Author: admin

Luwombo Meal: Ugandan Traditional Dish Cooked in Banana

LUWOMBO meal is a Ugandan delicacy and one of my favorite meals. If you have never been to Uganda and may have plans of visiting this beautiful country one day please do not leave with out trying out a luwombo prepared meal. Most people eat this special meal on special days but I could have it any day, everyday! Luwombo is basically sauce cooked in banana leaves.

The banana leaves are specially prepared over heat with low smoke to make the leaves aromatic and soft enough to contain the food. It is actually a method of preparing stews by steaming as you will get to learn as you read along. I am going to share how to prepare the different types which include: chicken luwombo, smoked meat luwombo, mushrooms in ground nuts paste luwombo, smoked meat in ground nuts paste luwombo and dry fish in ground nuts paste luwombo.

Writing this piece reminds me of my foods and nutrition practical exams way back in high school because this was one of my favorite meals prepared. Because it is easy, time saving and most important nutrient saving.

Malewa: The Delicious Taste of Bamboo Shoots

Malewa is obtained from crushing and drying special bamboo shoots that are obtained from the area of Mt. Elgon, found along Uganda’s border with Kenya. Malewa is harvested throughout the year, but especially during the dry season. The bamboo shoots are traditionally air-dried under mountainside caves, and can also be smoked to give a particular, burnt flavor when used in preparing food. Malewa can easily be confused in appearance for banana fibers, but the easiest way to distinguish these bamboo shoots is from the sweet smell and the visibile joints that characterized the short pieces of malewa.

Regardless of differences in the preparation method, malewa has a taste reminiscent of forest mushrooms. It is said that the best traditional taste of malewa emerges when it is mixed with groundnut paste to make a paste or sauce that can be eaten with millet, banana or sweet potatoes. Malewa sauces or soups are compatible with many other local and traditional dishes in Uganda.

Malewa is the traditional food for the Gishu people in eastern Uganda, and it has been in the area since the Gishu occupied the slopes of Mt. Masaba, also known as Mt. Elgon. It is served widely in the region during the traditional circumcision rites that are performed in each even numbered calendar year. Mothers would serve the product to their sons to give them bravery before embarking on a week-long journey to travel through the community and receive blessings before the actual circumcision (imbalu).

Malewa may be collected by individuals for personal use, but it is also sold in local markets, mainly by boys of the Gishu communities; however the quantities that can be found at local markets are declining. This is due to encroachment on the mountainside habitats for settlements and agricultural land as a result of growing populations in the area.

6 Reasons to Go on a Road Trip in Uganda

Is Uganda your dream safari destination in Africa? Have you ever wished to encounter breathtaking experiences that come once in a lifetime? Uganda is credited for its most exceptional biodiversity, that are all confined within its magnificent protected areas. Visitors either choose to go for game drives and catch a glimpse of amazing big five game in the savanna national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park or visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or simply catch up with adrenaline adventures in Jinja as well as life changing experiences at the Rwenzori Mountains ranges.

Below are some of the reasons why you need to embark on a road in Uganda

You get in control of your trip

There is nothing as adventurous as taking a self drive trip to an unknown destination in the remotest places in Uganda. This allows you make a plan on your own and you arrange it based on your interest. But you have to be careful with the schedules of other transportation means like airlines and trains, otherwise you will be left out.

There is no need to eat airplane food

This is based on the note that the airlines still provide real food, but rather you can simply make a stopover at the nearest restaurant, pack a picnic, or swing via drive all the way.

Flexibility

With self drive road trips in Uganda, you can easily switch directions depending on what attracts you unlike where you are in a group or guided safari and you are required to dance to the tunes of other people and yet you also your own. When it comes to make stopovers at specific areas, a self drive is the best option for road trips in Uganda.

Elephants – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ability to view Uganda’s natural wonders in reality

The amazing bit of taking a road trip in Uganda is that you have higher chances of catching a glimpse of a wide range of tourist attractions and interacting with communities adjacent to the protected areas while on safari in Uganda.

Pack appropriately while keeping in the space of the car boot

There is no need to book an extra car unless other people are traveling with you. You can fold the seats as well to create more room for the luggage and this can save you from paying extra charges.

Money saving

Traveling in a group is one thing exciting when it comes to a road trip in Uganda. If you have ever been on a road trip before or you plan one, make sure that you get on the road with your friends or colleagues of the same interest and experience the fun bits of a road trip in Uganda.

In conclusion, a road trip is the best way for you to catch a glimpse of the variety of attractions that Uganda has to offer to the world. There are a lot more things to experience while on a road trip, and given its flexibility, you can make a stopover at any point of interest at your own time.

