Uganda tourism industry wants government to get behind them

Uganda tour operators have reiterated the need for government to increase its funding budget to tourism marketing to at least $5 million.

The operators say the government has not yet prioritized the sector giving it little attention.
The government and the World Bank recently signed a credit financing facility of $25 million to tourism, of which $12 million were allocated to the revamping of the Jinja Tourism Training Institute. About $3million was allotted to building capacity in the Uganda Tourism Board and the tourism ministry.

However, the remaining $10million has not been assigned according to Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba.
It’s this $10million balance what tour operators want the government to avail to tourism marketing this year.
“Funding towards tourism marketing is still very low. Kenya provides $34 million to marketing, Tanzania ($12 million), Rwanda ($5 million), Burundi ($1.5 million) and Uganda- only $90,000. Even the new management at UTB will struggle with such kind of funding.

The sector should be given minimum $5m if we’re serious with tourism as a business,” said Ms. Kelly McTavish Mungar the Managing Director Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel.
“Uganda’s tourism industry has been confined. It’s given limited attention yet it’s a multi-billion generating sector,” added Mr. Cuthbert Baguma the immediate former Executive Director of the Uganda Tourism Board, the official government tourism marketing agency.

This was during a breakfast meeting in Kampala where the Uganda Investment Authority presented a study and findings of the constraints to fast tracking tourism development in Uganda. The study- Building Competitiveness in Tourism as a strategic intervention for attracting quality investment was carried out and presented by Rebecca Wamono of the Uganda Investment Authority.

According to her findings, the lack of identity/brand at the international level, inadequate value addition of tourism products and services, the negative media publicity that discourages international travelers and tourists and the insufficient supporting infrastructure and utilities like roads, energy, and air travel makes it difficult to attract high end international investors and joint ventures in tourism. She said the lack of a national carrier and the very few domestic carriers have affected marketing, flight numbers and visitors to Uganda.

“The impact of the construction of the 180MW Isimba Hydro Power Project on water rafting on the Victoria Nile is huge as well as the lack of national mentorship programme for children and the general public about budget gorilla tourism and conservation,” Wamono noted in her findings. Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba advised the different tourism associations to get united and always compile, and disseminate the right figures for proper planning.

“Tourism is currently a disjointed sector. We need to build competitiveness in the sector by always proving the correct tourism figures and statistics,” she advised the meeting. James Tumusime, the Chairman of the Uganda Tourism Board, warned the grumbling different associations in tourism not to make his body a rival of other agency organizations

“UTB is ready to fly with the new management. Invest in areas that empower Public Private Partnerships,” Tumusiime advised the private sector in tourism.  Herbert Byaruhanga, the president of Uganda Tourism association said the government should create an enabling environment for local tourism investors to invest by allowing them tax waivers and holidays. EAC countries are also working towards a single destination marketing plan.

Bwindi impenetrable forest gorilla dies aged 28 years old

A photograph of Mishaya taken in June 2012. Mishaya was a leader of a commuinty of gorillas in Bwindi (UWA Photo)

At 28 years, Mishaya had lived only half his life in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. On Monday, Mishaya died after a short illness, according to top wildlife officials.

 

The lifespan of mountain gorillas is estimated at 50 years, according to Dr. Gladys Kalema, the director of conservation through public health. She described Mishaya, who broke away from Nshongi about two years ago, as an active, friendly and assertive gorilla.

 

“Mishaya will be missed,” Kalema said. Others who eulogised Mishaya said he would amuse them, giving many tourists compelling opportunities for photographs.

 

Dr. Andrew Seguya, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said: “We have lost a lovely mountain gorilla which was free with tourists.” He said he had sent a team of veterinary doctors to investigate further what caused Mishaya’s death.

 

Preliminary results indicate that he died after the coiling of the intestines. Mishaya was the only silverback (alpha male) after which a group of habituated gorillas in Bwindi was named. His group lives in Rushaga, in the southern region of Bwindi.

 

Apart from Mishaya, the southern sector of Bwindi is home to habituated gorillas, Nshongyi, Kahungye and Busingye groups.

Uganda Birding Safari

12 Days Birding Tour Uganda -12 Clients Group Safari

Uganda winning the name “Pearl of Africa” was because of the tourism resources endowed and out of that Uganda is known to be a region “Gifted by Nature”. The “ornithology” tours has become  more exciting together with wildlife encounters which Uganda  has to offer from different tourist important bird areas, destinations, list of birds in Uganda can be spotted from these areas: the Mabamba wetland birding site a best birding place in Uganda, Kibale national park, Queen national park the “medley of wonders”, Bwindi impenetrable birding park, Mubwindi birding wetland, Lake Bunyonyi-Uganda birding tour the “ Switzerland of Africa” in Kigezi region. Our aim is to show and explain all types of birds and other tourist resources to surpass our client’s expectation.  On this safari we have opportunity to spot other tourism resources like mountain gorillas, chimps, wildlife and other leisure amazingly experienced like game drives, boat cruising, nature walks among others. 

