UGANDA FEATURES THE 5TH BEST EXHIBITOR AT THE 2018 ITB BERLIN TOURISM EXPO

With over 800 participants from Africa, Uganda emerged the 5^th best exhibitor in the African category at the ITB Berlin Travel Expo, 2018. This event was conducted in Berlin capital, Germany as away to meet the set target of over 4 million tourists’ arrivals by 2020. The ITB Berlin Expo is incredibly one of the 4 (Four) main international tourism expos and one of the most significant events to Uganda’s tourism industry as Germany the host country features as the 3^rd source market for most of the visitors to Uganda each year.

UGANDA AT BERLIN TOURISM EXPO

Uganda’s participation at this annual expo started from 7^th to 11^th March and it was planned by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities as well as the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) the national tourism marketing agency in Uganda that facilitated by more than 30 tourism business operators and other stakeholders. UTB had estimated that this year’s expo would see Ugandan firms make deals worth 3 billion Uganda shillings in the week long stay in Berlin. This remarkable event draws various tourism actors across all walks of life with an estimate of over 10000 business participants.

ITB Berlin features as the prime business platform for global tourism offers and exhibitor satisfaction stands at more than 90 percent and this is a sign of effective delivery when it comes to business. Uganda’s tourism today, features among the leading foreign exchange earners contributing about 7 billion Uganda shillings to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Among many natural wonders exhibited at ITB Berlin tourism expo include wildlife (both the big five game in Africa-Lions, Elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos and many other wildlife species), the rare mountain gorillas, adventure products, cultural safaris and many other Uganda packages that were presented by private tour operators, destination management companies and hoteliers.

About 109000 traders and potential visitors who were looking for business opportunities and inspiration for their next vacation came for this expo. ITB the biggest travel exhibitor in the world was officially opened by Germany Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel who also sighted the need for tourism sustainability, the challenges of tourism sector overcrowding and the opportunity which tourism provides in fighting prejudices.

In conclusion, a trip to Uganda is remarkably the perfect way for you to refresh your mind with wilderness experiences and removes the prejudices among travelers. For safari holidays in Africa, Uganda should be a must to visit destination in your travel plan. 

SECOND BIGGEST BIRDING EXPO SET TO BE IN UGANDA

Do you love birding or planning for your birding safari to Uganda? Have you heard about African birding expo? Well, Uganda is set to host the second biggest annual birding expo ever and over $1.4 billion approximately shs. 3.6 trillion Revenue is expected to be generated. For birders on Uganda safari, this tremendous event is set to take place between 7^th and 9^th December 2018 and the biggest number of bird watchers from across the world is expected to come for this remarkable event. The African birding expo is an annual event and several participants take part in it including tour operators, conservation organizations, travel agents and various airline agencies. The event includes touring around Uganda prior and after the expo, talk shows, broad lectures, exhibitions and numerous entertainments. Over 7 birding safaris have been reserved for 2018 and 2019 and about $10 million revenue is expected to be generated for Uganda alone.

Uganda is a home to over 1078 distinct species of birds approximately 10% of the world’s birds and 50% of all Africa’s total avian species and there are over 100 experienced and trained bird guides. This year’s birding expo is one of a kind events and it incorporates primate adventures and wildlife viewing. For visitors on bird watching adventures in Uganda, the notable birds for you to catch a glimpse include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Fin foot, Shoebill stork, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Yellow billed oxpecker, Tiny, Orange tufted, Blue headed, Rwenzori Turaco, Standard winged and Bates Nightjar, Bar tailed trogon, Strange Weaver, Malachite and Regal sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek, Caruthers’ Cisticola, Lagden’s bush shrike, Montane Masked Apalis, Grauer’s warbler, Kivu ground thrush, Archer’s robin chat, Heuglin’s, Green breasted pitta, Red winged and Forest Francolin, Rwenzori and Ituri Batis and many others.

The first African birding expo was conducted between 18^th and 20^th November, 2016 at Botanical Gardens in Entebbe. This attracted over 25 international birders with 70% from USA.

