Grey headed seagulls on Island

The current tourism minister Maria Mutagamba yesterday launched the Musambwa Island tourism project in Rakai district . The plan was formulated under the cultural values and conversavtion principles that were implemented by Dr Arthur Mugisha a represtatie from the Fauna & Flora International Country.

Musambwa Island located in Lake Victoria is a popular breeding ground for various bird species (Over 30-40 species including 80, 000 grey headed gulls ) that migrate from over seas and distant parts of Africa , its also internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area  designated by Bird Life International  making it a very important Eco  tourism attraction in Uganda but one of the problems hindering smooth tourism on this island is the local people themselves who are killing the birds, destroying their nests and fishermen eating eggs neglecting the fact that these birds will bring in foreign income and job opportunities.

The strong cultural norms followed on this island also make it stand out as a tourism destination for instance no sexual intercourse is allowed on the island as there are only men allowed on this island. Other popular attractions inlcude human friendly land reptiles plus activities like Sport fishing, boat rides,  and nature walks are also on the list of things to while on the islands

Maria Mutagamba further went ahead to point out Kooki Chiefdom and the cultural items as great tourism features that can also attract tourists in Uganda and urged the district local government to include tourism in the budget for 2014 saying that tourism will not only boost local revenues but also create more job opportunities for the locals staying on the Musambwa island  She pointed out the Kooki Chiefdom of Rakai and the Kamuswaga cultural items are great tourism sites that can fetch income. She urged the district local government to budget for tourism in the next financial year.

I enjoyed my journey  to Bwindi Impenetrable forest with Nkuringo Walking Safaris, specialists in organising guided nature walks between Buhuma in Bwindi Forest and Kisoro via Nkuringo and some of my main highlights of the safari included Gorilla safari in Bwindi, Dugout Canoe crossing of Lake Mutanda, 9 km walk from Rwanjenje to the Junction and last but not least the beautiful Nkuringo camp accommodation cottages and facilities.
Below is an itinerary of my 3 days in Nkuringo

Day 1- Proceeded to Entebbe International Airport to check in for my flight Aerolink Uganda , a domestic airline that offfers  both schedule and charter flights into Uganda’s Bwindi , Murchison falls and Queen elizabeth  parks. We departed the airport at 07:45 and reached Kisoro  by 9:00 from where we were picked by an Nkuringo Walking Safaris welcome team and driven to the Gorilla Junction for briefing by our guides Robert & Lydia and also to get lunch snacks. We then proceeded by vehicle to the southern shore of the Lake Mutanda where we embarked on rides on dugout canoes for 2 hours tranversing the lake moving towards the nothern shore at Rwajenje. I really enjoyed the views of the magnificent Virunga volcanoes namely Mount Muhabura,  Gahinga   and Sabinyo plus the history and facts about the lake really intrigued me for instance, the lake has little of no fish in it…Amazing.

We reached the northern shore in 2hours and had our snack before embarking on a 9 km – 3hours walk following villager’s footpaths and trails to the Rubuguri Junction by which time all of us were exhausted and only thinking about nice hot shower and camp fire. We were picked up and driven straight to Nkuringo Gorilla Camp for an overnight stay on full board arrangement.

Day 2- Gorilla Tracking or Buhoma Nature Walk

We had breakfast early in the morning and set off for gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi park after getting briefed at the UWA park quarters just 10 minutes drive from Nkuringo gorilla camp. We were adviced not to use flash cameras and to be 7 meters apart from the gorilla as a security measurement plus we were advised to carry at least 2 1000ml water bottles, rain coat and packed lunch as the trekking exercise can last up to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. We spent over two hours sloping down into the impenetrable  Bwindi forest under guidance of UWA gorilla guides and after another 30 minutes in the jungle we were able to see the first gorilla swinging in a tree nearby with other 3 baby gorillas near by feeding on the green vegetation around. Our guides created some space for us and got us closer to the famous mountain gorillas giving us a limit of only 1 hour to be with the gorillas and take snaps of these endangered species. We didnt get the best shots as they were feeding and couldnt give us good angles but it was all worth the trek. After the one hour was over, the UWA guides told us to pack up and start climbing back up using a different route to meet up with our van that would drive us back to the camp.

