AttractionsMarch 25, 2019December 1, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Uganda the Pearl of Africa should be on your Travel list

Uganda the Pearl of Africa

Sir Winston Churchill, nicknamed it the Pearl of Africa.

The world over is full of adventures. Not all are the same. Discover the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain, Lake Victoria and its abundant wildlife. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its boat cruises and Lake Mburo National Park for the rare Elands and birds. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla habitat.

It is not surprising that one of the great statesmen of Great Britain; Sir Winston Churchill nicknamed Uganda the Pearl of Africa. In his book My African Journey 1908 he pronounced these words:

“The kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up … and at the end there is a wonderful new world.

The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa. I say: ‘Concentrate on Uganda’. For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life – bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale — Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa.”

A trip to Uganda will enable you to explore the community, culture and wildlife touristic areas, making the trip a fully packed adventure.

A Variety of Wildlife

Uganda is Gifted by Nature. It is a home to half of the world population’s of Gorillas is in Uganda.Meet the gentle giants face to face.Such a memorable experience. Other Primates include Chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons.Other wildlife include hippos,elephants,Lions.

Adventurous

Uganda is full of a variety of adventurous activities like Whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating and river surfing on the Source of the Nile near Bujagali Falls in Jinja. It is an opportunity for the brave ones.

water-rafting-jinja — White water rafting – Jinja

Culture and heritage diversity

Get the chance to visit the African villages.It is a true authentic cultural experience. Tourists coming to Uganda will meet its beautiful people, its beautiful culture, the dances, the different tribes and the diversity that cannot be found anywhere else.

With a varied rich culture, of over 56 tribes, and each one has their own dress, their own language, their own food.

Memorable experiences

Ugandans welcome you with an open heart and a good mind.The people are generous, very friendly, giving you a relaxed stay in Uganda the Pearl of Africa.

Lake tours

Uganda is home to the largest fresh water lake in Africa. Lake Victoria covers Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. You can go for a lake tour on Lake Victoria as you Travel to Ngamba Island, Bulago Island, Ssese Islands and refreshing beaches. Uganda is gifted with Crater lakes that offer exciting canoe rides.

Family Adventures

Looking for a family day out? Uganda offers exciting destinations for a family tour. You can visit the wildlife centre at Entebbe locally known as the Zoo. It offers one day – volunteer animal keeping excursions which the children can enjoy with you. Go horse riding in the wild at Lake Mburo. Enjoy Nature walks and hiking around crater lakes near Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Climb to the Top of the falls in Murchison falls National Park. Go for boat safaris that offer great scenes of Hippos, Elephants, crocodiles and buffaloes. A visit to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is recommended for Rhino tracking.

Enjoy home and village stays and learn the true African way of living. This is a true cross-cultural learning experience for a family day out.

Birdwatching

Uganda is a Birders’ Paradise. With over 1000 bird species, Uganda is a darling for birders. Just remember to pack your binoculars. You can visit Mabamba and other destinations for the elusive Shoebill; Murchison falls with over 460 bird species. The birds include the African Darter, Goliath Heron, yellow-billed Stork, Abdim’s Stork, Shoebill and White- faced Whistling Duck.

Photo:Shoe bill bird

Explore the National Parks

At Lake Mburo 317 species have been recorded. Birds to watch for include the African Fin Foot, African fish eagle, red faced barbet.

Bwindi Impenetrable Elevation which is at 1190 – 2607m above sea level is habitat to Albertine endemics. Bird species recorded: 357 species. This evergreen moist, montane forest is home to the African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Shelley’s Crimson-wing.

Queen Elizabeth is a habitat to over 600 bird species. The African Skimmer is common bird. Other bird species at Queen Elizabeth include Grey, Purple and Goliath Herons, Saddle-billed and Yellow-billed Storks, Sacred and Glossy Ibises, African Spoonbill, Egyptian Goose, Black Crake, African Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Water Thick-knee, Spur-winged.

Photo: African Skimmer

Kibale National Park is home to 325 species. Commonly seen black capped Apalis, blue headed sunbird, collared Apalis, dusky crimson wing, purple breasted sunbird and red faced woodland warbler. If you are lucky you will see the African pitta.

