We are keen supporters of Uganda’s aspirations to become a leading tourism destination in Africa. Ugandan tourism experience is special in many respects, particularly, for the responsible traveller. The snapshot below summarises why you should consider visiting this country:
Culture and heritage: Ugandans practice their cultures and traditions in ways that have not been heavily commercialised. This is true in the country side (rural parts) where majority of Ugandans live. For a country of approximately 37 million people, who speak more than 40 different languages, Uganda has several traditional kingdoms that symbolise the cultural and heritage diversity in the country. This rich heritage with its culturally and symbolically powerful traditional kings pre-dates colonial times, and remains, one of the few in Africa.
Food represents an interesting aspect of Ugandan culture with distinct major (staple) food types eaten in the different regions of the country. For instance millet (quinoa-like grain) and green bananas are commonly eaten in the northern and southern-central parts of Uganda respectively. In the urban areas, local cuisines bear heavy Nubian/Arabic, Indian and European influences. The more authentic Ugandan indigenous cuisines and recipes are easily found in the rural parts of the country. Besides, over 90% of food grown in Uganda is organic. The peasant majority who produce fresh foods know very little, if anything at all, about harmful pesticides and herbicides –they never use them in their food production. Much of the food is unprocessed, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for eating a great variety of natural and locally produced foods in Uganda.
Religion and freedom of worship: Most Ugandans believe in the idea of God. Over 75% of the population is Christian, but all major religions of the world are represented and co-exist surprisingly peacefully in this country. For instance, the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine symbolises a complex living heritage of Christianity, traditional and colonial influences in the country. Uganda is home to the only Baha’i temple in Africa, there are a total of nine such temples in the world. Mosques, cathedrals and churches, including a Basilica, Hindu and Sikh temples are amazing representations of freedom of worship in Uganda.
Nature and the environment: More than 12% of Uganda’s (241,038 Square kilometre) land mass is protected in the form of national parks and game reserves. Uganda represents a microcosm (melting pot) for the variety of plants and animal species found throughout Africa. In terms of biological diversity for example, Uganda contains about 10% of the bird species found in the world, including unique and rare species not found anywhere else. Uganda is home to a little over 50% of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, in addition to an impressive chimpanzee and other primate populations.
Land and waterscapes: Uganda boasts of mesmerising contrasts in its land and waterscapes. The highest point in the country, at 5,029 metres (16,499 feet) above sea level, includes an amazing snow cover on Rwenzori Mountains. The lowest point at 620 metres (2,034 feet) has one of the largest volumes of endemic wildlife species, found in the Albertine rift valley near Semliki National Park. A keen and savvy traveller can experience both of these points in one visit, given how geographically close they stand to each other. River Nile, the longest river in the world traverses three quarters of Uganda. Meanwhile, several lakes grace this beautiful country, named mostly in English by the English Explorers, although local people know their native names. Notable lakes include Lake Victoria, named after Queen Victoria of England in 1858 by John H. Speke, this second largest freshwater lake in the world is also considered the plausible source of the mighty river Nile. Other lakes include Lake Albert, Lake George, Lake Edward, Lake Kyoga etc. One of the unmissable features of Uganda’s waterscapes includes the magnificent waterfalls, e.g. Murchison Falls, Karuma Falls and Sipi Falls, whose magnificence can only be savoured at close range.
In summary, for those seeking authentic and unique African experiences, Uganda will not disappoint.
PROSPECTIVE TOURISTS AND VISITORS
We understand that travelling within a country can enhance or spoil your experience, regardless of where in the world you are visiting. We are therefore very keen to facilitate your visit to Uganda – for business, leisure and visiting friends and family. While we do not currently arrange travel services, partly due to the increasing availability of dynamic packaging. But, our driver-guides are very experienced and professional, they will be delighted to facilitate your independently arranged trips to anywhere in Uganda. Specifically, we will be happy to pick you up from your port of arrival and drive you to your final destination in a city or country-side. We can also provide you with convenient transport services throughout your time in Uganda. We welcome enquiries from independent travellers, business travellers, Ugandans in the diaspora and all those visiting friends and family. We will be delighted to meet your individual needs in a reliable, friendly, dignified and professional way.
Chesed Transport & Logistics 