UGANDA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL TOURISM FAIR TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER

When it comes to safaris in Uganda, expect more than just wildlife! It is one of a few  most culturally diverse countries and its endowed cultural heritage is depicted by its exceptional arts and the most thrilling performances, language, marriage ceremonies, social norms, indigenous knowledge systems of nature and environment, music and dances a mention but a few. With its diverse culture and heritage, Uganda features among the very few most outstanding destinations in the world and to further experience its diversity, the 3^rd Uganda International Cultural Tourism Fair is due to take place between 21^st and 23^rd September at Uganda Museum, Kampala. This year’s fair edition is based on the theme ‘Our diverse cultures empowering each other.’ Uganda is remarkably a melting pot of cultures and this fair will attract several communities both locally and internationally, the youth and grown up, families and exhibitors of different products and many others.

The event will entirely serve as a cultural market where all kinds of art, music, food, beverages, fashion, local brew, poetry, storytelling, display of arts and crafts from various areas in Africa and across border areas a mention but a few. Among other exciting activities that will be part of this remarkable event include school quiz competitions, thematic side conferences on culture and conservation, East Africa high level thematic policy discussion which will include parliamentarians from the East African member states, Ministers of Culture and Minister of tourism across Africa. It will also comprise story telling-Ekyooto session that will see different groups interact despite their races, background, religion and many more. Besides, there will be wildlife display and education by Uganda Wildlife Education Center Entebbe with major focus on totems as spiritual emblems which demonstrate conservation challenges stemming from the old days of the fore fathers. The best performers will be awarded. Over 300 exhibitors of Africa’s cultural products are expected to showcase during this event and about 20000 tourists will be part of it both in Africa and international community.

Partially, the event intends to create employment opportunities by availing skills to the youths and women on how to produce and brand commercial artifacts, memorabilia and many other cultural tourism products both for domestic and international market. About 100 exhibitors will be trained especially those with rare talent and have potential to be developed and included in tourism value chain. The past event was attended by more than 10000 visitors both from within and international community.

In conclusion, culture is a stronghold for most people’s lives, a fact that it impacts much on their values, humor loyalties and sense of identity.

WHY KATONGA IS ON TRACK TO BE THE 11TH NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the northern bank of River Katonga exists Katonga Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda’s most beautiful protected areas. It covers an area of about 210 square kilometers and surrounded by districts of Kyegegwa and Kamwenge. This spectacular protected area was established in 1964 as a game reserve but previously acted as a hunting site for the Tooro King and the colonialists on other hand made it a sport hunting ground. In a move to turn it into a national park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)-a body in charge wildlife conservation has embarked on diversifying its wildlife species in order to boost tourism in the area. To achieve the set goals, translocation exercise for topis, zebras and elands has been conducted from Lake Mburo National Park to Katonga Wildlife Reserve. Elands and topis are among the few most fascinating antelope families which are worth catching a glimpse while on a game drive. Over 2000 impalas, 1000 bushbucks and 500 waterbucks plus several sitatunga the swamp dwelling antelope species thrive within this sanctuary as well as 10 buffaloes, 13 elephants and a few lions. Zebras were first translocated to this reserve around 2015 where 5 of them were introduced but unfortunately, 3 of them returned to Lake Mburo National Park.

Besides, there are also many wetland species, savanna and forest species plus numerous primate species especially the River otter, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and others. Other wildlife species that live within Katonga include reedbuck, Uganda Kob, duikers, more than 150 bird species as well as reptiles, butterflies and amphibians. Its floral species comprise of varied vegetation especially wooded grassland, grassland, riverine woodlands, papyrus, swamp, riverine grasslands with dominant plant species like Sporobolus festivus and Chloris gayana.

Where to stay at Katonga Game Reserve

Visitors on safari in Katonga Wildlife Reserve can camp or spend a night at Katonga View Hotel and Lodge about two kilometers away from the reserve.

