Meet your adventure experience at Lake Victoria in Uganda -Uganda Safari News

Lake Victoria is the biggest fresh water body in Uganda and the whole of East Africa region. It’s considered to be the third largest lake in the world with approximately 68800square kilometers. This famous lake was named after being visited by explorer John Hannington Speke who was on his Uganda safaris when searching for the source of River Nile in the year 1858 and from that time to date, various travelers and explorers have been undertaking Safaris to Uganda the pearl of Africa to follow the footsteps of the first explorer who discovered the lake.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Uganda, Lake Victoria is an interesting wonder where visitors on safaris to Uganda can meet memorable adventure experience while on their safari tour to Uganda the pearl of Africa. The popular Lake Victoria has different beautiful Islands which are dotted in various parts in the lake for instance the magnificent Ssese Island, Ngamba islands. These Islands provide best relaxing grounds and centers for visitors interested in different adventurous activities such as swimming, boat cruising, among other activities. In addition, the Islands also have beaches, Resorts where leisure seeking visitors can spend good time while on their Uganda safaris. The varied Victoria Island are endowed with the stunning nice looking sandy beaches and resorts, lodges campsites, served with calm, cool atmosphere coming from the lake especially in the evening and morning hours. The lake is the only place where one can maximally enjoy his or her adventure safaris in the pearl of Africa because taking cruise ship in the victoria’s waters is so marvelous with rewarding scenic views of different Eco-systems surviving in the bank of the lake.
Besides the lake its self, visitors to this world’s wonder will also enjoy views of a variety of wildlife species that can be found with in the lake and among these include the water habitant Crocodiles as well as interesting Hippos without forgetting the unique bird species which swim in the lake waters, feed in the nearby areas. Embracing safari to Uganda will also enable visitors to enjoy different tourist’s activities such as spot fishing in the waters of the lake, kayaking and boat cruising among others. Therefore for any visitor, who was looking for any interesting and pleasure like place to include in his or her Uganda safari, please do not leave out the largest lake in Africa.

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Tourism in Uganda is an untapped goldmine-Uganda Safari News

The future of tourism in Uganda holds great potential, but its growth and its progress will mainly depend on better transport infrastructure – including airline connections, roads connection from town areas to remote areas where most of Uganda safaris are done and railways – in addition to open borders, and improved marketing to niche sectors such as adventure, culture and Eco-tourism.
“While Uganda’s current growth rate is 3.1 percent, while the world average is 1.2 percent, it receives only adot from tourism. “To maximize Uganda’s tourism untapped potential, critical investments are needed in key infrastructure sectors for instance transport, energy, water and telecommunications.” If this is done, the country will increase on its number of travelers undertaking safaris to Uganda.
Uganda is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, and revenues from tourism in Uganda already shows more than double the amount of donor aid. Huge opportunities exist to further expand tourism sector in Uganda, yet challenges remain. The need for improved infrastructure, in the form of good roads linking visitors on safaris to Uganda to different attraction site, for better airline connections to connect travelers planning safaris to Uganda from generating areas, and in-adequate marketing are a few of the reasons limiting Uganda’s tourism sector to take off.
Tourism in Uganda is focused on Uganda’s landscape and wildlife. It is a major driver of employment, investment and foreign exchange, contributing 4.9 trillion Ugandan shillings (US$1.88 billion or €1.4 billion as of August 2013) to Uganda’s GDP in the financial year 2012-13. The economic potential of tourism is remarkable, with direct and indirect impact on employment. In Uganda, tourism companies employ people directly as drivers, guides, secretaries, accountants etc. These companies sell products to tourist for example art and crafts, traditional attire. Tourists attractions in which are not exploited in Uganda include national game parks, game reserves, traditional sites, natural tropical forests. Traditional occasions like Mbalu in eastern Uganda, boat riding, waterfalls among other.
Uganda’s tourism future looks bright given the expansive growth in adventure and eco-tourism in potential in Uganda, coupled with the countries’ rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, several airlines from the European Union, Africa, USA and the Asian countries should run to invest in the tourism sector in Uganda.
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Exploring Gaddafi National Mosque in Uganda –Uganda Safari News

