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It’s not only the mountain gorillas that make Uganda an exceptional destination. The pearl of Africa is endowed with unlimited beauties some of which have not been tapped. Uganda tourism board has disclosed gold tourism as Uganda’s new tourism product which most have not known about. A few days back, the Uganda Tourism Board signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) to promote golf tourism in the pearl of Africa. The partnership was held at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante Kampala to lay strategies on how best to welcome and promote the incoming Uganda golf tours set to commence officially on 30th March 2019. The initiative was highly welcomed by the president of Uganda Golf Union who thanked Uganda tourism board for having sought about this idea. The UGU president further clarified that golf is one form of sports tourism, which has been untapped. Unlike other sports tourism activities, golf is exceptional in a way that participants can play for the whole day and even come back the next day for the same game. It’s such an enjoyable game.

From time to time, Golf tourism has improved attracting between 5-6% of total visitors from all parts of the world with the sole purpose of playing golf. Most of the golf players come from the United States generating 26.7 million golf players, 5.5 million in Europe, 5 million in Canada, 14 million in Japan and 3.8 million in the United Kingdom. Fortunately, these countries are Uganda’s major source of tourism market hence gives hope of an increased number of golf players to Uganda. In terms of economy, golf tourism is among the sources of foreign exchange earner for Uganda.

With no doubt, Uganda will soon be positioned as a premier golf tourism destination given the country’s conducive climate that gives travelers a chance to play golf all day night long. Unlike in most European and Unites States countries, which get covered by ice and snow sometimes, Uganda is winter free which give golf players chance to pay their game throughout. Golf players to Uganda, therefore, have added advantages of playing with no limit. Also, the strategic location of golf course cents near tourism attractions will make it easy for visitors to combine golf playing with tourism. It’s so fortunate that all golf centers in Uganda are located close to tourism centers. The Jinja golf course is just a short distance from the source of the Nile, Mbale golf course near Mt Elgon & Sipi falls, Kabale golf course near Lake Bunyonyi, Entebbe golf course near Lake Victoria and the Uganda wildlife education center while the Kampala golf course is located in the center of Kampala city a hub for business, shopping and city tours among others. The nearness between golf courses and tourism attractions gives a chance that every golfer coming to Uganda will automatically experience the surrounding tourist attractions without complications. This is an opportunity that has not been tapped. The pearl of Africa has 18 golf course centers, which give golf players a variety of choices.

Fortunately, the partnership between the Uganda golf union and Uganda tourism board will be of mutual benefit for the two bodies. Every visitor who comes for golf must travel to the golf course which transport is part of tourism. Also, golf players sleep in hotels for food and bed services, which indirectly support the tourism industry. This tells that the experienced golf is surely big and beyond what most people may think. According to the outgoing chief executive officer of Uganda tourism board, UTB together with UGU is determined to promote Uganda as a top golf tourism destination in Africa. Most of these travelers are the elderly who are in their leisure time. On a global scale, golf contributes over $20 billion annually tourism and is a secondary motivator able to attract millions of holidaymakers from all over the world.

Other tourism in Uganda
In addition to golf, Uganda is naturally endowed with unlimited beauties. These range from beautiful sceneries, hospitable people, wildlife, birds, mountains, lakes, rivers, and valleys among others. The leading tourism activities in Uganda are gorilla watching in Bwindi forest/Mgahinga gorilla national park, game viewing, cultural encounters, bird watching, and mountaineering tours. A combination of these, make a complete Uganda safari package to meet, satisfy and exceed every visitors travel expectations.

Golf tourism is an experience of its own kind. Those who have done it before comparing it to no other game. Come to Uganda oh you golfers, play golf to the fullest with no limit at low rates.

Few animals have sparked the imagination of man as much as the gorilla, the largest of the living primates. Most gorillas live in inaccessible regions in various dense forests in tropical Africa, and one subspecies, the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei),was not even known to science until 1902. The mountain gorilla has a robust build with long, muscular arms, a massive chest, and broad hands and feet. It is the hairiest race of gorillas; its long, thick black hair insulates it from the cold of living at high elevations.

Gorilla Habitat
The world’s remaining mountain gorillas live within four national parks, split in two regions that are 45 kilometers (28 miles) apart.
One population of mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A census in 2003 recorded 340 gorillas here.
The second population of mountain gorillas is found in a mountainous region referred to as the Virungas, which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo). Approximately 380 gorillas are found in the Virungas.

Behavior
Although strong and powerful, gorillas are generally gentle and shy. They live in groups of 2-40 individuals, averaging about 11. A dominant male, the silverback, named for the silvery gray hairs that grow when the male matures, leads groups. The silverback serves as the chief leader and protector of the group, to whom all group members defer. He decides when and where to forage, rest and sleep, arbitrates disputes among his family members and protects them from rivalcharacteristics of mountain gorillas silverbacks or human predators. Mountain gorillas have a slow rate of reproduction. This slow reproduction makes this species even more threatened. In a 40-50 year lifetime, a female might have only 2-6 living offspring. Females give birth for the first time at about age 10 and will have offspring every four years or more. A male reaches sexual maturity between 10 and 12 years. Able to conceive for only about three days each month, the female produces a single young and in rare cases twins.
Newborn gorillas are weak and tiny, weighing about 4 pounds. Their movements are as awkward as those of human infants, but their development is roughly twice as fast. At 3 or 4 months, the gorilla infant can sit upright and can stand with support soon after. It suckles regularly for about a year and is gradually weaned at about 3.5 years, when it becomes more independent.
Diet
It is perhaps surprising that an animal as large and strong as the mountain gorilla is primarily an herbivore. Mountain gorillas eat over 100 different species of plants. They rarely need to drink since their diet is so rich in succulent herbs, from which they get their water.

