Inside Uganda: Top Things to See & Do
Uganda, sometimes referred to as the Pearl of Africa is a country which is gifted by nature and is a landlocked African country. It occupies about 236,000 square miles which almost the size of Oregon in the United States of America. The Pearl of Africa lies across the equator and by the northwest shores of Lake Victoria. Our neighbors are Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Uganda National Parks
The country is best known for its unique wildlife in national parks and interesting tourism facilities that have continuously attracted thousands of travelers who take adventurous safaris in Uganda– exploring different regions. There are ten national parks in Uganda that protect a wide range of flora and fauna. From the big five animals to rare animals such as mountain gorillas, there are lots of wildlife within the park.
As you get close to the heart of the cattle in the country, Lake Mburo National park is found. It provides a habitat for diversity of browsing animals including the Zebra, Buffalo, and gazelle. In the west of the park, grasses give way to forests as the land rises up the escarpment of the rift valley. Intersecting the cliff; it is a rapid descent to the valley floor below, Uganda’s lowest point in elevation. The Rift Valley’s dry, hot grasslands contain Uganda’s largest populations of lions and elephants. Just east of the Ruwenzori Mountains is Kibale National Park, a forest with Africa’s greatest diversity of primates.
In the North East of the country, there is Murchison falls national park sometimes referred to as Kabalega National park. It the largest protected in Uganda covering about 3840 square kilometers. The name was given to the point which the world’s longest river, the Nile is channeled through a narrow gorge. In the park, you will find all the big five animals including Buffalos, elephants, leopards, Lions and the Rhinos in the Northern part of the park above the Nile river.
Mountain Gorillas
The most fascinating and curious attraction in Uganda are the endangered Mountain gorillas found in Bwindi impenetrable park and Mgahinga gorilla parks.
Mountains
The pearl of Africa is a home of the Rift western rift valley with unique and interesting features. These include Mount Ruwenzori, Kyambura George amongst which are found in Uganda’s biggest savannah national park.
In the far East of the country, sits mount which is an extinct volcano. This gigantic milestone starts the border with neighboring Kenya. It is protected within a national park popular with mountain climbers. Just outside the park, some of the world’s finest coffee is grown.
The River Nile
In the South Western part of Mountain Elgon in Jinja, there are head waters Southwest of Mount Elgon and near the town of Jinja there are headwaters of River Nile. The river originates from Lake Victoria which is Africa’s largest lake. It lies within the proximity of Central region where Uganda’s capital –Kampala is found. The river cuts the pearl of Africa in two flows. One is towards Sudan and the other towards Egypt and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. Along this mighty river, water sports like white water rafting is carried on. As the Nile River gains speed from the source, it discharges over the mighty Murchison falls, which is protected in a national park of the same name.
Lake Victoria
Moving towards the west, away from Kampala city-Uganda’s capital, the land gradually rises from Lake Victoria’s basin. As you move this side, papyrus swamps tend to turn into Savannah grasslands. The Lake Victoria offers thrilling adventures to tourists. There are lots of beaches within Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja where you can enjoy a weekend fun-filled holiday.
Inside the Lake Victoria also lies three notable islands; the Ssesse Island, a wonderful place to enjoy a holiday and Ngamba Island, an island set aside to chimpanzee conservation. Go chimpanzee viewing on the island and interact with our “little cousins”!
Interesting Culture
The pearl of Africa is a home of a number of ethnic groups. The country has a very rich and cultural diversity. Cultural practices and Ethnicity accompany the life style of every ethnic group and act as unique tourism attractions. There has been a history of ethnically- based discrimination promoted by the governments that divert resources to the resolution of the problems.
The population of Uganda is composed of diverse ethnic varying groups with varying customs and norms. They have played a major role in shaping the behaviors and ways of life of the people of Uganda. In most parts of the country, traditional values have changed due to integration of the people as a result of migration and intermarriages. The outstanding cultural groupings in the country include the Baganda, Basoga, Batoro and Itesot. These are predominantly headed by traditional kings and are not politically elected. A number of languages are spoken though the official language is English and Swahili.
Read MoreWeekend Buzz: Gulu Comedy fans embrace UG Pineapple Comedy Tour
Last Saturday was the first of its kind for Uganda Waragi to officially introduce the pineapple variant to Gulu town spirit lovers at Smiling Panda – Gulu’s number one happening joint.
