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The East African Community Should Jointly Market its Tourism

As Uganda pushes to revive a tourism sector that was badly beaten by the ripple effects of the covid-19 pandemic Ms Lilly Ajarova, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer told Guide to Uganda that regional countries have more to win if they jointly marketed their tourism to the world.

The world is opening up after covid-19 lockdowns, how is Uganda positioning itself to revive a tourism sector that previously was the biggest foreign exchange earner?

We do appreciate the fact that the world is opening up. As the Uganda Tourism Board, we are doing our best to push Uganda as a destination such that we achieve more numbers. The number of visitors that had fallen down to zero during the times of total lockdowns is now picking up. We believe that by the end of this year, we should have reached a million visitors.

Is the new destination branding part of this plan?

The new branding, explore Uganda, is to redefine the destination and what it has to offer on the continent. It is intended to see visitors spending more time and money in Uganda.

In refreshing our destination brand, we want everyone to understand what the Pearl of Africa means and the several attractions that it has to offer that they should explore.

You recently launched a drive in Kenya to increase visitors from there, why Kenya and what is this campaign?
For us to be able to target a particular market, we have to first carryout intensive research. While we have started with Kenya, our research has revealed other African countries like Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Ethiopia. These are key African markets that can offer so much. These are the continent’s biggest economies and that means that people there have more disposable incomes so we are looking to tap in that for adventure, nature and also religious tourism.

In Kenya for example, we are partnering with several tour operators that can sell packages that include destination Uganda to their clients.

How do you plan to market in Africa, increase international visitors yet Uganda’s tourism sector is one of the least funded in the region? 

The fact is that the investment that government is making in the tourism sector is very limited and inadequate. However there has been an argument by government that other investments it is doing in sectors like infrastructure and security contributes to tourism. We do appreciate that. But some countries that take tourism so serious have gone ahead to use a formula where by at least 5 per cent of their national budget goes to funding tourism promotion. While there has been an improvement in Uganda over the years, we still need more funds. 

What are your thoughts on the region jointly marketing tourism?

We have actually just come up with a new EAC marketing strategy after we were disrupted by COVI9-19. There are a lot of opportunities in marketing the region as one destination because there are things unique to the different countries that make up the region. Whereas there are attractions that that all countries have like safari and we are competing against each other, we should lookout for those unique attractions of each country. What is in Kenya that is not in Uganda? What is in Tanzania that is not in Rwanda? Then we can brand and market those as a whole package. That will mean that instead of a tourist visiting one country, they can be able to visit more than one.

What are some of key challenges apart from the funding?
We still have a number of challenges in infrastructure, poor internet connections. We need to see capacity increase of the Entebbe airport and rehabilitation of the aerodromes around the country to facilitate faster movement of visitors.

We also have a challenge of human resource throughout the tourism value chain that can be able to offer high quality services.

Most importantly, we need to invest more in creating awareness about the destination all over the world.

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Conversation Uganda Style – How To Talk in Uganda

 You might speak English but come from a far away from such as Ireland, the south of the USA, from Australia or New Zealand or you might speak English as a second language coming from Germany, Italy or India.

You assume that everyone who speaks English will understand you, not quite so.

There are nuances, different uses of words, there is the speed with which you might speak or that a Ugandan will use, all making a conversation even if your mother tongue is one form of English or another hard to understand.

There is also some social etiquette involved, we might be used to being direct and to the point whereas here conversation is relational and you being to the point will seem rude to a Ugandan.

Hopefully, this will help you on your visit for Business, Uganda Safari, or Short Term Volunteer work.

This page is to help you to have a good conversation Ugandan Style…enjoy.

•Begin any conversation with a greeting: Never ask for anything first such as directions first. If you cannot speak any Luganda or Swahili the simple “how are you” will be understood by almost anyone even if they do not understand English.

That phrase, a three-year-old will answer in Uganda with “fine.” Speak in a soft tone as is the practice here until people get to know you, then you will find the volume can go up quite a bit.

Even waiters and waitresses will respond positively if you greet them first before ordering a coke or something. Keep your questions simple, especially if you are out in the country and someone speaks a limited kind of English.

Ugandans will speak at least two, but many speak three languages and in some cases, the two Ugandan languages will not be related since a person may be from the North and not of Bantu origin, but Luganda Phrases helpful during your trip to Uganda speak Luganda because they reside in Kampala.

Yet they grew up with a form of Swahili and or Luo for example, most Westerners especially coming from the USA will only speak one language. If you are both standing, greet by offering your hand, a handshake does miracles here, usually, it is not too firm.

•If you know someone: Treat them with kindness such as you would your own family. Greet with a handshake inquiring as to how they are, how their family is, and so on. This is respect; in Buganda culture, direct eye contact is avoided out of respect, not a sign of rudeness or an attempt to hide something.

•Introducing someone: Not too long ago I heard a famous person in Uganda, a person who had written countless newspaper articles, had been interviewed by national and international press both printed and TV, simply by his last name. His title “Pastor” was never used, his first name not included, in Uganda, we would say “that’s bad manners.” When introducing someone says something complimentary, yet truthful, showing that you respect the person that is being introduced.

•When a child or woman kneels in front of you: That is a Buganda culture sign of respect. Whenever my house girl (Ugandan term for a domestic servant) comes back from shopping, she kneels as she gives me the balance (change).