Predators and Threats

The primary threat to mountain gorillas comes from forest clearance and degradation, as the region’s growing human population struggles to eke out a living. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in collaboration with Fauna and Flora International and World Wide Fund for Nature, established the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) to safeguard the last remaining mountain gorillas.
IGCP works on three levels: Strengthening gorilla habitat protection through regional collaboration, researching the dynamic between the human population and the natural habitat/wildlife, and working with local communities to develop livelihood strategies that are complementary to conservation objectives.
This coalition has been a tremendous success, but support is still greatly needed. The most endangered of the gorilla subspecies, only about 720 mountain gorillas remain in the wild.
Quick Facts About Mountain Gorillas
There are only about 1004 mountain gorillas left in the world.
Humans and gorillas are 98% genetically identical.
Male silverback gorillas can weigh 50-100 pounds more – and are about 10 times stronger – than the biggest American football players.
When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, the silverback will protect them even at the cost of his own life.
Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which reside in the rain forests of Bwindi forest, Mgahinga gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo respectively. The human like characters of mountain gorillas make gorillas a must visit creatures on your African Safari.

Tourism in Southwestern: Uganda’s Richest Tourism Region
Southwestern Uganda is a very instrumental region as far as tourism in the country is concerned. The region has got a portion of each and every item on Uganda’s tourist menu. Starting from the famous gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga jungles, Chimpanzee tracking, game drives, bidding, forest walks and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Lake Mburo National Parks. The region also hosts other minor tourist activities including hikes to crater lakes, Hot Springs, visiting the traditional stalagmites and stalactites of Nyakasura. Adventure loving travelers have got tenacious hikes to the Rwenzori Mountains Peaks (Mountains of the moon) and Virunga Mountains around Mgahinga. The area is also self-contained in terms of accommodation facilities with all categories including luxury, medium and budget lodges available for every traveler and they are well located around the national parks.

Gorilla trekking
The region is Uganda’s only home to the endangered mountain gorillas that are found in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks. All together the two parks host more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas with the majority found in Bwindi. As many travelers have constantly declared trekking mountain gorillas as the best wildlife experience in the world, this is what exactly Uganda safari to her Southwestern region offers you.

Chimpanzee tracking and other primates safaris

Majority of Uganda’s chimps are found here I the Southwest with typical Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari best done in Kibale Forest national park. The forested park has got thousand s of individuals of this primate specie more than any other park in East Africa. More chimps can also be tracked in the Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other primates’ species in the region include monkey species including the famous golden monkey, black and white colobus and many more. Most of the varied monkey population is found in Kibale forest national park though Mgahinga gorilla national park in the far south is more known for its huge population of golden monkeys than any other park, whereas Bwindi Impenetrable national park also offers great monkey viewing.

Game drives and other park activities
Southwestern Uganda boasts a lion’s share of Uganda’s national parks with the region hosting seven of the ten national parks in the country. Incredible safari activities are the order of the day within these parks with the major highlights featuring game drives, boat cruises and birding in Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve of Queen Elizabeth national park. The park is also a home to the famous tree-climbing lions in her Southern sector of Ishasha. The Park’s large mammal list includes all the “big five” that include lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino plus several antelope species. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel takes you closer to view the park’s water dwellers including crocs, hippos and the huge elephants that regularly camp around the shores. Lake Mburo National Park offers the unique horseback-safari in addition to her variety of wildlife activities game drives, birding and boat cruises.

Birding
The Bigodi Wetland located just outside Kibale Forest National Park is the bird paradise in the region with over 138-recorded species. The birds can be viewed during a guided walk along the established boardwalk trail and on the viewing platforms. Common birds that are regularly spotted at Bigodi include the yellow-spotted barbet, white-spotted flufftail, yellow-billled barbet, grey-winged-robin chat, western nicator, brown-throated wattle-eye, black-crowned waxbill, black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, among others including several Rift Valley endemics.

Mountain Hiking
The Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda host several peaks famously known as the Mountains of the moon. The Margherita peak on top of Mount Stanley is the highest point in Uganda sitting at 5,109 meters above sea level. This snow-capped peak is just one of the six glacial peaks of the Rwenzori Massifs that also include Mount Speke and Mount baker. Hiking to the Rwenzori peaks is such a tenacious activity that is likely to take you between 7-days before you get to the summit. The hike takes you through the overlapping vegetation zones along the slopes where you meet various fauna species including mammals, birds and primates before you get to the glacial top of the summit. The less physical hikers can embark on the extinct volcano summits of Virunga Mountains around Mgahinga national park that include Mount Muhabura the highest standing at 4,127 meters above sea level and Mount Sabyinyo.

Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise
Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest of all the Rift Valley Lakes in Uganda set between the steep terraced slopes of Kigezi. The lake is a chilling place as you enjoy its heartwarming boat cruises before or after the tedious gorilla trekking encounter in Bwindi.

Visiting Toro Crater Lakes and Hot Springs
The Toro region has got over 30 Crater Lakes occupying the foot slopes of the volcanically formed Rwenzori hills. Visit several Hot Springs across the region and discover the magic hot water, which the locals use as medicine that cures skin infections and at the same time use it to boil eggs.