Day 3- Depature-  Breakfast was served by 6:00 am in the morning before being driven back to the airstrip in Kisoro for departure to Entebbe.

Overall, i really enjoyed my trip to Nkuringo. The facilities, services and staff at Nkuringo Gorilla camp were all magnificent plus the beautiful views of the Virunga ranges(Muhabura, Gahinga & Sabinyo), Nyiragongo volcanoes , Lake mutanda and the Bwindi Impenetrable forest made my journey more amazing..

Uganda Widlife Authority is finalizing its efforts to put in place smart cashless cards that will be used to visit national parks in Uganda. These wildlife safari cards have been introduced as way of maximizing revenues and easing cash flow hence helping UWA raise funds easily and more transparently.

This card system will be implemented in four parks namely Bwindi Park  , Kibale Forest Park  ( gorilla and chimpanzee tracking details will be loaded on the cards), Queen Elizabeth and Lake mburo while the six other parks will have to wait until the system is fully installed and in use in the first four parks. The card system will be installed at the park entrance gates and the main offices and UWA intends to put in place many sales points for both temporary and permanent park cards making it more more convenient for a visitor in need of a card.

I strongly support this card system since it shows that Uganda is headed the right way in terms of tourism and it also highlights what has been a developmental past three years for Uganda’s tourism sector.

Budongo Forest is a 790 square km large mahogany forest located north west of Kampala en route to Murchison falls national park with a high concentration of butressed giant mahoganies and ironwood trees.

Budongo forest records up to 465 plant species, 366 bird species  and 250 butterfly species with the record largest population of 800 chimpanzees plus other common primates which include red tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey , Potto.

Budongo forest is a popular birding destination with over 366 bird species recorded with rare and sought after species like the African dwarf, yellow-footed fly catcher, ituri batis, lemon-billed comb rec, white thighed horn-bill, chestnut-capped fly catcher and a good bird watching site to see all  these birds and more is non other than the famous Royal Mile, regarded by some as the best watching site in Uganda, Its a long stretch of road that connect the main research station to the Nyabyere forestry college plus you can also carry out bird watching on the main road past Busingiro.

History -

Budongo forest was completely undeveloped for tourists to visit with only a few habituated chimpanzees which were under scientific research and it wasnt until 1992 when the Budongo Forest Eco Tourism Project was founded that tourism in Budongo forest started getting noticed by the outside travel world. The main aim of the project was to develop tourism projects in Budongo forest and neighbouring Kanyiyo Pabidi forest which projects would in the long term benefit the surrounding local communities and government .

With the help of foregin funding, The Budongo Eco tourism project was able to ste up two tourist sites one in Budongo forest called Busingiro Tourist site ( forest walks ) and another site in Kanyiyo Pabidi forest  where Chimpanzee tracking can be carried out.

Activities-

Yellow-footed fly catcher

Forest Walks- Busingiro tourist site is open for forest walks where you can get to see different tree species, birds and butterfly species. Forest walks cost US$ 15 for half day and US$ 20 for full day walks escorted by specialized guides.

Bird Walks – The best site for bird watching in this forest is along the Royal Mile which is home to a wide variety of localized species like the African dwarf, choclate backed kingfisher and blue-breasted kingfisher, Cassini’s Hawk eagle,  yellow-footed fly catcher . You will also see other animals like giant forest squirrels, rare elephant shrew plus the large church built by Polish refugees who settled in this area during the second World War.

A walk along the main road past Busingiro presents an alternative for the Royal mile tour and its much easier to watch the birds along this road than it is in the forest.