When she arrives in the morning in the morning with her child, she will do the same and I will inquire how her night was? How her daughter is? Simply a sign of respect, young boys will do the same. In this culture, a man of my age is called a Mzee, an elder a person who has acquired wisdom along his journey in life.

I do not know about that but I need to respect the local culture and give time to the person who every day comes to my house to clean things up. When I give a treat to the little daughter who is three, she will also kneel and say thank you in Luganda. I can only accept it and be humbled by it since the culture where I come from is quite direct, to the point, and does not make the effort to be relational.

•Speaking down to a person: I have often seen Westerners speak down to people if they were a little child in a most patronizing way. At times the recipients have been University students. Africans are not stupid, but we leave a bad impression on them and disrespect them if we speak down to a person and the communication between us will be blocked.

•Do not make promises or hints of such: I have often seen and overheard Westerners make promises as to this or that. Never make promises that you do not intend to keep or cannot keep simply by trying to impress. Africans have been disappointed enough by idle promises coming from the lips of Westerners. (Privately they will tell you of their disappointment)

•When a Ugandan asks you for something: Asking in Ugandan culture is not wrong and neither is saying no. I live in a Ugandan neighborhood and am approached all day long with requests and most often in a smiling manner I will politely say no and not lose the friendship that is there.

•Remember the Keep it simple principle: If you see signs for guest houses, lodges, hotels, do not ask if there are any accommodations in this town? If the special hire is the term for taxi and taxi is a mini-bus and part of the mass transport system in Uganda, do not ask for a taxi when you want a special hire. If you ask if there is a vacancy you will get a stare, but if you ask for a room, most likely you will have one.

You will learn quickly. If you use tea for dinner in your use of English, it is not used here, use dinner, or simply you would like to eat your meal this evening. Begin simple and you can increase your level of sophistication and vocabulary depending on the response. I have a friend who lives in a village in a small house, wears sandals outside, looks anything like a person who is extremely good at the use of the English language. Looks deceive, he has traveled all over the world as a speaker at conferences and is a former professor at Makerere University.

•Listen carefully: And you will learn.

•Do not use slang: You will get a look like you just came from another planet

•If frustrated keep calm: Losing your cool is generally seen as bad manners and you are seen as a weak person.

•Toilet, washroom, bathroom: You will get a blank stare at times when asking for such, but mention short call, everyone here will know that you are not making a short phone call, but need to use the facilities.

•Yes and Yes: If a Ugandan does not understand you at times, they will still answer with “yes” so as to not be humiliated. Keep that in mind.

•Pronunciations: Don’t laugh at such things.

•You are fat: Here it is not an insult but an observation, and in some cases, a compliment, simply laugh. Enjoy Uganda and Ugandans, take it easy and you will have a great time.

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Planning a Family Safari in Uganda

No safari feeling beats the excitement of seeing your children encounter wildlife in the wild and not within Zoos. Therefore undertaking a family safari is a dream of a lifetime and definitely the best gift you can ever give your children. One thing you will be sure of is that these memories will be shared their entire lives but before you even make a bucket list, there are a number of things to be considered. These include; safari destinations to visit, best time to go for the family safari and what activities are in stock for the children?

Why go to Uganda for your family safari?

Having experienced safaris in several countries within Eastern, Western and Southern Africa region, travellers find many reasons to return to Uganda for trips with children. Therefore the country is wonderful for family safaris for a number of reasons that include.

Numerous game species

From seeing the big five game (Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes and Lions) to the primates, antelopes, Rothschild giraffes, wide array of bird species and Hippos, Uganda has it all.

Remarkable family-friendly National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

The 10 National Parks and 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda offer visitors, especially children the opportunity to see different species of animals in their natural environment. These places are scattered around the country and most interestingly are malaria-free hence perfect for families with infants.

Additionally, there are numerous family-friendly adventures in Uganda that travellers can freely combine with other safaris.

Which Ugandan destinations are best for family safaris?

There are a number of destinations in Uganda to visit for family safaris and they include;

Murchison falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is situated about 305 kilometers from Kampala, in the north-western side of Uganda. For families looking for self-drive tours in this Park, all that is needed is paying Park entrance fees and freely explore the safari destination. For $40 per person (foreign non-residents), $30 per person for foreign residents and Shs. 20,000 per person for East African residents, adults are offered entry into this Park for 24 hours while children pay $20 for foreign non-residents, $10 for foreign resident and Shs. 5000 for East African residents. Over 76 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, breathtaking waterfalls and other stunning sceneries are offered here. This Park also offers several family-friendly places of lodging (Camps, Lodges or Campsites).

Lake Mburo National Park

Family safaris in Uganda are incomplete without visits to Lake Mburo National Park. This small savannah Park is the closest to Kampala City and offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation facilities. Interestingly, some of these Safari Lodges/Tented Camps have swimming pools for cooling-off after mid-morning and afternoon tours. The activities-guided game drives, horseback rides, boat cruises and walking safaris are all children-friendly.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is another popular safari destination in Uganda and interestingly offers unforgettable safari experiences for all ages. It hosts over 95 mammal species and about 600 bird species in addition to magnificent landscapes. It is not just adults that are left open-mouthed by the raw beauty of this wilderness area and its numerous animals but also children are mesmerized. Activities such as game drives, hot air balloon tours, swimming, bush walks near the places of lodging, community tours and boat cruises are open to children younger than 10 years.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park seems uncomfortable for children, given its dense vegetation and mountainous slopes but worry not because as adults go gorilla trekking, children can be booked for simple forest walks, mountain biking and cultural tours.