Uganda’s Registers Record Tourism Growth This Year
Uganda is naturally blessed with beautiful scenery that is contributed to by the conducive climate (cool and warm throughout the year), ever-green forests, fertile soils, wide variety of flora and fauna, the Equator, the Western arm of the great Rift Valley, glacial and snow-caped mountains, Volcanic summits, Fresh water Lakes, the Nile, the longest River in the world, among others. These natural blessings and many more are the major reason behind the success of the country’s tourism sector that is thriving year after year.

With her unrivalled wildlife safaris including excellent gorilla tours, breathtaking game drives, Chimpanzee tracking, birding and nature walk tours among others, Uganda is increasingly becoming the dream destination for every traveller. The effort to conserve, improve and promote her nature-given wildlife treasures is seeing Uganda’s tourism industry reaping big from this lucrative sector making it the highest foreign exchange earner for the county’s economy. 2018 has been recorded as the best year in tourism growth with even two months to spare according to the Uganda Tourism Board. The Pearl of Africa has received more visitors in 2018 than in any other year in history. According to officials this year’s figure of visitors has already surpassed that of last year by 300,000 guests.

Uganda’s tourism growth has been on a rising trend with figures indicators that the country received 1.4million tourists surpassing the previous year by 88,000 tourists while currently the number has exceeded 1.7million. New investments in the sector, hotels and new party places are among other factors that have boosted growth in the sector. The state minister for tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi says that the government’s aim for the sector is to reach at least four million tourists by 2020.

The ministry of tourism launched four different campaigns to promote the sector including; Tulambula Tourism Campaign that encourages local tourists to tour around their own country, Twende Uganda, which focuses on attracting tourists from the East African region, Destination Uganda, which aims at attracting visitors across the continent and the Pearl of Africa Tourism Campaign that targets international travellers.

Officials from the ministry emphasize that towards this festive season, they have prioritized among others the major factors including cleanliness, tight security and medical readiness to ensure a smooth running of activities in the sector. Uganda Tourism Police officials also assured that they are also on standby to secure all tourists at various destinations. The security organ calls upon all tour operators to contact them if they encounter any problems and they are also ready to work hand in hand with the Association of Uganda Tourist Operators (AUTO).

Combined all together, The Pearl of Africa has got more than twenty national parks and wildlife reserves where you can enjoy incredible safaris. Uganda’s top destinations for wildlife safaris include Bwindi Impenetrable national park best for gorilla safaris for trekking mountain gorillas, Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park for incredible game drives, boat cruises and birding safaris. Others include Kibale Forest national park the best for chimpanzee tracking and birding.
Uganda is also a suitable destination for mountain climbers with her two highest points of Margherita (5,109m) of Rwenzori known as the mountains of the moon and Wagagai (4,321m) on top of the dormant volcano of Elgon at her Eastern border with Kenya. The Margherita peak of Rwenzori is above the snow line and the freezing conditions at the peak make summit resemble the Alps of Europe.

Other Uganda safaris popular among her travelers include birding in her numerous rainforests. The Pearl of Africa is a home to over 1,000 bird species the highest count on the continent. Birding safaris in Uganda lead to her magnificent rainforests that include Mabamba wetland, Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Semuliki valley, Budongo forest, Kibale forest and around all the national park. You will encounter unique bird species of which some are Albertine Rift endemics in these destinations. These include among others the elusive Shoebill stork, the African Green Broadbill and Shelly’s Crimson Wing.

Nevertheless, with the presence of such lucrative and attractive tourist potentials combined with the relentless effort from the government, conservationists and all tourism stakeholders to support and promote the sector, Uganda’s tourism success story looks to just get better

A stop at Uganda equator is a must for most if not all Uganda safaris to western and southwestern Uganda. If you have been ever on a Ugandan safari, you should have seen fleets of tour vehicles stopped by the equator and travelers taking photographs in different style at the equator. The Uganda equator is a gateway to Bwindi/Mgahinga gorilla national parks hence a first stop for all Uganda gorilla safaris and a gateway to Bwindi impenetrable forest/ Mgahinga gorilla national park homes to the critically endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife safaris to Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth national parks. For those who have never been there, the Uganda equator is located in Kayabwe county Mpigi district roughly 72 kilometers from Kampala the capital of Uganda. A stand at the equator gives you a chance to stand in the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. Interestingly, several tourism businesses such as restaurants, cafes, art galleries, NGO projects restrooms and souvenir shops have been established at the equator to make your stay indeed pleasant. Travelers can choose to have their breakfast right the equator, which make the experience exceptional. Just like other attractions in Uganda, the equator is highly visited in the peak season between the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February when a high number of people are traveling.

Benefits of the equator

The existence of the equator has been of great benefit to the people of Kayabwe and the pearl of Africa as a whole. The benefits are direct and indirect for the wellbeing of local people and Uganda tourism fraternity. To the local people in Kayabwe, the equator is a great asset, which has improved the standards of living and various direct and indirect ways. First of all, the equator has put Kayabwe on the world travel map without which this indigenous village would not be known. The equator has offered local people with unique opportunities to experience a moment of a lifetime through creating employment opportunities, which earn them good income. Land in Kayabwe has gained value due to the presence of the equator and the associated developments. The cost of a plot of land of 50 by 100ft is roughly 8 to 10 million, which is expensive but good for the local people.

To the travelers, a stop at the equator reward you with a chance to stand in the southern and northern hemispheres of earth on one location. Uganda is of the few countries crossed by the equator and is one of the reasons why the country was dubbed the pearl of Africa.

Who is responsible for the equator?

