Best Cycling Holidays in Uganda

Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa”, is blessed with a wide variety of tourist attractions such as rafting on the upper Nile, hiking up Mt. Elgon, climbing Mountain Rwenzori (the Mountains of the Moon), tracking gorillas and chimps and with so many activities across the country both inside and outside the national parks and game reserves. Rhinos can be approached on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Mabira Tropical Rain Forest (Uganda’s largest natural rain forest), a thick, dense canopy covered forest on the Kampala – Jinja highway, provides hiking and cycling trails and with an ideal Rain Forest Lodge good enough for vacation. It is a national forest reserve and its credentials are impressive by any standards. It consists of 312 shrubs and tree species, 287 types of butterflies, 316 species of birds – many of them endemic, 23 species of reptiles, 97 species of moths, and in contrast to other listed inventories some 51 mammal species.

When cycling across any of the four mapped – out trails, a fair number of bird sightings, and mammals, can be recorded. During enroute stops; trees, shrubs, orchids, and insects can be inspected close up. Mabira Forest also offers Uganda’s first zip-lining option, located near the Griffin Falls and can easily be accessed by bike on one of the trails, or via the town of Lugazi by car. Lugazi, has a golf course open to the public should any of the golf-addicted visitors passing through and having time to spare, wish to play.

Adventuring on a bicycle is an upcoming activity/ tourist practice in Uganda’s tourism industry. Borrowing the idea from Rwanda , a country that has benefited so much from this activity since its introduction, cycling is fast becoming an extra activity that tourists take after taking a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impoenetrable National Park and there are many challenges offered by local tour operators in Bwindi. This activity can be done in other areas as well where cyclists can enjoy asightseeing on a ride! Visitors can go around or even through a national park, game reserve/ sanctuary, climb a mountain and even a lake using a two wheeled vehicle (the bike/ bicycle).

Currently, cycling is gaining ground in Uganda that the Uganda Cycling Association has organized a cycling event (Kampala Adventure Cycling 2015 Event – 16/August/2015) along with other associations like The Uganda Tourism Board and Kampala Capital City Authority. Cycling trails and trips are now available covering distances of between 13.3 to 40 kilometers. Anyone visiting Kampala on business and fancying a day out on a bike, this should be one of your options for a workout. Trailing through her rural areas, where there’s little vehicle traffic and safer than cycling along main roads or in the city itself while at the end of it having a serene lake-side setting for a sun downer, a meal, or even a refreshing dip into the swimming pool.

Enjoying a Weekend Break in Kampala City

Are you marooned from home, have your money but do not even know what to use it for or where to go over the weekend?Have no one to talk to about this whole thing; the only answer is to go around Kampala probably during the weekend with your family or couple. Renting a car is a solid way to see the best of Kampala. The benefit of a car rental in Kampala is that you have more self-determination and choice at your clearance. Cruising around Kampala in a rental car, will give you the perfect chance to immerse it all in during theWeekend since over the weekend there is less traffic Jam in Kampala compared to the working days.

There are quite many ways of washing away that stress you are having and by this you can drive and visit a number of places within and around Kampala. Some of the places you can visit include: – Golf Course at Kololo and engage in Playing Golf,Visit the Buganda historical Sites Kasubi Tombs, The King’s manmade lake in Ndeeba (KayanjaKaKabaka), Visiting the art and Craft Markets one at Kampala Road and another one at National theater, Shopping at either Nakumatt, Garden City or Shoprite, Some may wish to visit the local markets around at Kampala like the Nakasero,Wandegeya and Kasubi Markets. Others may wish to visit the top religious sites in Kampala that is Bahai Temple, Christ the King Church, Lubaga Church, Namirembe Cathedral or Namugongo martyrs shrine. Cultural dances and drama may also make your weekend perfect and we can find these at Ndere Troupe Center in Ntinda.

For those who love Night life may indulge in going in night clubs like Club Ambiance, Club Silk, Amnesia , Nyondo Pub, Guvnor among others and see how Ugandans party.

