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 Gaddafi the then president of Libya asking for assistance of completing the Mosque – something Gaddafi is credited for having fulfilled.
The works commenced afresh in 2004 with the demolition of the old foundation and in a couple of years the Mosque was over and officially inaugurated in 2008 by its funder Col. Muammar Gaddafi along with other African Heads of State. The Gaddaffi National Mosque takes 35,000 worshipers at ago and the number can double during Muslim festivities – attracting Muslims from other countries to plan safaris to Uganda.
The personality of Col. Gaddafi and the Minaret which offers great scenic views of Kampala city combine to make the Gaddafi National Mosque famous and attractive, the architecture is very unique and the interior décor is very standard and splendid. The well trained and informative guides make you feel at home while encountering Gaddafi Mosque on your Uganda safari tour.
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Monthly Archives: December 2014
GAME DRIVES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 other wildlife species which at times have prompted travellers to plan safari tours to Uganda.
The impressive game drives that are best done in the morning starting at 6:30am or 7:00am or in the evening starting at 4:30pm local time stretching for 3 – 4 hours with in the northern section of the park that is marked by open savannah landscape allow the travellers on Uganda wildlife safaris to explore the above range of wildlife. The tracks including; Albert track, Victoria track and Buligi track are well designed to enable you explore the park in detail.
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ENCOUNTERING RWANDA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 in the Huya District southern province of Rwanda. The demise of the monarchy did not take its heritage with it. The heritage remained and is currently encountered by travellers on safaris in Rwanda. The cultural heritage of Rwanda is not only presented in living forms like the famous Kinyarwanda language, Intore dance, values and customs but also in non-living forms like the magnificent traditional huts’ architecture, impressive works of art such as those gathered at Rwesero Art gallery and protected landscapes such as Huye Mountains which are noted to be the legendary ancestral dwelling of Nyagakecuru, a prominent woman who dominated the area in the ancient times. The combination of these is prompting range of travellers to plan safaris and tours to Rwanda.
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MAKERERE UNIVERSITY AS ARICH TOURISM PRODUCT – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 academicians all over the world to plan safaris to Uganda in order to get in touch with this historic institution.
The great buildings with very unique architecture like the Main building have stood for years and have got rich significance not only to the University but to the country in general. While the range of monuments and sculptures that appear at road junctions, main library, student resident halls and gazetted squares featuring various world events and personalities of great caliber credited for their works in shaping the history of the African continent are one of those magnificent attractions that travellers can ever encounter while on Uganda safaris.
Settling on one of the seven hills of Kampala and extending over a vast landscape, Makerere University does not only offer all round scenic views of the city of Kampala but also its forested landscapes are habitat to a range of biodiversity including monkeys and a range of bird species which makes it rewarding to encounter while on safari tours in Uganda.
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MARAMAGAMBO FOREST; A DENSE JUNGLE WITH IN THE ALBERTINE RIFT – UGANDA SAFARIS NEWS
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 bio-diversity concentration including; Black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Baboons, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys as well as Red Tailed Monkeys. Maramagambo forest also has other Uganda safari products like two species of nocturnal i.e. Pottos and Bush babies.
Maramagambo forest is also an ideal destination for hiking and nature walk encounters that range from 1 ½ hours to the whole day exploring the forest covered by lush canopy and surrounded by a range of bird calls which in turn generates lasting memories of your safari tour in Uganda.
The bat cave explorations, encountering matching soldier Ants that are at times in 6m wide and 100m long columns and kayaking encounters at Lake Kyasanduka combine to make encountering Maragambo forest while on Uganda safari holiday memorable.
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THE CONSTRUCTION OF ENTEBBE EXPRESS WILL EASE TOURIST TRANSFER – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 in that they will not be at risk of missing their flights due to traffic jam and will be transferring easily to their safari destinations in far distances like the gorilla trekking safaris destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Wildlife safari destination of Kidepo valley National Park.