Unlike other tourism attractions where a local guide awaits visitors to give an explanation about the site, you will not find anyone at the equator. The belief is that most travelers know what the equator is and therefore the only activity to do on this spot to taking as many photographs as possible. At present, there is no one who seems responsible for the equator. However, since it’s a monument, most people believe that it falls under the museums department in Uganda. For the past years, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has maintained the equator with the support from the ministry of works and transport during rehabilitation. The future plans tell that Uganda Wildlife Authority will take responsibility for the Equator and include it among Uganda’s renowned tourism spots. Unfortunately, the equator was of recent hit by a speeding truck, which demolished it. The government is still looking for new designs after which it will find the appropriate budget to build up another presentable equator. Also, the government plans to partner with a private sector mainly Hima cement which has showed already showed interest. After drafting an appropriate budget, Uganda Wildlife Authority will take the lead in the reconstruction of the Equator since its situated in Queen Elizabeth national park managed by UWA.

Also, the yet to be built equator will be included in the geology department since the imaginary lines which describe the equator keep on moving rotating from time to time. We have brought on board the department of geology because the imaginary lines are not static, they keep moving over time. The government also plans to develop many more monuments to ensure travelers enjoy memorable time in the pearl of Africa.
In general, a Uganda safari without a stop at the equator is undeniably incomplete. Visit the pearl of Africa, have fun at the equator and enjoy the beauty nature has blessed Uganda with.

All gorilla tours to Uganda take you deep to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park in south western Uganda. In some cases, travelers have been confused what makes the two parks different yet they all shelter mountain gorillas. A clear understanding of each national park, its features and distinctiveness is very essential for every travel before he/she confirms his or her Uganda safari. Each destination is unique in its own way and is worth visiting. Those who had a chance to visit the two parks on separate occasions have made comparisons between the two but it would be better if each traveler visited each park for him/herself to have a taste of each destination. Below are some unique features about Bwindi impenetrable forest park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

Highest population of mountain gorillas
This impenetrable forest is a home to roughly 440 mountain gorillas, which makes half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Gorillas in Bwindi are habituated in 17 gorilla families, which open for traveler’s everyday. Also, mountain gorillas in Bwindi are scattered in four sectors/ regions (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo) in the north, east and south of Bwindi respectively. A high number of mountain gorilla families guarantee travelers a chance to access gorilla permits unlike in other gorilla parks. Everyday, Bwindi has 96 gorilla permits reach family visited by eight people hence 8 permits per gorilla group.

Gorilla habituation experience
Besides gorilla trekking, Bwindi forest is also a Centre for the gorilla habituation experience. It’s only in Bwindi where wild mountain gorilla families go through training for 2-3 years to make them used with human presence before they are open to travelers for trekking. Gorilla habituation is an exceptional activity, which allow travelers to spend extended time (4 hours) with mountain gorillas. This training is conducted by a team of conservationist, gorilla doctors and joined by four travelers. Apparently, two families (Bushaho and Bikyingi) are undergoing training and will be open for trekking soon. Habituation permits cost 1500usd each which is quite expensive, but the experience is worth the penny. This means that 8 habituation permits are issued out everyday since only two families are being habituated.

Other primates
Apart from mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is also a home to a variety of primates. These include chimpanzees and forest elephants, which can be encountered in the forest. However, chimpanzees in Bwindi forest are not habituated hence travelers warned to be careful before they walk anyhow in the forest. Primates are best encountered during forest walks and travelers are assured of their safety guarded by armed rangers.

Variety of accommodation facilities
Travelers to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park have a wide range of accommodation facilities to choose from. The lodges are scattered in the four sectors and the choice of a lodge is determined by the sector a traveler chooses to trek gorillas from. Fortunately, accommodation in Bwindi is luxury, midrange and budget all offering quality food and sleeping services to travelers at affordable rates. Also, most lodges are located near the trekking starting point, which give travelers enough time to rest. Examples of lodges in Bwindi include Bwindi jungle lodge, mahogany springs Buhoma lodge, gorilla safari lodge, Bakiga lodge, clouds lodge, gorilla forest camp, engage lodge, Nkuringo gorilla camp, Buhoma community bandas, Gorilla mist camp, Silverback lodge, Trackers haven lodge and Chameleon hill lodge among others.

However, travelers to Bwindi must be aware of:
Strenuous hikes
Bwindi is an impenetrable forest standing at 11,60m – 2,607m above the sea level. The forest is located on the mountainous terrain and gorillas sometimes hike to areas of higher elevations, which make hiking there so difficult. Some times, traveler’s experience several hours of hiking through thick thorny bushes to reach the gorillas. Also, forest grounds in Bwindi are most times slippery and muddy grounds despite the season. Hiking to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi is therefore not for the faint hearted but rather for the physically fit and highly committed.

Large crowds
The fact that Bwindi has a big number of mountain gorillas, large crowds of travelers is expected in the jungle. Also, the popularity of Bwindi forest makes it a first choice for most travelers which cause shortage of gorilla, permits for the last time travelers. Also, lodges get full especially in the high season hence causing shortage of accommodations on top of being expensive.


Mgahinga gorilla national park

Less strenuous and less crowds
Unlike in Bwindi, gorilla hiking in Mgahinga gorilla national park is less strenuous hence the best spot for the physically unfit and elderly. Also, Mgahinga is less crowded with visitor’s compared to its sister forest Bwindi. Only eight travelers visit Bwindi to trek one gorilla family (Nyakagyezi) available.

Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking complements gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park. Mgahinga is the only center for golden monkey trekking in Uganda, which gives travelers a chance to interact with these famous playful and adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The other destination of golden monkeys if Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and these are the only two destinations in Africa were travelers can see golden monkeys. Interestingly golden monkeys are trekked at $100, which is relatively cheap compared, to $600 for trekking mountain gorillas.

