Terraced hills in Pearl of Africa
CategoriesAttractions 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.

Mountain Gorilla

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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.

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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.

Karamajong dance

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.

Karamoja 2

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.

Canoe ride Lake George

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.

Family Crater Lake 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.

Bird ShoeBill

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.

African Skimmer

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.

Lake bunyonyi views
CategoriesAttractions 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.

Rock resort Lake Bunyonyi Rock resort Cottage

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.

Canoeing at Lake Bunyonyi

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.

Lake Bunyonyi Tour guides

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.

Punishment island Lake Bunyonyi

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.

Terraced hillsLake bunyonyi views

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.

CategoriesBirding Eco tourism Slider By Yakub Birungi

Birding with BBC World at Mabamba

Mabamba Swamp

Behind every successful man there is a woman and in my opinion the reverse is true. Women empowerment movements today may think otherwise. Well, I believe that the ladies just want to express their natural power and intelligence that existed behind the scenes for a longtime. True on this day January 15 2017, the birding ladies’ prowess was finally recognized by BBC World in Uganda. BBC World on this maiden trip chose the Uganda Women Birders Club a ladies birding division of Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA).

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It is also a Ramsar Site since 2006 due to its importance as a habitat for the globally endangered species like the Shoebill and a stopover for migratory birds. It supports over 300 species of birds, community livelihoods through eco-tourism, fishing, agriculture and other activities.It is an ideal place for a one day trip or an add-on to other safaris in Uganda.

Meeting point was at Uganda House on Kampala road the tradition meeting point for USAGA FAM trips. That morning the ladies managed to keep time to make the trip. The team leader was Judith Mirembe the Chairperson. For the gentlemen like me and others we also managed to join the ladies because…behind every successful woman there is a man too. I know the readers of this blog post will agree or disagree with what makes a man or woman successful but that can be a story for another day.

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This is Catherine Byaruhanga reporting for the BBC

Birding at Mabamba

Mabamba marsh land is an Important Bird Area for the Shoe bill and other bird species .It is a popular destination for birding. Birding is done by boat with the guidance of the community site guides.When we arrived at the site, we did not waste time on pleasantries. Boats were organized and each of us was allocated a boat in groups of 5-7 individuals with the assistance of Herbert Byaruhanga a renown birding enthusiast and also the Chairman of Uganda Safari Guides Association.

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The search for the shoebill

At Mabamba, we glided through the water channels bordered by papyrus plants. The bird search started immediately. Although our mission was to spot the Shoebill, normal birding activity involves the identification other water birds. The search continued to trace the Shoe Bill. I was lucky to be on the leading boat with the site guide Ismail who was very knowledgeable about the birds. He managed to identify several birds along the way before he sighted one Shoe bill in flight after about 1 hour and twenty minutes of searching.

We thought it will land on the marshes but it just continued farther up in the sky. We thought our chances for seeing it had run out. Our eagle eyed guide,asked his colleague to move the boat ahead for another chance in the marshes. To him it was good signal for another one nearby. Indeed he applied the “Never give up” expression. The search continued and a few minutes later he spotted one in the marshland.

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Our guide Ismail seems to ask “Where are you Shoebill?”

Some birds seen on that day included the Purple Heron, Black Crake, Hammerkop, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Long toed lapwing, Blue-breasted Bee eater, Malachite Kingfisher, African pygmy Goose, Angola swallows, Pied Kingfisher, Winding Cisticola, Fan tailed widow bird and Yellow billed duck.

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“Fake Mounting” by the Hammerkop bird

Celebrations

There were quiet celebrations on our boat since we were the first to see it. We were joined by other boats,tourists and BBC crew who were making their first excursion to the site. We positioned ourselves to have a clear glimpse of this iconic bird with our binoculars. We did not want to get close for fear of scaring it away except for the BBC team that moved a little closer to have a clear view for their story that was aired on Focus on Africa on the 23rd January 2017.. Uganda: The rise in bird watching tourists http://bbc.in/2kGXjDj

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Shoebill

This bird is known to stay in one place for long hours as it waits for its prey which may be fish or frogs. Indeed on that day it stayed in one place until we started our journey back to the landing site. Even if you are not a birder or birding enthusiast, the tour of this renowned Shoebill habitat is always an exhilarating experience not to be missed on your itinerary.

It can be combined with other safaris such as gorilla trekking at Bwindi impenetrable national park,Chimp trekking at Kibale National National park and boat rides along Kazinga channel at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

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Excitement at take off
CategoriesAttractions Chimpanzees Wildlife By Yakub Birungi

Tree Climbing Lions Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

 

 

CategoriesCommunity visit Culture By Yakub Birungi

Why visit Uganda-The Pearl of Africa

Why visit Uganda-The Pearl of Africa

Why the Pearl of Africa according to Winston Churchill

“Uganda is from end to end a ‘beautiful garden’ where ‘staple food’ of the people grows almost without labour. Does it not sound like a paradise on earth? It is the Pearl of Africa.”Winston Churchill

Beautiful Country

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.

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.

Affordability

Tourists to Uganda will enjoy an affordable holiday be budget, medium range or Luxury and have enough to purchase souvenirs or can always extend their trip.

Good Climate

With two seasons of rain blended with sunny seasons and spectacular vegetation, Uganda’s weather is admirable across the country; you will enjoy the tours and travels.

Culture and heritage diversity

With a varied rich culture, of over 56 tribes, and each one has their own dress, their own language, their own food. We have a very hospitable people, very beautiful country, all year-round summer-like conditions.

A Variety of Wildlife

Uganda is Gifted by Nature .It is a home to the world’s largest concentration of primates. Half of the world population of Gorillas is in Uganda. Other Primates include Chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons.

Mountain Gorilla
Mountain Gorilla feeding at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 

Memorable experiences

Uganda welcomes you with an open heart and therefore a good mind gets you far.The people are extremely generous, very friendly, giving you a relaxed stay in Uganda.