The Entebbe Express will boast the transport network on Kampala city and will enable it to join the club of other cities where such networks already exists. And since transport is among the main components of the tourism industry, the Entebbe express will enhance the tourism and travel sector in Uganda.
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THE RWENZORI ART CENTRE, SCULPTURE GALLERY AND COFFEE BAR; A NEW STOP CENTRE IN UGANDA – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 sculpture. Visitors are treated to a stunning display of works cast in the studios by talented crafts men. Pure white Ugandan marble carvings rub shoulders with soapstone and bronze sculptures by a diversity of talented local artists which leaves a traveller on a safari tour in Uganda to ultimate amusement.
Specially commissioned for the center, a series of over 30 clan totem animals are also on show permanently featuring iconic species like; elephant, lion, colobus, buffalo and series of elusive species like otter and pangolin some of which are seen live in their natural habitats in the Uganda safari parks.
The center’s wonderful attempts are motivated by wildlife, culture, people and beauty of Uganda and make the perfect memento to mark an unforgettable journey of your safari holiday in Uganda.
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WHY WE NEED STOP CENTERS ALONG DISTANT ROUTES – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 to have stops and ease themselves, relax, have a cup of coffee before embarking on their transfer journeys to the respective destinations.
The status quo shows that travellers on these routes find trouble with the congested and substandard toilets which at times forces the Uganda safari undertakers to resort to bush toilets which also comes along with its dangers. Thus, in order to achieve a flourishing tourism sector where the economy will generate good revenues and the travellers deriving ultimate satisfaction, Uganda has to embark on establishing stop centers along these routes and public private partnership would be the ideal way of executing it.
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THE GORILLA TREKKING MYSTERY IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS
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 Prime Uganda safaris who would take care of all your trip arrangements up to departure.
It is a new chapter in your life to meet new but very hospitable Ugandans that have been credited internationally as you traverse the urban landscapes of Entebbe and Kampala before heading to country side areas as you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoying the eco-accommodation establishment where you arranged to spend overnights while on Uganda gorilla safari retiring after the long day drive through some sections of bumpy roads that have been nicknamed African massage.
The morning comes and you wake up very early for your breakfast to catch up with the gorilla trekking briefing that starts at 8:00am at any of the UWA headquarters in the respective region where you booked the gorilla permit. It is just a short session before you look at gigantic dense forested hills of Bwindi and the heart tells you about re-considering the activity. It is just adventure and hiking those hills is part of the experience that form the mystery of gorilla trekking tour in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi.
The forest that you used to read about marked by dense undergrowth, mature trees not forgetting steep hills with narrow valleys of which the canopy is covered by mist with cold temperatures, on your gorilla safari and tour in Uganda, it becomes a reality.
The hike may not be certain but it depends on the gorilla mercies and if they have foraged from distant places, the gorilla tracking duration can stretch from 2 – 8 hours. At times, you might be prompted to think that you will not see gorillas but it is close to that moment of you losing hope that you see a smile on the face of the ranger guide as he hears about them and in a minute you are with them. You are with your dream; something that you had in your imagination not believing that it will be a reality. The faces of these gigantic apes with their frightening eyes and impressive fur with the silver lining on the back of mature gorillas referred to as Silverbacks and not avoiding the playful young ones as they swing through the tree branches and the energetic youthful gorillas consuming as much vegetation as they can. The encounter can lure you in a state of excitement which may leave your camera space used up full of mountain gorilla pictures that will take you back in memories of your Uganda gorilla safari encounter in Uganda.
The trek back to the lodge and your departure and the subsequent days, your memories will be filled of the fulfilled mystery of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
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THE BAHAI TEMPLE – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS
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 missed while on safaris in Uganda. Its foundation is 10 feet (3m) entrenched in the underground making it strong to withstand the worldly earthquakes.
Besides the magnificent temple structure, the Baha’i Temple has got lush gardens that are spread across the hill with cool winds passing through the lush trees and flowers which makes it a perfect picnic site to encounter and worth visiting while planning your safari to Uganda.
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