African Insights Blog Newsletter
July 15 -2010
Uganda Tourism - After the Terrorist Bombings of July 11 2010
What will the Future hold for Tourism in Uganda?
It is now July 15, 2010 - 4 days have come and gone since the night of the dreadful bombings of innocent World Cup final football revelers - the death toll is now up to 76. Local television has shown families picking up their dead loved ones in trucks, vans and sedans. Sad sights to see, meanwhile in Somalia the al-Shabaab leadership is rejoicing, President Museveni on the other hand has declared 7 days of mourning and has vowed to hunt down the evil doers.
Tourism according to recent reports is now the number one business in Uganda, exceeding coffee and fish, also tea - in the long run it will probably be oil that will produce more income for Uganda than Tourism, but the good news is that Tourism is a renewable resource and has minimal effects on wildlife and nature.
What will happen to Uganda Tourism in the immediate future?
A Ugandan Tourism official tried to reassure the visitors in the country and those contemplating a visit to Uganda that everything was under control and this was an isolated incident.
Reality is one does not know what the future holds? No one knows what will happen next in Uganda. One does know that Uganda has unleashed its security, police resources to catch the perpetrators and to prevent any future attacks. The evidence is visible everywhere and the public is responding well in assisting the police with tips and anything out of the ordinary.
Thank goodness, we had only one cancellation-however something that we did was send every person that had booked a safari tour an email with what had taken place in Uganda and what to do to be more safe and secure in Uganda and in Kampala in particular and changed plans if we felt it was more secure for them.
Slogans or trite statements will not reassure visitors but concrete ideas and steps that keep the safety of visitors to Uganda as a must do for safari companies. Visitors to Uganda come before any company profits. Visitor need to know the facts as to what has been done and is being done to keep Kampala safe for all. This includes extra security steps taken by Safari companies.
Security at the airport, hotels, restaurants, markets, bus stations, taxi parks (14 passenger vans), the streets of Kampala, Churches, nightclubs and more. Prevention is the best medicine besides getting the perpetrators of the cowardly bombings.
In Kenya, tourism dropped substantially after the election violence of December of 2007 and January of 2008, Kenya is still recovering.
Similar things can happen here - a short term missions group from Asia recently wrote me and they are still planning on coming here to Uganda, but will take extra safety precautions.
The reality is, Uganda needs to take steps to communicate to the traveling public the state of things in Uganda presently and what they are doing to make their stay safe from potential attacks and if it means inconveniencing the traveling public, they will not mind if it means that is for their well being.
Uganda may lose some travelers, but most seasoned travelers realize that no country is 100% safe and if tour operators put plans taking that safety to heart and plan safaris based on safety that will avoid crowded places and locations in Kampala, take alternate routes that are less congested and work with Ugandan agencies in getting the word out to tourists contemplating a visit to Uganda that measures have and are being taken regarding safe travel to and inside of Uganda.
Reality about Safari Tours in Uganda: Most safari trips are away from Kampala. The closest location of a National Park is 3 1/2 hour to Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls is 6 1/2 hours and a bit more to Queen Elizabeth Park, 9 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Lodgings in the parks most often have 10 or less rooms, many of them 5 rooms or tents.
In other words, most safari trips are away from the bustling crowds into the African Wilderness, passing through small towns along the way, far away from Kampala. To places such as Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park and Lake Mburo.
As a precaution we have removed the Kampala City Tour until further notice and such a time when normalcy has returned to Kampala.
Most Safari tour operators will be cognizant of the current situation in Uganda and what route to take, what to avoid and where not to take guests, what hotels have taken extra security precautions, etc. If you are booked with any tour operator in Uganda, email them for an update of the current situation and what they are doing to ensure your well being and safety and I am sure that they will do whatever they can to let you know what is currently going on in Uganda.
The Future of Tourism for Uganda?
Tourism in Uganda has been on the increase each year, there were thoughts of a million visitors to Uganda this year. The year is now half over and in the light of the bombing attacks that goal may not be realized. In the long run Uganda will emerge once again a vibrant player in East African Tourism.
Reasons:
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Half of the Mountain Gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
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More primates are found in Uganda than anywhere in East Africa. Uganda boasts 4 locations where primates can be tracked.
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Uganda is home to the tallest Mountain Range in Africa - The Rwenzori Mountains with their glaciers and snow capped peaks. (though melting rapidly)
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1040 species of Birds have been identified in Uganda and this is truly a bird lover's paradise.