When is the perfect time to undertake family safaris in Uganda?

Uganda is an all-year round safari destination but the perfect time to undertake family safaris is between June and September or December and February when game viewing opportunities are at the climax.

What to pack for family safaris in Uganda

You don’t need a special packing list for family safaris in Uganda but be at liberty to add children’s stuff on the trip. However, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunhat or cap, anti-malarial tablets, exciting wildlife guidebooks, rain jacket, pair of binoculars, insect repellant, comfortable closed shoes, camera, backpacks and re-usable water bottles are essential for family safaris in Uganda.

Important tips on planning a successful family safari in Uganda

• Prepare early and incorporate ideas from all family members.
• Check the place of lodging to ascertain that children are allowed before making bookings and avoiding disappointments at the last minute.
• Feel free to make your interests known to the Tour Operator so that you can be offered the best and family-friendly itineraries.
• Keep children focused and interested during the safari by securing cameras and binoculars to allow them also identify different animals during the family safari.

Choose age-appropriate activities. You can’t plan only a gorilla safari with putting into consideration the activities to be undertaken by younger children.

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Uganda Car Rental Break Downs: What You Need to Know

The great tales of the amazing, untradeable, and priceless experiences of a Uganda self drive safari have been a special inspiration to a number of people who have attempted or are planning to attempt a self drive safari in Uganda and beyond. The photography, the culture, the landscapes, the wildlife, the music, and the people of Uganda blended together form an exceptional package that motivates and inspires many to make Uganda their next destination.

Many have had successful self drive safaris in Uganda. Just a browsing through Trip advisor will introduce you to countless individuals retelling how special their self drive experience was in Uganda. Of course when things go well for the majority, the minority tend to be ignored. But what if you are one of the candidates for minorities? Thing of those who had a terrible experience during their self drive safari in Uganda and learn from them so that you do not make the same mistakes they made.

There are many things that may ruin your self drive safari in Uganda. Some of which have nothing to do with the kind of car you have hired. So lets ignore everything that isn’t in line with the car break down related problems and simply focus on everything that is car break down related that is likely to ruin your self drive adventure in Uganda.

Booking with wrong Car rental Agency

There are a number of things that come into play for a successful self drive safari in Uganda. Do not be fooled by the fact that an agency has an available car for hire. Of course many will tell you to focus on the price differences and choose out the one offering you the best price. But the most important question to ask before falling for this trick is what happens when I break down during my self drive adventure in Uganda or beyond?

There are always five options that will come into play in case of a car break down; Car towing, Jump starts, Fuel delivery, on-road repairs, or  switching to another car

On- Road Repairs- Minor Car Breakdowns

There are number of things that might break during your self drive safari in Uganda. These include but not limited to tires, shock absorbers, oil leakage, short circuited fuse, brakes, and any other damages. Most of these damages can be fixed on the road while some will require you to visit a nearby mechanic probably in the next town center.

This implies that you might even lose half a day in repairs. The question is who compensates for the lost time? Sometimes the contract makes provision for repairs which implies that you will not be compensated for any time lost as long as it does not go beyond 24 hours. Due to the fact that you are driving off-road, break downs are anticipated thus the costs of the lost time has to be shared. Therefore this has to be discussed in detail before you hire a car to avoid a straight punch in the gut when you table your compensation concerns at the end of your self drive adventure in Uganda.

Total Shut Down- Major Car Break Downs

There are mainly three things that are likely to cause a total car shut down during your self drive safari in Uganda; fuel shortage/quality, battery failure, and unidentified technical issues. Therefore when you find yourself in a place where your car cannot start, you have to check for the battery whether it is powering, whether you have fuel and from which kind of gas station did you last fuel from? Fuel stations located in swampy areas are not recommended because sometimes their fuel can get mixed up with some water in case of any floods. This kind of fuel can cause total shut down for that car until it is diluted with quality fuel.

The issue of fuel and the battery can easily be dealt with however much it can cause total shut down for the car during your self-drive adventure in Uganda. You can easily get a jump start from anyone if the battery is the issue. For the fuel issues, a full tank can take you between 450km and 600km. It is often better to consider 500km for a fuel tank when planning your trip as well as keeping track of your mileage. For the issue of fuel quality, you are recommended to stick with the reputable fuel stations such as Shell, Total and City tires.

Unidentified Technical Issues

It is the unidentified technical issues that you should get worried of. You should know the guidelines and procedures that the car rental agency promises in case of an unidentified technical issue that might make it impossible for the car to start. There are often two options in case a car fails to start because of an unidentified technical issue; towing the car to a nearby garage or switching to another car.

Most Uganda car rental agencies offer to switch to another car within 24 hours. This is where the most important question comes in. Does the car rental agency have the capacity to bring you another car in case of a breakdown? If you cannot tell; then ask yourself whether the money you paid for the car rental can do the following things!

Assuming the car rental agency gave you the car free of charge, and the money you gave them is to perform a rescue in case of a total car breakdown. Can the money you paid for the car rental rent a similar car for two days (of course it can). Can it fuel the car from Kampala to and fro (of course it can); pay the driver for two days (of course it can), and also cater for towing fees (Likely no)

There are car rental agencies like 4×4 Uganda, Car Rental Uganda, Drive Uganda among several other agencies that have a reputation for quality self drive services in Uganda but in case choose to go for the unpopular car rental agencies, then make sure you are paying a minimum of US$1500 for the car rental. Always remember; it is the car that is most likely to make or ruin your trip. Make sure you choose the right one.

