5 REASONS WHY UGANDA SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Not sure of which country to visit for gorilla trekking? If yes, then think not beyond Uganda! This is incomparably one of a few most exceptional travel destinations in the world that gets you that great deal to catch a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. There are only 3 countries in the world where these creatures thrive from and Uganda is one of them. Others include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite this fact, the choice you make does matter a lot when it comes to this primate adventure and that is why Uganda has a million reasons for you to consider for this life changing experience. In Uganda, they are confined within the dense tropical rain-forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. Currently, they remain fewer than 1004 worldwide a significant increase that has been recorded compared to about 254 individuals in 1981.

Below are some of the reasons why you should trek mountain gorillas in Uganda

Home to the largest number of mountain gorillas

About 500-604 mountain gorillas are all confined within Uganda, one reason you need to consider it a must to explore while on gorilla safari in Africa. Due to huge numbers, Uganda also boasts of many habituated gorilla families which have been set for visitors to track each day-one factor that also sets this country apart from other gorilla destinations. Over 17 groups have been habituated in Uganda and readily set for your exploration. Gorilla treks in Uganda the pearl of Africa are conducted within only Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in its 4 main areas (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) each of these has its own habituated families. Buhoma sector has groups like Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe and Rushegura; Ruhija-Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro; Nkuringo has Nkuringo and Christmas while Rushaga comprises of Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye and Bweza. In Mgahinga, it is only Nyakagezi that is set for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to track. The continued increase in the number of these creatures in Uganda is attributed to strict conservation measures that have been set for every visitor on gorilla safari to observe while in the wild in search for these special creatures.

Cheaper gorilla permits

If your dream is to trek gorillas in Africa, Uganda should be a must to visit. This magical landlocked country still offers relatively cheaper gorilla permits thus making it a few affordable gorilla destinations. Compared to Rwanda, gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and this applies for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents. You can obtain a permit in Uganda through a trusted, reliable and recognized ground tour operator or through a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

Support local residents to save mountain gorillas and their habitat

The success in gorilla conservation is entirely a collective effort from all stake holders and if one side is left out then positive results may not be realized and that is why your visit to Uganda matters a lot when it comes to survival these creatures and safety of their habitat. These wild creatures still face several threats one of which is habitat loss which is impacted by various human practices including among others farming, human settlement. This is also as a result of increased poverty and population in the adjacent communities around the parks where these creatures thrive. A visit to Uganda for gorilla trek doesn’t mean only to view gorillas but also for you to take part in a number of activities for instance village walks, cultural encounters especially in the Batwa and Bakiga communities that reward travel endeavors with authentic African cultural experiences.

A trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is a lifetime experience

A gorilla trek in Uganda takes you to southwestern side whose landscape or terrain is characterized by terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes thus rewarding you with magical views over this country’s breathtaking landscape. By embarking on a hike through this challenging terrain while on gorilla safari is undoubtedly a lifetime adventure. To get to your assigned gorilla family on the other hand equally requires some physical wellness in you as it involves hiking through the dense tropical rain-forest and steep slopes while in search for these magnificent creatures.

Visitors have variety to enjoy in Uganda

Uganda best described as the pearl of Africa for many reasons. Ideally, it is a host to nearly all that Africa has to offer to the world. Besides mountain gorillas, you also have a chance to view a number of creatures including L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys as well as chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest while on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Besides, don’t miss to catch a glimpse at varied savanna dwellers including the big game-Elephants, buffaloes, lions plus tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, leopards, rhinos as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, topis, birds especially shoebill storks, African green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, Great blue turaco and others;

OVER 230 ISRAEL TOURISTS JET INTO UGANDA FOR TOURISM EXCURSION

Uganda is remarkably a country with exceptional hospitality and very warm welcoming people. A country whose doors are ever open to its travelers to realize their dreams! Where else in Africa can you find all that this magical continent has to offer to the world if not only in Uganda-the true pearl of Africa? Just as a new month has set in, over 230 tourists from Israel have jetted into this spectacular to explore its wonders. The group embarked on a direct flight and landed at the Entebbe Airport on 13^th February. They were however cleared by the security and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) prior checking into their respective hotels. They intend to explore Uganda’s varied tourist sites till 16^th February 2019

The outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board Mr. Stephen Asiimwe added that this never came from the blues or due to controversial ‘Miss Curvy Uganda” beauty contest but rather after a long time engagement with Israel that resulted in this amazing visit. He further said that the chartered plane jetted into the pearl of Africa in the afternoon (1pm) with approximately 250 tourists from Tel Aviv-the capital city of Israel who are intend to explore the country’s diverse touristic sites. Uganda Tourism Board has been and still marketing the country outside that includes Israel.