Silvia from Italy, Sophie from America and Nana from Finland enjoy UG Pineapple
The unveil also hosted a Comedy bit to spice up the whole evening featuring the top comedians in Uganda right now as revelers sipped on the pineapple flavor.
Gulu Revelers get a taste of UG Pineapple
The comedy show kicked off at 09:00pm with comedienne Agnes Akite, Patrick Salvador Idringi, Daniel Omara, Teacher Mpamire, Agnes Akite and musicians Mr. Eezzy and Gravity Omutujju who cracked amazing jokes and entertained Gulu residents.
The dancers were a new addition to the comedy night.
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Visiting Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park lies at 4000 square kilometers and it has the largest volcanic base in the world. It is found in Mbale district (Bududa) in the eastern parts of Uganda, it is a massive solitary volcanic mountain in the eastern boarder of Uganda and western Kenya. It is a UNESCO heritage and it is a home to over 300 bird species, small antelopes, buffaloes, forest monkeys, elephants and many others.
One day I and my cousin we organized ourselves to visit mountain Elgon National Park. We prepared ourselves and we had to rent car in Uganda from our reliable service provider. After getting the car we the next day morning we woke up and cleaned ourselves, we took a morning tea and then we departed from Kampala using the tarmac road that runs from Kampala to Mukono then to Lugazi to Jinja and then to Mbale where the park is situated. We delayed on the way because our car got a problem which needed to be repaired so the journey took us for almost 7 hrs. before reaching.
After reaching to the park we could not participate in anything rather than renting a nearby lodge in Mbale due to the fatigue we had, the next day in the morning we woke up and cleaned ourselves after which we took a coffee of tea each of us before going in the field. Soon after taking tea we arrived at the park where we received a very warm welcome by the park trained guiders. We paid all the bills that were required from us but our first sight was at the very huge mountain Elgon and large calderas that are clearly seen on the top of mountain Elgon.
We saw many visitors climbing mountain Elgon which looked very interesting and soon we also rushed into the same activity and we really enjoyed it. We also practiced mountain biking from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town where we viewed many water falls from there. We found anglers involving in sport fishing and we asked them to teach us which they did though we didn’t catch any fish since we were still learners and yet the task is very challenging due to the very fast running waters.
Excellent birding activities are also done at Kapkwai forest exploration where we had a chance to view various bird species, we viewed many animals and many bird species from Mount Elgon National Park and got involved in many activities including mountain biking, mountain climbing, birding, hiking, sport fishing and nature walks which we practiced it on our own foot and through this activity we had a chance to view the Sipi falls outside the park.
Before leaving the park, we got to know that along the mountain side the local people grow coffee on the mountain side which is best known as the Arabica coffee or Bugisu coffee as it is mainly known by the farmers.
We completed our tour very late so we could not go back to our home on that very day so we had to go back to our lodge which we had rented. We slept there up to the following day where we left Mbale back to Kampala and this time our car did not get any problem so we did not delay on the way for so long.
Therefore, am happy to tell anyone there who is stuck to where he/she should go and chase away stress and boredom plus having fun that the best solution is mountain Elgon National Park.
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Things to Consider When Renting a Car in Uganda
As a tourist to Uganda, you will have your amazing safari well planned. This however can only be successful when you have rented your own car. For you to have a successful car successfully rented, a number of considerations have to be taken into account. First and foremost, you should ensure that your safari has to go on very smoothly. This therefore calls you to rent a car which suits your travel needs. Often, when you are the road, you will want to feel that you cooked through by the time you reach your travel destination.
Always keep a distance from your traveling in mind. In most cases, when you are travelling for an extended amount of time you may want to invest more of your travel budget into the car rental. This is because it is very comfortable and in the case of passengers and the driver, is essential on long trips. Usually, a larger vehicle is a better choice if you are travelling far from home. You will have more space and a better presence on the road which will increase your safety when travelling in the dark. Then on the other hand, when you plan to rent a car to get around once you have reached your destination, a zippy little number may be a better option. For this case, the Toyota Rav 4 is very ideal for shorter travel distances and very the budget is very friendly. Usually, you will get all the comforts of a beefier car, including space for four passengers and a CD player – with the added benefit of easier parking.
