JINJA TO HOST THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

Each year, Uganda joins the rest of the world on 27^th September to commemorate World Tourism Day. This year’s event will be hosted in Jinja where key players will reflect on the significances and benefits of tourism sector. It is promoted each year by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Worldwide, the tourism sector features the third biggest export after the chemicals and fuels. In Uganda alone, it generated about $1.4 billion in 2016/2017 and also features as one of the major areas with many job opportunities and accounts for about a million people that are employed in tourism related enterprises. 

This year’s celebrations in Uganda will be conducted based on the theme ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’. This also comes with a line-up of activities that stated from 6^th till 27^th September. This is aimed at creating awareness, promote tourism and build capacity among stakeholders. The event commenced with Uganda Hotels and Restaurant Expo from sixth to eighth at Hotel Africana and the other events that followed include tourism forums and workshops, Sport gala and diner, smart youth conference, Tulambule Busoga region-an initiative that is aimed at promoting domestic tourism, cultural and trade exhibition, tourism night and others. This event is organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, private sector apex body, Hotel and Tourism Training Institute and Uganda Tourism Association.

Jinja itself features a number of tourist attractions and it is a popular adrenaline adventure capital in East Africa. It is famous for its breathtaking adventure experiences such as bungee jumping one of a few adventures that offer you opportunity to kiss the waters of the mighty source of the Nile, white water rafting, jet boat adventures up the River Nile rapids, kayaking, horseback riding, boat rides/cruise, quad bike tours, sunset cruise, houseboat safaris on Lake Victoria and many others. Along the way, you will be amazed by the stunning landscape, extensive sugarcane plantations and remarkably, pay a visit to Mabira forest and explore most of its primates, birds and plant life and then continue for your lifetime adventure experiences at the Source of the Nile in Jinja. 

 In conclusion, World Tourism Day is a global event and it is one of great significance for particular tourism destinations to discuss and recognize the importance of the tourism sector. Jinja in particular is one of Uganda’s most endowed tourism destination of its own. If you are adventure or nature lover, it is a right place for you to visit.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE THREATENS GAINS MADE IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Unlike other industries, tourism sector is the most fragile and all stakeholder need to be keen on it at all times the fact that anything can tarnish the destination’s image. Looking at the recent protests in Arua and Kampala, they pose high threat on the nation’s tourism sector and yet this is a major foreign exchange earner. Uganda’s tourism sector is dependent on nature whereby thousands of tourists confine into this country to see its beautiful wildlife species in the national parks (Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park), reserves, zoo and many more. While endeavors are put to ensure that these natural treasures are well protected, there is need to also blend good image about the destination to the world market. This can be done especially by minimizing violent protest that sell negative image about destination that at end makes most travelers cancel their trips something that impacts hugely on the tourism sector.

On 27^th September, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day which will take place in Jinja and the chief guest will be H.E. President Yoweri Museveni. During lay out of the plans for this year’s celebrations, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus several officials in this sector noted a spike in visitor arrivals especially on the American market and this was attributed to political violence and negative image. Tourism is one of the prime Forex earners in Uganda’s national economy and in 2015, over $1.35 billion. It contributes approximately 10 percent of Uganda’s GDP representing over 7.3 billion shillings in 2015 alone and created about 8 percent employment opportunities due to ideal political climate in the country. However, when political violence starts higher chances are that some tourists will be forced to cancel their trips. Last year, Uganda was ranked among the 5 top African safari destinations. But many other global travel guides especially Rough guides and InterNations have accorded Uganda good publicity that makes it one of the most sought after tourist destination.

In conclusion, Uganda is one of the most endowed countries when it comes to natural attractions. With a lot more to enjoy in this country, there is need to improve on destination’s image so as to attract most tourists.

RWANDA DISCOUNTS GORILLLA PERMIT FEES

With $1500 that you need in order to secure a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, perhaps not everyone can afford this. The fact that gorilla tourism has become one of the most sought after experiences not only in Rwanda but also the world at large Rwanda’s tour operators have however welcomed the 30% low season discount permit fees. Last year, government of the republic of Rwanda doubled the cost of permits bringing the cost to $1500 per visitor from the original $750 with a view to position itself as a high end tourist destination. As a result, about 60% of the clients could have been lost by most tour operators. To trek mountain gorillas is a lifetime experience that visitors can be part of only while on safari in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

To have a balance or boost on the gorilla adventures in the country, discount in gorilla permits can be amazing news for primate enthusiasts on Rwanda safari. Interested visitors will however pay $1050 especially between November and May. Besides, visitors who spend about 3 days in this nation and also pay a visit to its national parks especially Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park also enjoy these benefits. Depending on clients’ budget, the increase in prices to see these Great apes in one way could have led most of the tourists to cross over to Uganda where permits cost only $600 per person. If wisely calculated, you realize you have much to save that you can use for other purposes or engage in variety of experiences in addition to gorilla trekking. The increase in the cost of gorilla permit was mainly intended to position Rwanda as luxury tourist destination and promote conservation by cutting down on the number of trekkers while also maintaining revenues. Crossing another destination like Uganda meant that tour operators had to incur additional cost of 20 percent and 30 percent for COMESA insurance something that left most tour operators confused and led to loss of visitors the fact that Uganda became the best alternative for them to track mountain gorillas.

To obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda, you must part away with $1500 and this offers you opportunity to strike your imaginations with the Great apes in only one hour. In Uganda, you need 600 dollars and in the DR Congo, you need $400. You can secure your permit in any of the countries through a tour operator and for this case, Maranatha Tours and Travel is a reliable and trust worthy local tour operator you can think of. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are conducted in only Volcanoes National Park, in Uganda, it is in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while in the DR Congo you will pay a visit to Virunga National Park but Virunga is closed till 2019.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a lovely primate adventure that is only conducted in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To be part of this lifetime adventure, you must have secured a gorilla permit and that is why we are readily available to help you realize your dreams in Africa.

KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK RANKED AMONG THE TOP 8 SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

A fact that very many splendid protected areas exist in Africa and the world at large, making the best choice on which destination for one to have lifetime experience becomes a big challenge. However, for many years, Kidepo Valley National Park has featured and still ranked among a few exceptional safari destinations in Africa and no wonder it has once again featured among the best 8 (eight) safari destinations in this continent. It featured in the CNN ranking and it is remarkably a few national parks with the most splendid sceneries. It is the most isolated park in Uganda and if your dream has always been to have authentic travel experience then take a tour to this beautiful protected area and you will be guaranteed. This park boasts of its extensive plains of Kidepo and Narus Valley which are over shadowed by the mountain scapes of the Morungole-a home to endangered Ik people. Besides, its sceneries are very appealing and in fact worth to be the most beautiful park in the continent. It was ranked together with the Zimbabwe’s Hangwe National Park, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Kalahari Desert, Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

In addition, it boasts of its diverse tourist attractions including more than 77 mammal species, 475 avian species that make it also the second destination with the highest number of birds just after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The rare birds that live in this park include the black breasted barbet and Karamoja apalis. Others include the little weaver, Silverbird and small band of yellow billed shrike, Nubian woodpecker, mosque swallow, superb and Ruppell’s starlings, vinaceous dove, ostriches, long tailed and standard winged night jar, Egyptian vultures, pygmy falcons, Verreaux’s eagle, Kori bustards, Abyssinian and Rufous crowned rollers, yellow rumped seed eater, broad tailed warblers, crimson rumped waxbill a mention but a few. Its faunal species include African lions, leopards, African elephants, bushbucks, elands, Rothschild giraffes, side striped jackals, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, bat eared fox, klipspringer and others. This park is good for game drives, hiking, birding, nature walks, community walks and many more. If you are on safari and you feel Kidepo isn’t enough then Murchison Falls National park should be a must to visit where you will be amazed by the powerful roar of dramatic Murchison falls, embark on wildlife safari to see its big game and several savanna grassland wildlife species or launch cruise to catch a glimpse at numerous crocodiles, hippos and aquatic bird species. Besides, Uganda has for long been regarded and still a destination where you find all that Africa has to offer. It is the perfect destination for ape watching especially mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo forest reserve, Kibale forest national park and many other areas.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park can be reached both by road and by air. By road, you will drive from Kampala through Lira, Kotido, Kaabong and then you connect to the park and this covers about 705 kilometers. You can also drive from Kampala through Mbale, Soroti, Matany, Kaabong and then to Kidepo national park. The other route takes you from Kampala via Gulu, Kitgum and then to the park. To reach this park, you will need to hire a four wheel drive safari vehicle to help you navigate through the remotest routes that lead visitors to the park. By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and then land into Lomej airstrip which is next to the park headquarters. On flight, you will spend about 2 hours compared to about 10 to 12 hours’ drive on road.

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

The available accommodation options for visitor overnight stay at this park include Apoka safari lodge, Apoka hostel and Apoka rest camp.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park is undoubtedly a wilderness area with hidden gem for you to explore while on safari in Uganda. Due to its wilderness, it is that one tourist destination that rewards travel endeavors with true African experiences.

THE LEGACY OF DIAN FOSSEY

Ever heard of Dian Fossey or you need to know more about her conservation work? Around the 70s, 80s and 90s, the survival of Apes in Africa had the darkest bit of history. Gorillas and chimpanzees continuously encountered conflict, persecution and poaching from all kinds of humans. Credit then goes to Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall under the guidance of Louis Leakey a fact that the world got to know about their plight in the wild. When Jane Goodall had succeeded in her research on chimpanzees in Gombe Tanzania, Leaky felt that a same study be conducted on mountain gorillas within the Virunga Area and Orangutans Indonesia. Goodall was passion for chimpanzees helped her during her research on complex behavior from these large apes. She discovered that these great apes live in societies and had many traits which include among others waging war against the neighboring rivals. She also managed to come up with how compassionate, affectionate and inventive chimpanzees are. The two then became great primatologists recognized worldwide.

Dian Fossey was born in 1932; California but later grew up with a very strict step dad who was also a business. She didn’t have that parental love something that made love animals instead. She set off for a 7 week tour to Africa where she paid a visit to Tsavo National Park, Mount Mikeno, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. At Olduvai Gorge, she met Leakey family who briefed her on Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees in Gombe. Her first sight at the rare mountain gorillas while on wildlife and gorilla safari in Uganda during her first visit. From Uganda, she spent some time in Rhodesia and later went to Louisville. Several articles were written by her and this impressed Leaky when she had her presentation. She learnt most of the gorillas’ behaviors.

She played exceptional role towards conservation of these critically endangered apes and conducted research. She established Karisoke research center to aid her work on primate conservation however, she still faced challenges across different parties. In order to keep Dian Fossey’s work vibrant, there is Dian Fossey International Fund which was founded to continue with her duties. Her work is worth appreciating a fact that today, these critically endangered apes have increased in number and the world boasts of more than a 1000 individuals.

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.