In conclusion, Uganda is truly a bird watcher’s paradise that you must visit while on African safari. Most of these birds have not been fully exploited offering you opportunity to catch a glimpse at the rarest bird species. 

RUSHEGURA GORILLA FAMILY MATRIARCH BUZINZA SAVED FROM ARM INJURY

Like humans, the critically endangered mountain gorillas equally deserve a better health conditions. Firstly, thanks to the endless endeavors of trackers at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park that informed the Gorilla Doctors of Buzinza female gorilla’s arm injury at Rushegura family and her life was saved. It was unfortunate that Buzinza female gorilla wasn’t in position even to carry any heavy things on her arm because of her swollen elbow. Physical examination and x-rays were done to confirm the extent of injuries. She was chemically immobilized and veterinarians obtained x-rays of her arm that also had no fractures and this was good news to hear. However, further examination showed that Buzinza had extensive, infected bite wounds on her elbows and the infection was covering to the bone. It was found that the female gorilla had intense fight that resulted into a severe injury. She was cleaned and her wounds flushed and antibiotics, pain relievers, multivitamins and fluids were administered to her. Samples were also collected for laboratory analysis to ascertain her health status in depth. The good news however, she recovered faster from the anesthesia and began feeding once more within just 2 (two) hours after she got up.

GORILLA DOCTORS TREAT BUZINZA

Rushegura family is part of Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This group is also famous as the R. Group and features among the biggest families with over 19 group members in Bwindi National Park. It was habituated around 2000 for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris and opened in 2002 for trekkers on gorilla adventure. Rushegura family broke off from Habinyanja family.

Conclusion, gorilla families play an important role when it comes to mountain gorilla trekking safaris in any gorilla destination. Each group features a leader whose responsibility is mainly to ensure that the rest of the members are protected and it was good news that the matriarch Buzinza of Rushaga group received maximum treatment. 

THE UNUSUAL FACTS ABOUT HIPPOPOTAMI

Did you know that hippos are the a few most dangerous mammals on earth? While primate adventures (mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking) and big five game spotting has become the most sought after experience in most Uganda’s safari destinations, adding hippos into your bucket list is exceptionally one more thing you should consider in your next holiday to Africa. Hippopotami feature among the very few unique mammals on earth and in Africa, there are 2 (two) species-one in East Africa and in southern Sahara and the pygmy hippos that come in small sizes. And interestingly, they are the third biggest land mammal species.

They love water and this explains why the Greeks describe them as River horse. They spend about 16 hours per day while in Rivers and Lakes to keep themselves cool during the scotching sun. They come in huge bodies and submerge themselves into the water with only nostrils peeping out. Hippopotami are a few most graceful mammals in the water and they are capable of keeping the breath while in the water for about 5 minutes. Interestingly, they are also huge enough to even walk or stand on the Lake floor or simply lie in the shallow water. They weigh around 3600 kilograms and they tap their feet on the ground to propel themselves. Each foot feature 4 toes which distribute their weight. When they get out of water, they produce a red colored substance to cool themselves from the heat and this secretion is called blood sweat. Around evening, they get out of the water to feed given that they are herbivore depending on short grass and can feed for over 6 hours at night feeding up to 68 kilograms or more.

They can also mate and give birth. Their group is called a school and they range from 10 to 30 members in one school with one dominant male. In the dry spell, the dominant male can choose a partner and then other males can fight each other for the left females. Females give birth to one calf at a time either on land or underwater and they weigh about 45 kilograms. After, the mothers leave the school for short time to bond with their calves underwater and after some weeks, the calves can finally exit the water to feed on grass. They are among the most harmful creatures on earth featuring mainly the most powerful jaws and sharp teeth which helps them to crush a crocodile or split a boat in two parts. They can thrive up to 40-50 years and they are also listed in the IUCN Red book as the most vulnerable species as result of continued habitat loss and poaching.

In conclusion, if you are a very keen nature enthusiast, you can easily spot out most of these unusual traits hippos. To explore more about these incredible mammal species in Uganda, a boat cruise should be a must for you and the prime destinations for you to realize your dream include Murchison Falls National Park,  Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and other areas.