How to reach Katonga Game Reserve

This sanctuary is about four hours’ drive from Kampala and the direct route takes you from Kampala to Mubende to Fort Portal and from Mubende, you drive to Kyegegwa. You may also drive through Kaso, from Mbarara northwards for about 62 kilometers to Ibanda where you will drive for another two kilometers to Kaso. From here, you can inquire about direction for Kabagole. From Mbarara to Katonga, you will spend at least three hours driving.

ANOTHER BABY GIRAFFE EXCITES CONSERVATIONISTS AT LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

As the world is still excited with the baby born rhino at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the Rothschild giraffes at Lake Mburo National Park on other hand have also broken yet another silence with a newly born Rothschild giraffe making a total of about 17 individuals in this protected area. What a blessed month for Uganda’s wildlife and conservationists! Just a few days after when the world celebrated about these eye catching creatures in the wild; Uganda continues to register tremendous success in its conservation efforts. About 15 Rothschild giraffes were translocated from Murchison Falls National Park in June 2015 to Lake Mburo National Park in order to diversify the park’s attractions and also boost the tourism sector in this area. They included 8 females. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s most extensive savanna grassland protected area and it boasts of its over 1250 giraffes representing about 75% of all the endangered Rothschild giraffes that thrive in the world today.

BABY GIRAFFE

For that long since they were transferred, it left some people to think that they were brought to help consume the abundant pasture at this park till recently when these majestic creatures broke the silence and registered their first baby. As if that wasn’t enough, they have also recorded yet another remarkable birth and it is exciting news for enthusiastic conservationists. Giraffes are the tallest mammal species on earth and their height ranges from 4-5 meters and the tallest stretches for about 5.9 meters. Their necks consist of 7 vertebrae just like humans and most other mammal species. Females give birth while standing and they have a gestation period of 457 days approximately one year and three months.

In conclusion, there is still need for all stakeholders to ensure that giraffes and other wildlife are all well protected. This will help boost the country’s tourism sector. Giraffes can be spotted in Uganda while you are on a game drive in the savanna grassland protected areas. And besides Lake Mburo National Park, these incredible creatures can also be sighted in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY WELCOMES NEWLY BORN BABY

Hardly had a month elapsed when exciting news circulated the world about increase in the number of critically endangered mountain gorillas, the Rhino Fund Uganda welcomed a newly born male rhino just in the cold Tuesday morning. To enthusiastic conservationists and nature lovers, its indeed good news as this new member adds on the number of these endangered species to 23 in Uganda today. Our sincere thanks go to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the first time mum Uhuru-that denotes freedom. Previously, about 4 mature rhinos were brought to the country from Kenya in a move to re-introduce them in the wild to make a complete list for the big five game. They included 2 (two) males and 2 (two) females. Their existence at this sanctuary has been something motivating for conservationists and nature lovers as their population has kept rising and this promises tourists on Uganda safaris with the most amazing encounters.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located about 176 kilometers away from the capital Kampala just as you head to Murchison Falls National Park. And this will take you about 2 and half hours’ drive along Kampala-Masindi route. For most tourists on Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park, this is a major stopover for them to make a complete list for big rive game in Uganda and if you are planning to spend your next vacation in this park, never miss to pay a visit to the Ziwa sanctuary to catch a glimpse at these beautiful creatures. Most national parks in Uganda mainly inhabit four of the big five game and while on your game drive, you will be amazed by remarkable views of lions, African elephants, buffaloes and leopards and you can add Ziwa sanctuary for rhino tracking to make your complete list. Historically, rhinos became extinct in Uganda in 1983 and efforts have been put to restock them in the national parks so as to boost tourism.

In conclusion, a boom in rhino population in Uganda isn’t only exciting news for enthusiastic conservationists, environmentalists but it is great joy to even tourists. By adding rhino tracking at Ziwa in a safari in Uganda, tourists get the opportunity to catch a glimpse at these amazing creatures that make a complete list of the big five game in the country. Besides, visitors can also incorporate their gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in your bucket list and you will have the most memorable experience in the pearl of Africa. However, more efforts are still needed to ensure that these species and other wildlife are well protected.

