We did the Nkuringo sector and we were joined by another family of 3 and that’s how our trek became livelier.
Ahead, was a group of porters/guides who went to scout for us the location of the gorillas. This is so because these gorillas don’t stay in one place. These move in groups of families. They keep moving as they search for food. So, if there’s no one looking out for their location that would mean the clients will walk longer distances than expected and even walk in vain because of a possibility of not knowing where to find them. I remember the lady asking how far we will go to meet them. But she was very determined to trek with her children

Our guide Martin took us through the different types of food consumed by these gorillas, their nests, and their medicines and how they use them. He told us the overall behavior of gorillas, and this was interesting to hear how animals can have as much intelligence as humans.

Into the thick impenetrable forest, we enjoyed the clean air, the different bird calls, the medicinal herbs and their benefits. It was Nature O’clock.
Barely had we seen tracks of possible feeds and wastes something that indicated that they had just been in that spot not long ago than we received a call that the family had crossed the river.

“The river??” Martin exclaimed! Yes, they did. As an experienced guide he didn’t display any panic but confirmed to us that we were actually nearing the gorillas. He asked the porters to stay where they were and wait to help us cross the river something they did willingly. They were about 6 of them and we were 5 in number.

It had just rained and the flow of water in the river was quite vigorous. So, we couldn’t cross with our feet also because of our shoes and the water levels were a bit high. So, Martin requested the porters to carry us on their backs to cross the river. They had gumboots on something which prevented them from getting soaked in water.
Being carried on one’s back? What an exciting and scary thing to do. I was last carried on the back 30 plus years ago and now. Every other person was worried about the experience but also had no other means to cross over so we had to hid to what we were told to do.
It felt like a child again

And there we were all ferried to the banks of the river and immediately told not to make noise because guess what? Someone was laying down right at the bank after a heavy meal. And the other was still feeding

The shock on my face rolled tears in my eyes. I was astonished at how a gorilla was actually looking and acting exactly like humans. How big they were! Wait a minute. I forgot to pull out my camera and stared at this gorilla sleeping, scratching itself and trying to remove some bugs from its fur. As if I had a connection to this gorilla, it did exactly what humans do. I finally gathered myself to take a video of this moment.

Don’t trust anyone to capture this moment for you.
This gorilla got up and sat down to continue feeding.

Why Uganda Has the Best Nightlife in East Africa

There is no debate that Ugandans are well known for their love of partying and vibrant nightlife. If you haven’t experienced Ugandan nightlife, you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind experience. At Afreek Tours and Travel, we offer a glimpse into Kampala’s electrifying nightlife. Most of the city stays alive throughout the night, whether it’s a Monday or a Sunday. There is always a bar, club, restaurant, garden, or venue hosting a themed night, drawing revelers with different tastes and interests.

In Uganda, and Kampala in particular, there isn’t just one place that defines the best nightlife. While some foreigners recognize Kololo as a hub for top-tier hangouts, the city has countless amazing spots spread across different locations. The variety of alcoholic beverages available is extensive, ranging from malts, wines, whiskeys, gins, tequilas, and more.

Uganda also boasts its own locally brewed favorites, with Nile Special Beer and Uganda Waragi leading the pack. Uganda Waragi, available in different flavors, stands as a national favorite. However, this doesn’t limit the sale and consumption of other local and international drinks.

Alcohol pairs best with good food, great music, and lively vibes. Where there’s a hangout, you’ll find good music and plenty of nyama choma (grilled meat), which keep revelers entertained all night long. Add a touch of sports to the mix, and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

The nightlife, sometimes referred to as the night economy, attracts a diverse crowd—posh car owners, women, young girls and boys, and businessmen. Each group finds a space that suits their vibe, and financial liquidity is more evident at night than during the day.

As a rugby fan, Kampala’s nightlife has always felt like an endless adventure. Almost every day comes with an opportunity to go out. A group of us formed a community passionate about African music, particularly Lingala, Rumba, Kizomba, and Ugandan cultural sounds. Every Thursday at Kyadondo Rugby Club, we host an event that attracts both residents and tourists. Who wouldn’t want to experience the rhythm of African beats? Watching and dancing to cultural music is a unique and exciting experience for anyone visiting Uganda.