During you safari with a rented car, do not let the weather put a damper on your travel. Do not just rent a car in Uganda that will adjust to your travel plans instead of slowing you down. When taking road trip in Uganda’s Upcountry or the built-up cities and towns, always choose a car the has the features you need to stay comfortable. For this case therefore, a 4×4 car in highly advisable for a successful road trip in Uganda.
In order to have a successful safari, you need to note the number of days you are staying on your vacation or safari in most cases, you will need a spot of extra space for luggage, or a few more travel companions. Therefore, choosing a vehicle with a towing feature can improve your experience. Note that not only will you have more space for loads of luggage for an extended stay, but also you will have more room for those you choose to share you travel experiences with. You should avoid car rental Nightmares during your Uganda Vacation, it is achievable if one gets in contact with the most reliable and convenient rental company in the country.
Once you have rented a car and you are doing the driving yourself, it will become economical and you will avoid nightmares. Booking well in advance is one way of avoiding car rental Nightmares. You must ensure that booking is actually done, before commencing for a tour or safari in the country. In most cases car rental prices tend to hike as it is getting closer to the pickup date, not down. Usually, these prices actually work on a simple supply and demand system and they go up as availability goes down.In case you are traveling during the holidays most especially during Christmas season, in this way one will have the best chance of getting a car at a normal and affordable price.
We will be more than delighted to organize for you a rental car of your choice and also your safari and tour in the pearl of Africa.
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9 Ways You Can Save money on Uganda Car Rentals
Wondering about how you can get cheap car hire in Uganda? The ideas below will help you get a good bargain and save you some pennies that you can use on a variety of other expenses. These tips are shared by experts on car hire as well as past travelers who have used car hire while in Uganda.
- Book in advance
When you book online in advance you will almost always get a better deal than at the counter. And it’s easier and quicker. The last thing you want to do after a long flight is deal with rental car companies at the airport and negotiate a deal.
Be sure to take all your documents with you as proof of hire and your rates to avoid any hassles -scan and save in your email account.
- Check prices frequently
Just like when you search for flights it pays to check prices frequently as they do change – different days can have different rates especially in the peak and low seasons.
And compared to flights, the great thing about renting a car is that reservations often times can be cancelled and re-booked without fees, and in most cases your credit card doesn’t get charged until you pick-up the car.
So if you do book early with no cancellation penalties and the price drops before you pick up your car you can always cancel and re-book. Sometimes car companies will drop their prices just before a weekend if they have excess stock.
- Adjust Pick-Up and drop-off times
When searching for cheap rental cars online, the pick-up and drop-off times are typically in half hour increments. Try tweaking these times and see if it affects your rates.
Sometimes tacking on an extra day to that weekly rental, or even adding a couple of hours to extend it over a weekend, can actually lower your rate. This strategy takes advantage of lower prices aimed at leisure travellers who are more likely to travel on weekends. Weekend rates are great, but weekly rates can be the best of all.
- Book the smallest vehicle you’ll need
Think carefully about what type of vehicle you need. Sure it might be tempting to go for the big SUV or the fancy sports car, but always think fuel consumption and the practicalities of your car.
Being comfortable is important so you enjoy your road trip. Don’t go small and cheap if you are crammed in like sardines.
Book the lowest class vehicle you’ll comfortably need, and chances are you might get a free upgrade at the counter, which often happens to us! Just make sure you can afford the increased fuel costs of an upgraded bigger car!
- Avoid the airport
Off-airport locations are typically cheaper than airport locations because they tack on fees. Look in nearby neighbourhood locations to save money. Just make sure the downtown branch is not on the outskirts of the city limits meaning a long and costly taxi ride.
This strategy is best applied in cities that have efficient and affordable public transport to get you to the dealer without hassle.
You can’t beat an ‘on-airport’ pick-up for convenience, but an ‘off-airport’ pick-up with a shuttle bus can be much cheaper!
- Save on a day’s rental
If you don’t need your rental car immediately, take the complimentary shuttle to your accommodation and book a car for the next day. You’ll save a day’s rental and should pay less being an off-airport location. And do the same at the end of your trip.