Day1: Entebbe-Bird Botanical Gardens

Upon arrival at the Entebbe international Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide or company representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time you can be able to go birding later on at the Botanical gardens. The most common bird species which include Wood, Common, Marsh Sandpipers, Common Green Shank, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Madagascar Bee-eater, Green Crombec, Orange weaver, Entebbe Weaver (an endemic to Uganda that was recorded at the site only once), White spotted Flu tail. Dinner and overnight at Bomah Guest House (L)/Airport Guest House (M)/Sun Set Motel (B).  Meal plan: BB

Day2: Mabamba Bay Birding Wetland

Have breakfast, thereafter drive to Mabamba bay wetland birding site, the unique site referred to as the best in Africa and the whole world, where the elusive Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) can be spotted at any one time of the day. Other bird species include; Rey-headed Gull, White Winged Terns, Madagascar Bee-eater, Yellow Billed Egret, Long toed Plover. Have lunch and in the afternoon you could have a walk along the tracks on the main road in search of more birds then you expect to see the Black Crake, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Cape Wagtail, Swamp Flightier, Winding Cisticola, Blue- Breasted Bee- eater, Red Chested Sunbird and many more. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight as above. Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch.

Note: Today we shall provide Breakfast and Lunch in the field, then with Dinner it is the clients to buy his or her dinner at lodge, lodges in towns do not have set menu so it’s hard to predict how much the client will eat!

Day3: Entebbe-Kibale Forest National Park

Early morning breakfast and drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Lunch en-route in Fort portal town at Gardens Restaurant. Afternoon  bird watching in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary that is found 5 km after Kibale Forest National Park on the road to Kamwenge. Birding is a major activity around the swamp with paths cut and areas of the swamp board trails to give access to areas of the swamp that would be otherwise inaccessible. Species for Bigodi include Great Blue Turaco, Black Billed Turaco and White Spotted Crake. Dinner and overnight at Kyaninga Lodge (L)/Kibale Safari Lodge (M)/Kibale Forest Camp (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day4: Kibale Forest (Chimp Trek)-Queen Elizabeth National Park (Evening Game Drive)

After breakfast, participate in the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest National Park and along the way you will see a number of bird species which include: black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, dusky crimson wing, purple-breasted sunbird and red-faced woodland warbler. Other Kibale specials include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, black bee-eater, yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinker bird, little Greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown chested alethe, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground thrush, and the crowned eagle. Have lunch and in the afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is home to total of 604 different bird species. Key species: African Skimmer, Black Rumped Button Quail, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Red Footed Falcon, Lesser Flamingoes, and Saddle-billed Storks, and numerous classes of Raptors. Birding in the evening, Dinner and overnight at Mweya Lodge (L)/Enganzi lodge (M)/Bush Lodge (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drive-Birding & Boat ride)

The whole day reserved for birding in the park while on a morning game drive but also see other wildlife like the mammals that include some big five Lions, Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog in this park. Primates like the chimps and monkeys and Reptiles. All these are regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula. In the afternoon go for the boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, with the concentration of water birds and photographs is extraordinary. A variety of birds grace the grasses on the channel’s edge and these may include the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants. There is also a Bird Observatory here, which was set up with the aim of studying both migratory and resident birds. Since its inception in 1997 more new species have been identified, including Uganda’s first record of the Bar-tailed Godwit. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight and dinner. Meal plan: Full Board

Day6: Queen Elizabeth-Bwindi Gorilla Park

After breakfast, drive via Ishasha Sector with birding experience and the search of the tree climbing lions those enjoy lying on the top of fig trees during the hot hours of the day. Later proceed to Bwindi National park best known for gorillas; lunch en route. Though the gorillas are its most famous inhabitants, Bwindi is also noted for its biodiversity and the richness of its flora and fauna. The diversity of birds in Bwindi National Park is extremely high, representing one of the forest’s avian-fauna in Africa. The bird list for the park currently totals 334 species, 67 non-forest-dependent species, and 182 forest-dependent species. Thirteen of these species occur nowhere else in Uganda, seven are not known to occur anywhere else in East Africa, and 17 are known for East Africa only in Bwindi and one or two other East African forests. The rare species include the spectacular globally threatened endemics like the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Dinner and overnight at Ruhija Gorilla Resort (L)/Gorilla Mist Camp (M)/Trackers Tavern Cottages (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day7: Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Today you will go, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National park; the most exciting wildlife experiences. The activity starts with a briefing from the ranger guides after which you proceed with the trekking. Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 370 gorillas, which is half the world population according to 2007 gorilla population surveys. It is not predictable the time you will spend to encounter the gorillas but it normally takes between 2 – 6 hours. You have an hour to observe the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Do not forget to carry your lunch boxes and water, insect repellent, sun screen, rain gears, hut and walkable shoes. Evening take birding around the lodge to spot birds like handsome francolin, archers robin chat, stripe breasted tit, purple breasted sunbird, mountain Green bul, duikers, warblers, dusky Crimson wing, mountain Illadopsis, mountain yellow warbler to mention a few. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: Full Board