A Green Honeymoon Holiday in Uganda

It’s only Uganda in Africa with the most charming culture, entertainment and natural beauty which make it the only perfect destination for foreign honey moon holiday. Apart from the amazing islands, Uganda has a wide range of beautiful attractions including wildlife parks, lakes & rivers, mountains, stunning landscape and the most well facilitated luxury lodges just in line with the honeymoon rations. Are you planning to wed soon and Africa is your honey moon choice destination?

The Gifted land of nature “Uganda” has enough attractions to put together and make your stay very exceptional and memorable following its best cool weather in every corner of the country. Besides all the Islands and beaches are open year round with a lot of relaxing activities and water sports. Bunyonyi is one of the most desired a place you shouldn’t miss out on your honeymoon holiday in Africa. Also visiting some of the beautiful parks – Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest etc are one of the most recommended honeymoon destinations in the pearl of Africa since all tour activities are full of fun and relaxation. Other fun things to do include gorilla tracking, boat rides at the first-rate Kazinga channel and game viewing keep travelllers busy and happy in the wild as they explore the country’s beauty.

Make your honeymoon an event of a life time with a visit to Uganda’s top leisurely destination Ssese Island found in a 2 hour distance from Entebbe international airport, Murchison falls, Kibale Forest, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo & lake Bunyonyi. The island is accessed by a ferry which leaves Entebbe daily at 3.00pm arriving at the island at around 5.00pm but you have to be at the ferry stage or start point by 2.00pm-Nakiwogo Entebbe.

Spend two days around the island playing in sand and enjoying all the available water activities before travelling to Bwindi forest the land of Uganda’s prime attraction the mountain gorillas. Enjoy private walks around the lake, boat ride, sun bathing, have a fish meal together at pineapple bay a lodge which attends to detail. Swimming is a must either at the pool or lake followed the delicious meals meals served at the lodge in time. The lake side gardens offer the best relaxing environment to couples as they look at the island lake waters and beautiful landscape. The lodge rooms facing parade the island beauty to couples something you will also like through your stay at the island. No need to strain yourself walking distances in search of a perfect relaxing environment since your overnight lodge has it all.

In addition the stunning road drive journey to Uganda’s Bwindi forest takes you to the Uganda Equator, opens a wide door for cultural displays and also a road side few minutes of wildlife viewing at Lake Mburo National park. Lunch pops in at a right time when you ready to break off for a journey chat with your spouse or driver and Igongo cultural Museum is a place to be in Mbarara. This quiet wildlife paradise has some of the most beautiful world class animals and the ever green forested landscape which extends to both Congo and Rwanda Boarder.

Staying in one of the most beautiful luxury lodges such as Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge sited just at the park entrance has always been the best option for couples to the park giving them ample time to wake up and prepare for the day’s main activity gorilla tracking. The most exciting moment comes next morning which starts with a briefing from the park rangers and indeed it’s a moment to do and listen to what you truly waited for awhile, how to behave with Gorillas, what to do when you see them, how to marvel through the Jungle forest, who to go with, how long the trek takes, what you shouldn’t miss out during the trek etc. Next will be time for you to hit the jungle forest to search for the unique world class primates which are always found depending on their previous day movements, where they had their dinner & overnight. After the Gorilla encounter and photography couples prefer relaxing at the lodge and memorize the forest Magical beauty which they witnessed during the trek than taking on another afternoon forest walk.

The beautiful Lake Bunyonyi has always been the next couple choice after Bwindi forest sited in a one hour road distance and known for its unique environmental setting in the cool towns of Kabale. The island is another leisure top honeymoon spot in Uganda which give couples superb moments to cherish for a life time as they enjoy attractive views of different Islands, cool weather and relaxing environment. The sunrise in the morning can make every tree, grass, water look dazzling and amazing, changing the weather from cool to warm and breakfast in gardens becomes very tasty under the right setting. The Boat ride to visit different islands and short hikes keep couples busy and happy all day as the explore the island and nearby communities. Get a chance to visit the people of the forest the ‘Batwa’ during your stay and discover how true Africans still live in the ancient. Their grass thatched houses welcome you but the time spent with them is worthy looking at their way of life, culture and different family members.