The first tourist site for them to pay a visit is the old building at the old airport that during the reign of Idi Amin was raided by Israeli commandos in a rescue mission after the plane was hijacked and the Israeli passengers taken hostage. They will also pay a visit to various national park where they take part in different safari activities as well as the Jewish community in Mbale, the scenic source of River Nile in Jinja and many cultural sites different parts of the country. Their visit also comes at a time when the Minister of Tourism Pro. Ephraim Kamuntu is heading the contingent from Uganda Tourism Board and many other private sector players in Tel Aviv to engage in the International Mediterranean Tourism Market. Tel Aviv Yafo Israel comprises of a population of over 8 million people with GDP of about $400 billion and per capita income of over $40000 which makes it an ideal tourism market for a country like Uganda to tap into.

Uganda is one of Africa’s most endowed safari destinations with 10 national parks where most of its diverse wildlife species are inhabited. They include Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park where the rare mountain gorillas are inhabited, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Besides mountain gorillas, other wildlife species that Uganda boasts of include elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, the rare tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, over 1080 bird species and many others.

BISHOP HANNINGTON SHRINE

This shrine is situated within Kyando village, about 20 kilometers off Mayuge district, 30 kilometers off Jinja and straddles within 220 acre land. It is here that Bishop James Hannington and 48 of his African helpers were murdered on 29^th October 1885. Each year, Christians from Busoga diocese pay pilgrimage to this site on 29^th October. This memorial site is said to be the spot of the first and largest Christian martyrdom in Uganda and today it is remarkably another most significant tourist site within Busoga sub-region. It is here where the first missionaries paid a visit to Uganda from Britain but unfortunately, he was killed in cold blood. His death was prompted by longtime suspicion and prophesies that Kabaka Mwanga’s rule could be overthrown by people coming from the east. At a time when Bishop Hannington and his helpers entered Busoga under Chief Lube-one of Kabaka’s collaborators, a message reached Mwanga who due to panic quickly ordered for the elimination of the invading strangers. The Kabaka had fear that Christianity was growing fast among his subjects and to him, was a huge threat to his rule. To get to this site, there are signposts to direct you.

Today, there is a stone to mark and remember the point that Bishop was killed. It is protected with an iron sheet hut shaped shelter that is situated downhill at the end of the road which leads to the rocky Kyando hill where the bishop did most of his activities prior his murder. While at this shrine, you will have a chance to learn more about Bishop Hannington and his men. There are marked spots and rocks which are believed to have been of great value to bishop. The center piece that is an enclosed stone is found downhill and marks a spot or shrine where this bishop was tortured and killed. There are also other spots which mark various activities that the bishop did and rocks on Kyando hill there is a cave that is said to be bishop’s bedroom. Across from the bedroom, there is a painted rock that said to have been a spot where Bishop used to preach from. There is also a pulpit and this was a library that is believed that the bishop read from.

It is estimated to generate about shs.500 million each year from religious tourism. The project was initiated by local government together with church and liaised with speaker Rebecca Kadaga

Its existence is no longer the issue for Mayuge but a national issue. The site is believed to impact positively on the tourism sector of this region. Most visitors come to spend a night here and the next day, they wish to explore incredible tourist sites and the islands have been the order of the day. Interestingly, government has also been trying to mainstream religious tourism by identifying all sites which have something unique for visitors to explore.

Where to stay while on safari at Bishop Hannington shrine

There has been a big challenge especially when it comes to where visitors can spend a night but this has been solved by 2 billion facility known as Century Hannington Resort Cottages.

In conclusion, if your dream has always been to explore what nature holds in Busoga region then a visit to Kyando hill should be a must for you. This area comes with breathtaking views over the Busoga’s green belt and they serve as a proof that your exploration despite the hurdles wasn’t in vain. This site isn’t best for leisure but also for you to find spiritual healing.