- Be wary of one-way drop off fees
Obvious I know, but one-way drop off fees can be huge and make it difficult to find cheap rental cars. Where possible plan your trip so that you return your rental car to its original location.
- Check for unlimited mileage options
Make sure your rental includes the unlimited mileage option and you can take your car where you need to go. The last thing you want to worry about is getting stung for any excess miles.
- Check the fuel policy options
Some rental car companies will require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had in the tank at pick-up. Others operate a fuel policy where you, the renter, must purchase the first tank of fuel and may drop the car off empty – in which case, there may be no refund for unused fuel.
Where the car hire company charges for fuel, the cost may be higher than it would be at a local petrol station.
- Age requirements
In most locations, the minimum rental age is 21 years. Additional fees can apply with certain car rental companies for drivers aged under 25 years or over 65 years. They are defined as more at “risk” drivers.
If you’re not yet over 25 years but are travelling with a companion tell them. Have them be the designated driver to save on this cost.
- Additional driver fee
Extra fees typically apply for additional drivers. However in some states and countries spouses are mandated additional drivers by law. But you MUST add the additional driver’s name to the contract to make any necessary insurance claims valid. Again, if you can get by with having only one designated driver you’ll typically save. Of course, NEVER run the risk of driver fatigue, a few extra bucks is nothing when it comes to your safety and that of others on the road!
- Additional state taxes and fees
Be aware of additional state taxes and fees that may apply if you cross state borders or enter another country. And don’t lie about where you are taking the vehicle, because if you have an issue you probably won’t be covered by insurance!
- Decline the GPS (Navigation system)
If the car navigation system is an extra add on, skip it and use the Google maps app on your phone to save per day.
- Save on Insurance
If you use a certain credit card to pay for your rental car, you may not need to pick up the insurance, as the credit card company does that for you. Ask your card carrier before you travel, and you must use that card to book the rental.
Also, check with your current insurance company to see whether a rental car abroad would be covered under your current policy. Again, call your insurance provider to see if extra insurance is even necessary. NEVER just assume you’re covered!
But there’s no reason to pay for coverage that you already have!
- Don’t use your debit card
Book using your credit card. Not only for added consumer protection and rewards points if it’s a rewards card, but rental companies tend to hold a larger deposit for use of debit cards and the hold on your deposit may take days to be returned.
- Bring your own child safety seat
If you’re travelling with a little one, is it practical for you to bring your own child safety seat to save yourself some coin?
- Ask about specials
Do you qualify for senior citizen, discounts or add-on offers? These discounts can all add up and help you with finding cheap rental cars
- Inspect your car before driving away
Do a thorough inspection of your rental car before driving out of the lot. If you find any damage fill in the documentation -get a copy and take pictures with your phone so you have a time & date stamp. You don’t want to be held liable for damage from a previous driver.
- Check your credit card statement
Once you have completed your rental, double check your credit card statement to ensure any extra charges or fees weren’t added that you didn’t ask for or receive. This can and does happen.
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7 Things to Know Before Hitting the Road on a Uganda Road Trip
Self drive or road trips are increasing becoming popular among travelers visiting Uganda and want to rent a car for transportation convenience. Whether you plan to explore the city, visit an upcountry destination like a wildlife park , there’s definitely no better way to do like when you behind the driving wheel. The control, freedom and privacy you get on a self drive safari in Uganda will give you the ultimate adventure experience you always dreamed of.
Before you get the car keys, you need to know what to and not do when out there on the road on your own. We have put together 7 major safety tips that will help you get where you are going comfortably and safely.
Tip #1- Inspect the car – Endeavor to check the condition of vital car parts both inside and outside. Basic parts include engine water, oil, headlights, Air conditioner functionality while you can’t overlook the cleanliness of the interior including seats, dashboard and windows.
Tip #2 – Get a GPS – if it’s your first time driving in Uganda, then you will definitely need to rent a Global Positioning System to avoid getting lost along the trip. This gadget will show you which route to take indication distance and time taken to get there plus showing raod side attractions, restaurants among other establishments.
Tip #3- Fuel Up– You should ensure you fill up the fuel tank before you leave town or lodge to avoid unwanted breakdowns. You can carry an extra 2 to 3 fuel jerrycans as back-up.
Tip #4- Follow traffic rules – For a safe and comfortable self drive trip in any country, you always have to obey the traffic rules if what to avoid any penalties or even worse, an accident that could injure or kill passengers.
