A ride in the wild near River Nile in Jinja

I thought quad biking in Uganda would be as ordinary as a boda boda ride — if not more boring — because this was on bumpy and dusty roads in a remote village known as Bujagali in Jinja.

However, when Amos Wekesa, the renowned tourism enthusiast told me his daughter and son were also headed for the adventure, a part of me melted.

I hastily joined the trio on their way to Jinja with fat expectations. There had to be something special about quad biking to compel Wekesa to take his little ones for a weekend, over 40km away from Kampala.

The quad biking arena is nestled at the northern shores of River Nile. Peter Knight, the initiator of this activity in Uganda, was there. He assigned William Okiror, a knowledgeable and courteous guide, to take us through the day.

Getting ready

Okiror gave each of us a helmet and overalls, which I loved to hate because of their funny look. But there was no time to ponder because Okiror shepherded us to the reception for instructions about quad biking. Save for the instruction that warned us against riding the bikes with over confi dence, I do not remember the rest.

There are sculptures of different animals and birds along the track, which adds more beauty to the scenery.

We trooped to the parking yard, where we found over 20 quad bikes to pick from for the adventure. But we had to rely on Okiror for recommendations — he advised Wekesa and I to settle for the manual bikes as the little ones took automatic ones, which are easy to ride.

The manual bikes are more engaging and offer a greater riding challenge. It was not till our engines roared that it dawned on me that quad biking was absolutely different from a boda boda ride. Going by its vibrant roar, I could tell the safari would be so rewarding that I would drop in the fi eld in victorious exhaustion.

The tracks

Our convoy of four bikes was led through three circuits — each at least 100 metres long. One track is winding with sharp corners designed to acquaint bikers with abrupt breaking skills needed in negotiating corners. Circuit two has narrow tracks meandering around a giant aquarium and man-made stream fl owing in concrete channels.

Along its tracks were road bumps and statuaries of different wildlife such as zebras, elephants, all designed to arm bikers with defensive driving skills.

Having passed the test with fl ying colours, Okiror led us to the fourth circuit, which is a long meandering route, probably about 500 metres long, just about the edge of the River Nile. We were allowed to ride through at speeds of our convenience. It was only then that I realised how exciting riding the manual bike was.

Almost all my six senses were engaged — my eyes to admire the breathtaking river, my nose to smell the dust, my ears to pay attention to the engine’s roars and tongue to scream in fright every time I almost rolled over Wekesa’s bike. This gave the adventure a great kick start.

Hitting the road

At last, it was time to hit the road for the real adventure in the neighbouring village, Buwendo. Being below the age of seven, Wekesa’s daughter had to leave her bike and join her dad’s for her safety. “Curiosity always leads minors to try out different things, only to roll over,” Okiror said.

We rode through a four-acre maize field, whose tracks were criss-crossed by daring farm pests such as rats and squirrels. Then there were the cute orange weaver birds that kept jumping from one maize comb to another in search of a bite.

Before we knew it, we were in the heart of a circular murrum fi eld with a circumference of about 100 metres. It is right here that we were to showcase our best biking skills, but oops, we hardly knew any.

For this reason, we spent the next 10 minutes riding in circles as our eyes of envy remained glued on Okiror, who proudly stole the show by pulling daring antics that we only see on sports TV channels.

By the end of this phase, I was choking on a thick blanket of dust, which had fi lled the air — triggered by our rides. This prompted Okiror to lead us to the immediate bank of River Nile for some fresh air. No sooner had we arrived, than one of the bikes got a mechanical problem.

Okiror did not have the spares to right away fi x it, meaning there was going to be plenty of time for us to cherish the refreshing breeze of the Nile. But he called back to offi ce for a substitute bike which arrived in the blink of an eye.

Back on track

We got back on track right away for another phase of the adventure along a narrow and bumpy course. The bumpier it was, the greater the riding challenge became. It was quite fun to manoeuvre over obstacles that looked impossible to trample, such as huge blocks of rocks and medium-sized logs.

Almost every time I accelerated to ride over an obstacle, the bike sprang up and down, tossing me mildly into the air like an underweight baby.

Next, we headed for the fast and furious ride in a rectangular football fi eld. We rode wildly, but kept applying the brakes abruptly. The bikes would spin repeatedly at 360 degrees like the propeller of a plane. In just two minutes, the atmosphere was glowing with hundreds of multi-coloured butterfl ies. It was an electrifying experience.

Just like phase one, this rough ride heated up our bodies, causing sweat to soak our clothes and leave us panting for fresh air. We veered to the nearest water bank which is about one kilometre away from the gigantic Bujagali dam. At this point, we turned off our engines and went for a break. We resorted to gathering shells from the shores.

Before we knew it, time was up; we had to return to the start point. To give the adventure a memorable climax, Okiror used a return track that cut through the scenic rolling hills of Bujagali and we relished every minute of it.