New York has the Statue of Liberty, London has the London Eye, Paris has the Eifel Tower India has the Taj Mahal and Kampala has the Gaddafi National Mosque. Situated on the top of Old Kampala Hill, Gaddafi Mosque is one of the interesting attractions which can be explored by visitors on Uganda safaris to Kampala.
The mosque is the head administrative Center of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council the organization which takes care of all Islamic affairs in Uganda. It’s a two fabled building and the mosque is on the upper floor while the offices are on the ground floor.
The Construction of the famous mosque began in 1972 after the emergence of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council by the Government of Uganda. It was then called the Old Kampala National Mosque. Construction came to a standstill in 1976 and it wasn’t until 2001 when the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, approached the President of the state of Libya Colonel Muammar Gaddafi when he was on his safaris tour to Uganda, asking him for assistance to complete the construction process of the Mosque which Gaddafi accepted. (A mufti is the head of the Muslim community. According to the Islamic dictionary, he is described as a person who presents laws of the scholars to people who ask for them. The word Mufti is derived from the word “fatwa” or opinion and it means ‘one who gives opinions’.)
Ground work began again in 2004 when the old unfinished establishment was demolished. It was officially opened and inaugurated in 2008 by the late Colonel Gaddafi himself who was on Uganda Safaris to attend the event that was attended by several African heads of state.
Gaddafi Mosque can accommodate 35,000 worshipers and the number doubles during the holy month of Ramadhan and on special Islamic days when even some Islamic brothers under take safaris to Uganda. On holidays like Eid when Muslim travelers in Uganda Safaris are flocking to the mosque, it accommodates about 200,000 people.
The popularity of the Mosque is attributed to the late Colonel Gaddafi who left a landmark on international politics so whenever people both locals and foreigners hear that he did such a thing as constructing a National Mosque for Uganda, Safaris to Uganda’s Gaddafi Mosque always increase because many visitors come to witness for themselves if actually it exists”
This minaret which is open for viewing by the general public has a staircase of three hundred and four stairs. It is completely built from reinforced concrete and the view of Kampala City on top of this minaret is breath taking. It is a favored spot by professional photographers and tourists on Safaris tours to Uganda who want to get a scenic view of Kampala City.
Tourists on Uganda gorilla safaris tours are welcome at the Gaddafi Mosque and should dress modestly. Women should wear loose fitting clothes covering to the wrist and ankle and cover their heads. Coverings are available at the reception for those who need them and should be returned after the visit. Men should wear trousers, shirts with sleeves.
There are two parts of the mosque; the ground floor which is open at all times and the first floor which is only opened on special occasions like Eid or weddings. The minaret is always closed but opened on request when accompanied by a guide. Foreigners are charged 10,000 UGX for viewing the inside of the mosque and going up to the minaret with a guide but it’s totally free for Ugandans.
For visitors undertaking safaris in Uganda, Gaddafi national mosque, is one prime spot in Kampala one must not miss. There are well trained guides at the mosque that offer to take you around with a great a smile.
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The food of Uganda; a rich tourism potential – Uganda safari news