Above all it’s more fun to combine island beach setting with Wildlife and water adventure activities in either Queen Elizabeth or Murchison falls National Park. You can choose to visit both or one and end your Africa honeymoon holiday in a romantic wildlife setting. People say both parks have similar activities but the experience isn’t the same. If time permits would recommend travellers to check out both parks and tell the difference .Morning & Evening game drives, Afternoon boat cruise, Chimpanzee tracking are the main park activities but a visit to the top of the falls and a forest walk excursion at Rhino sanctuary can only be experienced while in Murchison falls while viewing trees up close in trees is only possible at ishasha sector the reason to visit both parks. Spare some time and also enjoy some Uganda cultural treasures at Kampala National theatre, Ndere cultural centre, Kasubi Tombs, Sezibwa falls, Namugongo shrines and the Kabaka’s lake.

Uganda’s Most Adorned Popular Foods

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” – Anthony Bourdain

Several million miles away from home and you are wondering what to eat. When you travel to a different continent, you don’t only deal with the change in weather, culture and lifestyle. You also have to adapt to the local food.

Today we bring you a couple of Uganda’s most delicious foods:

Rolex – To prepare Uganda’s most popular street food, a Chapati is made of whole wheat flour salt and water mixed into dough and then flattened. An omelette is then made to your preference and wrapped in the Chapati.

This snack can be found around almost every street corner and is known for being affordable, delicious and filling.

Matooke – This is a starchy variety of banana that is typically boiled then mashed and is accompanied with a protein of some kind, Matooke is popular in the central and western regions.

Katogo – Katogo is a dish of boiled/ fried plantain with either beef, beans, groundnut sauce or offals served with traditional vegetables. It is traditionally a breakfast dish though it can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Though considered unconventional to the rest of the world, a heavy breakfast like this is popular in Uganda and is a great hangover remedy just in case you’ve been exploring the nightlife.

Groundnut sauce – This is a creamy paste made from sweet red peanuts and is typically served with a carbohydrate like matooke or sweet potatoes.

Smoked fish can be added for an elevated experience. When you’re in Uganda, there is no buffet that doesn’t include this delicious sauce and with good reason.

Luwombo – This dish can be prepared with beef, chicken, groundnuts, smoked fish or goat. This Ugandan special meal is one of great heritage and tradition and cooking it in banana leaf is actually what gives this dish that unique taste. It is served over matooke, rice, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.

This and more local dishes can make your weekend more superb, try out any of the above foods.

Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the highly demanded tourist activities in Uganda and the world at large. Many people yearn to go on a gorilla safari because it is regarded as a lifetime event however, there are common mistakes people do when booking a gorilla safari in Uganda. In this article, we are giving some of them below:

• Perceiving false information from the internet – there is much false information circulating on social media and other forums on the internet. If you land on such false information, you will be misled or conned thus failing to make it.
• Book wrong dates – because of much false information on the internet, you can be misleading and end up booking wrong dates for gorilla permits, accommodation, visas or flights, and so on.
• Booking accommodation in the wrong location from where you planned to trek gorillas from. If you are to trek in Buhoma and you book accommodation in Rushaga, that is wrong. Since gorilla trekking begins early in the morning at 7:30 am, it’s wise to book your lodges, hotel near to the tracking center.
• Flying into the wrong Airport – If you are to trek gorillas in Uganda, do not fly into the airport far away from Uganda. For that case, you can from to Kigali Airport or any airport in Kenya or Tanzania – then drive to Uganda but very important to fly to Entebbe Airport.
• Organizing wrong gorilla trekking gear – If you are to trek Gorillas seek proper guidance from experts/ local tour operator on the ground to list for you proper gorilla trekking gear.
• Booking with the wrong tour operator- it’s malicious to book your lifetime safari with an inexperienced or incompetent tour agency. Try to look for reputable tour operators whom many past travelers recommend – visit the Trip Advisor forum to get one.
• Selecting a wrong gorilla trekking sector – for all along, you wanted to trek in the Buhoma sector but due to wrong guidance, you may end up being taken to the Ruhija sector instead.
• Selecting unsuitable quotation – Choose a quotation that suits your budget, schedule, and interest. Due to poor guidance, you may end up choosing luxury yet your budget suits the budget option. You are therefore cautioned to be keen when choosing a quotation.
• Compacting your gorilla safari with many activities may be exhausting. Make your safari flexible to get the time of relaxing and interrupting at leisure.
• Booking in the wrong season – too much rainy season is not recommended for gorilla trekking. Rain season makes gorilla trekking trails slipper and gorillas tend to be dormant because of coldness. The dry season is the best time for gorilla trekking though the activity is done all year round.
• Not willing to change – Some clients are too rigid and not willing to adjust in case a new change arises.  For the trip to be successful, you need to accept changes for the good of the tour operator and you – the traveler.

In conclusion, the above mistakes should be avoided by making serious research before making the final decision.

