1.
Uganda - The Pearl Of Africa Glows Again
Uganda is increasingly coming to the attention of travel connoisseurs
as an elegant adventure destination. Famously described by
Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is gifted
by nature in many ways, especially by way of diversity and
intensity of fauna. Charles Miller's writing of Uganda at
the turn of the nineteenth century, described the country
as: "set in a diadem of roller-coaster hills, spattered
with the glowing embers of tropical flowers, brightened with
clouds of butterflies and sweetened with the conversation
of a million tropical birds."
The people of Uganda have survived the troubles
of 1967-86 period and emerged standing on their feet. In that
short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two
despots: one was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the
other, the arguably insane Milton Obote. This is now history
- a testament of the dignity and endurance of her people.
The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy
returned is nothing short of astounding. And today, Uganda
dares market herself to international visitors as a worthy
safari and adventure destination.
Uganda has made tremendous progress in the
development of her tourist assets. The country is mainly known
for primates and jungle canopies. And deservedly so, for it
is here that you find the largest number of primate species
anywhere in the world. In addition, Uganda has a distinctive
mix of atypical montane and lake habitats, jungle forests,
open savannah and cascading waterfalls that form the basis
of its attraction to adventure travellers.
Kampala, the county's capital and business
hub, is the suitable base for exploring the country. Like
Rome, the city is built upon seven hills and thrives in a
mix of cultures that make up its diverse populace. Kampala
offers her own unique market and craft village tours, museums
and living historic trips, and culture outings. You also have
opportunity for golfing on the shores of nearby Lake Victoria.
While still at the lake's shores, canoeing
is a popular activity well worth taking. Local villagers occasionally
hire out their boats and canoes, giving you an opportunity
to canoe the traditional Ugandan way. In addition, you will
find cruising, sailing and boating clubs, with good equipment
for hire. Beware that dangers of Bilharzia lurk on Lake Victoria
and swimming -even for adventurous spirits is not advised.
A little off Kampala is the Kabaka's Lake
- another popular canoeing spot. Adjoining Lake Victoria,
the lake was excavated in the late 19th century on the orders
Kabaka Mwanga, then King of the Baganda. This is Africa's
largest man-made lake and is the site for the exciting annual
Inter-Clan Canoe Regatta. The event brings together thousands
of Ugandans, each representing their clan in contest. The
merry event is also open to cross cultural canoeing crews
who may have no clan to paddle for.
While setting out on a canoeing adventure,
do not forget to bring along some canoeing shoes, plenty of
sunscreen, long sleeved cotton-wear, and a pair of gloves.
Other spectacular places to go canoeing or boating include
Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Bujagali Falls.
Jinja is 80km from Kampala, and rests at the
source of the Nile. The origin of the Nile intrigued the ancient
Greeks, and was one of the great mysteries of the Victorian
Age. The explorer John Speke decisively settled this mystery
in 1862. Jinja, which overlooks Lake Victoria, is also known
as 'place of the flat rocks'. The city has in recent years
gained popularity as a base for water sports, and other adventure
activities.
At Jinja the White Nile sets off on its laboured
6,500 km journey through Egypt and into the Mediterranean
Sea. Its first attempt to cascade down the ancient water rocks
is arrested at the now submerged Rippon Falls. The falls once
echoed the town of Jinja with its roars before the construction
of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950's. The filling of the reservoir
raised the water level and eventually submerged the falls
completely. The banks of the submerged falls today remain
a small explorers' camp.
A little downstream from Owen, the river splits
into seven channels as it madly rushes to catch a glimpse
of the plummet ahead. The result is the Bujagali Falls. Only
8km from Jinja, this is the first magic of the Nile. The falls
plunge with a mighty and angry roar, obviously in protest
against the submerging of the Rippon Falls upstream. The cascading
waters are surrounded by lush vegetation along the riverbanks
and adjacent islands. The spectacular scenery has an abundance
of bird life.
For adrenalin activities, the Bujagali Falls
are East Africa's answer to the more famous Victoria Falls.
At an average gush of 1.8 million litres per second, the river
has some good rapids, excellent for up to grade 5 rafting.
This makes a fantastic one-stop location for white water rafting.
The wild waters here know how best to toss and turn, giving
you an unforgettable thrill. You can take on a two-day challenge
-45 km of rafting and overnight camping along the riverbank.
If the spurt of adrenaline is too much for
your liking, settle for a safety boat or a family float trip
at the headwaters of the Nile. The scenery and wildlife along
the banks are a bonus.
Just 2km downstream from the Bujagali Falls,
the Nile High Bungee presents you with a chance to conquer
any fear of heights you may have. The drop offers an exceptional,
breath-taking opportunity for a 44-meter bungee jump. Whether
you opt for just being dangled above the waters or being dipped
into the river below, the bungee adrenaline is exhilarating.
The theme is 'freestyle'; you can jump from the bungee tower
alone or with a friend, ride your bike off the top, skip rope,
dive, -the choice is yours. It's your creative call for this
thrill and excitement; -though you need a nod from the bungee
master.
Upriver from Bujagali Falls serves as an excellent
kayaking spot. The area is free of crocodiles and hippos and
a kayak school is also at hand. Every year, hundreds of kayakers
and kayak fans throng the Bujagali Falls to be part of an
annual international kayaking contest. The Nile Freestyle
Festival is Bujagali's largest calendar event; a 3-day international
party that brings together experts and amateurs.
River boarding is a stirring sport recently
introduced in Uganda. Closely related to surfing the waves,
river boarding is designed for the fittest and most articulate
of sportspersons, as this is a test of balance, guts and endurance.
There is a camp providing high quality equipment, tutor tips
and safety instructions.
In addition, there is plenty of riverside
entertainment: barbecues, camping, biking, acrobatic shows,
stunts masters, and numerous opportunities for those seeking
to make an impression. There is in-fact a group known as the
Bujagali Swimmers who spectacularly plunge down the falls
for show as their funs cheer on.
Given that one third of the Uganda is covered
by water, it is no wonder that water sporting and adventure
is becoming a significant tourist product. Fishing for sport
in particular is increasingly becoming popular with visitors.
The Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) promotes a 'catch and
return' philosophy and only issues a limited number of annual
angling permits.
Murchison Falls offers unmatched fishing in
Uganda and is also a first-rate angling destination. The falls
are located at Murchison Falls National Park; about 5 hours
drive from Kampala to the northwest of the country. For a
long stretch from Karuma Falls, the riverbed declines forcing
the water into a torrential rush before the surge down the
Murchison Falls.
At the onset of the cascade, the 50 m flow
narrows as the waters squeeze through a 6 m gorge, and crushes
in great turmoil 43m below. You can thus imagine why anglers
refer to the resulting turbulence below as 'devil's cauldron'.
The 80 km stretch between the Karuma and Murchison Falls'
breeds the meanest, sturdiest and the most prized catches.
Fish tough enough to withstand the torrents, presents the
most challenging and entrancing angling in Uganda. You can
hardly replicate the thrills of your day out here anywhere
else in the world.
The Nile Perch at Murchison Falls are huge
and are the most sought after catch. Weighing up to an astounding
108 kg, these fish make a prime catch at the foot of the falls.
Other fish that can be caught here include: Semutundu Catfish
-weighing up to 46 kg, small Tiger Fish and the larger, ferocious
Tiger - scaling an average 1.5 and 28 kg respectively; Vundu
Catfish, Mali or Mudfish, weighing up to 60 kg; common Squeaker,
Tilapia, Electric Catfish -20 kg on scale, the 4 kg Golden
Barbel, and the tiny Alestes Baremoze.
Page
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