FOUR HELD BY POLICE FOR POSSESSING OVER 500KGS OF ANTELOPE MEAT

In an effort to save wildlife species and their habitats in Uganda, about 4 people have been arrested for having over 500 kilograms of antelope meat. The four fell culprits after the vehicle they were transporting meat to Kampala got damaged. This was after police were tipped as blood started flowing from the vehicle the suspects were using. The wild meat is believed to have been hunted from Lake Mburo National Park, western Uganda and about 4 antelopes are said to have been poached. The mostly poached antelope families at this park include elands, impalas, Defassa water bucks, reed bucks as well as zebras. Besides, monkeys, fish, baboon meat was also recovered in July 2017 that was heading to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lake Mburo National Park is one Uganda’s smallest park and extends for about 370 square kilometers and straddles between elevation 1220 and 1828 meters. 20 percent of this protected area consists of wetland habitats. It offers refuge to over 350 avian species including the elusive shoe bill stork, African fin foot, brown chested wattled plover, papyrus gonolek, Abyssinian ground horn bill, African fish eagle, saddle billed stork, white winged warbler, plus other wildlife species like buffaloes, Oribis, Defassa water buck, leopard, hippos, hyenas, Topis, reed buck, impala, eland, topis and many others. The park features more than 13 (thirteen) spectacular Lakes and they make up the 50 kilometer long wetland system that is connected by a swamp. Its woody vegetation consists of acacia, boscia and olea species. Lake Mburo National Park is popular for its amazing safari activities like game drives-in the morning, afternoon and at night; nature walks, launch cruise/boat trips, bird watching and many others.

In conclusion, there is still need to protect Uganda’s wildlife across all protected areas and not only Lake Mburo National Park. To ensure that they survive for future generations, more active conservation policies must be put in place and collaborative effort is required across all stakeholders.

NUMBER OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS DOUBLES IN VIRUNGA REGION

Did you know that mountain gorillas are a few Great Apes whose population keeps increasing regardless of severe threats in the wild? Despite challenges faced by mountain gorillas in the wild, their population has drastically increased especially in the Virunga Massifs more than ever before. 1004 of them thrive on earth today compared to 880 individuals that were recorded previously. Out of 1004 individuals that exist in the world today, over 604 call Virunga Mountain ranges their home and about 400 of them live within the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The Virunga Massifs comprise of the Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda. 41 families are currently present in Virunga with about 14 solitary males. This drastic increase is indeed amazing and this achievement has not just come from nowhere but because of dedicated conservationists who work tirelessly to conserve and protect the lives of these unique primates in their natural habitat and not to leave out the collective efforts from all stakeholders.

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

This is indeed exciting a fact that about 480 mountain gorillas lived in the Virunga Massifs as it was indicated in 2010 gorilla census. The current census shows an increase of about 26% of these rare apes within just 6 years representing approximately 3.8% increase per year. Ideally, this is great success that has been registered in conservation of these apes regardless of challenges they always face especially poaching, spread of human infectious diseases, habitat loss and civil wars that claim their lives. Around 1996, mountain gorillas were listed among the critically endangered apes in the world and in the 1980s; they were not more than 250. When it comes to African safaris to Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo, mountain gorilla safaris feature as major safari highlights in most of visitors’ travel plans.

In conclusion, this drastic increase can be attributed to the collective work to conserve mountain gorillas in the wild by respective government authorities in charge conservation of wildlife, sound and vibrant strategies, policies for conservation, tourism, community programs and other factors. However, regardless of this tremendous achievement in conservation, there is still need for more collective efforts to ensure that their number is maintained or further increase which will ensure their continuity in the wild hence a boost in gorilla tourism in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

UGANDA’S MOST FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS AND WHY

With 10 national parks, Uganda is undoubtedly one of the excellent African destinations with diverse attractions for you to explore while you are on safari in Africa. However, not all these national parks are visited frequently and that why you need to be aware which ones are feature on the top list and why is it so?