Batwa cultural trail

Besides wildlife, a gorilla safari to Mgahinga gorilla national park gives travelers a chance to take part in the Batwa cultural trail. Its here that Batwa pygmies who demonstrate their traditional forest activities like hunting, fruit gathering, collecting honey and picking medicinal herbs. Also, Batwa pygmies lead travelers to Ngarama cave in which they used to perform their rituals and offer sacrifices. Also, traditional dances and poems by Batwa are sited which help reward travelers with extensive understanding about the Batwa.

Virunga volcano climbing
The park is a home to three extinct Virunga volcanoes giving travelers a chance for mountain climbing. The volcanoes are Mt Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo. Interestingly, each volcano can be hiked to the summit in one day and the peak reward travelers with spectacular views of the other volcanoes in Rwanda and Congo as well as other attractions in the park and local communities.

However travelers to Mgahinga are reminded that the park has one gorilla family hence only 8 gorilla permits available everyday. Also, travelers have limited choice of accommodation facilities in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

In general, both Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park have unique features to make your Uganda gorilla safari a lifetime experience. Book a Uganda safari to south western Uganda for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, forest walks and other experiences all rewarding you with memorable experiences.

Are you wondering of any alternative way to enjoy Uganda besides gorilla trekking? A cultural tour is another way to enjoy the pearl of Africa outside the jungle Africa. Cultural tourism is a newly introduced tourism package, which the government together with other tourism bodies has established to expand tourism products in the park of Africa. The strategy is aimed at attraction a new form of travelers who are interested in culture which also increase the strength and competitiveness of Uganda’s tourism sector in Africa and the entire globe. The new plans to promote culture were disclosed during the launch of the culture and conservation of the great apes research report at fairway hotel in Kampala. Cultural tourism is therefore expected to bring in a high number of travelers and increased government revenue, which will support economic development.

It’s undeniable that most people have traveled to Uganda for gorilla safaris in Bwindi or else enjoy a game drive in the open grasses of Murchison falls, park, Queen Elizabeth national park, kidepo valley park and Lake Mburo national park, Chimpanzee trekking in kibale forest national park, bird watching and Mountain climbing. However, most travelers have missed out a cultural taste of Uganda’s traditions, customs and norms. Unlike in the past decades, cultural tourism has presently picked and is developing at a steady pace. Uganda has been widely depending on gorilla safaris and other wildlife safaris but the country is much more than this. Uganda is richly blessed with a unique and indigenous culture, which make it a distinct destination. For the upcoming travelers, Uganda has a new experience for you. Prepare for a tour a to any of the cultural sites in Uganda and enjoy this amazing experience.

Cultural groups in Uganda
Uganda is a diverse nation with over 65 different tribal groups scattered in different corners of the country. Cultural groups in Uganda include Baganda, Batooro, Banyaro, Bakiga, Bafumbira, Bagishu, Bamba, Batwa, Banyuli, Bagwe, Bateso, Kumam, Jonam, Jopadhola, Acholi, Alur, Madi, Langi, Lugbra, Tepeth, and karimajong among others. Interestingly, each cultural group is unique in its own way in terms of customs, traditions, norms and practices, which are worth exploring on your Uganda safari. Travelers have a chance to take part in these cultural practices, which increase their understanding of Uganda culture and make them feel at home. Cultural tours take travelers to different cultural points with different features such as caves, which hold different cultural meanings.

Popular cultural tourism areas
Much as each tribe is different from the other, some tribes are more understanding and popular than the others. These tribes are a target for travelers and have a true definition of Africa traditional culture. These include:

Batwa pygmies
Batwa pygmies are best visited during the Batwa cultural rail in Mgahinga gorilla national park also a home the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Batwa are indigenous traditional forest dwellers that lived with wild animals in the forest of Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga for thousands of years when gorilla tourism had not been introduced. In this trail, travelers have an opportunity to see and expereince how the Batwa lived before being forced out of the forest by the government to create the national park and protect the gorillas. Also, Batwa trail is an opportunity to help the Batwa as they try to adapt to life outside the forest and to see how they lived when there. The batwa are very interesting people, very short in stature but very cunning and full of knowledge. What actually amazed me is the making of fire b using just pieces of wood. The highlights for us were the fire-making demonstration and the visit to the large underground cave. Batwa carry out some of their traditional forest activities such as gathering fruits, collecting honey, searching medicinal herbs and hunting among others to traveler. Batwa dress in bark clothes, which make the experience so original and enjoyable. Also, several, poems and traditional dances are sited telling their stories, which increase travelers understanding of whom the Batwa are. Also different caves re visited especially Ngarama cave where Batwa used to offer sacrifices and perform different rituals.

The IK people
This is yet another indigenous tribe of people living in the mountains of northeastern Uganda. IK is an indigenous trice and the least populated with not more than 10,000 people including children and parents. The IK were formerly dwellers in kidepo valley national park who were displaced when the park was garzetted. Ik people are so traditional people were parents find it strange to live with children in the same house. For this case, children aged 3-4 years are normally expelled from the house of their parents to form their same age group. Everyone survives on his or her own as soon as he reaches above 5 years. A visit to the IK people makes you appreciate the actual African tradition and its exceptional features.

In general, a taste of a cultural experience is all that travelers need to make their Uganda safari a lifetime experience. Add a visit to any cultural group, met and interact with local people, learn more about their traditions, norms and customs rewarding you with an exceptional experience. A cultural tour complement other tourism activities in Uganda such as gorilla tracking in Mgahinga/Bwindi, bird watching and game viewing among others all making a complete Uganda safari package.