Apart from these one can decide to escape Kampala and go to quite places around Kampala with the family. These amazing places that could make your weekend awesome include:-
Jinja (A lot activities can be done in Jinja including White water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Visiting the source of Nile, Fishing, Birding in Mabira Forest)

Entebbe(For those who love fun goes to Entebbe, You can go to the beaches around Entebbe like Lido Beach, Spinner Beach, Resort Beach, Water front Beach, Aero Beach Entebbe, Ssese Gateway Beach among others. Also a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center or Ngamba Island and see the orphaned chimps may reward your weekend.)

All of the above could only be possible with your rented car from the ultimate car rental company based in Kampala that can offer you with great discounts and the most reliable vehicle (s). For the couple you can opt for a small vehicle (SUV) that carry 2-4 passengers and for the family of about 5 people a Toyota Super custom that carries up to six passengers is quite perfect.

There are two options either to rent a car for self-drive or you can rent a car with a professional driver for instance if you are not familiar with driving on African roads you cannot drive in Kampala. Adrive within or around Kampala would really transform you indeed over the weekend.

Things to Do a Self Drive Uganda Safari

Most times many tourists avoid driving themselves in a country they never seem to know well especially when the countries in question are in Africa. Yes, it is a bit tricky to start driving yourself in a foreign country like Uganda where road rules are easily broken, road signs are a few and traffic lights are rarely seen. It takes a very well experienced driver to maneuver this pearl of Africa. Even you the not so much experienced driver, can do with a self drive in Uganda if you are a so carefull driver.

There is so much to do in Uganda with your self drive adventure in this pearl of Africa. Uganda is a country gifted with nature, a lot of wildlife, mountain gorillas, scenery, mountain hiking activities, water bodies, beaches and lots to offer for an awesome trip. With over ten national game reserves with a variety of activities to do in each park, the self drive adventure is worth it.

Considering that it is difficult getting around Uganda, a deal with a trusted car rental agency like Auto Rental Uganda would do you wonders with the best prices that won’t dig lots into your budget and still have an awesome holiday.

Considering that Uganda’s highlights are many, a little far apart and many activities to keep you busy, wondering through these parks and highlights on your self drive uganda adventure is worth it.

Setting off from Entebbe the airport town to Kampala is about 36kms which would take you about an hour or more is not an easy one say in taxis, it’s a real pain sitting in these matatus. In kampala in as well a traffic area that requires patience. There are so may things to do while in kampala and among these include, visiting the museum, the only Ba’hai temple, the traditional Kasubi tombs, the Uganda martyrs’ shrine, the Makerere art gallery, craft village and local markets. All these destinations are averagely 15kms apart and this will require a car with you to visit all these places. Yes, to have a view of what Uganda is like or a clear picture of Uganda, you need to visit these places. Yes the bikes we locally call the bodabodas are a fast way but are a vey risky way to get around town and Uganda. So trust us that your car rental on self drive will do you magic.

Getting out of kampala town in either direction is an easy one and less congested. Heading south to the first game reserve say lake Mburo requires transport and that car will be a great deal. About 250kms from kampala,, this small game reserve is endowed with spectacular wildlife. Game drives, boat cruises, horse ridding, biking and spectacular nature walks. There are no or a few transport means to and from the park so consider that self drive in your car rental worth it if you are a person who needs that privacy to your self.

Connecting to Bwindi for the ultimate gorilla experience is about 300km from lake Mburo national park and a lot is seen on the way to the park. The local life and the rolling hills of kabale. You can decide to go for coffee tours, dugout canoe on lake Mutanda or on lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa after lake Tanganyika, the Batwa culture experience. However all these places are approachable with cars as some tend to be far distances apart. Hotels in the park are bult mostly on the outskirts of the park and therefore require transport in the morning to get to the starting points of the gorilla tracking.

About 70kms to connect to the queens park of queen Elizabeth where you can do game drives and the Kazinga channel boat cruise at the Mweya peninsula. With your 4*4 vehicle from auto rental Uganda, consider a big deal with your self drive in this park. Whee you need to connect to the Kibale forest national park for a chimpanzee tracking or habituation experience. About 130kms from queen Elizabeth, this place actually need a car to get you each there. On the day for the chimpanzees, you actually need drive to the kanyancu/park headquarters for a briefing and that ‘s early as 8am and 6am for the habituation experience.

With you car rental, it is easier to connect to the biggest game reserve in the pearl of Africa, the Murchsion falls national park. Where the mighty rive nile crosses and with a strongest water fall with unbelievable power. The game drive and top of the fall visit is imposible without the car, otherwise you will need to dig deep in your pockets paying for the UWA game drive vehicle to do all these activities.

