantations, tea gardens, slow paced country life, plantain farms, trucks filled to the brim with green plantains: that is how Uganda unveiled to me.
I spotted the crested crown storks an emblem you can’t miss every time you meet an UWA person in uniform on the farming grounds.
Of ancient communities and ongoing war in neighboring countries
Uganda was divided between various kingdoms, the central Luganda being the one from where kings came. Not much has changed even in the recent democratic looking spat. The central region is prosperous with larger population, denser housing, visibly financial ease in contrast to the south west mountains. It borders with Congo ravaged by a long unbecoming warfare.
Many Refugee centers have popped up at the border of Queen Elizabeth National parks reminding me of a grim reality to the tourists.
Rolex- the most loved street food of Uganda
The whole country runs of Rolex energy. A bread roll filled with fried egg is a staple for breakfast or quick bite when you are out there in the road. I was a fan until my body started to reject the flour dough.
The community practice ancient bread at of life that marries Christian tradition at the mountains. So it does in the plans as you approach north where Islamic teaching is prevalent. But the original way of life remains. For example our guide Hassan said he belong to Monkey clan, so they are forbidden to eat the meat of monkeys.
You may ask if it’s normal to eat monkeys or bushmeat? From my viewpoint, locals in Uganda mostly eat vegetarian food not because they are vegetarian but because they don’t have easy access to meat. Bushmeat fills in that gap. Although it is discouraged and heavily guarded by rangers.
Uganda consumes plantain in massive quantity
I did not see any market selling bushmeat though. Sellers offered avocado and tomato if not plantains. Plantains were everywhere. It’s a plantain country.
While Congolese men and women are now crossing the border in search of safety, the real trade deal is when boats carry goats from Uganda to Congo and Congolese send in plantain in return which the locals love to eat! “I have never tasted plantain so sweet in my life!” He said.
I did not see a lot of sweet being sold or served along meals. Fruits would do it. Much like south east Asia.
Gorilla is pretty much loved in the region. They also said the gorilla comes to the village and pillage through the plantain produce especially during Christmas. They love the moonshine produced from Plantain bark.
The wildlife human conflict was contained largely with the tea plantations that deter the animals from entering villages in search of food.
The Colours of Kampala
Kampala is a crazy busy city. I sat in my car thinking if I could really spend an evening here, exploring the streets abuzz with honking bikes. Do I really have it in me? It is diabolical because I was walking with the white rhino just a few hours back!
The guides and rangers are low key proud of their wealth of the wildlife and are kind towards them. They learn at the tourism school and they are adept at being very kind with the tourists.