PRIME SAFARIS AND TOURS AFRICA

One can note that New York has got the Statue of Liberty, London has got the London Eye, Paris has got the Eiffel tower while India has Taj Mahal but Kampala has got the Gaddafi National Mosque that is spread across the old Kampala hill shaped by strong concrete over 12 acres of land worth encountering while on Uganda safaris . Gaddafi National Mosque is not only the largest mosque in Uganda but also the headquarters of Muslim faith in Uganda. Its gigantic size makes it second in Africa after King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is a two storied building with the mosque on the second floor while the ground floor houses the offices. The construction of this Uganda safari offer commenced in 1972 with the formation of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council by the then Ugandan government headed by Idi Amin. Unfortunately, the mosque (known as Old Kampala National mosque by then) came to a standstill in 1976 until 2001 when Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje drew closer to Gaddaf...

Positioned in the north west of Uganda, Murchison falls National Park is one the best Uganda safari attractions that can be visited with curiosity. Marked by different living and non-living features, Murchison Falls National is a convergence of a range of attractions that most travellers undertaking safaris in Uganda are always in quest for. These include; the historic River Nile, the powerful Murchison Falls, the famous Rabongo forest, the rolling savannah combretum that supports counts of wildlife including the big five of land animals except Rhinos that got extinct in 1983 though were re-introduced for breeding in the adjacent Ziwa sanctuary in the year 2005. The largest national park in Uganda and the second most visited park on Uganda safaris and tours , Murchison Falls National Park has got great counts of wild game that range from cape buffaloes, savannah elephants, Rothschild Giraffe, lions, Jackson’s Hartebeest, leopard, Oribis, Uganda kobs, water bucks among...

The nation of Rwanda is considered one of the success stories in Africa that emerged from the worst past to build one of the competitive economies on the African continent. The strength of Rwanda has not appeared in agriculture or industrialization but a strong tourism industry which is currently fetching the greatest revenues from Rwanda safari tour undertakers. The rise of gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda championed by the American Primatologist Dian Fossey was a new dawn into the Rwanda’s tourism and economy in general. However, besides gorillas and a range of wildlife that formed the foundation for wildlife safaris in Rwanda not forgetting the primates of Nyungwe of which chimpanzees are among forming the base for chimpanzee trekking safaris , Rwanda has rich cultural heritage whose potential has for long been untapped until of recent. Dating back to the pre-colonial era, Rwanda had a well centralized Kingdom and the palace of the last two Kings is in Nyanza, Butare...

Established in 1922, Makerere University is the second oldest institution in Uganda after Katigondo Seminary in Masaka and is apparently the greatest institution of higher learning in the south of Sahara, north of River Lipompo, east of Equatorial Jungle and the west of Indian Ocean which is usually encountered by Uganda safari undertakers. Makerere University has gone through series of transition that have shaped its heritage most especially in its core field of academics. It currently operates under a semi-autonomous collegiate system which is visibly seen as a form of decentralization aimed at breaking the bureaucratic process that had taken toll at this mighty University commonly referred to as the ivory tower, the epitome of understanding, the pinnacle of intellectualism and the summit of wisdom. Its intellectual prowess has attracted a range of students from within and abroad to have their studies there and at the same time attracting the attention of academician...

Situated in the western arm of the East African rift valley across the Kichwamba escarpment, Maramagambo forest is a mature tropical forest that is worth encountering by travellers on safaris in Uganda . The name Maramagambo like most of the African tracts has got a legendary connotation. It was derived from the an incident when the children got lost in this gigantic forest for counts of days after failing to trace their way back home and on returning, the children could not speak anything as they were in a state of bewilderment and completely worn out thus the locals said that “ekibira eki ni imara magambo” literally loosely translated as “this forest makes words disappear” thus the name Imaramagambo forest. This nomenclature has popularized it and invigorated various travellers across the world to plan safaris to Uganda in order to encounter this forest. Maramagambo forest stretches from the escarpment of Kichwamba across to the shores of Lake Edward and has rich ...