Day8: Ruhija Birding Sector-Lake Bunyonyi

Have breakfast and proceed to Mubwindi birding wetland at Ruhija sector. Ruhija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda with excellent birding in spectacular surroundings. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see; many species associating in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day. An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinker bird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbul, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, white-tailed crested Flycatcher and many more. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Resort (L)/Bunyonyi Overland (M)/Jajama lodge (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day9: Lake Bunyonyi-Lake Mburo National Park

After morning breakfast, take a motor boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi for birding. The Lake is one of the most popular destinations for birding and the guide will help you spotting birds over different islands. Bird species include: Pied kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Bronzy sun bird, Knobbed coot. Very rare, Pied wagtail, Black clack, Common stone chat, Grey shrike, Grey crowned crested crane, Hadada ibis, Swamp fly catcher, Black heron, Great cormorant, Fan tailed widow bird, Streaky seed eater, Speckled mouse bird, Pin tailed whyder, Bronze manikin, Black headed weaver. Have lunch in Kabale and from there proceed to Lake Mburo where you will have a game drive as you enter the park. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge (L)/Rwakobo Rock Lodge (M)/Eagle’s Nest Camp Mburo (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day10: Lake Mburo National Park

Have breakfast and then go for a morning game drive to intangibly consumer birding experience. The park has about 313 different bird species which include the rare Shoebill stork, White-winged Warblers, Black-billed Barbet, Crested Francolin, Brown Parrot, Red necked Spur, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Temminck’s Courser, common Quails, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Barefaced Go-away bird, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Lilac-breasted Roller, Coqui Francolin, Red necked spur fowl, Black Bellied Bustard, African-wattled Plover Rufous napped and Flappet larks, Rufous chested Swallow , Southern Red Bishop and Yellow-throated Long claw among others. Return to lodge for lunch and thereafter afternoon drive to Masaka town for dinner and overnight at Brovad Hotel (M). Meal plan: Full-Board

 Day11: Masaka-Mpanga Forest Birding Site–Entebbe

After breakfast, drive to Mpanga forest the eco science research forest and here expect to spot a lot of unique birdlife species, but before you reach have amazing stopover at the equator to take awesome photos and shop some souvenirs’ and edible snacks. Lunch; enter into the forest to spot different types of birds, floras and faunas and this adventure are so much awesome. Then in evening set off to Entebbe for our dinner and overnight at Bomah Guest House (L)/Entebbe Airport Guest House (M)/Sun Set Motel (B). Meal plan: Full-Board

Day12: Entebbe–Ngamba Islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary

After breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe water front club and board your speed boat to Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary to indulge in quite big list of informative activities like chimp feeding, bird watching and you will have lunch at the island. Thereafter drive back Entebbe with entrance to the Uganda wildlife education Centre and watch some big five caged and other species, birds. Evening you will be transferred to airport for your home flight. End of services, Meal plan: Half-Board.

NB: (L) Luxury, (M) Mid-range and (B) Budget

The price staying in Luxury Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 4626 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Extended Land Cruiser and based on full board meals.

The price staying in Mid-range Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 3698 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Omni-Bus and based on full board meals.

The price staying in Budget Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 3310 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Omni-Bus and based on full board meals.

The safari package includes:

Airport transfers

Transportation by 2 4wd vehicles

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Bigodi birding walking safari

Chimpanzee permits

Park fees

Car entry

Boat ride

Gorilla permits, one per person to be paid in advance

Nature walks birding

Visit Ngamba chimp sanctuary

Visit Mabamba wetlands

Full day professional birding guides + Birding tour leader

En-route lunches

Game drives

The package excludes:

Expenses of personal nature like: Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides while gorilla trekking, telephone, personal insurance and cigarettes.

What to wear/bring

Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the higher altitudes especially Bwindi. When tracking gorillas layering your clothing is the best idea and we suggest: long sleeved shirts, cotton or gore tex trousers, strong walking shoes with ankle support, socks that you can tuck your trousers into, light gloves to protect your hands from thorns and nettles, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection against the sun and a waterproof jacket in neutral colors may come in handy in the moist mountains. Travel light and remember that soft-sided luggage is required. One medium sized duffel bag and one small daypack (carry-on) per person should be adequate. Laundry services are available at most accommodations. You should also pack some zip lock bags for spare clothing, cameras, binoculars and film. Please note that you are not allowed to use a flash when photographing Gorillas. It is a good idea to take along several different speeds of film (64 to 1000) as gorillas can be found in open sun or in the dark underbrush of the forest.

Contact +256-751-915-622

info@ugandantour.com or ugandantour@gmail.com

 

Tour Consultant

Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd

Uganda Kampala, Entebbe Airport Road, Najja Shopping Centre, 03 B Office 2rd Floor

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