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How Effective is a Rav4 for Self-Guided Safari in Uganda

RAV 4 is one of the loved cars to hire on self-drive in Uganda and it has conquered the African market, As a client, if you are interested in hiring this type of car and drive yourself in Uganda, you are advised to book and rent the car in advance to avoid disappointment of last minute booking. This is reflected as the best thing to do first before you book or rent a car.

You must put into consideration that in the high season months, cars are hired out very quickly in seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Thus, booking the car in advance for a self-drive, booking the car in time will give you the chance to allow you choose the right Rav4 car for yourself drive. Before reserving this car, you should ensure that the places you want to go are well known, indicate the number of days you are going to spend using the car on a safari, as well as the number of people you are going to travel with.

In case you are going to drive the car within the city, a 4×4 wheel drive is not so much needed, however, if you are travelling up country especially in national park, you will need a 4X4 wheel drive car due to the conditions of the road, most of the roads in the national parks are maram roads Sometimes you may think that traveling is for fun or a passion. As a group, you may seek to travel in order enjoy to adventure. The travel may also be intended in discovering what other countries have and what happens in various destinations, cultural trails, and other souls in other words the travelling helps to discover the secrets in a strange nation.

A rav4 gives a traveler an easy and budget trip as hiring this car costs only $45 per day that’s during the low season and $50 per day during the high season months. This is something which cannot be spent only for fun but as well as exploring.

When you hire a self-drive trip in Uganda, you will enjoy the safari and tour at your pace and privacy with your rented Rav4 car. 4×4 Uganda car rentals provides all Season Car. Uganda experiences climatic change. In that some seasons are very wet while others are very dry. Though the Toyota Rav4 is an all season car, it can stand to the wet season slipper roads since it’s a full time 4WD car. And it can still be done well on dry dust roads. When using this type of car, you should not get worried may be about the weather; you have got a real travel company with you to provide you with the best car rental for your safari in Uganda.

It’s always good to go on a safari and comeback when satisfied and also have something saved in your pocket and this can only be achieved if you hire a self-drive 4WD Rav4. Our car rental fees are low and friendly to all travelers especially on a low budget. Not only are they free but also serves million dollar worthy comfort, effectiveness, safety and time. You are therefore advised not to spend the fortune on big safari cars yet this sedan can costs less.

The most thought after advantages of using the Rav4 is that it is easy to manage. It is smaller car, which is raised a little higher from the ground base, very light and a comfortable steering wheel. All these incredible features make the Rav4 very easy to manage and drive and it’s an automatic car very easy to drive even if you are travelling with young kids, this kind of car will give you the best during your safari.

The car is a good fuel economy as compared to many of the other 4×4 cars like Land cruiser TX/TZ, GX, V8 those cars consumes a lot of fuel, but with a Rav4, you got a friendly fuel tank with you.

The Rav4 car consumes less fuel and this makes your trip budget interesting as you do spend less on fuel costs for your self-drive safari. You should save enough on fuel cost, when you drive 10km for every one liter of petrol. Always drive in style. Do not be taken up by the term cheap car or budget car, the Rav4 is one of the most stylish cars on the road.

A Rav4 physical appearance is very captivating with stunning from sport lights. Come to the interior, the car has comfortable seats that are modifiable; you can adjust your seat and have small sleep on your trip.

The Rav4 comes with enough luggage space to maximum of 4-5 big suitcases. Its air conditioning is superb and 14/7 available even ever needed, no need to suffer with the dust. You will also enjoy other amenities like the flash player, CD player, bottle holders and air bags among many other important feature you may think about. Rent a Rav4 today with Uganda Car Rental Services at info@4x4ugandacarentals.com  or call our hotline on +256754787409/+256776641554 for bookings and inquiries. Waiting to receive your mail.

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Suggestions for a Northern Road Trip

The Northern region is one of the four regions in the country of Uganda. There’s a list of things to see and do in the Northern region of Uganda. Looking for suggestions for a Northern Uganda Road Trip? Below are some of the finest places and destinations you can visit:

Murchison Falls National Park:

Located in the district of Masindi, in North-west Uganda, the remarkable Murchison Falls National Park is one of the must-visit destinations on a Northern Uganda Road Trip. The Park has so much to offer to its annual visitors such as the eye-catching Murchison Falls, fascinating cultural encounters, and varied wildlife such as the Cape buffaloes, African Lions, Savannah Elephants, Leopard, and so many antelope species.

Still, in the Park’s Budongo Forest, there are so many other attractions that tourists will love to see. Most of this forest’s attractions are primates which include; over 800 chimpanzees, olive baboons, black and white Colobus, red-tailed monkeys are so many others.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

Located in Nakasongola district, on your way to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda protecting wild rhinos and it’s the only place where a tourist can have the chance to have a close-up encounter with rhinos. Before going to the mighty Murchison Falls National Park, you will first branch off at the Ziwa to trek the rhinos – on doing so, you will be having a great opportunity of spotting all the big five of Africa.

As well as on-foot rhino trekking, there are also many other wildlife activities. Enjoy a different experience with us! The sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species as well as much wildlife. With experienced guides, you will never forget your time at Ziwa.

Kidepo Valley National Park:

Nestled in Northeastern Uganda, Kidepo – rugged savannah, dominated by the 2,750 meters Mount Morungole and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers, is one of the top suggestions we recommend you to visit on your Northern Uganda Road Trip.