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White water rafting- from Mild to Wild on the historic Nile. Up to level 5 rafting.
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Fishing for Nile Perch - up to 300 pounds in weight.
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An abundance of beautiful Lakes and rivers including Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Vitoria, Lake Mutanda and more.
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Fabulous lodging facilities in the African Wilderness from Tree top rooms at Kibale Forest to Tented Luxury camps at Queen Elizabeth Park and other locations in all of the parks.
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The tree climbing Lions of the Ishasha Plains, leopards, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, otters, hippos, crocodiles, bush babies, pottos, countless kinds of antelopes and much more.
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The scenic wonders of Uganda
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Then the real Pearl of Africa - the people of Uganda - some of the friendliest and gentlest people in Africa.
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Holiday weather all year long because of Uganda's altitude.
Uganda has withstood the turbulent winds of violence before, during the times of Idi Amin, the war that ousted him, the war in the bush against the Obote regime, the long LRA conflict, the skirmishes with ADF rebels, bombing by them in 1997 and 1999, peace in the land since 2006 and now this. Uganda will make it through this time once again prove to be the "Pearl of Africa."
It is good to read what Winston Churchill wrote over a century about Uganda, those words still ring true today.
My journey is at an end, the tale has
been told.
The reader who has followed so faithfully and so
far has a right to ask what message I bring back.
It can be stated in three words:
concentrate upon Uganda!
[Uganda] is alive by itself. It is vital,
and in my
view, in spite of its insects and diseases, it ought, in
the course of time, to become the most prosperous
of all our East African possessions, and perhaps the
‘financial driving wheel’ of this part of the world.
My counsel plainly is – concentrate upon
Uganda!
Nowhere else in Africa will little money go so far.
Nowhere else will results be more brilliant, more
substantial or more rapidly realised.
Uganda is from end to end a ‘beautiful
garden’
where ‘staple food’ of the people grows almost
without labour. Does it not sound like a paradise
on earth? It is the Pearl of Africa.
From ‘My African Journey’
By Winston Churchill (1908)
If you have any questions regarding traveling to Uganda, feel free to write.
From Kampala...the Pearl of Africa...jon
Uganda Travel Safety & Security - after the World Cup Terrorist Attacks in Uganda.
Safe & Secure Safari Tours in Uganda after the July 11, Bombing Attacks
Guide and Travel Information to Uganda for Tourist & Visitors
Uganda Visitors Guide
Helpful Information, Tips, Advice to make your stay in Uganda a delight.
Brought to you by Kabiza Wilderness LTD
Quality Uganda Safaris-Lowest in Price-without Compromise
Why visit Uganda? Uganda - The pearl of Africa is one of the most best all around destinations in Africa. If you miss Uganda you miss Africa.
Things to do & See in Uganda: Here are the top ten things to do and see in Uganda. The Mountain Gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountains, White water rafting on the awesome Nile river, Chimpanzee tracking in the Jungle and more.
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris-Recommended List: Find out what we recommend as Uganda destinations not to be missed by you. We have compiled a list of some of the best places in Uganda to visit, see during your stay in Uganda.
Uganda Background Information: Make your trip to Uganda more enjoyable by knowing something about the country. You will find some historic background, current situation in the country. What life is like for the average Ugandan, all designed to give you insight into the Pearl of Africa.
Flying to Uganda: Uganda is serviced by many major international airlines from British Airways to KLM. There are also African carriers from Air Kenya to South African Airlines. Here you will find helpful terminal information that makes your arrival and departure easier.
Uganda Tourist Visas: Getting your visa is actual quite simple. Arrive here and purchase your tourist visa for the time of your visit right at the Immigration desk. It costs you less than sending your passport to a Ugandan embassy and paying for the express mail coming and going.
Packing for Uganda: Packing for Africa takes a bit more planning than normal. Here are some suggestions for packing for Uganda.
Uganda Travel Advice & Tips: Practical advice for those planning to travel to Uganda. Here you will find safety tips, health tips, transportation tips, all designed to make your stay in Uganda trouble free. It is our desire that you enjoy your journey to and in Uganda.
Ask Uganda Travel Questions: Simply type in your question regarding travel in Uganda and we will attempt to answer it shortly thereafter. Many of your question may be answered on one of the pages on this site, but just in case you are unable to find it, ask.
Money Tips for Uganda: The Uganda Money Tips page covers ATM machines here in Uganda, the use of credit cards here in Uganda, what currency to bring, Forex bureaus, banks, link to latest forex rates.