Making a round trip in Uganda through the north without a car would be a tiresome and difficult one. The noth is a remote area where transpot into the northern game parks and reseves tends to be difficult as well. A visit to the cultural karamojong villages is worth visiting but a great deal with your car rental. The eastern to the pianupe, matheniko game reserves, mtelgon, and sipi is unappochable without a private self drive or car ental vehicle. You actually feel the conviniece of your carr rental.

A lot can be done in Uganda with your car rental even on your self drive adventure. Every place you wish to reach out can easily be done with your car rental. Yes you will approach every corner and spot in Uganda even without a car but tust me it might turnout a nightmare for you..

What to Expect From a Uganda Safari

Picture yourself with your camera in hand gazing at the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking sites as you carefully listen to the intriguing sounds of Uganda’s wilds. As you look around you – you can’t quite believe you are here.

Uganda Safaris are incredibly popular because Uganda is one of the top African safari destinations. With an amazing array of safaris to choose from, that is the most desirable safari that is gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale national park, Chimps in  Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu found in  Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national parks respectively. More safaris to choose from include Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda bird watching safaris including a visit to see the rare shoebill in Mabamba Bay swamp and Murchison falls, Mountain Hiking / Mountaineering safaris on Mountain Rwenzori and mountain Elgon, Cultural safaris that has many options either to visit historical sites of Buganda and Uganda like the Tanda Caves,  The source of the Mighty Nile, Kasubi Tombs, Palaces, Namugongo Shrine , Ssemuliki hot springs or Visiting the  people that has unique cultures like the Batwa people, the Karamojong people.

Uganda is located in Eastern part of Africa bordering Kenya, Rwanda, Congo Sudan and Tanzania. Uganda is well known for mountain gorillas which brings a number of tourists to the country to see these rare creatures. Tourism is important to this country, and with the amazing gorillas and wildlife, tourists are drawn to this area of Africa. You can look forward to viewing all types of wildlife including: Tree climbing lions, Leopards, Elands, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Hippos, Buffaloes, Water bucks, Buffaloes, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Warthogs among others.

If you book a  Uganda safari , you will likely visit one or more of these areas:
Queen Elizabeth National Park – This Park is a unique wildlife area that is home to a number of different species. Which includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant and leopard?
The Kazinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles!

Murchison Falls National Park: This is also a truly wildlife paradise and it has a number of Wildlife attractions that includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill
To book your own Uganda wildlife safari, you need to work with a company with the experience, expertise and connections to create your ideal safari vacation. Gorilla trail Safaris Company is the leading safari planning company and they would be pleased to help you with your plans.
We offer you a dedication to quality unmatched by anyone else in the industry. When you book your gorilla safari in Uganda   with Gorilla trail safaris, you get to draw on their resources of highly respected professional guides, stay at the leading safari camps and lodges and indulge in unique adventure and safari activities. Gorilla Trail Safaris company continually monitors and evaluates all ground operators and accommodation providers to ensure they are providing you with the quality product and service you are looking for.

Uganda to Hold Janan Luwum Commemoration

Kampala city is taking off a year for St Janan Luwum Annual commemoration in Uganda on the 16^th February at the Wii Gweng, Mucwini which is the resting place and the birth place of Jonan Luwum. This commemoration will help in increasing the number of safaris to Uganda. St Janan Luwum was also born in 1924 in Mucwini, Chua, and Kitgum and was a school teacher before he joined Church ministry. Rev Janan went on serve in different capacities as the principal of Buwalasi Theological College after his ordination.

In 1974, he was installed as Archbishop of the accelesiastical province, covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga- zaire in Congo. On 16 February, 1997, the bishop was murdered at Nakasero, and by then President of Uganda, General Idi Amin Dada for the publically criticizing Amin’s actions. This is also followed a period of great tension, agitation and the ugly showdown from the public and the world at large with Amin and his dictatorial regime. This was also the searing martyrdom of St Janan which marked the pivotal turning point for the fall of Amin region and the subsequent liberation of Uganda.