For more information about Budongo forest send email to info@ugandatouristguide.com

Bryan Muhoozi

Do take part in this memorable Kenya & Uganda safari experience with your loved ones  while tracking mountain gorillas, enjoying beautiful wildlife in their natural habitant and a memorable launch cruise. This safari especially while tracking will give you the opportunity to come up close with these magnificent mountain gorillas which have presently increased in number to 400. I dare say that the launch cruise, taken after tracking will be a relaxing experience for you, This will again be another opportunity to view different groups of wildlife in the morning game drives at the park in Queen. Embarking on this 14 days tailored safari will heighten your chances of having a personal ultimate gorilla experience as well as ‘cheetah’ moments in Masai Mara Park. I earnestly implore you to come down and make merry with your loved ones . Cycads safaris will be there to ensure the very best on this tour. Enjoy

Safari highlights

Tour program: (3 PAX)

Day 1: Airport pickup and transfer to lodge in Kampala

On this day depending on your arrival, the company representative/ driver/guide will gladly receive you at the airport after your flights. He will welcome you with your two nephews and take you through a seamless greeting procedure. After, he will drive you to your hotel in Kampala where you will have a wonderful overnight stay and breakfast in the morning at Cassia lodge (this accommodation will definitely add up to the experience)

 Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park

This morning after enjoying your breakfast at the lodge, the company driver/ guide will be ready to meet you once again. You shall then travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National park and have a stopover en-route, to enjoy your lunch. You and your nephews will also enjoy a stop over at the Uganda equator for phenomenal photography before you continue further south. Along the way, look out for the lush green African landscape and the beautiful rolling hills of Kabale (you may stop for some pictures). Continuing further south, you will most probably arrive at Bwindi in the late evening. You will have dinner and a peaceful/ relaxing overnight stay at Gorilla Forest camps (Much recommended accommodation for closeness with nature) Meal plan: Full Board

Ps. Events of gorillas wandering off and into this lodge’s premises have been recorded in the rest past. You may kindly visit their website by the link below: http://www.gorillasafarilodge.com/index.html

 Day 3: Memorable Gorilla tracking experience (Nshongi group/ Ruhija group)

You are now in Bwindi and this is the moment you have been waiting for! After very early breakfast, you will be guided to the park headquarters for the briefing session about the gorilla trackers code of conduct from the park’s guides. There after, you will get ready, along with your packed lunches to embark on the lifetime memorable experience in this magnificent forest for gorilla tracking experience of the Nshongi group of Gorillas (the biggest group ever habituated). The trail you use may reward you with exciting moments of the giant mountain gorillas ‘this will be a reward of the ultimate gorilla experience’ as well as other primates that inhabit the forest. The trek may be tough and slippery at some points but it all does not supersede the excitement of viewing the gorillas at the end of the forest tour (This will most probably be the highlight of the whole safari for you!). If you are a Keen birder, you will look out for various species of forest birds like the magpie mannikin. You will continue further north of the park and your driver/ guide will find you on the Nkuringo side. You will this time have wonderful dinner and peaceful overnight stay at Nkuringo Gorilla camp. Meal plan: full board.

Ps. This accommodation at Nkuringo is a wonderful place to visit. Cases have been recorded of gorillas straying into the camp sites but they are very rare.

 Day 4: Gorilla tracking experience (Nkuringo group/ Rushaga group)

On this morning, you shall rise early and prepare for the tracking experience once again. By 7: 45 am, you will be at the Park head quarters after a very early breakfast with packed lunch and be briefed about the gorilla trackers code of conduct before embarking on the tracking tour. The site guide/ game ranger will take you through the forest for gorilla tracking which will also bless you with the opportunity to see other forest primates like the black and white colobus monkey. On this trail you may be rewarded with the opportunity to see and marvel at the giant mountain silver back and other family members (once again) as they play feed and interact with each other. On this trail you may also be exposed to more bird species like the collared sunbird, olive bellied sunbird, tiny sunbird, handsome francolin, bishops, and black and white casqued, African pied hornbill. Later on, you shall return to your lodge for tasty dinner and relaxing overnight at Nkuringo Gorilla camp. (Much recommended) Meal plan: full board.