Connecting from Entebbe to Kampala is only 40kms but on a busy day, it can take traffic including those on safaris in Uganda over 2 hours due to presence of one highway connection. Entebbe is the main air entry point to and from Uganda which creates a lot of traffic on the only route that connects to it. Additionally, it is where the state house is situated along with residences of other dignitaries that travel with convoys. This has always made Entebbe transfers difficult and uncertain. Fortunately, the government came up with the initiative of constructing the Entebbe express that is in form of bypass, passing through southern end of Kampala avoiding the city with the capacity to provide Uganda safari tour undertakers a quick connection that will be free from traffic and vehicle queuing. The government of Uganda in conjunction with the government of China have come together to implement the project. The Entebbe Express will improve tourist satisfaction and experience...

Perfectly situated in the Mount Rwenzori foot hills, the Rwenzori Art Center, Sculpture Gallery and coffee bar is a must-see place for the discerning Uganda safari tour undertaker in western Uganda. Conveniently placed at 11km from Kasese along a great tourist road that connects Queen Elizabeth National Park and Fort Portal, Rwenzori Art Centre, Sculpture gallery and Coffee bar can be easily traced while on safaris in Uganda . This spectacular award winning complex sits in harmony with its recently restored natural landscape and makes inventive use of recycled local materials whilst also providing a dynamic modern space for seeing the carvings. Terrace of the coffee bar provides a cozy place to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the famous mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori Mountains which also attracts a range of travellers to plan  safari tours to Uganda . The gallery boasts a unique connection with the only foundry in Uganda solely dedicated to casting sculptu...

Uganda is vast geographical spread and her macro tourist destinations are scattered all over the country stretching from Kidepo Valley National Park in the extreme north east to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the extreme south west not forgetting Mount Elgon in the extreme east vis-à-vis Mount Rwenzori in the extreme west and a range of others that attract travellers to plan safaris to Uganda . Connecting to these destinations form the man gate way of Uganda - Entebbe International Airport and Kampala city which are positioned on the shores of Lake Victoria, it automatically presents long journey transfers some of which require the whole day drive like the drive to the gorilla trekking haven of Bwindi and Mgahinga or the drive to the wildlife safari destination of Kidepo which even takes up to two days. These long journeys are made in wilderness areas and rural environments that are deprived of decent stop centers that would enable travelers on safari in Uganda t...

I t is such a moment of wonder when starts to think of crafting a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda in far horizons of this planet some of which take two days flight transfers. It is just the imaginations and some tourism scholars have described it as the beginning of the tourist experience which is its self the product. The series of arrangements are made such as reserving gorilla permits and other trip components like accommodation and transport which is normally done through travel agents or going ahead to buy an inclusive package from the tour operators to oversee the delivery of the tourist product while the client is on gorilla safari in Uganda . The flights are booked and everything is set and you board to Uganda at the famous Entebbe International Airport on the shores of the gigantic Lake Victoria the largest tropical lake in the world, largest lake in Africa and the second largest fresh water lake in the world where you are welcomed by a courteous guide from...

The only temple of the Baha’i faith in Africa, Uganda Baha’i Temple is positioned on the crest of Kikaya in Kawempe division, north of Kampala and is usually encountered on Uganda safari tours . Standing out from a distance and viewed from different hills of Kampala, the Baha’i Temple is one of the rich tourist attractions that the city of Kampala has got to offer to a range of Uganda safari undertakers. Established in January 1958 and dedicated in 1961, the Baha’i temple was designed by Charles Mason Remey. The Baha’i faith like most other religious denominations in Uganda were banned in Uganda during the Amin’s era following the killing of Enoch Olinga the founder of the Baha’i faith in Uganda but received its renaissance in the country after the over throw of Idi Amin. The Baha’i Temple is 130feet (39m) in height and 100m (13m) in width while its roof is 124 feet (37m) in height and 44 feet (13m) in width which makes it a gigantic structure that should not be miss...

The vast tea landscape that fronts you as you draw into deeper areas of Fort Portal along Kampala – Fort Portal road present an amazing scenic landscape that is worth encountering on Uganda safari tour . Operating under a public Limited Company, Mpanga Tea Growers discovered the potential in tea growing and processing which has in turn boasted their revenues, generated jobs and contributed to scenic landscape of the area. Fort Portal has been known for the crater lake fields, Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and Kibale National Park where the Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda take place but the time to diversify the regions tourist products has come. The tea estate cyclic in Mpanga estate is a new activity that has been invented to maximize the experience of Uganda safari undertakers in the area. The guests are given the mountain bikes to cycle through designated trails along the undulating hilly landscapes exploring the beauty of the estates, the alignment of the ga...