Kibale Forest National Park in Western Uganda is a tropical forest dominated Park with moist evergreen rain forest. It covers an area of 766 square kilometers (296 sq. mi) and found between 1,100 meters (3,600 ft.) to 1,600 meters (5,200 ft.) in altitude. There is a 180 kilometers (110 mi) forest corridor that joins Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which attracts Uganda tours to both Parks. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and transformed into a national park in 1993 purposely to protect chimpanzees and ensure diversify tourism products in Uganda the pearl of Africa. Presently, Kibale Forest National Park has become an important eco-tourism and safari destination. The park is rich in biodiversity sheltering Uganda’s highest number of Chimpanzees, other twelve species of primates and various vegetation types a combination of which make kibale national park a must visit to make a Uganda safari complete. The national park is also the host for the Makerere University Biological Field.

Among the 13 species of primates that are habituated in Kibale Forest National Park include the common Chimpanzee, several species of the Central African Monkey like the Uganda Mangabey, the Uganda Red Colobus and the L’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates in the Park include the black and white colobus and the blue monkey. Other mammals in the Park are; Warthogs, African buffalo, leopards, African golden cats, servals, mongooses and otter, Red and blue duikers, bushbucks, situngas, bush pigs, and giant forest hogs. The Park has also got elephants that keep switching with Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lions visit the park on occasionally. Over 325 bird species can also be viewed in the Park and the most common of these include the olive long-tailed cuckoo, Western tinker bird, African green-breasted and grey parrot and the Park’s endemic specie of the ground thrush.

Regarding vegetation cover, the national Park has approximately 229 species of trees of which some are endangered timber species like Cordia millenii, Entandrophragma angolense and Lovoa swynnertonnii. The forest ground cover is dominated by the shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs like ferns and broad leaf grasses.

Activities & Attractions in Kibale forest national park

Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimps are tracked during the Kanyanchu primate walk that starts at the information center after a simple briefing by the park rangers. Chimpanzee tracking is the key activity in the park, which attract the highest number of travelers from different parts of the world. Among all the thirteen primates in the park, the chimps are the most sought specie of all. In addition to Chimpanzee tracking, there is also full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), which allow travelers to spend a half-day with chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking starts early at 8 am and lasts for about 3 hours and starts again at 2pm.

Forest Walks
Although unguided walking is no longer permitted in Kibale National Park save around the vicinity of Kanyanchu Visitor’s Centre to watch the localized friendly red-chested paradise flycatcher, robin chats, weavers and greenbuls, daytime guided walks into the forest are offered to visitors. While on this walk, visitors can encounter different monkey species including the endemic Uganda Mangabey. Other magnificent bird species that can be watched along the forest’s flanked section along the Fort Portal road North of Kanyanchu include Sabine’s spine tail, blue-breasted kingfisher, Afep pigeon and plenty butterflies. A decent section of monkeys can also be seen in this area.

Bigodi Swamp Walk
The Bigodi Swamp Walk offers one of the best bird and monkey views in Uganda. In addition to this, the walk brings you in touch with the unique swamp’s more than 40 bird species. The spectacular swamp associated with amazing birds like the papyrus gonolek, grey-throated, yellow-billed, yellow spotted and double-toothed barbets, join the great blue turaco. Others include, yellow bill, brown-eared woodpecker, blue-throated roller, grey parrot, bronze sun bird, black-crowned waxbill, grey-headed Negro finch, swam p flycatcher. The most common monkey in the swamp is the red colobus. However, red tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, black and white colobus, Uganda mangabey can also be seen here. Lucky visitors can also the chimps and the shy sitatatunga antelope, which visit the swamp occasionally to look for fruits.

Bigodi Cultural Centre
This a traditional museum situated just opposite the Bigodi Swamp Walk office with traditional clothes, grinding stones, musical instruments and many other artifacts that offer an alternative for those who are not interested in the swamp and forest walk.

Mpanga Falls
This 50 meters high waterfall along the Mpanga River tumbles over the rim of Mount Karubaguma just 15 kilometers before emptying into Lake George. The waterfall is enclosed by a steep gorge, which is surrounded by the Uganda Giant Cycad a unique vegetation type, and one of Africa’s largest cycad colonies. It is a critically endangered species endemic to this single area. Mpanga gorge is located in one of the remotest corners of Queen Elizabeth National Park and therefore you need permission from the Park’s authority at Kebuko village 28km from Kamwenge to access it. From Kawenge, you can use a special hire or boda to cover the 22km to the gorge.

Sebitoli Sector
The Sebitoli Sector was opened in 2002 as an extension of Kibale Forest to ease tourist pressure on Kanyanchu. Although the sector can easily be accessed by a few hundred kilometers off the main Fort Portal-Kampala road, the lack of chimpanzee tracking in the sector has made it to continue lagging behind Kanyanchu for this favorite tourist activity. However, this can be compensated the availability of good value and worthwhile budget guided walks in the Kihingami Wetlands found just 1km from Sebitoli.

Cultural Encounters
A local guide will help to explore the Magombe Wetlands, the 200 species of birds, numerous butterflies, 8 varieties of primates together with the unusual swamp vegetation during the nature walk.
The village walks help you to discover the daily life of Batooro. The cultural tour also passes across the village’s primary school, Church and a traditional healer. Traditional story of “village of two tribes” describes how the migrating Bakinga from the South-western Uganda came to join the indigenous Batooro in 1950s while narrating the history of Bigodi. You will also learn about the role of women in the village and traditional ceremonies during this cultural encounter.