There are too many attractions you will enjoy in Kidepo, these include; hot springs, mountains and valleys, a picturesque landscape, and so many wildlife species including 4 of the big five of Africa – African Lions, Cape buffaloes, Leopards, and African Savannah Elephants. The other notable wildlife species include Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, Elands, and Ostriches – among other bird species. Besides all that, the Park is also widely famous for its beautiful culture – the Karamajongs, cattle keepers.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda seated on 3893 square KM. The park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. Murchison Falls National Park first gazetted in 1926 as a game reserve, it is Uganda’s oldest conservation area, hosting over76 species of mammals and over 451 bird species. Today it is one of the best destination visited by tourists going on safaris in Uganda.

Murchison falls National Park is divided by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.

Below are the five major reasons for visiting Murchison Falls National Park:

1.Easy accessibility– Its approximately 324km from Entebbe Airport to Murchison Falls National Park. You can reach the park by Air or Road (5-6hrs drive).  Murchison falls national park has several gates where one can access the park either from the southern gate of Paraa or the northern gate at Murchison falls national park. Alternatively, you can reach the park on the chartered flights from Kampala/ Entebbe international airport, the park has several airfields such as Pakuba airfield, Chobe airfield and Bugungu airfield. Paraa being a place harboring a lot of wild game offers you an opportunity to sight a variety of animals.

2. Largest National Park – Murchison National park is the largest park in Uganda with the size of 3893 sq km. Being large, Murchison Falls National Park is capable of hosting over 76 species of mammals including four of the “Big Five”, herds of buffaloes and elephants, well-camouflaged leopards and a healthy population of lions. Other mammals include giraffes, bushbucks, Uganda kob, waterbucks and warthogs. Resident crocodiles and hippos as well as other, visiting wildlife are found along the river. Around 800 chimpanzees live in the Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forests and many olive baboons are found in Murchison Falls National Park.

3. A variety of Wildlife -As mentioned above, guest yarning to see the “big Five” Murchison Falls national park is a must visit. Water loving mammals and birds are found along Victoria Nile near the bottom of the Murchison falls. About 451 bird species recorded in Murchison Falls national Park include Shoebill Stork, the Goliath Heron – the largest heron in the world – and pairs of elegant Grey Crowned Cranes – Uganda’s national bird. Also seen along the banks of the Nile are the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Sandpipers, Denham’s Bustard, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Black-headed Gonolek, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Piapiac, Silverbird, Weaver Birds, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Red-throated Bee-eater, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver and African Quail-Finch.

4. Murchison Falls – Murchison Falls is also called Kabalega Falls, is among the major tourist attraction in Murchison Falls National Park. The waterfall is situated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda. It’s amazing to see water squeezing its way through the rocks to the lower ground forming a rainbow-like moist structure. It’s amazing to visit the top and bottom of the falls to be able to take memorable photos.

5. Rich culture – Visit the Luo community for cultural encounter. Expect to enjoy the amazing energetic dancers from Mubako performers. Meet the Boomu women’s group for accommodation, a craft shop and learn weaving skills among others. The village is a cluster of traditional thatched huts, where villagers gather to escape the midday sun under the shade of a large tree. At dusk, the local cultural groups perform at campfire of local lodge, accompanied by the beautiful sound of the “adungu” which is an instrument made of cowhide and twine and the harmonies of different sizes.

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Uganda Ranked 6th Best MICE Destination

Uganda has been the best destination in Africa in hosting international conferences and events. The pearl of Africa ranked the 6^th position on July 11, 2020 confirmed by International Congress and Convention Association which heads the world leading association for the global events, conference and meetings.

Historically for the past 5 years, Uganda has been ranked consistently in the 10 top listed hosting international conferences and events in African destinations. Uganda ranked the 10th position in a four point advancement report of 2018. In 2019, Uganda hosted 22 association meetings such as Africa Now Summit, the 64th common wealth parliamentarian conference, 4th African Judicial Dialogue and many others. Due to so many international conferences in Uganda, foreigners, domestic, regional people also contributed on making Uganda the best destination for meetings, events and conferences.

Lilly Ajarova the CEO UTB not only mentioned 2019 conferences but also 2020 conferences that were held in Uganda. She said that in 2020, Uganda had organized and scheduled to host a number of notable conferences and meeting that had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include Africa Climate week, the G77 Summit, CBR World Congress, the AFRAA Conference, Africa Climate Week and world Health summit.

She concluded that as Uganda continues to grow its MICE industry, the next few years will see our association meetings increase as the world normalizes in the post COVID -19 era.

How Special is Uganda about the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events)?

• Uganda offers the best safety with ease of entry to those visitors who want to access visa upon the arrival.
• There are various connecting flights options on our central location on the Africa continent.
• The pearl of Africa offers a wholesome e international meetings experience for all or large groups with a complete pre and post conference tour experience
• The assured Uganda Airlines are well known to be faster and direct flights to the pearl of Africa.
• Uganda has the large international conferences of up to 2500 delegates on the breezy shores of Lake Victoria and with a quite number of touristic attractions like national parks.

What are some of the other activities that made Uganda the pearl of Africa?