That’s not all—other venues offer live bands, karaoke, and themed nights, ensuring that the city never sleeps. Whether you enjoy loud music or prefer a quiet spot to sip your drink and have deep conversations, Kampala caters to all preferences. Business professionals, for instance, often meet over drinks in serene environments to discuss their ventures, as they believe “money doesn’t like noise.”

Having traveled across East Africa, I am convinced that Uganda outshines the rest when it comes to nightlife. In Rwanda, the nightlife is highly restricted, with limited freedom to party. Many Rwandans even travel to Uganda on weekends to enjoy the nightlife. Tanzania’s scene is calmer—while not restricted, it lacks the energy and vibrancy found in Uganda. The majority of its population, consisting of Muslims and foreigners, contributes to a more subdued party culture. During my visits, I barely heard music from nearby bars, and the atmosphere felt dull.

Kenya, on the other hand, is more competitive but still incomparable to Uganda. Kenyans are known for consuming more alcohol than other East Africans, but partying isn’t their strength. Their nightlife is structured around specific trending venues—if a particular spot is popular on a given night, everyone flocks there, leaving other places empty. In contrast, Kampala’s venues remain packed every night, regardless of the day.

During a trip to Nairobi for a marketing exhibition, a group of us Ugandans looked for a place to experience the nightlife. We were directed to a club in Kilimani. Initially, I considered skipping the outing, but after several calls from my friends, I took an Uber and joined them. The venue was upscale with good music, but I noticed something odd—almost everyone was seated, wrapped in jackets as if it were winter, despite being in an enclosed club. The numbers were overwhelming, yet the atmosphere felt dull.

When I finally found my Ugandan friends—about 10 of us in a crowd of hundreds—we instantly transformed the vibe. The moment I approached, they erupted in chants, whistles, and screams, capturing the attention of the entire club. The DJ, recognizing the Ugandan presence, gave us a shout-out and switched to Ugandan music, urging the crowd to join our energy. What was once a dull club turned into a lively party. People surrounded us, eager to join in, shifting from passive drinking to actively enjoying themselves. By the time we left, the entire venue had surrendered to our infectious energy.

This wasn’t just in Nairobi; I experienced the same at the coast. Before we took over the dance floor, everyone was quietly and formally drinking. But Ugandans know how to turn any night into a memorable experience.

In Uganda, nightlife is about more than just drinks—it’s about music, food, energy, and people coming together to have an unforgettable time.

Why don’t you join us on our next rendezvous with Kampala’s nightlife?

 

Welcome to great “Stories of Travel Adventures Caught Tourists Completely Unaware” Part 2. Great humor great fun great stories:

Story 9

 

I just don’t understand the kind of tourists who keep complaining about everything under the sun, saying things like, “Well, Goa didn’t impress me in the least…France is way too dirty…There’s nothing worth seeing in Germany!” Whenever I’m away from home (even if we’re taking a trip to a neighboring town) I’m always like, “Wow, what an interesting monument! Your pavement looks so different from ours! This is so cool!”

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Story 10

Traveling is my passion. I’ve already visited many different countries, and what’s really amazing is that this cost me next to nothing. Of course, my vacations are somewhat different from ordinary tourism; I don’t sunbathe on sandy beaches or ski down snow-covered mountain slopes. All I do is explore different cities. I walk the streets, stroll around the squares, and generally enjoy myself, feeling like a local. And all thanks to the internet! Whenever I have time, I open up Google Maps, put on some quiet music, and let my next journey begin.

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Story 11

This morning, I suddenly decided to go for a walk. A really long walk. So, I set off to the neighboring town. I’ve covered about 40 miles on foot, and so far, I have no desire to return home. I guess this makes me an explorer…or a hobo

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Story 12

It never ceases to surprise and even sometimes annoy me that, in Europe, everything is closed on the weekends. Even buying yourself a can of Coke is out of the question, not to mention visiting a cafe. Saturdays are tolerable but Sundays are downright impossible. Once, when I was on vacation in Italy, I got stung by a jellyfish. This caused me great pain and scared the heck out of me. I hopped over to the hotel and asked an employee for assistance. Staring at my extensive wounds, he said in a shaky voice, “You need to go to the pharmacy at once and buy some ointment! The pharmacy is just around the corner!” And then, he suddenly added in a lazy, half-hearted tone, “But it’s Sunday. So everything is closed.”