The Expansive Old Kampala Mosque

Though it boasts of a 200-year-lifespan, this will be a brief one, albeit a must-read. See, the Old Kampala Mosque is one of the places you must visit whilst out here in the City. For most adventurers in pursuit of religious tourism, it is just right— offering a sophisticated taste of elegance, architecture, and brilliant artistic

inscriptions from all the six continents of the world

It should have been up and proud by the time the current Museveni-led government came into power, but the construction of the mosque stalled after Amin fled Uganda following the overthrow of his government in 1979. The politics of it all would be that the president then, Milton Obote who more Christine-inclined didn’t think this pertinent whilst Iddi Dada Amin put it on his radar. Historians tell of how fast it was erected whilst Amin was on the throne and how quickly the construction came to a screeching halt under the Obote government and the others that followed.

But its savior, the fallen Muammar Gaddafi was decades away and would come to its rescue. Aside from offering an impressive history and culture, the house of worship which was named after fallen Libyan President Muammar Gadaffi has a distinctive Minaret that stands at over 100 feet atop old Kampala Hill and 1,210M above sea level. From here, adventurers can get some much-needed fresh air from the hot day plus the most breathtaking 360 degrees of Kampala and the seven Hills of Kampala. No other hill in Kampala offers such.

And yes, today, it is one of the largest mosques in the world and seats up to 15,000 worshippers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery and over 2,000 in its lower terrace. Its lighting is a beauty to partake in the night, adding to a glorious scene that makes for Kampala’s hills by the night.

Travel tip
Women need to be prepared to wear a dress and cover all their hair if visiting the Mosque (provided). While exploring the holy sanctuary is free for Ugandans, it comes at a fee of shs10,000 for non-citizens.

Visit the Source of the Nile in Uganda

Uganda, the No.1 tourist destination in the world, boasts of the source of longest river in the world, River Nile. The source of the Nile is in lake Victoria. A trip to the source of the Nile should be on everyone’s to do list or may I say ‘Travel Destinations before You Die’. The source of the Nile in Jinja Town offers relaxation, rejuvenation, satisfaction, content and takes you to another place altogether; Jinja town is an adventure-lovers paradise, with several rafting and adventure companies offering an array of activities from quad-biking through to horse-riding to kayaking.

The River Nile, stretching across half of Africa, flows northwards from the tropical mountains and forests of the Equator to the temperate Mediterranean Sea. The most amazing fact about River Nile is that it runs through ten countries of Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and Uganda. The Nile ends in a large delta that empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

There is something magical about the Nile; it flows lazily and with elegance and pride, seeming aware of the awe in which it is held by the world. For centuries the legend that is the Nile’s has fascinated many while leaving others mystified. Nile is a famous Greek word simply meaning valley.

A tour to the Nile will take you through another life of adventure. There is a golf course unwinding along the banks and the source of the Nile provides a pretty focal point to the flow of water from Lake Victoria’s only outlet. A boat ride out to Samuka Island is another trip of itself, not counting the beautiful fauna you will see along.

Booking a safari downstream on the Nile River brings you to Adrift Nile High Camp with various activities including Bungee jump. A few kilometers further, is Bujagali Falls, the adventurer’s capital with grade-five white water rafting, kayaking, river boarding and mountain-biking. These activities offer a unique way to explore the riverbanks, passing though farms, forests and villages beside the Nile.

Up along the Nile’s course is Lake Kyoga; it also feeds the river with fresh water. The course then leads you to the great Murchison Falls, where roars of millions of litres of water dropping form a lullaby. Activities such as spot fishing, game drives and scenic viewing can make your safari to Murchison Falls an exhilarating experience. 
The Murchison Falls Park which is named after the Murchison falls provides boat trips to the foot of the falls that enable you to look at hippos, crocodiles and magnificent bird life. Similar to gorilla safaris, the park at the falls organizes nature walks to the top of the falls for trekking chimpanzees.

From this point, River Nile flows though Lake Albert to the northern part of Uganda, to Sudan and finally I Egypt were it pours its mass into the Mediterranean Sea.

On the White Nile, the roar of the rapids drifting upstream with the gentle breeze and wooden canoes laden with excited locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see the rafts in action is a common sight. Rafts explode through huge walls of whitewater and adrift through warm green pools in the equatorial sunshine; whitewater rafting at its very best.

Adrift Uganda is the most preferred agent when it comes to water rafting and any other activities on the Nile. Adrift has developed quite a following due to their consistency and safety measures with internationally qualified guides who are carefully chosen based on their skill, experience and their ability to address the need and expectations of each individual client. Adrift has the most experienced team on the continent (with over 100 years combined experience) and all guides are comprehensively trained in CPR, wilderness first aid and swift water rescue.