Ankole part of South western Uganda is traditionally known for its pastoral significance other than any other practice. The inhabitats of Ankole were referred to as Banyankole falling in two sub groups i.e. the Bairu and the Bahima. The Bairu were primarily cultivators and thrived in fertile and rain fed areas to ensure the thriving of their crops while the Bahima mostly thrived in the dry savannah grassland areas where they lived a semi-nomadic life and were primarily pastoralists. This setting still exists in some areas of Ankole and can be encountered while on safaris in Uganda . The rangelands of Ankole are somehow dry landscapes that receive minimal amounts of rainfall through out the year and they are beautiful flat terrain characterized by savannah grass land and marked by acacia woodland and are celebrated for offering a perfect grazing field for the Ankole long horned cattle the unique species of the Bahima which are apparently among the key Uganda safari pro...

Located along Entebbe road 23km from Kampala, Zika Forest is a relatively small forest with quite mature trees and lush undergrowth with thick canopy formally called the upper storey which forms a perfect stop ground for Uganda safari tour undertakers. The Zika forest extends over 12ha containing a range of bio diversity of forest types, grasslands, forest edge types and swamps that stretch to Lake Victoria. This biodiversity include; 135 species of woody plants, 62 species of sphingid moths, 38 species of saturniid and 40 mosquito species making it worth encountering while on safari in Uganda . The Zika forest also acts as a virus research field station for the Uganda Virus Institute and has got a 120 feet steel research tower which was initially in Mpanga forest but was relocated to Zika in 1962 with the funding of World Health Organization. The tower has provided a ground for an extended behavioral research and ecological studies with the forest. This narrow metal t...

Positioned among the Nile River in the north west of Uganda in the mid of Murchison Falls National Park which is usually encountered on wildlife safaris in Uganda , Murchison Falls is the powerful water fall in the world. The whole Nile River which is the longest river in the world squeezes its self to pass through a ravine that is below 8m wide before falling 43m below the Devils Cauldron forming a plume of spray and a thunderous roar marked by a trade mark rain bow forming one of the wonders that travellers on Uganda safaris and tours should never attempt to miss. The Murchison falls is the greatest fall in Uganda and has never been explored in terms of water rafting adventures until of recent when a team of Russians planned an adventure safari tour to Uganda to carry out most risky adventure activities in Uganda and rafting on the Murchison falls was among. The historical Murchison Falls derives its name from the President of the Royal Geographical Society Sir Ro...

Located at 15 km in the eastern side of Kampala - Uganda’s capital, Namugongo Martyrs shrine is one of the rich Uganda safari products that the country has got to offer to the visiting world. Namugongo was like any other place until June 1886 when the then King of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga turned against his people who had abandoned their traditional religious practices in favor of the western Christian religion and subjected them to live execution at Namugongo following their refusal to denounce the new religion. On 3rd June every year, many people included those from outside world plan their safari to Uganda to pay pilgrimage to a number of Ugandans who allowed themselves to be burned to death for the sake of religion. In October 18, 1964, these people were canonized as the saints by the Pope after the locals had prayed through them against the small pox epidemic and got healed. A church in form of a traditional Buganda hut was constructed and the Pope Pau VI consecrate...

Also referred to as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral is positioned on Namirembe hill in Rubaga division and is one of the iconic Uganda safari attractions that is located within Kampala city. Namirembe Cathedral is about 2 km west of Kampala off the road to Natete. Namirembe cathedral is the headquarters of the Anglican faith in Uganda and it is among the most magnificent colonial style buildings that still thrives in Uganda up to today and can be encountered by travellers on safaris in Uganda . Literally translated as a place of peace, Namirembe was regarded as a peace paradise in the pre-colonial Buganda. The initial building was completed in 1903 built by the local builders under the British missionary supervision. In 1910, the building was brought down by lightening prompting the building of the current cathedral which was completed in 1919. The architectural setting of Namirembe cathedral is something to wonder of while the backyard of this very cathedral...