Uganda is one of the world’s re-known destinations with great counts of tourist offerings in form of nature and human aspects that have always prompted world travelers to undertake safaris to Uganda. Located in the Eastern part of Africa at the point of meet between the East African savannah and the West African Jungle, Uganda is a biodiversity hot spot with great concentration of flora and fauna not forgetting the rich fertile soils that have for long provided the ground for the production of organic food stuffs.
Being one of the most and diverse heterogeneous nations on the world with her count of 65 tribes spread its four regions; Uganda has got a range of food stuffs some of which are distinct to particular regions and tribal communities. Food is among the selling prepositions for various destinations around the world and considering its availability and diversity in Uganda, it should be tapped as product that can attract travelers to undertake safaris and tours in Uganda.
It can be noted that Uganda has tried to present its self as a jack of all trades and though a master of none and this has risked its marketing strategy as it loose in focus. Considering the fact that Tanzania and Kenya have presented themselves as a big five destinations, Rwanda as a gorilla trekking safari and genocide destination, it is time for Uganda to identify hers. For many years, the county has been trying to run several slogans both internationally and locally but as a result of lack of focus and fraternization have been noted as just optimistic rather than successful. And because of absence of focus, the country has partly lost some of the main factors that would make a desired destination for world travelers.
The one of these distinct factors that travelers would consider before choosing a destination is food but one can say that this has been neglected in Uganda. Despite the continued recommendations from arrange of travelers on Uganda safaris about the foods in Uganda, little attention has been accorded to them. The food tourism has got great potential that needs to be tapped for the development of tourism in Uganda. Such attempts have succeeded in destinations like Italy, France, California and Mexico. Though assertions that these destinations have the advantage of famous restaurants, some countries have done well with the promotion of their social cuisines. The United Nations World Tourism Organization released a recent report indicating that world travelers are increasingly getting attracted to the local cuisine and the destinations are strategizing accordingly.
The restaurants are considered as front-line representatives of destination promotion and foreign traveler education about the destinations culture. It has to be noted that the contemporary tourist is more into culture compared to 20 years back and as a result the local culture is central to his product while holiday including a safari in Uganda.
The counts of local foods that are noted in various regions of Uganda include; Luwombo in the central, Malewa in the east, Eshabwe and Firinda in the east and the Marakwang and odi in the north.
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The long marches posing a positive effect to Uganda’s tourism – Uganda safari news

Uganda is worldly re-known for being a home of the Uganda Martyrs that were executed by the then King of Buganda Kabaka Mwanga for converting from the traditional religious practices To Christianity after the arrival of European missionaries. The converts were put to execution at Namugongo under the command ship of the chief executioner Mukajanga and the order of the King making Namugongo a great site of significance in the Christian faith prompting a range of believers local and international to plan safaris to Uganda to step at this holy ground
The Uganda Martyrs were accorded on the 3rd June every year as their commemoration day following their declaration as saints by the pope in 1964 October 18th. The day pulls a range of believers from different part of the country and beyond borders to come and participate in the pilgrimage. Travelers on safari in Uganda also take time to have an encounter at the site.
The Tourism promotional bodies in the country have come up to tap the potential of this date to boost the country’s tourism and with partnership and support of various tourism boards in the region, the event has gained great visibility and market in the their respective countries prompting them to do Uganda safaris to pay attribute to these remarkable martyrs.
The coming 3rd June has already gained momentum and a range of pilgrims from all over the country have already embarked on their long marches to Namugongo. Apparently the notable ones are over 300 pilgrims that are on the move to cover 335 km to Kampala. Others are coming from other parts of the country. These pilgrims are committed Christians and they walk to seek the blessings of the divine saints intervention in their lives and the world. These long marches surprise the tourists on Uganda safaris and tours when they meet them along the routes to other tourist sites.
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An international safari company taps into Rwandan market – Rwanda safari news

The travelers undertaking safaris to Rwanda can now ably chose from a range of tour companies to organize their preferred Rwanda safaris including gorilla trekking safaris and wildlife safaris in Rwanda.
The new firm of Botswana origin has been spanning in the tourism industry for the last 30 years and has functioned in a range of national destinations on the continent of Africa. The Wilderness Safaris declared its exploration to the Rwandan market in the course of this week where it will invest in two lodges that will also serve as projects for conservation. And like in many other areas where this firm has extended operations, the aim is linked to conservation and improving the livelihoods of the local people. For Rwanda, this would mean increased benefits from the travelers undertaking safaris and tours in Rwanda.
Apparently the plan to set up a one of the two proposed lodges is complete and the arrangements for the second one are undergoing and these two facilities are meant to commence operations in the coming year. This would by all means increase the number of bed capacity in Rwanda thus providing adequate accommodation for travelers on a safari in Rwanda.
One of the lodges is called Bisate and is  located close to Volcanoes National Park in the district of Musaze where gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are carried out. The facility will also implement the conservation and community development initiatives with it first project being the re-afforestation of 64acre site. This project will be implemented in collaboration with the 320 member newly established Tuzamurana Cooperative.
This foreign direct investment has been attracted by favorable investment climate presented by welcoming people, government and the thriving Eco-tourism industry.
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Budongo Forest-the best birding destination in Uganda-Uganda Safari News