Uganda Safety and Security Information:: Latest security update from Uganda regarding travelers to Uganda. This includes travel alerts and advisories, the current situation, updated daily for you. This includes the background to the July 11, 2010 deadly bombings in Kampala, Uganda.
Health Tips for Uganda: What are choices regarding malaria prevention? What not to eat? How is the water? What do to in a restaurant? There are a lot of things you can do in order that you do not get ill while in Uganda.
Getting around Uganda: Transportation in Uganda is readily available and usually quite affordable. From Motorcycle taxis to self drive, you can travel across Uganda by bus, plane, or bus. If you have not been here before, self drive is not suggested but hire a vehicle with driver for similar cost.
Uganda Weather: Find out what the weather is like in Kampala. Get the mean temperatures of various cities and towns in Uganda. Find out when the rainy seasons take place.
Bargaining in Uganda: The bargaining ritual, if you are not with a tour group you have to bargain for a lot of things from transportation to souvenirs. Enjoy the ancient ritual and bring a sense of humor, it is actually a lot of fun. It is an experience you do not want to miss in Africa.
Conversations Uganda Style: Making yourself understood in Uganda and tips of social etiquette in Uganda. English is spoken everywhere but there are times words mean different things to the one speaking. If someone says that they are going to make a short call, it is not a phone call, but a trip to the bathroom.
Luganda Everyday Phrases: Learn some Luganda phrases before you come to Kampala. Knowing some basic Luganda phrases will endear you to most Ugandans in the central region. Luganda is spoken in Kampala and in the central region of Uganda.
Experience a Safari in Uganda: Get a taste and feel of what a Safari in Uganda is like. Get acquainted with what awaits you here in the Pearl of Africa- Uganda and plan a safari that is simply you. Any Safari package that we do offer is totally adjustable with you in mind. Our principle of customer service, our desire to create what you want is foremost on our mind.
Uganda Safaris: Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to go on Safaris. A small country and yet bio-diverse in nature, almost twice the species of birds found in the USA yet Uganda is the size of Oregon. Game parks, lodging from budget to luxury, jungle, open savannas, mountains, volcanoes. One day, three day and 5 day or longer safaris.
Uganda Safari Planner: Plan your own Safari in Uganda. From Parks to visit, wildlife, birds, primates such as gorillas or chimpanzees, scenic beauty such as Lake Bunyonyi. The freedom to pick your own accommodations for your own personal and private safari budget, moderate or luxury style. Plan your own safari in Uganda.
Uganda Wildlife Mini-Safaris: The best of Uganda discovered in a one, two or three day Mini Safari in Uganda. The perfect safari tour packages for the business, volunteer and visitor Uganda that wants to add that African Safari into the time spent in Uganda.
Gorilla Tracking (Trekking) Information & Guide: Complete Guide to Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda. Here you find all the information that you need to know for a gorilla safari in Uganda, from permits, to guidelines and the lodging that is available.
Uganda Wildlife Information: The wildlife that you find in Uganda from Mountain Gorillas to Chimpanzees, reptiles, hippos, crocodiles, birds.
National Parks of Uganda Information & Guide: There are some fabulous game parks in Uganda, not only the wildlife but the scenery is simply breathtaking, crater lakes, bamboo forests, the most powerful waterfall in the world, glacier covered mountains and intriguing rainforest jungles.
Accommodations in Uganda: From Budget to Luxury accommodations can be found in every game park in Uganda. Tented camps that give you that classical Safari feel, great lodges along with fabulous food.
Kampala City Information: Originally built on 7 hills, now many more, Kampala is an truly African city where much awaits your visit.
Specialty Safari Tours in Uganda-Africa: Including Uganda African Photo Safari, African Honeymoon Safari in Uganda and Create your own Safari. Each of the specialty safari tours is created with your input in mind. Private photo safaris where you are in control, Adventure safaris that allow you to experience Uganda in a very different way, romantic Honeymoon safaris that reflect the celebratory note of your visit to Uganda and Create your own African Safari.
Helpful Africa Safari Information: How to save money on a safari, budget travel, how to choose a safari, booking a safari, safari consultant, comments from clients, safety in Uganda, and responsible tourism practices.
Cars for Hire-Transportation with Driver in Uganda:
Cars for hire with English Speaking driver. Airport pickup and transportation to any destination in Uganda and other destinations in East Africa.
Call us from overseas 256 - (0) 774785852. Fax USA-567-429-5259... Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine
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Last updated: 22 August 2010
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