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Story 14

There’s a cleaner working in our office. Her salary is nothing spectacular. She usually comes in the afternoons and proceeds to mop the floors, always wearing the same outfit. The woman has a son and a grandson, but they live separately and as far as I know, she doesn’t support them financially. She’s not very good at her job, but that’s not too surprising. Anyway, she’s famous among our staff for having visited most of Europe several times already. She’s also been to Egypt, Tunisia, the Emirates, and many other places. On average, our cleaner goes on trips abroad 4 times a year. Right now, she’s on another voyage to Egypt. As for me, I’m sitting at my desk, thinking, “What have I done wrong with my life? My salary is twice as big, yet I’ve never been abroad!

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Have you ever had any bizarre travel experiences?

For example, realizing that you’ve left your passport and plane tickets at home half an hour before departure?

Share with us in the comments below;

We’ve put together a 2-part list of ten breathtaking and lesser-known places in the world, from areas of unbelievable biodiversity to phenomena you have to see to believe.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan may not be high in many peoples travel list and that is a huge shame. The beautiful Central Asian country shares a border with fellow ‘stans’ Kazakhstan and Afghanistan as well as Iran and the Caspian Sea, the connective body of water between Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries, an important and strategic country and an essential stop on the Silk Road trade route through Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan is the least traveled country in Central Asia, so its mysteries and secrets are perfect for the intrepid explorers among us. Contrary to what many believe due to a potential mix of geographical location and ignorance, Turkmenistan is a relatively safe country with a currently stable political situation and low crime rates. Tourism is on the up but it’s a fairly new concept so travelers will often find locals curious in rural areas, but its more often than not friendly intrigue, and if you linger long enough you’ll probably be invited in for tea and food, and it’s absolutely fine to do so.

The Darvaza Gas Crater known as the Door to Hell, is a natural gas field that has collapsed into a cavern in Derweze, a town of 350 people in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Geologists set it on fire to prevent the spread of harmful methane into nearby towns, and the 69-metre-wide flaming abyss has been burning continuously since 1971.

Entry Requirements: You’ll need a full visa to enter Turkmenistan and you’ll usually need a letter of invitation from a Turkmen tourist agency that is only issued upon booking a full tour. It’s pretty difficult to navigate your way through Turkmenistan without a full guide due to pretty restrictive tourism. Turkmen wants to encourage tourism but they’re not quite ready for you go backpacking off on your own.

Currency: Turkmenistan manat

Hello: Salam

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Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Another Central Asian country, Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful landlocked country characterized by ancient Islamic architecture, unspoiled high mountainscapes that have preserved its ancient culture, and vast crystal-clear lakes. Another Silk Road thoroughfare, Krygz culture is a historic combination of its own Turkic origins as well as elements of Persian, Mongolian and Russian influence. Tourists from a large amount of countries don’t need a visa to get in to Kyrgyzstan, making it more accessible than the surrounding Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan, despite only opening its borders in 2012.

Voted the fifth best adventure travel destination on earth by the British Backpacker Society in 2018, the beauty, friendliness and mystery of Kyrgyzstan make it a highly underrated travel destination.

Issyk Kul lake is one of the country’s biggest attractions that nobody has heard of, a crystal sharp lake with warm beaches surrounded by snow capped mountains. Issyk Kul means ‘warm lake’ in the Kyrgyz language, and although you can camp on its beaches gazing in to the distance as the sun goes down over snow-capped mountains, the lake never freezes. The lake is salty so bare that in mind if you plan to go for a dip, it’s also freezing, but it’s well worth it as the water is shockingly blue, turning from an light ice blue to a deep cobalt the deeper you go. Kyrgyzstan, like its neighbor Kazakhstan, has pretty relaxed rules in more rural areas when it comes to where you can camp. There are hotels around the lake, but they might be closed during low season and camping on the beach is much more fun. Some parts of the lake are pretty remote, and shops and restaurants are scarce, so make sure you have plenty of food, water and beer.