Fascinating information about mountain gorillas:

Gorillas are said to spend close to 30% of their normal day feeding and spend close to another 30% moving and foraging around, usually dictated by the silver back in the group. The rest of the day is left for resting (they usually make fresh beddings for resting every morning). It is also true that the silver back can deliberately consume over 30kgs of food daily (probably just to keep up the physique!). Gorillas are also said to be very placid when in conflict (conflicts are rare in the family). It is most unheard of for gorillas to be in serious conflict with each other unless very disturbed. They are said to communicate in various ways with each other like use of facial expressions and vocalization. For them friendly gestures and communications are an important part of their relationships.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park via the Ishasha sector

This morning, having had a peaceful night and good morning breakfast; you shall prepare to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with nice picnic lunch. You will make en-route stopover at the Ishasha sector for beautiful sightings of the tree climbing lions (much recommended drive). Please be keen: sometimes they tend to wander off and look for food!. On this drive, you may be rewarded with spectacular views of more wildlife like the Ugandan kobs, buffalos and elephants resting or lingering in other places as you drive into the park. You shall check into your lodge and prepare for dinner and relaxing overnight at Queen Elizabeth Bush lodge & Tents.

This is a very comfortable and nice accommodation that commands an attractive view of the park with her various wildlife species.

 Day 6: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise

This morning after breakfast with the boys, take pleasure in an early morning game drive. You may also just decide to set off early and catch the morning risers before you return to your lodge for a late breakfast. This second option is a more rewarding experience for viewing wildlife especially for the early risers of the park. You shall enjoy a game drive towards the Kasenyi plains which may reward you with sightings of the various animals like huge herds of the Ugandan kob, the very rare felines, hyenas, wildebeest, elephants, leopard, lion, buffalos, warthogs and antelope usually returning to their dens. Later on in the day after lunch and relaxing, you may take pleasure in embarking on a 2 hour launch trip along the kazinga channel which may most probably reward you with beautiful views of a variety of more animals like groups of hippos, crocodiles, elephants lingering on the shoreline as well as a variety of water birds which may include: water thick-knee, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, Striated Heron among others. You will enjoy your dinner and peaceful overnight at Queen Elizabeth Bush lodge & Tents. Meal plan: full board.

Day 7: Transfer to Jinja (source of the Nile experience) via Kampala city

On this day, you will rise to a healthy breakfast and prepare to transfer back to Jinja town. While enjoying an en-route lunch stopover most probably in Mbarara/ Kampala, you will most probably reach Jinja town in the late afternoon and take pleasure in a boat ride to the source of the Nile. Alternatively, you may wish to go direct to your hotel for dinner and relaxing overnight at Holland Park in Jinja. (It is a tented accommodation overlooking the Nile).

 Day 7: Transfer to Eldoret town (if you are a good cheese fun, you are in the right place)

After breakfast in Jinja town, you will transfer to Kenya via the Malaba border crossing point by road. (The ride will include picnic lunch and stopovers for photography). While you are traveling, you may be blessed with phenomenal breathtaking views especially the physical landscape of Kenya alongside local commune homes for Kenyan residents. You will have a picnic Lunch on the way to Eldoret where you will most probably arrive in time for dinner and prepare for relaxing overnight at

 Day 8: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park (home of the flamingos, white rhinos)

On this day after enjoying your breakfast, leave Eldoret and drive towards the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus with Hippos lazing in the lake and Buffalos grazing on the shores and just minutes away from thr National park. Bird watching includes Grey-capped Warbler, Spectacled Weaver, Brimstone Canary, Red-billed Fire finch and 350 other species. This park is rich in biodiversity with species of wildlife, birds, natural flora and stunning scenic beauty. This is a freshwater lake with beautiful picture views. You will also have a chance to see hippos, over 400 species of birds on the lake including pelicans, African fish eagles, African darter, cormorants and the lesser flamingos which are migratory. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Flamingo Hill camp. Meal plan: full board

Day 9: Morning game drive in the park

This morning after enjoying your breakfast, embark on an early morning game at the Nakuru National Park while sight seeing and game viewing around the park. An early morning drive is always recommended since it is the best opportunity to see the morning early risers of both birds and animals especially for the white Rhinos. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Flamingo Hill camp. Meal plan: full board