COMPARING THE COST OF GORILLA TREKKING BETWEEN 2017 AND 2018

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Africa? Are you interested in mountain gorilla trekking but you do not how much it costs? When you think about African adventures, mountain gorillas feature on top list in most travelers’ itineraries and yet also a certain class is left with no knowledge of how much it costs to go and trek these dramatic creatures. For primate enthusiasts on safari to Africa, there are only 3 most stunning safari destinations that you should add into your travel plan and at the end of day you would have realized that long term dream. And no where else in the world offers that magical encounter except only Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mountain gorilla trekking is generally regarded as a lifetime experience which also comes at a cost. 

SILVERBACK GORILLA

Before you think about undertaking this adventure, it is wise that you first take time and analyze prices of each destination. This will help you make better informed decisions this year as you plan for your vacation to Africa.

Regardless of various factors, the price for gorilla permits at one point or the other must have bared you from realizing your dreams. For travelers on gorilla safaris to Africa, permits in Uganda are sold at $600 per person while in Rwanda, they are sold at $1500 per visitors, meaning you can save up to $900 if you chose to track gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only two protected areas; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Besides the usual treks, there is Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience which takes the whole day and instead of the usual one hour, visitors spend 4 (four) hours with the apes in the wild. This adventure is conducted by researchers, conservationists and visitors and costs $1500 per visitor and Bushaho and Bikingi group are the only two families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where this extraordinary adventure is conducted.

For visitors who are interested in visiting Rwanda, permits are sold at $1500 per visitor and treks are done in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda Development Board increased the cost of  gorilla permits last from $750 to $1500 per person. Volcanoes National Park features 10 habituated families which represent 80 permits. The advantage that Rwanda has over Uganda is that Volcanoes National Park can be accessed within 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport unlike Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park which take up to 9 hours’ or more from Kampala city center or Entebbe International Airport. However, things have also become easier for Uganda where visitors can fly direct from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. The other alternative is setting off from Kigali to Bwindi and Mgahinga and visitors can spend around 3 to 4 hours’ drive to reach southwestern Uganda. Besides, a trip to Bwindi and Mgahinga also comes with several attractions that visitors enjoy along the way which may not be the case with Volcanoes National Park. The best stopover for visitors on gorilla adventures in Uganda are tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Equator and many more wildlife species.

For trekkers who are interested in visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo for this lifetime experience, permits can be purchased at $400 making Congo one of the cheapest destinations for one to achieve his or her dreams. The treks are conducted in the Virunga National Park, East of DR Congo. However, the main challenge is that the country is still recovering from the insecurities.

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel to Africa this year, comparing prices between gorilla destinations ideally is something very crucial. This plays a great role in guiding you especially as you make the best choice on which destination to spend your vacation and at the end of day, you won’t regret in life. With the information provided above we believe that it will be of great value to you as you think of exploring Africa’s Great Apes while in their natural habitat.

WHERE TO GO FOR MANGABEY MONKEY TRACKING IN UGANDA

While majority of travelers on Africa safaris mainly flock for mountain gorilla trekking and the big game encounters, Mangabey Monkey trekking still remains unknown and yet it equally offers the most outstanding primate adventures of lifetime. For visitors who are interested in tracking these rare primates, consider visiting Mabira Forest Reserve a must in your bucket list. Mabira forest reserve stands out in two parts and features as one of the very few tropical rainforests that still thrive in Africa today. Not only is it credited for its floral species but also for its unique fauna species one of which being the rare Mangabey Monkeys. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and covers an area of about 306 square kilometers. It is situated a few kilometers off Kampala city center and depending on visitors speed and traffic jam, the forest is accessible within 45 hours’ drive. This forest boasts of over 312 species of trees, 287 birdlife, 218 butterflies, 97 moths, 23 small mammals.

The Mangabey Monkeys are scientifically called Lophocebus Ugandae the renowned descendant of the old world monkey which is endemic to Uganda. These incredible primates are believed to belong to the grey cheeked mangabey group, a popular taxonomist Colin Gloves conducted research and called them L. Ugandae. They belong to the grey cheeked mangabey and they feature shorter skull and smaller face. They add up the 19 distinct primate species that are renowned to thrive within Uganda and the most looked for primates by most visitors on Uganda primate adventures. They are mainly tracked within Mabira forest which is situated 60 kilometers off Kampala city center.