Entry Requirements: British nationals do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days.

Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som

Hello: Salam

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Mtirala National Park, Georgia

Georgia in the Caucasus region of Eurasia bridges the gap between Europe and Asia and is a highly underrated country with a dramatic and long history. A prolific wine making country with a vibrant capital, well preserved medieval architecture, beaches with crystal clear sea and incredible mountain ranges, Georgia is the perfect relaxing and adventure holiday destination that no one is talking about.

The Mtirala National Park is a protected area in Western Georgia covering roughly 38,790 acres between the Black Sea and the Adjara Mountains. Although technically a forest, Mount Mtirala is one of the most humid areas in the country and with waterfalls and an abundance of flora and fauna, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in an exotic jungle.
There are 2 marked and comfortable trails in the park, and yet again camping and campfires are allowed. Horse riding, hiking, bird watching, and adventure tours are also available. The Chakvistskali River runs through the park and the stunning 28 metre Tsablnari Waterfall, perfect for a cooling dip. Brown bears, roe deer, wild boar, eagles and owls, birds and snakes live in the park, making Georgia the perfect exotic location with touches of the familiar.

Entry Requirements: British nationals do not need a visa to enter Georgia for up to one year.

Currency: Georgian Lari

Hello: Gamarjoba

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Jeju Island, Korea

The natural beauty of Korea is often eclipsed by complicated political situation, images of busy built up cities, and recent military history. Despite its history and testing relations with its northern counterpart, Korea is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, a place of delicious cuisine packed with beautiful scenery, unique within Asia.

Jeju is a semi-tropical island found just off the southernmost coast of South Korea’s mainland. It’s home to the country’s highest mountain, Hallasan, which is perfect for hiking and gives some of the best views in the country. What makes this mountain unique is that if you see the hike all the way to the top, you’ll find the crater of an extinct volcano full of ‘lava tubes’, formations in the rock made by ancient lava trails.

Often called the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju has a subtropical climate and 200 km of beach including Geumneung Beach, a huge expanse of white sand and clear sea with the nearby Geumneung Village of traditional houses and pretty narrow streets. It’s also known for its good surfing, home to the first surf club in Korea as well as the stunning Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

Being an island, it’s no surprise that there is some seriously good food to he found on Jeju. Naturally seafood plays a big part and the island is famous for its abalones, traditionally hand dived by haenyeo, Jeju’s mermaids, or female divers who dive to depths of up to 15 metres to get the abalones, as well as octopus, sea urchins and oysters. Black pork is another speciality, succulent pork made from domesticated black pigs only bred on the island. Try Black Pork Street, a whole street dedicated to the meat.

Entry Requirements: British nationals can enter South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa and you must have an onward ticket.

Currency: South Korean Won

Hello: Annyeonghaseyo

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The Sequoioideae, California

More commonly known as the Redwoods, these gigantic trees are most commonly found in the coastal forests of North California and are the largest trees in the world. Most people have heard of the Redwoods, but people who haven’t seen them in the flesh might not quite be able to comprehend exactly how big they are, or how incredible.

The first Redwood’s showed up on Earth shortly after the dinosaurs, before flowers, birds, spiders and humans, roughly 240 million years ago as opposed to modern humans who arrived about 200,000 years ago. The oldest official redwood is at least 2,200 years old and the tallest is over 360ft high and they can reach up to 20ft in diameter. That’s taller than the Empire State Building and the clock tower of Big Ben, and almost as tall as the Great Pyramid of Giza! Since the California Gold Rush of 1848, 95% of the redwoods were cut down to build and rebuild cities like San Francisco and San Jose, so many of the ones still standing are only about 50 years old. Rare wild animals like mountain lions and coho salmon rely on the local redwoods, and tens of thousands of people flock to see the gigantic trees every year. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the size of these woodland giants.

Entry Requirements: British nationals can apply for an online ESTA as part of the Visa Waiver Program which is valid for up to 90 days. For a full US visa you’ll need to fill out a longer DS-160 form and attend an interview at a US consulate or embassy.

Currency: US Dollar

Hello: Hey man