Kidepo Valley National Park the hidden Gem (CNN) is home to the Secretary bird, Karamoja Apalis ,Golden Pipit, Ring-necked Spurfowl, Taita Fiscal, RufousChatterer, Fox’s Cisticola, Yellow and red spotted Barbet, Fox’s Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Harrier, Black-winged Pranticole, White-crested, Hartlaub’s Turaccos, Dusky-turtle Dove.

Lake Bunyonyi – A place of many little birds is a stunning beautiful water body in south western Uganda. Its formation was a result of volcanic activity several years ago. It is an ideal place to relax and chill out after a safari or on holiday.

AttractionsMarch 22, 2019November 27, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Lake Bunyonyi – A place of many little birds

Lake Bunyonyi -A place of many little birds

An ideal place to chill out on a holiday or after your safari

Lake Bunyonyi – A place of many little birds is a stunning beautiful water body in south western Uganda. Its formation was a result of volcanic activity several years ago. Lava dammed river Ndego thus blocking its continued flow.

The morning mist and melodies of birds welcomes you. Lake Bunyonyi’s crystal clear waters are free from Bilharzia, crocodiles and hippos.

With 29 islands, it is an ideal place to chill out on a holiday or after your safari to other scenic destinations. Enjoy the views of the terraced hills and other islands.

Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

My holiday at the resort was such an exciting one on an invitation by the founder of Lake Bunyonyi Rock resort. I spent two nights at the resort and later proceeded to Kisoro, another tourist destination.

As you relax at the balcony, you can enjoy better views of the surrounding terraced hills. At the resort you can watch a wonderful sunset. It is a nice place to chill out as you enjoy the melodies of the little birds.

The cuisine at the resort is well selected by the welcoming staff . It is mix of both local and international dishes. Cray fish delicacies are available to visitors at the resort.The Louisiana Cray fish was introduced to Lake Bunyonyi from Kenya.

It can be your ideal starting point for a gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks.

Canoeing and boat ride around the islands

Punishment Island

A lot can be enjoyed at lake Lake Bunyonyi. The two – hour boat ride on the lake enables you to tour the lslands including the famous punishment Island known locally as Akampene.

This small marshy island hosted excommunicated girls who were delivered by their relatives for having got pregnant before marriage. The girls were sometimes lucky to be rescued by a man in passing boat who would take one of them as a ‘free” wife without paying bride price.

Story of a survivor

My tour guides narrated a story of one of the survivors still alive known as Mauda Kyitaragabirwe. When it was discovered that she was pregnant, her parents sent her to the Punishment Island. It was considered a sound deterrent to other girls to abstain from pregnancy outside wedlock. She was left to die at the island but by God’s Grace, she was later rescued by a passing boat man.

However, Mauda later had a miscarriage since she was brutally handled on her way to the island.

During the pre-independence times around 1930s, parents in the area supported the excommunication of pregnant unmarried girls. The pregnancy outside wedlock was considered as bringing shame to the families and society thus denying them bridal wealth. The bride price is in form of livestock.

Today the punishment island is the only one that does not look beautiful with only two dry trees and long drying grass seen on the island. One can think that the island was cursed by the girl victims. Even birds hardly perch on the island.

In another region girls faced a similar fate, around Kisiizi falls. The girls were thrown off the cliff. It was such a painful episode for the girls. However, one day one girl dragged one of her tormentors with her over the cliff. The practice stopped indefinitely.

Other Islands

Bwama Island is another historical island. A missionary doctor set up camp in this area to help the community recover from leprosy. Dr. Leonard Sharp and his team established the center in 1931. It remained open till the 1950’s.

Today the island is home to two schools, a secondary and primary school. Students can access them by boat because no permanent village exists on the island.

Dr.Sharp established a home on Njuyeera Island known today as Sharp’s island. He lived here with his family.

Hiking to the Top of the World

Hiking to the top of a hill known as Top of the world is another exciting activity. You will be able to see surrounding islands clearly. It is recommended to keep your camera close to you so that you do not miss out on the amazing views.

The hike combines a village walk and bird watching along the way. My guide shared local knowledge about the plants used as herbal medicine and food crops by the community. I enjoyed the amazing views of the surrounding islands and terraced hills.