Spanning on an area of 42800 hectares of land, Budongo forest is composed of diverse natural habitat such as wood land, savanna vegetation characterized with semi deciduous verdant forests as well as being located in rolling landscape. The nature forest is also supplied with water by the three small rivers surrounding the forests and among these includes Sonso, river, River Waisoke and also Bubwa River. All these different natural habitats in the forest have favored the thriving of exclusive bird species in Budongo forest and hence making the forest the best place were travelers on Birding watching safaris to Uganda can enjoy their birding Uganda Safaris.
This eminent Eco-tourism site in Uganda is wonderful birding destination situated on the fascinating escarpments lying in the northeast direction of the famous Lake Albert. Among the various bird species that have been recorded in this forest are 360 species that will certainly reward you with a very amazing birding Uganda safari experience in this great forest in Uganda. Besides the bird  the forest is also endowed with total of 290 species of butter flies as well as 130 species of moths, all which can be found in the forest.
Under taking bird watching Safaris to Uganda’s Budongo forest will avail you with the chance of watching the special two species of birds which are endemic to only the Budongo forest. The two endemic species cannot be found elsewhere in East Africa. According to the Ugandan ranking, the forest is considered second birding destination after the mighty Semliki National Park located in western part of Uganda. One of the best reasons as to why Budongo forest is ranked among the best birding destination is that the forest is blessed with the rare species which cannot be seen in other forests in Uganda and among these species include Ceratogymna fistulator, Zoothers camaronensis as well as, Neafrapus cassini and Batis ituriensis
Being diversified forests, tourists under taking safaris in Uganda can also enjoy the different five main forests that make up the Budongo forest and these include Cynometra-mixed, swamp-forest, as well as Cynometra. The existence of various forests offer guests chance to carry out other activities such as identifying tree species, tracking chimpanzee, forest walks among other activities.
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The Entebbe international airport begins its expansion process – Uganda safari news

Following almost 4 years of upgrading and expanding the Entebbe International Airport which is the main entry point to Uganda by a range of travelers including those in safaris to Uganda, the Airport’s main Authority – Civil Aviation Authority is making a progress.
The Authority on Friday last week demonstrated the interest in recruiting an expert consultant who would undertake the supervising and designing the expansion and upgrading of Entebbe Airport that last had uplift prior to the Common Wealth Head of Government Summit in 2007.
The interest expression request made by Civil Aviation Authority depicted that they had secured necessary funding for the consultant to undertake the construction role. The objective of the ring the consultant is to provide sufficient engineering services in all fields according to the civil engineering standards practice.
The Civil Aviation Authority earlier in January this year unveiled its master plan that indicated the upgrading of the International Airport of Entebbe in three (3) consecutive phases between 2016 and the year 2033. The apparent phase is aimed at constructing a new passenger terminal complex to handle the ever rising passengers among which include travelers on safaris in Uganda and the phase also include a new terminal for Cargo. The to be hired consultant is meant to also oversee the two runway strengthening, aprons rehabilitation and installing a new fire water system among other aspects.
The Entebbe International Airport up grading is expected to start in the financial year 2015/16 and the consultant will be accorded three (3) years to finish the work. The to be hired consultant is required to have completed a related project with $200m value in the last eight (8) months.
This is seen as a positive move to the refurbishment of the critical national infrastructure that forms a strong ground for national development and destination image. Once completed, Uganda would have a basis for attracting a range of world travelers to undertake Uganda safaris and tours.
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Shopping experience in Kampala – Uganda Safari News