Gorilla trekking

Despite the fact, there are three destinations where gorilla trekking is done, Uganda is the top destination for travelers looking to going on a gorilla safari in Uganda. Uganda is highly favored with the only two national parks that protect the mountain gorillas. In Pearl of Africa, gorillas are accessed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in four sectors that is Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sector and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with only Nyakagezi gorilla family with golden monkeys. Gorillas are known to be close relatives to human beings due to 98% DNA.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimps are an incredible creature that every human being wishes to meet. They live in groups, the male chimps are leaders in their community and female chimps are free to move to other groups during the adolescences stage just like female human beings getting married. The food that a human being eats is the same food that chimps consume for example plants and fruits.

In Uganda the best thrilling spots for chimpanzees tracking are Budongo Forest (Murchison falls national park, Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in queen Elizabeth national park. During the trekking, visits are briefed of not going closer to the chimps because they are easily affected by any human infectious disease like flue.

Due to the fact that coronavirus has affected the whole world, each country has put the strict rules to follow during the meetings, events and conferences

• Visitors from abroad will first be put in a mandatory quarantine in a designated place but will pay the cost for their institutional quarantine.
• The meetings, conferences and events were banned but some were adjusted with an option of social distancing, sanitizing, Washing hands and wearing face masks.
• During the meetings, conferences and events, the attendance number is limited to less than 70 people.

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Exploring Karamoja on a Uganda Safari

Karamoja region is a semi arid area home to some magnificent nature with lush savannah and rugged dry mountain ranges. The region is located in North eastern Uganda comprising of five districts of Moroto, Abim, Kotido and Kaabong neighboring South Sudan and north eastern Kenya. The northern tip of Karamoja is dominated by Kidepo Valley National Park, declared Africa’s true wilderness, it is one of the largest wildlife rich areas home to 77 mammals species and 475 species of birds.

Karamoja is a unique region by the cultural traditions of several ethnic communities. The largest communities are the Karamajong of Nilotic origin. They are semi-nomadic traditional cattle keeping warriors living in huts called Manyattas made built with mud, cow dung and thatched with grass. Karamajong are uniquely identified by their patterned scars on the forehead and unique way of dressing- wrapping a traditional sarong and wearing beaded jewelry to decorate their neck and arms. Their life is quite similar to the Turkana and Masai of Kenya. There’s also the Ik tribe who are hunter gatherers.

Places to visit in Karamoja region

Kidepo Valley National Park

Traveling to Karamoja region, you will get the most out of your Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National park. This is without doubt the true African wilderness, home to 77 mammals and 475 species of birds. Kidepo has the largest herd of up to 4000 buffaloes and offers the chance to spot lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and various antelope species such as Uganda, kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, grants gazelle’s. Most popular activities are guided game drive safaris conducted in jeeps by naturalist Uganda wildlife authority guide and rangers. They offer an incredible view of the animals in the Narus valley like cheetah, Aard wolf, stripe sided jackal which are not found in other parks of Uganda.

There are several tours to do throughout the park. Birding tours offer a chance to spot a huge variety of birds by hiking the Lomej Mountains and walks inside the park through the Narus valley. For birds, this can yield sightings of many birds of prey such as vultures, eagles, Abyssinian ground hornbill as well as bee-eaters, rollers, and the endemic Karamoja apalis among the 475 species which Kidepo boasts.

Kalapata Village – Manyatta settlements

Kalapata is a village in Kaabong located off the road going inside Kidepo valley. This is the tour that will show you the villages and lifestyle of the Karamajong. A local Karamojong guide will show you how they herd cattle, live in huts called Manyatta settlements forming a beautiful landscape. Beautiful scenery is found in Nakapiripiti on the way to Moroto and also in the park.

Some of the villages near the park can be visited for a traditional cultural dance performance and learning how they make their beaded jewelries. The lorokul wear their wraps and can be invited to your lodge for entertain you.

Karamoja museum and cultural center

Karamoja museum and cultural center is found at the foothills of Mount Moroto, in Moroto the largest town in the region. It showcases the culture of the Karamajong and other ethnic tribes in the entire Karamoja region with both object collections and scholarly programs to interpret history. The museum is worth a stopover when going or returning from Kidepo valley national park.

Treasures of Africa Museum

This is another private museum named the treasures of Africa located in Kitale just south of Moroto town. The museum has got a theory called a “stitch in time” which explains the history of Karamoja and north eastern Kenya. You can see artifacts and tools the people use as well as handcrafted materials.

How to get there

Karamoja region is remote area located in north eastern part of Uganda along the border with South Sudan and North Eastern Kenya. Depending on your interests and time, you can fly for 1 hour by light charter aircraft or drive a car from Kampala covering a stance of about 571 km take which can 12-13 hours. While the journey may be long, it offers beautiful scenery of the country side. There are two routes, one that goes through Murchison falls National park, Gulu and Kitgum town and another through Eastern Uganda.

Accommodation

You can stay at one of the luxury lodges or stay at budget and self catering campsites.

There are 3 lodges inside the park where you will hear the lions roaring in the night. Apoka safari lodge is for the luxury experience. The choice for budget travelers is limited to Apoka rest camp and Nga Moru wilderness camp outside the park. If you are so adventurous, there are self catering Kakine self campsite. This camp provides local food, but if you are in for self catering, then you have to bring your own food and supplies.