The hikes are less strenuous. You can take them at your own pace. You will get close to the village residents. Advanced booking is required for Traditional dances.

Birding

Uganda is a birding paradise. It is home to over 1000 bird species. Bird watching is such a relaxing and refreshing activity. Bird species seen in the area include; the grey crowned cranes, fly catchers, sun birds, pied king fishers, pelicans, cormorants and weaver birds.

Ruvuma swamp is an ideal birding spot. Common endemics include papyrus gonolek and yellow warbler.

Other top things to do and see around Lake Bunyonyi

As a tourist you are spoilt for choice. You will participate in a number of activities that includes a visit to a homestay, Local markets,Canoeing and a visit to the black smith.

Activities and places to add to Lake Bunyonyi safari

Beautiful destinations exist in Uganda that are attractive for your extended stay.They include a Gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Canoeing on lake Mutanda, a visit to other punishment Islands, cultural tours to communities and hiking the three mountains of Mt. Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo.

Guest BlogMarch 18, 2019July 22, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Mvule Boat An exciting boat cruise on Lake Victoria

Enjoy an exciting Mvule boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

By Lorna

This perfect journey on the lake is an unforgettable adventure.

Google map search

We finally saw Meghan’s red pickup truck down the dusty Nyanza road and watched as she excitedly waved and gestured to us from a distance. Seeing her was a massive sigh of relief for Peter and I. We had been fidgeting with the Google map on my phone for a while and were worried that we would be late for the boat ride.

As soon as we parked the car just next to the red truck, we were welcomed with a warm hug from Meghan. We exchanged the necessary pleasantries and made our way onto the boat. The Mvule boat is an alluring colored boat made from hard wood timber from the mvule tree. This is commonly found in Uganda. The hard wood was used in the making of the keel and the supporting frame of the boat. It makes it durable and strong.

Ten minutes after our arrival, three other friends joined us and we were ready to explore the beauty of Lake Victoria (the second largest lake in the world) aboard the 50ft wooden boat. We were served some tea/coffee and fresh snacks as we gathered around and got comfortable on the seats.

Safety brief

The Mvule boat crew introduced themselves to us and took us through some safety procedures in case of a tragedy; we were all impressed by their professionalism and the surplus provisions of life jackets in the boat. The crew has attended a number of first aid training courses and are all certified in first aid and CPR; a sign that the safety of their clients onboard is paramount.

The combination of comfy lounge beds, stocked bar with chilled drinks, sun-deck on the front, clean toilet, warm blankets and charging points provided so much luxury. A kind I haven’t seen on many boats in Uganda. We were served some tea/coffee and fresh snacks as we relaxed on the comfy lounge beds and shared a bit of chit-chat with each other.

Boat cruise

The weather was sunny and warm with plenty of sunlight and clear blue skies prompting us to stand at the front of the sundeck to soak up some of the warmth and take some memorable pictures. The sights of massive jagged rock cliffs, lush forests and untouched distant islands was fascinating. Remote fishing villages could easily be seen from the boat giving us a perfect glimpse of the local culture.

Birds and monkeys

We saw an interesting variety of bird species as we cruised along the pristine rainforest; the binoculars and bird books onboard made it easier for us to see and identify them. We saw plenty of monkeys jumping from one tree to the other. It almost felt like they were putting on a show for us! The boat moored at a nice spot where we hopped on to one of the islands. We later took a nice hike up a hill to stretch our legs. We marveled at the beauty of Lake Victoria and various surrounding islands.

This was followed by a swim at a picturesque spot where the water that was 18m deep. It felt quite safe with life jackets and floating tyres available for the weaker swimmers. Reggae music blared out from the boat’s sound system as we relaxed in the water and had a few drinks; and also found a perfect spot that created a little heaven for us on that Sunday afternoon.

We got back on the boat and watched our lunch being prepared in front of us. We mixed and matched a variety of ingredients and sauces ranging from onions, French beans, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, chicken, lean meat, pineapple and cauliflower. The mode in which our lunch was prepared was a pretty unique experience in itself.

After lunch, it got a bit chilly and most of us wrapped ourselves with the warm blankets onboard and fell asleep on the comfy lounge beds. The rest enjoyed some ice cold drinks and played board games like chess, backgammon and cards. We had another round of fresh fruit, tea/coffee and biscuits on our way back to Jinja marking the end of a day filled with an assortment of exciting adventures of the boat cruise.