This is the liberation which laid a strong foundation for excellent security in Uganda. For those interested in religious and cultural tours in Uganda, you can join the other pilgrimages and travel to Northern Uganda to celebrate the life of this protestant martyr. Just around the world, there is great devotion to St. Janan Luwum; churches, chapels and schools which have named after him. In 1978, Canterbury cathedral dedicated 20^th century Martyrs chapel to St Janan’s martyrdom. However in the Church of England’s calendar celebrating saints and martyrs, 17^th February is the festival of Jonan Luwum.

There is also a deep moral obligation which helps in ensuring that the testimony, martyrdom and also the example of St Janan Luwum is known, emulated and celebrated in his homeland Uganda, Africa and the whole World. UTB is also going to promote the annual event to the Christians niche world over to always plan on travelling to Uganda and also join in the commemoration events on 16 February. This will also help in attracting safaris to the country.

This national and the international celebration for this saint was launched at Namirembe Cathedral on 12^th January by the Archbishop of Uganda his Grace Stanley Ntagali. Also the worship and the thanksgiving in Mucwini will be ecumenically led by the Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and Archbishop John Baptist Odama. There will also be special guests and the memorial preachers for the occasion like Ugandan- born Dr. John Sentamu, Desmond Tutu. Many of the national and international dignitaries will be in attendance, led by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who will also be the guest of honor. Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with UTB will offer half prices for entrance to Murchison falls National Park for all travelling to the north for this event.

Fun Things to Do in Kampala

Are you planning to take a safari in Uganda? Many travelers wonder about the fun things to do in Kampala during their holiday in Uganda. Kampala is considered to be “Mecca” of activities. It’s a city with obvious tourist attractions and finding things to keep you occupied can be easy. Rejoice! Here’s a little list of some things that new arrivals, tourists, or even folks who’ve lived here for years might want to check out.

Attend One of Kampala’s Annual Events

There’s a lot that happens each year in Kampala. Check out this list of annual events in Kampala to see if your time here matches up with one of the city’s yearly activities. Everything from marathons to music festivals to food fairs to rally car racing.

Attend New Year’s Day in Kampala in January—Expect fireworks and parties at its clubs and bars alongside large crowds and plenty of fun lasting well into the early hours of New Year’s Day

Catch up with Motocross Championship in March staged every year at the Uganda Motorsports Arena in Kampala and attracting some of Africa’s best bike riders

Don’t miss Amakula Kampala International Film Festival in May that showcases films in all their various guises, from contemporary to classic.

Be present at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in September for Royal Ascot Goat Races with crowds of folk coming to place a bet on the goat they think is most likely to cross the finishing line first

Be in Kampala in early October for Kampala Contemporary Art Festival with exhibitions held at Nommo Gallery and the Afro-art Gallery, Spare time to attend Kampala Food Festival–a one day event that showcases the country’s finest flavors, as well as the creative culinary work of the country’s top chefs and lastly enjoy the Big Birding Day–a 24-hour event during which crowds of ornithologists converge in Uganda to collect sightings of resident bird species

MTN Kampala Marathon is my favorite event in Kampala. The MTN Kampala marathon is the biggest sporting event in Uganda organized by MTN. Every year, people from all walks of life take part in this annual event. The city filled with character and the streets are always bustling with people – unlike the rest of the city’s sleepy streets. Some take part for fun, others for charity and others compete to win. MTN Marathon attracts all kinds of people with little regard to status, race, size, height and origin–It’s awesome.

Visit an Art Gallery

The art scene in Kampala is small but growing. Each month, we see new art shows and developments. Nommo art gallery and African Village on Buganda road are two of the more established galleries but afro art gallery at national theatre is a recent addition that has done a lot of great work. Spend an hour or two looking through their galleries, watching the artists and work, or just hanging out in their cool, friendly, spaces.

Go to the Library

Kampala has a first-class national public library located on Buganda road. Not only is it in a snazzy building with a beautiful but it’s also a great idea and the first library in the country. The last time I was there, the organization of the books needed a bit of work but there’s something charming about finding cookbooks mixed in with bibles and biographies. You can try to read from Makerere University’s main library. There is a fee you are supposed to pay but the reward is just impressive. It is very well organized with all the reading content you would want. Makerere is the oldest university in East Africa established in 1922-Have a life time chance to visit Uganda’s most ranking education facility to feel the magic of surrounding trees and buildings.