Getting There
From Kampala to the primary center for tourism activities in the Park especially gorilla tracking Kanyanchu River Camp can be reached either from the North, via Mubende and Fort Portal or the South through Mbarara and Kamwenge by road. However, the Northern approach via Fort Portal is shorter and quicker with a 290km of tarmac to Fort Portal and then 32km of gravel to Kanyanchu.
The Sebitoli Forest Camp is even easier to reach as it lies along the main high way from Kampala just 12km before Fort Portal.
When you have a stop at the Ndali-Kasenda crater area, you can have a beautiful panoramic view of the tea estate and Kibale forest to the East, the Rwenzori to the West and Lake George and the Rift Valley plains t the South.

Accommodation/ Where To Stay In Kibale Forest National Park
High standard accommodation facilities like lodges and hotels for luxury are available at Fort Portal town. Budget accommodation is also available at Bigodi, Nkingo and Ndali crater area, these include up-market accommodation and chimpanzee guesthouse near Lake Nkuruba. The Park has also got accommodation with Kibale primate Lodge in Kanyanchu which is very convenient for those who want to do primate walks and chimpanzee tracking. Others include tree houses and cottages at Sebitoli. Campsites and restaurants serving both local and international dishes are found at every accommodation.

In general, a Uganda safari tour to Kibale National Park basically enriches you with incredible experience of chimpanzee tracking, primate tour and unforgettable birding experience. Forest and swamp walks leave you admiring the Forest’s unique vegetation species. In addition to that, the nature walks through the forest and around Mpanga falls together with the cultural encounters make you fall in love with the area’s rich nature and unique tradition and culture of the local residents.

Why Is Uganda Best For Gorilla Trekking?
Tracking mountain gorillas is the biggest dream of every wildlife-loving tourist. However, their scarcity and uneven distribution around the world makes their tracking so costly especially to those living in the Western world. They have to travel all the way to the three neighboring countries in East Africa where these gentle giants can only be found. These countries are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the world’s only four-mountain gorilla tracking destinations. Fortunately, two national parks hat shelter these endangered species are in Uganda presenting you with the first clear reason to guide your decision regarding the best destination for your gorilla safari for a close encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in Uganda shelter over 480-mountain gorillas available for travelers. The recent gorilla census results show that Uganda is a home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. This means that if you are really looking forward to track a variety of mountain gorillas, then Uganda is your answer. The other gorilla national parks a away from Uganda are Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. These two parks plus Mgahinga in Uganda share borders and altogether make up the Virunga Conservation Area.

However, having put all that in consideration and analyzed the major factors that most travellers consider when deciding where to go for mountain gorilla tracking like price of gorilla permits, ease of accessibility to the gorillas, variety of gorillas, gorilla families, security, accommodation and other tour affiliated activities, we can ably recommend that Uganda should your preferred mountain gorilla tacking destination. Uganda Possesses an off the beaten track in most of the areas regarding tracking mountain gorillas and below is the breakdown of some of the factors that make Uganda standout to be your best gorilla tracking destination.

Affordable gorilla permits
Today Uganda’s gorilla permit can be purchased at USD600 for foreign non-residents, 500usd for foreign n residents and 250000ush for east African residents. This cost is far more affordable compared to Rwanda’s USD1500 gorilla permit, which is paid by all travelers including Rwanda nationals all year round. While DRC’s permit at USD450 would be the most affordable, the inconsistency in her tourism activities basically because of political instabilities in the areas near the park leaves her out of this race. This means that Uganda offers the cheapest gorilla trekking experience hence the best destination for gorilla tours especially for those traveling on budget.

Distribution of gorilla families
Out of the total of 32 gorilla families available in all the three countries, Uganda possesses the majority number of 13 in total with 12 in Bwindi while the other family (Nyakagezi) stays in Mgahinga. Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park has 10 gorilla families while Virunga in Congo has got eight gorilla groups. Having the most gorilla families means more gorillas in Uganda and this gives her two advantages including the availability of gorilla permits on the market for a longer time compared to other counties given that they are very competitive. Visitors are also able to track a variety of gorillas that are habituated within these families.

Security
Security is among the priorities of every tourist and for the case of the three countries, we can say that Uganda has a cutting edge over her neighbors. With periodic surprise attacks and kidnaps of tourists in Congo’s Virunga national park from the numerous militia groups around the park, very few travellers are willing to risk their lives by visiting the park. Although the Rwanda side with Volcanoes national park has been peaceful since early 2000s, the fact that they share borders with the unstable Eastern DRC puts them on a standby security alert. The presence of anti Rwanda government rebels in Eastern DRC near the Rwanda border area where Volcanoes national park is found has posed a big security threat in the area since a surprise attack from these militias is possible. All these when well thought of leave you with Uganda as the safest destination among the three countries for an uncompromised gorilla tracking experience.

Accommodation in and around the parks
Both of Uganda’s two gorillas tracking destinations of Bwindi and Mgahinga are not short of accommodation facilities. Bwindi’s four main trailheads of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo are all equipped with accommodation facilities ranging from upmarket lodges to midrange cottages, budget and camping facilities. Other accommodation like hotels and more lodges can be found in the nearby towns like Kisoro, Kabale and Mbarara.

Ease of switching to other tourist activities
The strategic location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the center surrounded with different national parks make your Uganda more interesting. Bwindi is surrounded by other potential national parks like Queen Elizabeth national park where one can easily switch on a two hours drive for game drives/game viewing and also to see the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Kibale Forest national park is also near and visitors can switch there for the best chimpanzee tracking experience.