Chimpanzees Community visit PrimatesMarch 17, 2017November 30, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Ngamba Island -Chimp viewing and Birding

Chimp viewing and Birding at Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary. It is home to orphaned chimpanzees.

Ngamba Island

The chimpanzee sanctuary is home for 49 orphaned chimps currently. Numbers may continue to grow because of the illicit trade of chimps. Lucky enough there is an organization like the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and wildlife trust (CSWCT) an NGO that has taken it upon themselves with the support of donors to provide exceptional care to the chimps.

The chimps are confiscated and rescued throughout Uganda and are later handed over to the wildlife authorities who entrust the chimps with the NGO.

Chimp viewing and Birding

A visit to this island is such a wonderful experience. My visits to this place have always been exciting. On my recent trip with friends we extended our trip to neighbouring Koome Island for bird watching where we were surprised to see the Black bellied Bustard mostly seen at Lake Mburo National Park. Seeing the chimps feed is such a humbling experience. What impresses the onlooker is the time keeping and the gesture requests for food. Chimps are fed four times a day on the Island. Chimp Intelligence is 98.7%.

These chimps are held behind an electric fence so that they do not escape. The NGO has done its best to keep them in the forest habitat alongside caged shelter. This is done to enable the chimps to assimilate to its original environment and also have a chance to closely look after them.

It is humbling to listen to the sanctuary care taker stories about their behavior especially the battle for the Alpha male position, grooming and looking after the young chimps. The rivalry for this position reminds me of the various leadership rivalries at School, Sports arenas and Politics where individuals compete for positions. The chimps are no exception since they are man’s closest relatives.

There are many activities at the Island available to the visitor that includes Chimpanzee feeding, visiting the nearby fishing villages, become a care giver for a day, go for a sunset cruise. If you are bird watching enthusiast, you can go birding at the nearby Koome Island.

Volunteering

Volunteer programs are also available at the Island and other natural habitats in western Uganda. This program gives you a firsthand insight into the conservation activities of these endangered species. This enables you the visitor to further educate yourself and the public about the importance of chimpanzee conservation . Meet Medina the chimp artist and other chimps with interesting stories. You have to be there yourself to capture the real stories.

Any visitor Restrictions: No visitor age restrictions. All are welcome.

Accommodation: Tented accommodation is available with additional camping tents.

A Night visitor will also be able to enjoy an evening camp fire.

Booking: Book directly with the Ngamba reservations office or tour operators like Rafiki Eco Safaris.

How to get there

Ngamba is 23km on Lake Victoria. It can be accessed through Entebbe by boat. The boats cater for various groups and budgets. Traditional motorized canoe takes 90 minutes. Speed boats travel for approximately 45- 50 minutes. Half and day boat trips leave at 9:00am or 12:45pm.

Birding DestinationsAugust 12, 2016July 22, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Uganda the Birding Paradise in Africa

The world has over 10,000 bird species,a tenth (est.over 1000 species) are found in Uganda.

Uganda is known as a unique birding destination.In each destination you visit,you will find a different bird specie.

The popular Birding destinations include:

1.Lake Mburo National Park

The birdlife in Lake Mburo is good all year-round. It is home to a variety of birds that includes the endemic African Finfoot. Other key species are the Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Saddle-billed Stork, Brown-chested Lapwing, African-wattled Lapwing, Carruther’s Cisticola, Tabora (Long-tailed) Cisticola, African Scops Owl, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and White-winged Warbler,African Fish eagle.

African Fish Eagle

Saddle-billed Stork

2. Mabamba Wetland Sanctuary.

Mabamba Bay is home to a a variety of bird species over 300, including the elusive Shoe bill Bird. Bird species found in this place include the Blue Swallow, White-winged Tern, Gull-billed Tern and papyrus endemic bird species such as Papyrus Gonolek and Papyrus Yellow Warbler.Other birds include the Heron, Squacco Heron, Lesser Jacana, Spur-winged Goose. It is a designated Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area .

