The Wine List in Uganda’s Lodges is getting longer.
Getting a good glass of Wine on Safari in Uganda becomes easier.
Getting a good glass of Wine on Safari: Uganda is not typically known for its wine production, but there are still some opportunities to enjoy a good Wine while on safari.
Many lodges and camps in Uganda offer a selection of international wines from South Africa, Europe, and Australia. And pairings.
If you’re interested in trying local wines, there are a few wineries in Uganda, although they are relatively small-scale.
It’s worth noting that Wine can be more expensive in Uganda due to import taxes and transport costs. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you may want to consider bringing a bottle or two of your favorite Wine with you to enjoy during your safari.
While Uganda may not be a top wine destination, there are still opportunities to enjoy a good glass of Wine while on safari, either by selecting from a lodge’s international wine selection or seeking out local wineries.
Tips on Getting a good glass of wine on Safari in Uganda
Here is our Practical Advice for Safari-Goers who enjoy a good glass of Wine while exploring Uganda. There is the rich tradition of the Safari Sundowner; a quality glass of Wine would be just right as you enjoy the Sunset over the savannah, rainforest, or even the Rwenzori Mountains or the River Nile.
The availability of better wines at lodges has dramatically improved, especially at better mid-range or luxury Loges. However, the usage of lower-quality boxed wine still prevails at budget or mid-range lodges.
Ugandans still like their beer and Waragi (Ugandan Gin), but Wine has made inroads in Uganda, especially in Kampala. Today one can find great wines at better Supermarkets such as Carrefour in Kampala. Additionally, there are now quality Wine shops at local malls and other locations.
The emerging middle class is developing a taste and liking for better wines has grown as shown by the annual and famous “Blankets and Wine Festival.”
While you might not find wines from the US States, such as California, Oregon, Washington, or New York, in local stores, you will find a wide variety of quality South African and European Wines and even wines from Australia. Ugandan winemakers have also added a local touch from tropical fruits in the Pearl of Africa.
Is “Getting a good glass of Wine on Safari in Uganda” possible?
We created this page because we listen to our clients who have often mentioned that they could not get a good glass of Wine while on a Safari. One case, in particular, stands out. It took place at an upmarket lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on a New Year’s Eve, and like, in Cana of old, the Lodge ran out of Wine at 10 pm on a New Year’s Eve.
While the Lodge was near a village, no local duka (shop) would sell Wine. Our client switched to local alcoholic beverages and reached midnight to toast a New Year with his travel Companions.
That event and the input from other clients inspired us to write a page about getting a good glass of Wine on a Safari. We thought further and took the cost factor of Wine at lodges into consideration.
Some lower-quality lodges will give you no choice but red or white boxed Wine. Others do offer Wine by Bottle. However, the cost might be prohibitive in the price for some. The cost of a glass or Bottle of Wine is relatively high in Uganda, and import taxes and shipping costs are mostly to blame.
We want to remind you of a quote by WC Fields, who said, “Reminds me of my Safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water.” We suggest you bring an excellent corkscrew or a Swiss Army Knife with a corkscrew to be safe.
“Getting a good glass of Wine on Safari in Uganda” One Solution
Getting a good glass of Wine on Safari – The Solution: BYOB, that familiar American abbreviation on an invitation to a party. Bring your Bottle. We had a retired South African Judge and his wife on a ten-day safari. Before he ever arrived for his Safari, he wrote that he and his wife liked to have a bottle of Wine in the evening, and he had heard that the Wine available in Uganda at lodges was limited and expensive.
We wrote him to bring two bottles of his favorite wines from South Africa, which he did. In the morning, as we headed out on Safari, we stopped off at a Wine Shop, and he selected a few, higher than in South Africa but lower than at the up-market lodges he was staying in.
Furthermore, you can buy some Quality wine on arrival in Uganda, Entebbe, or Kampala and take it on your Safari. Make sure to check if the wine bottles need a corkscrew.
Yes, you can get a good glass of Wine in the African Wild of Uganda, but you might have to do it “BYOB Style” – Bring your Bottle…Enjoy the African Sunset with a glass of Wine while on Safari with us. We will do our best to see that you have a good bottle of Wine along.
You can get a good glass of Wine while on a Safari. You might want to read about the Safari Sundowner tradition for your Safari.