Kampala being the capital city of Uganda, it has plenty of modern and western style shops with a feel of western typical malls with luxury goods and fast food outlets. While on your uganda safari tour to Kampala, you can visit different local and upscale shopping places like local markets for fresh foods, supermarkets, boutiques and departmental stores. In some parts of the city there are shopping complexes offering designer labels, computer equipment and other wide range of goods available let it be specialist or luxury. From colorful and bustling markets to newly developed shopping malls, Kampala now has all what you would wish to buy while on your Uganda safari tour.
Kampala is well known by most visitors on safari tours to Uganda for its intoxicating overcrowded markets, streets and arcades with upscale goods and services. Very chaotic but with worthwhile experience, Owino market dubbed Balikuddembe market is the most admired local market in Kampala. Spanning around Nakivubo stadium, Owino is full to capacity with everything from manufactured goods to traditional medicine. Sound for its second hand clothes locally called “Ebikadde” in Luganda, new clothes can be made as well by local tailors after making a selection for a piece of cloth material. Visitors are bound to spend much time here not because they are having much fun but once you are inside it’s really difficult to find your way out.
Apart from these local markets, Kampala is endowed with shopping centers with a feel of typical western styles and among the best places for shopping are 5 big shopping centers; for any visitor on safaris to Uganda and he or she is interested in luxury goods especially the American and European brands. This is your best bet because you are likely to do your shopping in one place from one of the following malls; Lugogo shopping mall, Acacia mall, Garden city, and Freedom city. Shopping places indoors include; big
There are several sophisticated craft shops around the national theater and Uganda crafts 2000 limited that sell locally made Arts and crafts. Original and smart local items like bark-cloth clothing, drums, wood carvings, sandals, basketry, beaded jewelry and Muzungu t- shirts plus other items from all over Africa are sold. Look out for many cheaper crafts at park headquarters and the nearby communities, Entebbe airport, Garden city and Lugogo mall. Pieces of valuable handcrafts are available at relatively low prices compared to imported crafts; therefore don’t hesitate to snap a chance. Your purchase of arts, crafts, souvenirs and gifts impact the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
While on your Uganda safaris to Kampala, look out for the best places for English language publications, with the great selection of books like novels and as well as Uganda at very reasonable and affordable prices. The best place is Aristoc, where books are stocked up to satisfy the customers’ needs. Get a reading material before heading on to long road trip. You can also have second hand books with a good selection of novels at a bit cheaper price down town. Bargaining is acceptable and the way to the business. You can bargain for better prices especially on souvenirs and your bargaining power determines what you pay in the end.
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How to save the Mountain Gorillas from extinction – Uganda Safari News

Just to remind ourselves about the significance of conserving and saving world endangered species, we commemorated on Friday 15th May World Endangered Species Day. Among the critically endangered species in the world include the Mountain Gorilla, with only an estimated number of 880 individuals thriving in the hilly forested areas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DRC Congo.
Therefore there is need for visitors planning to have a memorable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda, to know the ways on how mountain gorillas can be saved from extinction.
One of the main ways in which you can save mountain gorilla is by undertaking Mountain Gorilla trekking safari to Uganda or Rwanda because a gorilla permit will not only give you an opportunity to encounter the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat ,but you will be contributing financial support for the mountain gorilla protection.
Note that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases and therefore while on your gorilla safari tour to Uganda or Congo, endeavor not to enter the park trails to track the mountain gorillas. In this way you will help to minimize the risk of the gorillas contracting the disease you are suffering off and hence the will be saved.
Please respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This will minimize the risk of disease transmission and stress to the gorilla group you are trekking. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Always remember to keep distance of 7 meters away from the mountain gorilla group you are trekking in your gorilla safaris to Uganda or Rwanda. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
The most vital also is that when you are in your gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda or Uganda, try as much possible to support local businesses and communities near the national parks; the more the local communities gain from the gorilla safaris, the more they will be motivated to protect the gorillas and other wildlife species.

Conclusively, while on your gorilla trekking safaris and tours to Uganda or Rwanda, spare time to explore other tourism activities as well; don’t rush to track the gorillas only and then leave. Take your time and spend one or two days extra to discover the beauty of the surroundings. After all, the revenue earned is a further incentive for the government and local communities to protect the natural habitat where mountain gorillas live.
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