Tip #5- Avoid driving at night – For safety purposes, we recommend you completely abandon the night drives as it’s risky. You might bump into highway robbers and if you are driving through a park, you might collide with the wild animals which wouldn’t be a good scene.
Tip #6- Abide by park rules – All national parks offering game drives have specific rules set-up to avoid disturbing the wild animals and also avoid accidents. Some of the rules include no littering the park, driving at 40 km per hour or less, not littering the park, keeping on the game track provided , no blwing the car horn among others and each comes with a different penalty by UWA.
Tip #7- Don’t overspeed – This is by far the most important item among the tips as it can lead to fatal accidents and injuries. Try to drive at considerable speed most especially when on the high way, WHAT’S THE RUSH ? There are traffic officers stationed along popular road stretches ready to give you a speed ticket if you go beyond the expected limit.
Planning to take a self drive safari in Uganda and want to hire a car for your independent travels, simply send us an email to info@selfdrivinguganda.com or call us now on.
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Top 3 Breathtaking Forests in Uganda
Thinking about Uganda a wonderful holiday spot in Africa and its attractions, Rain forests pop to the mind since they house the country’s most remarkable prime attractions that draw hundreds to the country every year. Prepare a week long Uganda safari to some of the breathtaking rain forests for life changing travel experience in Africa. Whether you’re on business visit, ensure to check out one of the fantastic rain forests and experience what it means to hang out in the wild and meet the rare forest habitats. Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, forest walks are some of the expected activities that will occupy your day during your visit to one of your favorite rain forest. You can also do bird watching, game viewing in the close savanna plains which is another added advantage of visiting incredible jungle areas in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Four hundred thirty kilometers south west of Kampala city and twenty kilometers from Rwanda boarder, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in Uganda to see mountain gorillas and know as the finest gorilla trekking destination in Africa. This magical rain forest too impressive not only for gorilla trekking but also bird watching, nature walks hiking and its green vegetation is a home to multiple wild habitats including elephants.
Travelers to this beautiful forest get a chance to experience, learn and cherish the various beauties of this forest to the extent that some dedicate time and money to support its conservation. Besides most Uganda safari holidays go to Bwindi Forest first and later connect to other attractions due to its attractiveness. The main tour activity is gorilla trekking, followed by birding, cultural tours, hikes, nature walks, community visits among others that are open for every guest to the forest. No entrance is paid here but for those on Uganda gorilla trekking tours, a Uganda gorilla permit costs between $450-$600. Remember to dress well for the jungle in long sleeved shirts, T-shirts, Trousers, warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Packed lunch and enough drinking water are some of the most carries for the day of your gorilla trek.
Kibale Forest National Park
It’s the best season rain forest for travelers all year round so welcome to the magical natural land of Uganda incredibly if you are a primate lover, then now it’s time to try this beautiful rain forest as the ground is dry in search for the first moving primates-“the Chimpanzees”. Chimpanzee trekking and habituation are the most enjoyable tour activities beyond doubt. There are other primates to catch up with here including Baboons, monkeys, bush babies, and in total over 13primate species are found in this magical forest.
In Africa, kibale forest is one of the best chimpanzee trekking forests and many travelers would highly testify including adventure travelers. While here one can enjoy exciting bird watching in Bigodi wetland which is an additional experience to your visit. Chipanzee permits for kibale cost $150 with no entrance fee charges. Accommodation is plenty and lodges include primate lodge, chimps nest, Kibale safari lodge, chimpanzee guest house among others.
Budongo Forest
The chimpanzee trekking home in Murchison falls national park one of the ultimate places to see the Big five ,lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and the Rhino that you meet first on your way to the park at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Unlike other popular parks in Uganda, but trips to Murchison falls offers 99% chances of meeting both the big five and the chimpanzees of Budongo forest. Chimpanzees in this forest are trekked twice a day both in the morning and afternoon for reasons of conservation and every trek is amazing in its own way.
The best way to explore this rain forest is on foot by taking forest walks to search for primates and other forest habitats. One day is enough for one to explore this lovely forest but if you want to engage in other park activities, three days are the best. Remember, you have to pay for entrance fee herein order explore the park and its rain forest of Budongo. Being close to one of the best kept natural secrets the might Murchison falls, this wildlife safari in Murchison falls national park is the most wonderful.