When it comes to trekking mountain gorillas, Uganda has tried her level best to make it as convenient as possible for her visitors through the above considerations. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a body responsible for all the tourism activities in the country is also still working around the clock to draft and implement programs that will ensure that Uganda’s gorilla tracking experience remain the best for all gorilla lovers around the world.

Wildlife Safaris In Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is increasingly becoming a popular overnight stop along the route to Bwindi Forest Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth for those travelling by road from Kampala capital city. The national park is situated in Kiruhura district in Southwestern region of Uganda about 30km from Mbarara the sub region’s biggest city approximately 240km from the capital Kampala in the Northeast. The park was originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and it was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963 and finally gazetted as a National Park in 1986 by the new government of National Resistance Movement. The park occupies a hilly area of 1,220m to 1,828m made of pre-Cambrian granitic rocks and sandy soils. 20% of lake Mburo’s surface area is covered by wetland habitats surrounded by lush riparian woodland and papyrus swamp. The park was named after Lake Mburo in its heart alongside other four within its boundaries. A wildlife tour to lake Mburo national park is an amazing experience which reward travelers with a fantastic pre trekking experience on their way to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

The national park is a home to a variety of animals some of which are hardly found else where in the country. Among these are the white handsome antelope for which Kampala the capital is named and is also one of the only two National parks where Burchell’s zebra occurs. Other animals that can be spotted in lake Mburo national park include Topi, Common duiker, Oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck and Bushbuck. Other antelope species include the sitatunga antelope found in swamp interiors, klipspringer on rocks of hills and the majestic eland. The presence of these unique mammals in the park has compensated its low ‘big five’ count. Also, Lake Mburo National Park also is a habitat to over 300 bird species including martial eagles and red-faced barbets. The park is also well endowed with vegetation varieties for nature walks including the acacia-wooded savannah, papyrus yellow warblers and African fin foot.

Tourism activities in Lake Mburo national park
Game drives
The East of lake Mburo has numerous game tracks ready to take you for game viewing in the park lie-savannah around Rwonyo where zebra, impala, waterbuck, topi and buffalo can be seen. Another good area for game viewing is at the relatively open savannah along the Kazuma and Ruroko tracks where pairs of klipspringer are always observed. The park recently introduced giraffes, which are mostly seen in the vicinity of Kazuma and research tracks.

Birding
Well-situated birding spots in the park like the swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti plus roadsides between Rwonyo camp and the jetty. The salt licks in Miriti valley and in Rubanga forest are also good viewing platforms. These platforms enable you to observe the Park’s rich variety of bird species.

Horseback riding Safaris
Uganda’s first horse riding safari was done Lake Mburo National Park introduced in the East of the Park by Mihingo Lodge. Safari to lake Mburo without horseback riding is undeniably incomplete. Horse back riding gives travelers a great opportunity to get near animals like zebra and buffalo, which are more comfortable when they are near horses than cars. Rides are tailor-made to individual’s requirements and their experience

Guided Night Drives
The night guided drives present an opportunity to see nocturnal and other hard to see animals such as leopard the increasing leopards, which are often quiet, relaxed around vehicles. Hyena groups can also be observed regularly. Night game drives begin at 6:30pm to 7:to 2:30pm enabling travelers to also enjoy a night life in the national park.

Boat Trips
Motorboat trips on Lake Mburo have much to offer ranging from the beautiful sceneries to amazing bird species that always flock around the Lake. While on this boat trip, nice views of hippo, crocodile, buffalo, waterbuck and bushbuck are un interrupted. The three species of the resident otter are also worthy looking out for. Water birds that can be observed include the African fish eagle, marabou stork, pied kingfisher, egrets, herons, ross’s turaco and narina trogon. The still waters below overhanging branches are associated with the rare African fin foot.

Sport Fishing
The designated fishing spot at Mazinga allows visitors to do sport fishing using hooks. There is a chance of catching some of the six fish species found in Lake Mburo with Tilapia being the most common. Visitors interested in this exciting activity are allowed to carry their own equipment after obtaining permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices at the Park.

Guided Walks
Guided walks with an armed ranger lead you to the road to jetty, which is regularly visited by hippos. There is a better viewing platform that overlooks the salt lick for viewing a variety of animals. The Rubanga forest found off the Rwizi track that can only be visited with the permission of the warden is of particular interest to walkers and birders. The warden provides with an armed ranger to escort you through the forest to guarantee your safety.

How to get to Lake Mburo National Park
From Kampala, four dirt access roads run south to the Park from the surfaced Masaka-Mbarara road. From Kampala or Masaka it’s better using the 8km road, which is about 1.5km West of the village of Akegeti to Nshaara gate.
There is also a good approach branching off at Sanga to Sanga gate with 10km and 35km East of Mbarara.
The approach from Biharwe to Rwonyo through Katengyeko gate is the roughest and least used route. All these approaches are signposted apart from the most easterly approach with relatively poor conditions though it has plenty of game along the way and it can a better option if you are heading to either Mihingo Lodge or Mburo safari lodge.

Accommodation/Where to stay in Lake Mburo national park
There is a variety of small-mid-range and upmarket camps and Lodges inside and out of Lake Mburo National Park. Rwonyo Rest Camp is a budget option within the Park and a good number of cheap hotels in Lyantonde town along Masaka-Mbarara road about 16km east of the junction for Nshaara gate.

A Uganda safari at Lake Mburo National Park offers great nature exploring opportunities in game drives, boat cruise, sport fishing, horseback safaris together with guided walks and guided night drives. All these exciting tourist activities bring visitors closer to the Park’s wildlife diversity of numerous and unique mammal and bird species together with the Park’s vegetation and aquatic varieties.