Day 10: Transfer to Masai Mara National Park

On this day after breakfast, you will depart for Masai Mara. You may make an optional stop at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley or move directly to Masai Mara where you will most probably have en-route lunch. Later on, you will proceed to your camp and check in to relax and prepare for the following day’s activities in the park. Tonight if you wish, enjoy an optional traditional performance of tribal dances by local Masai Warriors before returning to the Lodge for dinner and overnight at Kilima camp. Meal plan: full board

Day 11: Full day in Masai Mara

‘This is the haven of the big five in Kenya. Almost immediately, you will sight the sandy-eyed lions in prides most definitely hunting for prey. Cheetahs and leopards are also visible but not as much as you would sight groups of zebras and elephants. Mara reaches her pinnacle during the great migration from July to August when the wildebeests move away from Serengeti to this specific park’.

Have Breakfast in the morning at your camp and depart with your packed lunch for full day game viewing. On the drives you will try to search for the big five animals such as Elephants, lions, leopards, Buffaloes and other interesting species of wildlife. Later on venture towards the Mara River (highest concentration point for wild life) to look for hippos, pools of giant crocodiles and the world famous crossing point for the wildebeests. After enjoying the experience at River Mara, return to the lodge for a rest in the evening before having your dinner and overnight stay Kilima Camp. Meal plan: half board

 Day 12: Transfer to Amboseli National Park -Game drives

On this day after enjoying breakfast, the driver/ guide will drive towards the south east of Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Amboselli’s  beauty lies in the vast wildlife it has to offer like the elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, Grant’s gazelles and elands with the backdrop views of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the distance. You will spend 2 nights here on game drives where your guide will also help you spot birds like vultures, Eagles, Bustards, Sandgrouses, Ground Hornbills, Rosy-breasted Long claw, Sooty Chat, Falcons, Barn Owl, Spotted Redshank, Temminck’s Stint, Saddle-billed Stork and the hyperactive Black Crake. After lunch and relaxing at the camp and (if up to it any way), engage in the evening game drive and discovered where the landscape is dominated by glistening majestic snow cap of Kilimanjaro a fitting back drop to a wild region where the pastoral Masai and their cattle have lived in harmony with wild creatures for many centuries. You will have your dinner and overnight at the sentrim camp. Full board

Day 13: Amboseli all day in the park

‘While it may like the profusion of wildlife like that of Masai Mara, this park boasts of one of the most spectacular backdrops “Mt Kilimanjaro”. Amboseli National park is largely an elephant. The grasslands of Amboseli are home to grazing antelopes, spotted hyenas, jackals, warthogs, and lions (but they are now few in number). You will enjoy sightings of black Rhinos that survived and traversed the poaching era in Kenya. The rest have since been moved to Tsavo west. From the observation hill, you can possibly enjoy more views of wildebeests, herds of zebras as well as gazelles’.

Early this morning, you shall rise early and embark on a morning game drive in the park where you will most probably have a beautiful encounter with the big five. This will probably be another highlight of the whole safari. You shall return to the lodge for a late breakfast and set out again for more game viewing with a picnic lunch along the way (you will most probably drive to the observation hill). Look out for more big game animals like elephants, lions and cheetahs. You will have a leisurely break and enjoy more fun viewing wildlife in the area where the landscape is dominated by glistening majestic snow cap of Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and overnight at the sentrim camp. Full board

Day 14: Transfer to Nairobi

On this day dear Barry, you and your nephews will first enjoy your morning breakfast at your camp in Amboseli before the driver/ guide picks you up for a transfer to Nairobi National park.

Day 15: out going flights

This day, depending on your flight program, the driver/ guide will transfer you to the airport

SAFARI QUOTATION: 3 PAX

PRICE PER PERSON (with tented camps): $3587.00

END OF UGANDA & KENYA SAFARI

On this 14 Day Uganda & Kenya Safari, the following are inclusive in the price:

• Transport in safari car that is air conditioned and with pop up
• Services of a full time English Speaking guide/Driver
• Tented  Accommodation (14 nights) and Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Safe drinking water provided while in the vehicle.
• Gorilla tracking permits (2 Times)
• Free airport pickup and transfer
• Park entrance for all National parks
• Launch cruise
• Game drives

The following are however not included in the price:

• Air fares
• Personal insurance and Medication
• Laundry and other expenses of a personal nature
• Drinks and other special dietary requirements

Lake Bunyonyi Uganda

Uganda tourism has been blessed with an abundance  natural resource ranging from lakes, rivers to mountains and wildlife but beauty of Lake Bunyonyi ( Place of many little birds ) cant be surpassed by any other lake in Uganda. Located in Kisoro near the Rwandan border , the over 45 m deep crater lake is rumored to be the second deepest in Africa with over 29 islands and a large presence of water birds most notably the weavers and rare otters.