Watch Live Music

Live music is not a big problem in Kampala–experience live music and live bands play at night in night clubs and hang out places. The common places to get the live band entertainment include National Theatre, club Obligato, Sabrina’s Pub, Centenary Park, Jazville Bugolobi, Kampala Sheraton Hotel and many other places. Go for live music every Thursday at Mishmash located along Acacia Avenue, Kololo and join Ndere troupe at Ndere centre for traditional dance and Music.

Go to a Movie

Cineplex located at Garden city is Kampala’s best movie theatre. The cinema is equipped with 3D and even have something called the ’4D Experience’ which I have yet to try out. They get the latest movies and it’s a fun night out. Try out many more movie theatres including cinemax located in Nalya, century cinema located on acacia mall in Kamwokya and cinema magic. Enjoy the feel of Hollywood while on your vacation in Uganda.

Go to the Casino

Kampala can be an entertaining place to live. We have an almost endless list of bars and nightclubs, parties, restaurants, poetry nights, live music, dancehalls, and a variety of art openings. But even with all of this, there’s always room for a little more vice. Enter the casino: the all-in-one adult thunder dome that will supply us all with enough sin to last a lifetime. No high rollers or showgirls here – just Indian men gambling quietly as the waitresses bring around trays of complimentary cold samosas. But as someone who doesn’t really like gambling all that much and often feels intimidated by card tables, I like it here! It’s relaxed, welcoming, and, as its open until 2am, it makes a fun stop after dinner. Simba often seems like the most obvious option however other casinos can work for you including myfair, pyramid and Kampala casino where Players and spectators may enjoy gambling at Roulette tables, Black Jack or Mini Baccarat tables.

5 Top Places to Tour in Western Uganda

Western Uganda is a beautiful region in Uganda where you will find ample opportunities for tourism at various destinations. You will find varied tourism options in this region that will never let you disappointed. You will enjoy lots and treasure a unique experience of lifetime after sightseeing and tourism in Western Uganda. The main tourism attractions in this region lie in fascinating destinations like Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kabale region, Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga National Park, Kisoro town, Lake Mutanda, Kibale Forest National Park, Mt. Rwenzori and so many others. Bwindi National Park is one of the 4 most popular tourist destinations in the region that are visited by a number of international tourists each year. Exploring these fascinating destinations will provide you a brilliant opportunity to see some of best Uganda Safari destinations.

Bwindi National Park

Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable forest is the best place to see mountain gorillas in the world. Located in south western Uganda, Bwindi is a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO, and it is the most visited of all Uganda’s national parks. There are now 10 mountain gorilla groups which are habituated for gorilla trekking within the forest. Some of the groups include include, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Bitukura, Mishaya, Kahungye, Oruzogo, Nsongi and so many others. Besides Mountain Gorillas, the forest is also well known for bird watching since it habits more than 130 species of birds. Bwindi is among the UNESCO World Heritage sites and therefore Gorilla Safaris in Uganda are the basically done tours be it on budget or on luxury holidays. Most of the Uganda Safaris have to include a 3 days Gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park: the park is famous for hosting different 13 species of primates including the Chimpanzees which are Man’s closest friends and cousins with almost 95% same characters. Other primates here include Vervet Monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and so on.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: with the Kasenyi track where one can be able to spot a number of animals like Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, warthogs and so on. The Kyambura gorge in this park is famous for the Chimpanzee tracking activity as well as bird watching. The Launch cruise offers you a chance to see the Kazinga Channel which is believed to be having the highest concentration of Hippos in Africa.

The Rwenzori Mountains

Also refered to as the “Mountains of the Moon”, the snow capped mountain Rwenzoris offer great opportunities to hikers. Whether you are a starter or an experienced mountain climber, the Rwenzoris will give you an experience of your lifetime. The hike to Magherita Peak the highest peak of this Great Mountains, takes 7 Days for those who are experienced or 8+Days for beginners! The hike takes you various climatic zones till you reach the snow capped peaks.

LakeBunyonyi

The dotted islands of Lake Bunyonyi are some of the best places to visit for a leisurely holiday in Uganda.

Other interesting sites in western Uganda include , crater regions, Semliki National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and lots of other sites. You can explore best attractions of the above Western Uganda regions by Packages which are tailor made to suite your travel needs and interests.