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Save on Your Car Hire in Uganda

Would you like to save on your next Uganda Car Hire? Why not try out getting your rented car from a reputable agency? One of the more popular and reputable car rental agency in Uganda is the Car Rental Uganda, the oldest car rental agency offering a wide range of choices to travelers looking for a chauffeur or self drive travel. The agency is highly recommended not only through the word of mouth, but on the internet as well. The agency is actually a blessing to constant travelers, especially those seeking a way to make their travels be as comfortable as possible. On your travel through the pearl of Africa it is best to check out the Car Rental Uganda and find out for yourself if they really as good when it comes to their services of offering car hire in Uganda not as they claim to be but how many travelers have got satisfied with them.

Get Promo Deals

Car Rental Uganda offers its customers varied service programs that they can choose from, from one way rentals, rent it here leave it there services, corporate programs, government contractor programs to meeting and events programs. Car Rental Uganda has your back (plus your head) covered when it comes to hiring a car for your travel needs in the country. Whether you are looking for a hourly rental or a long car lease program, there are great solutions available for you. They can actually provide you with whatever vehicle that you will want (depends on what you actually need that time).

Cheaper Rates

Aside from offering an amazing quality service, Car Rental Uganda actually prides itself for being able to deliver unbelievably cheaper rates (as compared with their rival car rental services agency). However though their rates are low, the service is of great value. Upon booking your rental car, their driver will meet you at the airport and you will get a free airport transfer or drop off service! The agency has been devoted to its consumer public and they will endeavor to offer 24/7 helpline while you are on the road. By sticking to cheaper rates, Car Rental Uganda actually give their clients a good value for their money.

Are you a frequent traveller? Car Rental Uganda is also a good choice for businessmen who are jetting off from town to another, rather, from one country to another (thus the need for the private vehicle). They agency offers businessmen an exclusive and unique “business travel program” which obviously is just focused on delivering the needs of valued and busy businessmen.

Easy Contact

Contacting the car hire agency is actually just a breeze, a quick search on the internet will link you to their website www.carrentaluganda.com and you can easily get in touch with them via email. Geared towards providing unparalled service to its loyal customers as well as those who are still looking for a car service rental that they want to try out, Car Rental Uganda has provided the public with various ways of being able to reach them.

And speaking of trying their best to give their customers great service, Car Rental Uganda has actually equipped their vehicles with other services that might possibly prove to be very useful to their clients. Upon request, one may avail of the various “add-ons’ that only Car Rental Uganda can provide. From car phones to free maps and destination brochures, you will get the extra addonns that will make your life easy. Car Rental Uganda service has prided itself for always being in the forefront of the car rental industry. Be sure to check the out once you’re having some car rental problems, they’re sure they can help you out.

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Top 6 Places to visit on a Fantastic Uganda Tour

A little phrase “The Pearl of Africa” is enough to explain how remarkable Uganda is, an unmissable destination for your unrivaled Wildlife Safari in the Eastern part of Africa.

The credit goes to Sir Winston Churchill who expressed it in his book “My African Journey” after a visit to Uganda in 1907. Churchill’s appreciation is not by exaggeration but honestly based on the profuse unmatched natural wonders, palatable cuisine and authentic culture.

This phrasing has given a go-ahead for a trip to Uganda to a number of travelers from different parts of the World including those who had a doubt about Africa.

If you are among those who doubt Africa with its hotspots, Uganda should be your next destination to witness the secrets in Africa, you will live to tell unending stories to the ones you left home.

Uganda has plenty to awe that keeps positioning it among resplendent localities hard to compare around the globe.

Of its highlights, Wildlife is exceptional. On a Uganda Wildlife Safari, you cannot stop admiring the rarely seen species of Mountain Gorillas in the Western region, African big fives, Chimpanzee primates, species of the Old World monkey family (Golden monkeys), uncommon bird species and more to wonder at.

Wildlife is not the end, other draws, varying from stunning sceneries such as mountains of the moon, towering volcanoes, stretching forests, and streaming rivers to welcoming locals delights.

Several adventurers including first-timers have achieved their dreams or impressed their relatives, partners in this exquisite destination, why not you to add on the list? Favorable destinations with a handful of intriguing attractions and rewarding adventures like Uganda are rare to find.

All activities offered are awe-inspiring starting from Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee and Golden monkey tracking, different water sports, game drive to jaw-dropping mountain hiking adventures.

Planning a once in a lifetime Safari to the Eastern part of Africa without Uganda is really a big miss on some of the highlights to turn your trip unforgettable for the rest of your life. If it’s Uganda, let it not be a hustle about top hotspots not to miss, below is the list.

 

National Parks. A trip to Uganda seems boring without a visit at least to one of its ten national parks that are scattered in different regions of the country. This highlight of top parks can be of importance to any person who is hoping for a safari in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

For those who are interested in hard to compare Gorilla trekking adventures, Uganda is unbeatable. Remaining gorillas are totaling to about 1000 inhabiting the three countries Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda.

Of the world total numbers, Uganda dominates with the highest population approximating to 480 species of Gorillas. Gorillas in Uganda inhabit two parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the most gorilla species in its Jungles.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is placed in the Southwestern part of Uganda. Most of the travelers pack for it mainly for the Gorillas though there are other additions to be part after an amazing Gorilla trek.

 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Similarly, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is tucked away in the southwestern part of Uganda. Stands the smallest among Uganda ten Parks but rewards all what to turn your trip to southwestern Uganda an incredible one.

Over 80 mountain gorilla species call it home and one Gorilla family is habituated for trekking “Nyakagezi Gorilla family”. A visit to Mgahinga is not only about Mountain Gorilla encounters, but numerous options also exist to occupy your days in the Park.