Sights & Activities

The establishment of campsites, lodges, resorts and fishing villages has helped boot tourism in south western Uganda and more so has paved way for new sights and activities include-

• Boat  trips -  all guest houses and lodges can arrange boat trips on the lake either in motor boats or man made canoes which are widely used as a means of transportation across the different islands and fishing villages.

• Visit Njuyeera Islands- also known as Sharps Island where its beleived that Doctor Leonard Sharp founded a leper colony and settled in Bwama in 1921 but unfortunately the colony was shut down in the 1980′s and almost all history relating to Dr Leonard Sharp was stripped from his home when it was converted into a budget hotel

• Visit Akampeine island- also known as Punishment island because in ancient history, it was used a place of punishment for women who got pregnant before marriage, legends have it that the unmarried pregnant girls were dumped on this island to starve and die lonely only to be saved by wondering poor men with no bridal price.

• Visit Batwa pygmies-  The batwa pygmy villages are located south of Lake bunyonyi,  enjoy an hour motorboat ride to Rotobo village where you will be led by fishermen or the boat owners to the batwa village, they charge only 70,000 UShs part of which is given to the batwa.. Talk to the people, observe their behavior, take pictures and move around their surroundings, they are very friendly and welcome tourists with open hands.
• Canoe trekking – Canoe trekking presents the best way to get intimate and explore the beautiful Lake bunyonyi, trips are offered on Tuesday and Saturday by Home of Edirisa in Kabale. This tour normally takes 3 days invloving 2 boat rides and one guided hill walk. Canoe trekking costs 250000 UShs per person for a group of 4 people.

• Enjoy Guided walks – Guest houses and lodges also offer guided walks among their several services and so use this opportunity to see the local people among which you will see the Blacksmiths, farmers, cattle keepers, Batwa, birds, local markets and schools among others. You can explore the area on foot and if you wish by bikes, which ever suits you.

• Bird Watching – Enjoy bird watching both on land and on lake, with a variety of water birds, you will be left in a maze, The lake is home to millions of weavers and the rare otters.

Accommodation

Lake bunyonyi has a variety of accommodation options both on mainland and on some islands and some have good restaurants and well stocked bars plus swimming pools, satellite TV and wireless internet. These include

1. Bunyonyi Overland resort- ( Safari tent- Single :UShs 30,000 & Double: 40,000     Rooms- Single: UShs 50,000 & Double :Ushs 65,000  )
2. Arcadia Cottages - (  Bandas – Single : UShs 80,000 & Double :UShs 120,000            Tents - UShs 20,000   )
3. Byoona Amagara ( Camping – USh 5000     Dome USh 10,000 Twin Dome – 12,500, Geodome  – UShs 16,000- 20,000 per person   Cottages- UShs 1oo,ooo )
4. Bushara Island Camp-  ( Camping- US$ 9     Safari tents - s/d US$ 22/28      Cottages- US$ 20-60   )
5. Heritage lodge – ( Rooms- Single : USh 75,000 & Double USh 145, 000, Safari tents and cottages also available )

Bryan Muhoozi
Cycads Safaris

Car Hire -

Car hire in Kampala Uganda  is relatively costly mainly because of the poor roads hence many car hire  companies offering car hire services in Uganda normally charge up to 100 dollars per day for 4 by 4 safari cars including a driver or guide but excluding fuel but the good news is that its still possible ti get some great deals from the various safari companies in Uganda.  Car hire companies and Safari companies that offer car hire services include Cycads Safaris ( Tel- +256-414-573775,  Mob- +256772507241)  1st Class Uganda Holidays -( Tel – +256-779232316 ) , EuropCar Uganda.