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Guide to Renting Family Cars in Uganda
A safari is always memorable especially when you go as a family or a big group of people, moving together in one car. Of course this gives you a memorable experience especially if everything goes well right from the safari car and the tourist activities and the accommodation, all these if combined together must be well organized in order to make your safari a wonderful with memories which will last forever. Our car rental in Uganda service (4X4 Uganda car hire.com) we aim at customer satisfaction, we give out our cars according to the clients’ interest, budget and the number of people traveling. If you wish to move as a group from 6-26 people, we have suitable cars for such big groups which are 4×4 wheel drive comfortable with a good space for luggage making it suitable for family trips and have air conditioner. A 4×4 land cruiser with a pop up roof can take 6 people including a driver a land cruiser extended can take up to 8 people with a driver. Or you can use a family sized supper custom which is suitable for both towns running and for distanced places. We have coasters which take up to 26 people.
Choosing the suitable car can be a truly complex affair, so if you’re trying to decide which family car to go with (hire) check on our family car review for the best choice so that you can choose one which is suitable in terms of budget and the number of people you wish to travel with in order to have an incredible family vacation.
Booking in time will save you from moving on street of a strange nation while looking for a car and you will also save on being overcharge due to last minute booking. Ounce you chose to travel as a family or a group, you don’t want to waste a minute on unforeseen transport delays, weather condition or any other potential bumps in the road which can disorganize your safari, we offer the best cars which will never leave you regretting. You can choose to book a self-drive or with a driver, but however the case, Uganda is endowed with very many things to do ounce you book safari to this pearl of Africa, however, it will depend on the number of the days you will stay on this mother land and your areas of interest.
A sample of Uganda’s tourist activities that you will enjoy during yourself drive safari to Uganda include; within Kampala Uganda’s capital a city is rewarding as you will visit the traditional sites like the Kasubi tombs where 4 kings of Buganda where buried, visit the Bahai temple, Namugongo shrine where the Uganda martyrs where buried for failing to renounce their religion, the national museum is also rewarding as you will learn more about the history of Uganda among many others depending on the time you have. Or you can decide to go to the beach along Entebbe with your children and enjoy Uganda’s freshest lakes. Jinja where you can meet the source of the Nile is also a fantastic place to go, visit the source of Nile the longest river in Africa the Nile offers wonderful adventurous activities like rafting, nature walk or you take a walk around jinja town.
Not only that but is gifted with 10 national parks and a number of game reserves all of which offers incredible wildlife and primate species to mention some include Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth N.P, Kibale Bwindi impenetrable national park a home to the rare mountain gorillas, Murchison N.Ps among other. A number of tourist activities are arranged. Ounce you book with us you can enjoy a variety of these activities with our comfortable and cost friendly cars; just book now to avoid last minute booking, waiting for your inquiry.
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Uganda Tourism Gains Publicity at WTM UK
Uganda’s tourism sector got a large publicity in UK’s top media coverage that led to increased inquiries at the just-concluded three-day event World Travel Market (WTM) expo in London. At this annual even Uganda was showcased its great advantages! Uganda is a competetetive tourism destination and some of the reasons why you must visit Uganda is its great weather that is conducive all year round, wildlife, culture, heritage and unique location. These features make it the ultimate safari destination in East Africa.
Another potential is the investment opportunities that are available for business travelers who would like to trade or invest in this lovely country.
Uganda’s tourism was featured on a full page spread in the travel section of the UK’ leading newspapers that inlclude The Financial Times (FT), fondly referred to as FT or the Pinky, because of its distinctive pink colour, prizes itself.
FT.com has 4.5 million registered users and over 285,000 digital subscribers, as well as 600,000 paying users. FT Chinese has more than 1.7 million registered users.
“For Uganda to appear in the FT is very good publicity especially that it was featured on a full page as the lead story on the eve of the WTM is mark of honor, visibility and recognition for us as a country,” says UTB Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Asiimwe.
Led by the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and hosted by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda exhibiting at the Excel international Convention Centre located on the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Dock in London Docklands, between Canary Wharf and London City Airport.