Positioned on Mubende hill approximately 3 ½ hours’ drive from Kampala – the Uganda’s capital, Nakayima tree is a rich heritage site that should not be missed by travellers on safaris in Uganda . Dating back to the Chwezi era, the Nakayima heritage site has got great connotation to Ndahura and the entire great Chwezi fraternity that have other sites of historical significance across Uganda such as Bigo By’ Mugyenyi which pull various travellers to plan safari tours to Uganda . The Fig tree derives its name from the lineage of princesses belonging to the royal family and is a worship center where traditionalists come and pray for whatever they want and is given to them. The tree has got huge buttress roots and is estimated to be 650 years old following the tests that were carried out in 1989 by researchers. The large tree roots form 18 rooms of which four of them are noted to have belonged to Ndahura and can be seen while on safari tour in Uganda . The traditions have ...

The tourism sector is apparently the chief export earner for Uganda leading the remittances from abroad and coffee revenue. This comes along with increase in the number of Uganda safari tour undertakers that form the ground for the travellers expenditure and multiplier effect resulting into increased returns from the tourism industry. It is in year 2014 that the tourism sector of Uganda has attained this position. The issue of Uganda tourism and travel industry was further put in the world news by the Uganda’s President H.E Yoweri Museveni after making remarks that Uganda was better than Spain in terms of travel destinations. This inspired various players including the U.K based Guardian to run an opinion poll on the matter and interestingly Uganda emerged the first with 79% against 21% for Spain which showed that many travellers had interest in planning safari tours to Uganda . The marketing efforts have tried to intensify with the budget to Uganda Tourism Board incr...

The regional political climate is a very significant factor when it comes to destination choice by various safari undertakers including those that undertake Uganda safari tours . It is a critical factor since many travellers want an assurance of their safety while on holiday. Holding the clients aside, the issue of tourism investment cannot be ruled out. A range of investors both from within and abroad come to the region to invest in tourism related entities like Hotels and developing products that are visited by travellers including those on safaris in Uganda provided there is stable political and economic atmosphere that favors their investments. The private sector which champions various investments including the tourism related entities tend to minimize the risk factor. Thus in a situation where the region is unstable, the efforts to invest in it might be minimal and vice versa. The establishments like Hotels and resorts that provide accommodation to travellers in...

Buffaloes together with lions, elephants, leopard and Rhinos form the Big five cluster of Land animals which are usually encountered by travellers on while on safari in Uganda . The buffaloes are such huge creatures that appear like bulls and thrive greatly feed on grass a reason why dwell mostly in the savannah landscapes of East Africa including the grassland areas of Uganda where they are usually seen while on Uganda safaris. These species of recent terrorized the residents of the Sub-county of Kapelebyong in the district of Amuria where eight (8) of them invaded the mentioned village. The Uganda safari species which are thought to have strayed from Kidepo Valley National Park in the region of Karamoja invaded the people’s rice gardens which were ready for harvesting. The villages that were visited by the buffaloes include; Akulonyo, Omokor and Okoboi in the sub-county of Kapelebyong. The animals are thought to have followed water from River Ongorikipi which flows...

Murchison Falls National Park which is the largest Uganda safari park is composed of greatly rolling savannah combretum that covers greater part of the northern section than in the south. Bisected by the mighty River Nile that is also highly sought by travellers while on safari tours in Uganda , Murchison Falls National Park  lies in two sections that is in the north of the Nile and the south of the Nile. The park which is accessed by traversing the flat landscapes of Nakasongora and forested landscapes of Budongo, it is such a thrilling wilderness area that was once home of big five land animals before the rhinos were hunted to extinction in 1983. Apparently, the rhinos were re-introduced in the nearby Ziwa Sanctuary thus the park still offers the opportunity of spotting the big five which prompted travellers to plan safari holidays to Uganda . Apart from the lions, elephants, leopard and buffaloes that join with the rhinos to form the big five, Murchison Falls Nati...

Ug anda gorilla safaris saw their inception in 1993 when the Mubare gorilla family was formerly introduced for tracking following two years of habituation in the Buhomna sector with n Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The gorilla safari tours in Uganda were then realized as cash cows after great amounts of dollars that were generated in the subsequent years. This prompted the government to habituate more gorilla groups that would add value to conservation and promote appreciation of these species among people that would enroll themselves for gorilla tracking encounter. Apparently, the gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are conducted with in the four regions of Bwindi namely; Buhoma with its three habituated gorilla families, Ruhija with also three gorilla groups, Rushaga with five gorilla families and Nkuringo with one gorilla family. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which adjoins the greater Virunga massif also has got one gorilla family called Nyakagezi that has been ha...