Shoe Bill

3.Murchison Falls National Park

Is gifted with the powerful Murchison falls, an attractive scenery to visitors. It hosts a number of bird species that includes; the Swallow-tailed and Red-throated Bee-eaters, Woodland, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Francolin; Hornbills, Grey heron, Hamerkop,Shrikes; Flycatchers, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Crombecs and Warblers, ducks, geese, stilts and plovers.

Malachite Kingfisher

4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Is home to half of the world’s Gorillas (est.400) and a habitat of an estimated 350 bird species. 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Other birds include the Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, African Broadbill, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Western Green Tinkerbird, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds.

Cinnamon -chested Bee eater

5. Semuliki Valley National Park

This is a popular destination for migrant birds from west Africa.Birds include Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued Wattled Horbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue-billed malimbe, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Orange-cheeked Waxbill.

6.Queen Elizabeth National Park

Is home to over 600 species. Key species include the Martial Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African Skimmer, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Pinkbacked Pelican, African Broadbill, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Black Bee-eater, White-tailed Lark, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Corncrake, Lesser and Greater Flamingo.

African Skimmer

Birding Eco tourism TravelMay 25, 2016July 22, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Semuliki Hot Springs-famous water bubbling attraction

Semuliki Hot springs

The hot springs found in Semuliki are a famous attraction in Uganda. They can be visited all year round. Most prominent of them is the “female hotspring “. It has water bubbling up to about 2 meters high creating a steam cloud. Its’s counterpart the male hotspring steams all year round at Semuliki National Park.

Male Hot spring.

You can visit the park any time throughout the year.It is about 390km away from the Ugandan capital Kampala.

Tourists at the hot springs can boil eggs that get ready in 8 minutes. Enjoy an egg snack later when ready.

Do not miss a chance to take a photograph of yourself or with fellow travellers near the female hot springs.

Birding paradise

Semuliki is also a famous birding habitat with a record of 441 bird species. The species to look for may include, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue-billed malimbe, Black-casqued Wattled Horbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, , Lemon-bellied Crombec. Other bird species include;Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Swamp Palm Bulbul ,Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Orange-cheeked Waxbill.

Primates

Primates such as the chimpanzee, baboon,grey-cheeked mangabey, black-and-white colobus, Central African red colobus, blue, red-tailed, de Brazza’s, Vervet monkey, and Dent’s mona monkeys.

The batwa people are the natives of Semuliki who have been recently relocated near the park to give way to this wildlife conservation area. They are naturally hunters and had always sought food, medicine, shelter and working tools from the forest. Their life style is changing since their relocation. However they have maintained their folklore stories and dances that are part of their rich cultural history.

A visit to Semuliki National Park can be combined with other safari destinations to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Parks.

Attractions Chimpanzees WildlifeMay 17, 2016July 22, 2023 By Yakub Birungi

Tree Climbing Lions Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most visited tourist destination.It is a habitat of savanna grassland mixed with various kinds of trees and grassy plains,swamps,volcanic cones ,deep craters and tropical rain forest.

It is home to mammals such as hippos,Elephants,Cape Buffaloes, but there are also Warthogs, Waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi .

Queen Elizabeth National Park is an excellent place to sight large game, track the chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, go bird watching on the Kazinga Channel, and see the famous tree climbing lions in Ishasha,southern part of the park is quite a sight in the fig trees ready to attack unsuspecting “meal” targets like the Uganda Kobs (See main photo). Uganda is privileged to be one of the two destinations in the world with tree climbing lions.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari between Lake Edward and George is a two-hour ride where you can see hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephant herds, buffaloes, antelopes and many different kinds of water birds.A trip to this national park is worth the experience.Other places that can visited include Katwe Salt Lake .It is here that you can see the natives in salt mining activity which provides them a source of income. If you visited between October to May you will be able to see flamingoes at “Lake Munyanyange” in particular as the main feeding ground.

The recent visit on April 17,2016 by the President of Uganda-Mr.Museveni is a true testimony of its uniqueness.The President was amazed by the hippos in the water while taking a ride on the “Hippo” Launch cruise along Kazinga Channel.He could hardly stay seated during the launch cruise.

I agree with the President who immediately took this opportunity to assure Uganda and the World that Uganda is safe and security is guaranteed for tourists in any part of the country.

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