Flanked today by the city of Jinja, the waterfall described by Speke now lies submerged beneath the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s main source of hydroelectric power. Still, a visit to the source of the Nile remains a moving and wondrous experience, no less so to those who have seen the same river as it flows past the ancient Egyptian temples of Luxor some 6,000 km downstream.

The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age.

Closer to home, the Nile downriver from Jinja offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing. Its crowning glory, however, is Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river funnels through a narrow fissure in the Rift Escarpment to erupt out of the other side in a crashing 43 metres plume of white water. The river below Murchison Falls is no less spectacular in its own way, with its profuse birdlife, thousands of hippos, and outsized, gape-mouthed crocodiles.

The Nile has is said to be the best rafting, kayaking and river boarding location in the world that gives an unique white water adventure.

The Nile can be viewed easily from the terrace at most Lodges that are cleverly placed along its banks.

For all who have been lucky to visit the source of the Nile, there is a definite mystique attached to the river, something exciting and mysterious. Knowing that the water flowing past your feet will leave Lake Victoria on its long, long journey through many countries on its northern journey to the sea is enough to get you thinking and wondering.

You can choose to take a one day trip and return to Kampala because transport back from and to the city is provided by most companies but if you are one to extend your trip then accommodation will not be a problem, in fact you will be spoilt for choice because there are several places to stay when in Jinja for all budgets from medium to five star. You can stay at Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Explorers River Camp, Wildwaters Lodge and lots more.

For more information on how to spend your ultimate Uganda holiday, Safaris Uganda, a local tour operator offering a wide range of tours and safaris within the country!

Booking a Vintage Car Hire for Wedding

Do you need elegant and graceful wedding? If yes, then hiring a vintage a must to book. When you think of wedding, you have to think about lasting memories and that is why it is such a special day for you and your dear one.

This day covers a number of incredible elements and colors with unique theme as well as more modern styles and trends thus making your day a magical one. During this day, each moment counts a lot especially when it comes to creating your wedding vision and so is choosing transportation means. If you have always wished to have something unique and special for your day then think about the Vintage car hire.

One may wonder what has kept these car models on market especially in such special occasions like wedding but it is just the romance and charm they make up which you may not easily find anywhere else except with vintage bridal car. To help you get that best rental car in Uganda, below are some tips

Reviews and reputation

Yes, there are many car hire companies with bridal cars but most importantly, how reputable are they? Not to end up in disappointments, the best is for you to deal with a reputable and reliable car rental company that have good vintage cars and that said, we are a few reliable car hire agencies you need to deal with and you will have your dream achieved. As well, you need to cross check online reviews and what others have said about it and its offers/services.

Make booking early

They say an early bird catches the worm and indeed it is true. Once you have made up your mind on which class of car to use perhaps vintage then you need to do the book side of it and preferably, do it at least 1 year earlier or your wedding date. What is important is finding what you desire readily available for your day other than rushing on last minute when you are caught up with time. Note that vintage cars are not freewheeling off the production line any longer and each year, they get taken out of service and this means once you find one, just know another person is also aiming at it. Meaning, you have to reserve it so long as it fits within your needs.

Car condition

Do not be like others, always cross check the car before taking any action. You can look at the mechanical conditions, body prior signing an agreement. Also, check if it is better air condition, lights, windows, doors and if its interior and exterior is well maintained.

License and insurance

Always consider booking a car with a car rental company that has insurance otherwise booking with one that doesn’t have, means you will be liable in case of accident. Not to be in such cases, make sure that you deal with a trustworthy, insured and licensed company. You can even go ahead to ask for a copy of the license or insurance to cross check.

Check the cost of vintage car

Each car hire company sets a price to its car hire and so are vintage car rentals. When booking, make sure that you ask if there hidden fees so as not to be left in surprises. Inquire there are also other offers that come along the set price.

Take note of decoration

Interestingly, vintage cars do come in different colors and can match with your wedding needs. Therefore, you need to make a choice on that which matches your wedding theme.

Avoid double reservation

When booking, make sure that you do not do it twice as you are only making reservation for that particular day. Why don’t you need to double book? Double booking may come with additional charge which you never planned for.

Check through the replacement policy

Normally, some bridal car hire dealers do have policy where they can replace a car you chose with another in case of break down. In case of vintage, higher chances are that you will need the replacement service than with a modern vehicle.

Confirm parking arrangements

Cross check the parking arrangements with the venues to ensure that there is another ideal place for your wedding car to wait. Vintage cars in most cases come in larger sizes compared to the latest models and can be challenging for one to maneuver. This means you need adequate space for your driver to be in position to park.