Uganda Visa Application

Uganda unlike Rwanda acquiring visa into the country is as easy as ABC. You can get a Ugandan tourist Visa at the point of entrance as you are getting into the country. The main entrance point in Uganda is the airport (Entebbe International Airport) or at any border, being a landlocked country. The process is quite simple, without any stress and a very quick process as you are required to fill an entrance form which costs about USD$50 per person only.

After acquiring your Ugandan Visa you can then be allowed into Uganda – the pearl of Africa, get a privilege to explore its wildlife in its finest destinations such as Queen Elizabeth national park as a home to the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, Kibale forest national park a home to over 13 primate species, Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park well known for its mountain gorillas and many more tourist attractions.

The visa application process in Rwanda can only be done online following the link provided https://www.migration.gov.rw/Visa.html. There are countries that are exempted from the visa application exercise in Rwanda due to the relationships and agreements amongst them namely; Burundi, D R Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Tanzania and Mauritius. It should be noted that the tourists should hold valid passports for the given country for at least six months. Most of the tourists in these countries come mainly for gorilla tours and wildlife safaris only a few come for relaxations or mere visits.

Is it possible to get a Ugandan Visa from a Ugandan Embassy in your country of residence?
The answer is YES! It is very possible but rather more time consuming and costly as explained below;
It is very costly: The cost of the visa is the same both in Uganda at the entrance and at the embassy in your country of residency but more costs are included in that you will be required to pay for an overnight, postal services to and from your country of residence hence raising the Visa price.

It is time saving: You can get your visa immediately on arrival in that no time wasted in going to the embassy, filling the forms and then going back to pick up the Visa.

No need of passport photos: At the entrance of Uganda, no passport photo is required however at any Ugandan embassy; you are required to present your passport photos hence money is wasted in getting the required photos, in a way it is a mean a saving.

Less Paper Work: When getting a Ugandan Visa at the entrance of the country, fewer forms are required to fill i.e. the immigration form is required to be filled which is not the case if done at the embassy.

What if you are rejected? This has never happened to anyone before and it just cannot happen. Ugandan migrations are so friendly, hospitable and polite. The only thing you have to do is present your passport, pay about USD$50 charge, present a return ticket and sometimes a Yellow fever certificate maybe required.

The immigration process may look to be long instead it moves faster and very quick than how it would have been in your home of residence. The process usually takes 20-40 minutes waiting in a line and waiting for your luggage, hence no time wasted!

Tourist Visa for East African Countries: The East African countries are planning to have a single tourist Visa that will be used to access all the countries with ease. However this is still under discussions and not yet confirmed by the involved countries which include Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Thoughts about the Tourism Visas: As Ugandan residents, we believe that tourism as a sector contributes a great percentage in the development of our economy. We are so thankful to all the tourists who visit Uganda because every 10 tourists who come to Uganda provide enough income to eradicate poverty in the country.

Uganda Adopts Plan for the Tourism Sector

A new development plan for improving the tourism sector in Uganda in a sustainable way has been inaugurated in Mbale by the Hon. Minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities Maria Mutagamba. The development master plan was launched during the celebrations to mark World tourism day in the eastern Uganda, at Maluku grounds in Mbale. This long lasting plan is aimed at helping the ministry to identify and focus on addressing the key challenges that influence the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector ranging from intensification the rigid regime, promotion and capacity building and institutional management.

As she was speaking on the event, the minister said, this ten year development plan will succeed if all the sector players are committed and organized. She also added that the plan is not only focusing on what is already hugely popular like the wildlife such as gorilla attractions but it also focuses on the creation of regional tourism areas to devolve the coordination and promotion of tourism in the key attraction areas like the agro-tourism, culture and faith based tourism. Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Resident Representative also spoke on the event and assured that UN is committed to support the Uganda’s government in growing the tourism sector to transform Uganda sustainably. He was thankful to the government of Uganda who gave the UN a chance to work with them in the preparing the Tourism Master Plan and also the tourism policy which was lately approved by Cabinet.