Given its current status, the Uganda Mangabey Monkeys like the rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, also need to be included in the IUCN Red book list as the endangered species. The grey cheeked mangabey species thrive in different areas on earth and among many include the Congo forest extension to the northern side of Angola. In Uganda, apart from Mabira forest the other tourist sites for you to catch a glimpse at these dramatic primates in the wild include the Semuliki forest, Mpanga, Bugoma, Bujuko, Lwamunda, Sango bay, Kibale and many others.

These unique creatures depend on fruits, specifically figs and shoots, insects and others. They live in communities ranging from five to thirty individuals and in Mabira forest; there are 2 communities that have been habituated for visitor encounters. Other activities for you to enjoy while on safari to Mabira forest include forest walks, birding, cultures especially with the local drama group, zip line adventures and butterfly identification and others. For visitor stay in Mabira Forest, there is Mabira rain forest Lodge, a luxury lodging facility and for budget visitors, the best option is Griffin Falls Camp.

In conclusion, Mabira forest lies within the proximity of Kampala city center and one of the best spots for you to catch a glimpse at the rare Uganda Mangabey monkeys while they are in their natural habitat. The Uganda Mangabey Monkeys are few primates that still remain unexploited and a trek to see them rewards visitors with authentic experiences. For primate enthusiasts, this is the best site that you should consider including in your bucket list and you won’t regret in life. 

THE MOST REMARKABLE REPTILES IN UGANDA

Uganda is described as the pearl of Africa for a reason. Uganda is one of the destinations which is blessed with variety of distinct wildlife, big cats, reptiles, herbivores, amphibians, Great apes as well as avian species. Depending on what your interests are, Uganda is naturally gifted and your dreams will certainly come true once you land into this stunning country for vacation; Below are some of the most outstanding reptile species that you shouldn't miss to include in your travel plan.

The puff adder; this is one of the commonest snakes in the savanna grassland national parks in Uganda. It feeds on rodents and can strike at humans when threatened.

The rock python; this is the biggest snake in Africa. It stretches up to five meters in length and has gold on black mottled kind of skin. Pythons can kill although they are regarded as non venomous. They wrap their bodies around the prey and after swallow it all. After, they leave and nap for about 2 (two) months. They depend on rodents, small antelopes and they can kill small children. These incredible snakes can be sighted in bat cave in Maramangambo forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Black mambas; these are very poisonous and they can kill human beings. They are faster in movement and only strike once they are attacked. The black mambas are not black as the names may suggest but the inside part of their mouth is black. They are largely sighted around eastern side of Uganda.

Green mambas; these are not as aggressive as the black mambas but they are poisonous. They are commonly sighted in trees, shrubs, bushes and at times in the roofs of people’s home.

Gabon viper; this features as the biggest African viper. It stretches up to two meters long, has heavy build, black and brown skin pattern with some gold on it.

Boom slang; this is a tree snake that is non fangs and it is not aggressive and yet very toxic. Others include green tree snake, mole snake, and egg eating snakes, cobras and many more.

Crocodiles; Uganda refuges the largest number of Nile crocodiles. They can be best sighted while on boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga channel and on Lake Mburo National Park. Nile crocodiles largely depend on fish and can also feed on mammals.

Uganda also refuges a number of lizards that come in various types. There are both water monitor and savanna monitor lizards. The water monitor lizards can be sighted along the Kazinga channel and the savanna monitor savanna.

Besides, there are also Chameleons which are credited for their camouflage. Chameleons come in various kinds and some of them include the flap necked chameleon and this is normally seen in savanna and wooded places. It stretches for around 15 cm long, bright and green in color and they can also grow twice their usual body size and can change brown under given conditions. There is also Graceful chameleon-yellow and green in color, white stripe along the flanks of it, giant chameleon.

In conclusion, the most commonly sighted reptiles in Uganda include the Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, chameleons and at times turtles.