Uganda is one of the prime safari destinations in the region of East Africa with great safari packages that range from gorilla trekking safaris , cultural tours, Uganda birding safaris, wildlife safaris, adventure tours and chimpanzee trekking safaris among others. These packages have ensured the thriving of tourism and travel industry in Uganda. However, selling such packages is a responsibility of a range of players that include the marketers who vend the product, the sales personnel call them tour consultants who respond and confirm clients’ inquiries and eventually the safari guides who delivers the package to the satisfaction of the client including Uganda safari undertakers. And since the tourism product is just an experience, the combination of all these players’ interaction with the tourist determines the outcome. Uganda Tourism Board which derives its mandate from the Uganda Tourism Act (2008) to enforce and monitor the tourism sector standards by registering, l...

Uganda is endowed with 65 tribal groups most of which have got diverse and unique traditions worth of encountering while on safari in Uganda . These tribal groups settle in varied landscapes of the country and practice different livelihood practices. Ranging from the nomadic Karimojong in the semi-arid landscapes of the north east to the Batwa forest people that thrive in rain forests of south west, Uganda has got a wide range of cultures some of which are related while others differ greatly thus forming a diverse ground that would leave a cultural traveller on Uganda safari mesmerized. Previously, Uganda has always been known for gorilla trekking safaris and wildlife safaris including chimpanzee trekking safari with little consideration for cultural tours and yet it is the most diverse country in Africa with people living in harmony. The organized Kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro and Ankole date back in the ancient times before the coming of the colonialists while oth...

Uganda which is listed among the famous safari destinations in Africa can be dubbed the home of eclipses. Its wonders do not stop on the great deal of mountain gorillas that form the ground for gorilla trekking safaris or large number of primates that from the ground for chimpanzee trekking safaris or the diverse wild game that form the basis for wildlife safaris but also her position along the equator. It is this factor that has won her the dub of being the home of eclipses. Contemporary Uganda safari undertakers and other people might think that the 3rd November, 2013 eclipse was the first of its kind in Uganda something that earns them a big zero. The 2013 total eclipse that occurred in Pakwach in the north west of Uganda was actually the second of its kind with the first of its kind estimated to have occurred in 1520AD at Biharwe 12km from Mbarara town in south west of Uganda. These two eclipses are apparently commemorated by two respective monuments that can be visi...

Uganda is a rich birding destination ranking as number one on the African continent which prompts range of birders to undertake birding safaris in Uganda . Uganda which equals the size of the United Kingdom contains 1,057 species of birds which constitute 50% of African birds and 11% of global birds. No wonder the country is listed as having the two of the top ten birding sites in Africa with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also a gorilla trekking safari destination ranking as number one and Murchison falls National Park also a wildlife safari haven ranking as number nine. The birding to Mabamba involves birding en route with great deal of species that can be encountered by travelers on this safari in Uganda including; cattle egret, grey crowned crane common bulbul, hammerkop, long – crested eagle and grey plantain eater among others. Mabamba which is 48km from Kampala is a ramsar site that always prompts birders to undertake safari tours to Uganda in search of the ra...

Golf which is considered to be fast growing aspects of tourism and travel in other destinations like United States along with other countries like Portugal, Morocco, UAE, Scotland and Ireland could be the new niche for Uganda ‘s tourism to increase safari tours to Uganda . Golf and tourism are seen as complimentary. The construction of the golf courses attracts other tourism investments like clubs, hotels and tourists themselves to undertake safaris in Uganda . This in sight was highlighted upon at the opening of a new privately owned golf course in Kihihi, south west of Uganda. The sport which is usually associated with upmarket people is seen as a niche kind of initiative in travel industry that would increase luxury products that are encountered by upmarket travellers on Uganda safari . The new golf club owned by Musinguzi Garuga who is a famous local business man will host a golf tournament that will be conducted in honor of Late Ngororgoza Paulo who was remarkable ...