Murchison Falls National Park

This park was first gazetted around 1926 and it covers an area of over 3840 square kilometers making it not just Uganda’s largest savanna grassland national park but one of the oldest parks. It first gained its status as a national park in 1952 and it is located northwest of Uganda just along the northern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park mainly characterized by spectacular savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland that thrives mainly in the northern part and the woodland and forest patches in the south. It boasts of its over 76 mammal species, 451 bird species and it is divided by the Victoria Nile where the Mighty Murchison Falls squeezes itself in a 8 meter narrow gorge with a powerful roar into the devil’s cauldron that makes up a permanent rainbow. The park is popular for big game especially elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes as well as other wildlife species like hippos, giraffes, warthogs, baboons, chimpanzees, the Nile crocodiles and both resident and migratory bird species. It is mainly visited for birding, game drives, boat cruise and many other exciting activities.

                                 Murchison Falls

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best described as a medley of wonders for many reasons! Queen Elizabeth National Park covers an area of about 1978 square kilometers and it was established around 1952 as Kazinga National Park but later, it was renamed after 2 years in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth the second after her visit at the park. This park offers refuge to more than 95 species of mammals, 620 bird species and the Katwe explosion craters feature as the highest points of the park and stand at altitude 1350 meters and the lowest point at altitude 910 and it is at Lake Edward. It is Uganda’s second largest national park after Murchison Falls National Park and mostly famous for its diverse ecosystem that comprise of spectacular savanna, humid forests, wetlands that make it a significant habitat for exceptional big game, 10 species of primates which include chimpanzees and more than 620 avian species. It lies at the backdrop of the rugged Rwenzori Mountain ranges and because of its strategic location; the park is undeniably one of the most spectacular natural wonders Uganda has in offer for the world. Besides wildlife, there are also several rolling green hills that offer breathtaking views of the Kazinga channel and its banks that come with hippos, elephants, buffaloes as well as endless Ishasha plains that feature fig trees where tree climbing lions usually hide. The park is situated in western Uganda and the leading safari activities for you to enjoy include chimpanzee trekking, game drive through Kasenyi trail, launch cruise along the Kazinga channel, bird watching and others.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the semi arid valleys along the Karamoja area northeastern Uganda approximately 700 kilometers away from Kampala which makes it the most isolated protected areas. Despite its isolation, the park still features as one of the most explored national park. It covers an area of about 1442 square kilometers and it was gazetted around 1962. It is a home to more than 75 mammal species, 470 bird species which make it one of Africa’s most exceptional national parks.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

If you are interested in tracking the rare mountain gorillas then Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. The park is situated in the southwestern side of Uganda and famous for its over 400 mountain gorillas which represent about half of all those that still exist in the world today. Besides, there are more than 350 bird species for you to spot in addition to mountain gorilla tracking. The park also features several accommodation facilities and visitors on Uganda safari have wide range of options to choose the best lodge for a night stay. The other alternative is Mgahinga National Park which features only one habituated gorilla family. Permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda cost $600 per visitor.

Mountain gorillas at Bwindi

 Kibale Forest National Park

This park lies in western Uganda and comprises of 70 mammal species, 13 primate species with over 1500 chimpanzees which makes it one of the excellent destination in African continent where chimpanzees thrive from and where you can track them while in their natural habitat. Other primates for you to look out at this park include blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys, pottos, bush baby, black and white colobus monkeys and many more. Chimpanzee tracking is however a major safari highlight at this park but you can also incorporate it with bird watching where you will have a chance to sight bird species like the blue headed sunbird, black capped apalis, little greenbul, dusky crimson wing, red faced woodland warbler, blue breasted kingfisher, green breasted pitta, yellow spotted nicator black eared ground thrush, yellow rumped tinker bird and others.

Chimpanzees

In conclusion, if you are planning to have your next trip in Uganda, then the above listed national parks shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. However, you can also combine your safaris in these parks with other national parks like Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.