By Minibus-Taxis (Shared) -

Minibus- taxis are the most widely used means of transport around Kampala city as they are affordable, easily accessible and carry up to 14 passengers. Taxis roam the streets of Kampala picking up and dropping off passengers on streets or in taxi parks 24 hours a day charging around 500 Ushs – 1000 Ushs depending on a passengers destination or routing. It can be confusing coming to terms with Kampala streets and routes to take as they are not numbered and most of them not marked and so its always advisable to ask a passenger or a conductor about a particular destination and how much it will cost before you board.

By Taxi (Special hire cabs)

These are convectional taxis that only carry a maximum of 4 passengers charging usually 5000 Ushs for short distances and up to 20,000 Ushs for long distances. Unlike minibus- taxis, Special hires are strategically loacted near supermarkets, petrol stations, on busy streets in Kampala like Kampala road, Ben Kiwauka street, Nakasero road among other places like the back yard of the new taxi park. They are safer than the minibus taxi and more convenient for people with much luggage.

By Bus

The newly introduced passenger buses colored black and orange were an initiative by the Kampala City Council Authority KCCA as a way to make a transportation around Kampala a lot cheaper and carry as many as 60 passengers in a single route. Earlier this year over 100 new buses were introduced to Kampala but have faced criticism and revolts by the Minibus taxi drivers association plus every day concerned people who hate the fact that they have to line up for many minutes before getting into an over crowded bus.

By Motocycles ( Boda bodas)

Boda bodas present the best way to get around Kampala’s increasingly congested traffic jam sessions and the fastest way to get to any destination in Kampala. The boda boda carries up to 3 passengers and are expected to have helmets for both cyclist and passengers though most of them dont have the helmets. Boda boda cyclists have a poor road safety record because of poor driving skills and over speeding by the cyclists which has led to many road accidents since the introduction of the boda boda business.

Bryan M

www.ugandatouristguide.com/

Uganda is among the top 20 world tourism destinations in the year 2013, according to the National Geographic. The lonely planet named Uganda as the best travel destination for 2012 but  the National Geographic has listed Uganda among the “top 20 new must-see places.  tagging Uganda as Africa’s new frontier.

The National Geographic stated that the land in Uganda mixes savana , enormous lakes and long rivers together with rain forests and glacier mountains like the Rwenzori , one Africa’s tallest mountain ranges pus other popular destinations highlighted included the mighty River  nile ,  the last surviving mountain gorillas in Bwindi national park and the tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector in Queen elizabeth park

The national geographic further went ahead to recommend a number of books and travel documentaries for tourists to watch before traveling to Uganda, including Uganda’s very popular slogan book – Gifted By Nature  and movies like The Last King of Scotland and so much more.

Tourism experts like Abiaz Rwamiri(Africa Wildlife Foundation) had this to say about this, ” We have a lot of potential we are not tapping into and this is what the recommendation by the National Geographic is telling us. “  he added that Uganda has much more to offer giving an example of Kidepo park which is a unique travel destination but is still undiscovered by a majority of tourists that travel to Uganda every year.

TOP 20 Must See places in 2013- National Geographic

1- Crimea-

2- Marseille- France

3- Raja Ampat- Island in Indonesia

4- Ravenna- Italy

5- Great Bear Rain Forest- Canada

6- Lake Malawi-  Malawi

7- Quito city – Equador

8- Bagan- Myanmar

9- Cape Breton Island – Nova Scotia

10 – Uganda -  Africa’s new frontier

11-Hudson Valley- New York

12-Thessaloniki- Greece

13-Grenada- Carebean Islands

14- Bodo- Norway

15-Valparaiso – Chile

16- Missouri River Banks – Montana

17-St Augustine- Florida

18-Memphis- Tennesse

19- Kyoto – Japan

20-Jarash- Jordanian Islands

CONGRATULATIONS TO UGANDA.

Bryan Muhoozi

Ugandatouristguide.com