He also called on the government to fully participate in the tourism sector to ensure wholesome growth and development. Adding on that he also said if the sector is handled in a proper way this will promote opportunities to development of the local economy and poverty eradication, adding on this the Hon. Minister Maria Mutagamba said that it’s very important to engage the local population such as allowing them to participate educate and enhance local governance. There can be no real tourism development if such development damages in anyway she said’’. She appreciated the people of Mbale who are already recognized the potential of tourism through the development of community based tourism activities such as the Imbalu festival which highlighted the exclusive culture of the region attracting both local and international tourists. She was so proud of the region that it was worth visiting due to the fact that it is a God given area with thousands of waterfalls and a true tourism paradise with very beautiful scenery, strong cultural heritage and the delicate eco system of the Elgon.

Mbale also hosted the first ever hot air balloon ride in Uganda and very many tourists, development agencies and the media where at the sight of celebrations to mark the World tourism Day 2014. She urged the local leaders to use these opportunities and use them to attract more tourists to the region and also the entire country. She also asserted that tourism is the most significant economic sectors in the world currently. And tourism today accounts for over 9% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and one in every 11 jobs on the planet. When he was speaking the local council five chairperson Mr.Bernard Mujasi thanked the ministry for bringing the 2014 world tourism day celebrations to Mbale and urged the ministry to support all tourist attraction in the region.

Uganda is one of the few places on earth endowed with immense tourist attractions that range from the rare and endangered mountain gorillas to diverse cultures of the local people. Most of Uganda’s visitors visit the country mainly for gorilla safaris into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park and that is why it is important to promote the country to prospective visitors by sensitizing them about the different adventures that can be taken. These include chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, mountaineering, community based tourism and more.

Tracking the Wild Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

Watching mountain gorillas up close in the wild of Rwanda and Uganda is one of the most exciting adventures that you can take while traveling Africa. This amazing adventure is one of the most popular on the bucket list of most travelers visiting East Africa. There are four national parks wehere travelers can see the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Congo. Of all these parks, there are two national parks which are most frequented by tourists interested in seeing the gorillas in the wild; Parc Nationale des Volcans and Bwindi Impenetrable national park. These parks have several habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists.

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

For many travellers who have visited gorillas in Africa this adventure is the single lifetime wildlife viewing experience that they have ever taken in the world. No wonder these trips are sometimes referred to as a luxury safari in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is taken in a very organized way to protect the endangered gorillas in their natural homes. There are strict roles that guide visitors going for gorilla safaris within the national parks where gorilla tourism has been developed. These rules are aimed at protecting both the visiting tourists and the mountain gorillas.

Planning a Gorilla Trek

•  It is advisable to take your time and plan a visit to Rwanda, Uganda or Congo. Given that a few gorilla passes (permits) are available, it is advised to plan your trip early enough.
• Always use a local tour operator or a specialist travel agency given that they are more acquainted with the existing conditions within the different locations for gorilla watching.
• On your safari, remember to pack enough and recommended clothes that are suitable for hikes. Don’t forget your jungle boots given that the trek takes you past muddy paths and involves hikes up the steep slopes.
• After your trek, it is advisable to embrace ecotourism by visiting the local community. In Bwindi, a visit to Batwa local community who were the inhabitants of the forest is highly recommended.
• Adhere to the strict rules set on your gorilla permit so that sustainable gorilla tourism can be maintained and promoted in the visited destinations.

Gorilla trekking Trips

Looking for a great deal on gorilla trekking? Several local tour operators offer gorilla trekking excursions and tours to visit the mountain gorillas in Africa. Most of these travel agencies that are both inbound and outbound offer amazing gorilla trips in an organized and well managed way. If you prefer one day excursions they are possible safari only in the  Volcanoes national park – Rwanda. If you prefer watching the gorillas in Bwindi national park – Uganda or Mhaginga national park, you need at least 3 minimum days if you are to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe. An alternative place to see the mountain gorillas in the wild is the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several tourists who opt for to visit to at least two gorilla parks since the distance between is short. It’s very advisable for those who would like maximize their gorilla watching experience to visit both parks. Bot treks in the two parks offer quite a different experience and setting, thus a more rewarding experience. From both parks, there are multiple families of gorillas that have been habituated for tourist visits. Each family is composed of a number of gorillas including silverback gorilla, adult females, buckbucks (adult males) and juveniles.Each group allows a maximum of 8 tourists per day who are selected to see an individual family either on purchase of the gorilla permits or at the assembly point in the parks.