The three-day event was attended also by 20 private sector exhibitors who also included hoteliers and accommodation property owners. “In 2015 and 2016, Uganda had 18 private sector players. This is the largest contingent of private sector players and we are very hopeful there will be an increase in numbers,” Stephen Asiimwe, the CEO of the UTB said yesterday.
UTB also provided promotional materials, meals, entertainment, media, speaking engagements and coordinated meetings with different players.
Uganda’s government delegation also included the state minister of tourism, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda, the shadow tourism minister and MP for Kasese, Hon Robert Centenary, and the outgoing Tourism Permanent Secretary Amb. Patrick Mugoya. Mr. Mugoya has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Others are the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the High Commission in London led by Amb. Joyce Kikafunda.
“We are here to aggressively market Uganda in all its facets,” Prof. Kamuntu said at a media briefing at the Uganda Stand. “President Yoweri Museveni has promised us more support and we are determined to push Uganda to a middle income economy by 2031 and tourism will be one of the cash cows in this endeavor,” he added.
“The hiring of a public relations and marketing firm for the UK market has been a big boost in bringing business contacts, appointments and securing good deals for our tour operators,” Asiimwe said.
Kamageo group was responsible for the increased publicity, visibility and interest in Uganda. Kamageo has been running a “Discover Your Uganda” campaign under the Pearl of Africa brand. This has led to writers flying into Uganda and writing and covering travel experiences from Bwindi Impenetrable forests to Kidepo National Park and covered in top media houses like National Geographic, The Sun Newspaper, The Daily Star, The Independent, Rough Guides, among others.
At the WTM Uganda featured in a travel trade center-spread magazine, the TTG@WTM with a readership of 50,000 readers in print and on-line.
In May 2016, Uganda hired three PR and Marketing companies for North America, German Speaking and English speaking countries. The UK firm, which was contracted, Kamageo, has been very instrumental in engaging mainly UK travel trade and media companies to highlight travel experiences to Uganda. The event which was launched by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe has seen over six groups from top Media and Travel companies do familiarization trips to Uganda.
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Fuel Policies from Uganda Rental Companies
Fuel refill policy is a rule put up by Car Hire Company on which way the client supposed to refill the fuel tank on the return of the car after using it. Fuel-refill policy has become a very common term in car hire business. This is because without fuel a car can never operate. It is the means which can make a vehicle move. Fuel does not come with a cheap cost due to its usefulness and scarcity in the world and also it gets used up easily so the expenses of fuel on car hire are recurring.
Various car hire companies in Uganda conduct different fuel-refill policies as agreed on with the client in the car hire agreement and they are as below;
This policy is normally conducted by big car hire companies in Uganda where the client is hired a car with a full tank to commence your journey. The client is supposed to return the car with a full tank fuel or in case the client gets business and does not find time to refill the tank, he/she must communicate earlier and he/she pays the exact amount of money for a full tank fuel. But if the client violates this policy he/she is more likely to a very big premium fine for not refilling the tank as agreed on in the car hire agreement. It is advisable to always follow the policy other than incurring meaningless costs on your car hire services.
There is also a policy where by the car hire companies hires the client a car with little fuel that is supposed to drive the client from the airport or the car hire company premises to his/her hotel or next fuel refilling station before he/she real sets off for the real expedition. In return of the car, the client is supposed to refill the fuel tank with the same amount of the fuel. This is the most popular fuel refill policy among the car hire companies because it is very easy to conduct and also to comprehend.
The other fuel refill policy on car hire services in Uganda is the client refilling a full tank of fuel before starting his/her tour. With this fuel refill policy, the client is expected to leave any amount of fuel but he/she is not refunded the money for the fuel left in the tank on return. This is the most convenient policy as you just have to go the airport or the point where the client is supposed to return the car minus going to the gas refilling station where at times there are delays as the client waiting on the refilling station for fuel. This in turn can bring some panic and worry of missing the flight.
So different car hire companies in Uganda use the above fuel refill policies and all the client needs to do is follow other than violating them because he/she might end up paying a fine. With a fine in the client’s hands he/she is more likely to get frustrated which is not good for both parties as they will be bad blood. Any client willing to hire a car in Uganda please obey the above fuel refill policy if any is used by your car hire company in order to have a very nice and peaceful travel holiday in Uganda.
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