Our return traveller Nicola Webster recently arrived back from an adventure through Rwanda and Uganda, combining time in Kigali with one of East Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Travelling with her father, she came back with vivid memories of close gorilla encounters, a stay at Buhoma Lodge, and time spent with the Batwa community – all brought together by a trip that, in her words, ran smoothly from start to finish.
For Nicola, the defining moment was clear from the outset. “Gorilla trekking in Uganda – beyond incredible. We had the full range of experience from thick jungle hiking to comfortable trail. We saw babies and silverbacks and had such close encounters with the animals. One even walked past Dad and touched his leg as they went by!”
It wasn’t simply a wildlife sighting from afar, Nicola found herself within touching distance of one of the most remarkable animals on earth. Her photographs capture that beautifully – from silverbacks resting in the undergrowth to a mother cradling her baby, and the sheer presence of the gorillas at close quarters.
The accommodation was another high point, particularly after the intensity and excitement of the trek itself. “Buhoma lodge was superb. The service from staff was so attentive and the setting beautiful. The big windows in the lodge gave us amazing views and the jungle sounds were so relaxing”.
Alongside the gorilla trekking, Nicola also spoke warmly about the support on the ground. “The guide from Wild Frontiers was fantastic. Everything was so smooth and he organised for us to go to the Batwa village too. He was exceptional”.
The visit to the Batwa village added a cultural dimension to the trip, giving the wildlife experience a broader human context. A Batwa village is a settlement where indigenous forest communities of the region live and share aspects of their culture with visitors. Combined with time in Rwanda and Uganda’s lush, hilly landscapes, it also shed light on the day-to-day life of nearby communities, how they interact with their environment, and the close relationship they share with the wildlife. At Odyssey World, we always aim for our excursions to leave a positive impact on the places we visit.
Nicola’s review of the holiday was effusive – she rated it five stars, said our communication fit her needs “extremely well”; found Madri, our resident Africa specialist, to be exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful, and stated she would be very likely to book with us again. Feedback like this is exactly what drives us to keep creating the best possible travel experiences.
Trips like this show exactly why Rwanda and Uganda leave such a lasting impression. The landscapes are striking, the wildlife encounters unforgettable, and when everything comes together seamlessly, you are free to focus on what matters most – the rare privilege of standing in a rainforest clearing just a few feet from a gorilla family. Nicola’s photographs capture that beautifully. If you’re interested in your own excursion, visit our Uganda orRwanda destination page, or contact us directly to curate something tailored and personal – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070!