Meet the rare species of Golden monkeys, explore the three Virunga Volcanoes or immerse the ancient life of the Batwa people. With all this, Mgahinga is precisely a true delight for all travelers of different interests.

Kibale Forest National Park

Undeniably Kibale National Park, a home to thirteen Primate Species is the capital of Primates in East Africa.

Out of the 5000 chimpanzee primates in the World, Kibale is recorded with over 1500 chimpanzee individuals in addition to diverse forest primates, mammals, butterflies and bird species.

While in this park dominated by tropical rainforests, chimpanzee tracking and Chimpanzee habituation are the main activities to let you get exposed to these human-close primates.

On top of that, birders meet their dreams while on the walk through the Bigodi wetland, a home to various unique bird species including the shoebill storks.

 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Not rumors, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s mostly visited Parks. It hides its self in the south western Uganda. Travelers visit for many reasons.

Starting from diverse range of Wildlife, ease of accessibility, stunning scenery to possibilities of connecting to other parks after great encounters in this spot where Wildlife speaks.

There is nothing more exceptional than spending days in a locality where you can sight different Wildlife species, admire sunrise/set, track chimpanzees and embark on a breathtaking cruise.

If you haven’t arrived at that, Queen should be your first layover while in Uganda. The two must be part activities in Queen (game drive & boat cruise along Kazinga channel) offer different experiences.

While on game drives expect sights of the big games and cats including leopards, buffaloes, elephants and more. Then the cruise can’t leave you unexposed to numerous aquatic species such as hippos, crocodiles to mention but a few.

 Kidepo Valley National Park

This Park is the only to go in Uganda for an authentic African Wilderness. It’s isolated far in the North eastern part of Uganda recorded with almost every species in Uganda including the unique ones such as cheetah and ostrich.

A safari to Kidepo rewards with remarkable sceneries, diverse biodiversity as well as an adventure just free of crowds.

Murchison Falls National Park

Situated in the north western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda.

This park is liked both for its huge biodiversity along with an ideal location besides the river Nile where you find the great Murchison falls.

Its lush savanna vegetation provide habitat to variety of species that are sightable including the rare Rothschild giraffes, African big fives, incredible birds and more. On your way to this Park, you can stopover for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the rare species of Rhinoceros.

Other than the above top listed National Parks, you can visit the River Nile, one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, Lake Bunyonyi; Africa’s second deepest lake, several towering mountains like Mountain Elgon and Ruwenzori particularly for adventure seekers, along with different historical sites such as the Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum and more.

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What To Do In case Your Hired Car Breaks Down

There’s nothing extremely worse than planning your highly anticipated safari in Africa, but it’s later disrupted by a broken-down vehicle. We always hope for the best, but life has no assurance, and the unexpected can happen anytime. And at some point, you may find yourself stuck on a roadside with an engine that refuses to respond or with a tire that’s got a puncture. 

However, this is the good news, most car rental companies are ready for the unexpected events of such nature, and be it a failed engine, a punctured tire or anything else, they have put systems in place to get you going again in case of breakdown.

And soon be ready to get on your way as quickly as possible.” Renters are however advised to read the breakdown policies before choosing the cars to hire. In this case, the best rental cars are those with 24-hour roadside assistance, thus always lookout for that. However much this may come with an extra charge but it relieves the stress. 

We make it easy for you to find the best breakdown policies – when it’s available, 24-hour Roadside Assistance is commonly listed in all our car hire agreements. You can also check it out in our terms and conditions, to get a full picture of the breakdown procedures for each of our rental vehicles.

Most rental companies require that the renter relays information as soon as such an incident happens and thereafter allows 48 hours for the company to repair or replace the vehicle depending on the nature of breakdown – it’s surely a long time for those on a short safari!

No matter which company you are hiring a vehicle from, there are some tips to always keep in mind should you experience a dreaded car breakdown:

1. Mind your safety.
   yourself safe is the priority. Pull off the road as soon as the breakdown happens. Extend onto the roadside where there is less traffic and immediately wear your hazard lights. Ensure all is safe before you get out of the vehicle, and keep in mind the side of the road where much traffic comes from! It is common to forget in a foreign country. 
2. Never do any repairs on your own, before informing the car hire company first about the breakdown.
   no assurance that the company will refund you for unauthorized repairs on the vehicle, therefore informs them well in advance.
   much you find the damage so easy for you to repair, we advise that you leave it, because you may be held responsible for any perceived damage that may come as a result. 
3. mobile cellphone allows you to make contact with the car hire company in case emergencies emerge.
   Rental companies provide emergency phone numbers for roadside assistance (although this service is provided on a surcharge, depending on the magnitude of breakdown). Check your car hire agreement for the right number to call.
   The breakdown occurs in a dangerous spot, you can as well call the police, and inform them where you are and let them know how urgent it is. 
4. Some rental vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit containing equipment such as high Vis vest, reflective triangles, etc. Use this equipment whenever available. 
5. Don’t attempt to stop or flag down passing motorists and other road users. 
6. Complete the repairs and get back on the road. 

Either way, if the vehicle is not fully fixed, the breakdown service will have to tow it to a nearby garage.

If you rent a car and it gets damaged beyond repair, your car rental Uganda service provider/company will have to arrange/provide you with a replacement car in the shortest period possible depending in where you might be at that time.

However, keep in mind that you might be asked from time to time to meet specific costs of repairs or towing, depending on the kind of breakdown coverage (which you can do before booking or on the day of pick up).

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