Lake Victoria’s equatorial island

Lwaji Island is one of the three equator markers in Uganda. Others are found at Kayabwe in Masaka and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Mariners pose for a picture at the equator on Lwaji Island

From Entebbe’s Aero Beach, it took us approximately 25 minutes to get to Lake Victoria’s Lwaji Island. The winds were blowing mildly and the lake’s waters were tranquil.

Our destination was an island where the equator crosses the lake. The equator line runs through two of the lake’s islands — Damba and Lwaji.

However, before we embarked on our voyage, we had to spend close to half-an-hour waiting for the mechanics to prepare the ferry’s decks. Excitedly waiting with me were the East African Mariners, most of whom seemed very eager for their maiden voyage on Africa’s largest lake. The excitement was written on almost everyone’s face.

Tourists at Kayabwe in Masaka

Apart from the adventure, the mariners also had a worthwhile cause to accomplish that day: they were on a mission to donate life-saving jackets to the island’s fishing communities.

Going by the accounts I heard before we set off, most of the lake’s fishermen go on ill-advised fishing expeditions without life jackets, even deep in the night. When we finally departed, it was an exhilarating experience. It was also fun watching all the revellers on the sandy beaches we were leaving behind as we voyaged farther out.

As we sailed off, the view was beautiful. It seemed only natural when an old gentleman seated at the back of the ferry exclaimed: “God is great.” Everyone seemed cheerful when we caught sight of the first island. Smiles were unlocked, faces lit up and there was an endless repertoire of jokes, coming courtesy of the many happy-go-lucky emcees we had on board.

It was spell-binding watching the varieties of birds chirping and flapping away. We caught glimpses of kingfishers and the egrets flying low on the surface of the water, eager to catch some prey. The fishermen paddled their canoes past us, unconcerned by our presence.

Regardless of their attitude, many people on the ferry entertained themselves by watching the fishermen at work. Lake Victoria has many ring shaped islands that many of the fishing communities inhabit. Many of these communities live in old corrugated iron sheet shelters.

When we went past one of the inhabited islands, a group of six men were taking a bath on the edges of the island. Some even had the nerve to wave at us in their birthday suits. As our ferry cruised past the many islands on our way to our destination, almost everybody wanted to catch a glance of these marvels of nature. It is said Lake Victoria has 84 of them.

The Equatorial Island

We finally reached our destination  — Lwaji Island. Plenty of bird life exists here, going by what we saw when we alighted the ferry. There were many birds flying in and out of their nesting grounds.

What fascinated us most, however, was the fact that this particular island seems uninhabited, save for the few UPDF marine soldiers we found there. Some bits of the island are cleared of bushy vegetation, while the rest is like a garden.

On this picturesque island, one can enjoy a wide view of the lake, the Entebbe Airport runway and the other surrounding islands. The atmosphere and breeze around us was pleasantly refreshing. Here you will be able to spot a tree that has incredibly grown on the island’s rocky surface.

Whether you fancy a quiet place to meditate or if sightseeing is your cup of tea, this island is the perfect get-away. The island, just like the others on Lake Victoria, is of considerable conservation value.

But nothing here shows whether this particular one has been visited of recent. Before our tour ended, we lined up for photo opportunities at a signpost designating the spot where the equator line passes, just like the one in Kayebe, Masaka

Tour operators panic as UWA makes new policies

When elephants fight, the grass suffers, goes an old saying. This becomes more realistic when it is literary played out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the private sector engaged in tourism related business. The proverbial grass, the animals and related wildlife-based tourism, are suffering. Instead of working together as partners to promote Uganda tours, the two parties are locked in endless conflicts.

As UWA rolls out innovations to improve services to clients, the private sector remains opposed, on grounds that they were not consulted and that what UWA is introducing will ruin their business. “We are going to strike because UWA has refused to listen to  us,” Herbert Byaruhanga, the president of the Uganda Tourism Authority (UTA) told Saturday Vision in an interview.

When contacted, Jossy Muhangi, the UWA public relations manager, down-played the conflict, saying the cat-and-mouse game does not hold water. “I do not think it is a conflict, the terms are always clear,” Muhangi said, in reference to the recent development in which UWA will make gorilla permits accessible online, while booking will be done by registered Ugandan tour operators “We want them to take advantage of modern technology,” said Muhangi, adding that the different time zones mean that intending gorilla trackers would be able to know the number of available gorilla permits, even at night when tour operators are asleep.

Opposing online gorilla permits on grounds that it would lead to loss of employment, according to Muhangi, is counter-productive. He says more intending trackers would be able to see the gorilla permits online and then contact the Ugandan tour operators. “We know that tourism is private sector-led, that is why booking is going to be done through tour operators,” said Muhangi. “As the tour operators make more money from the increased gorilla trackers, UWA will also reduce on the losses incurred through unsold permits,” he said.

However, Byaruhanga cites the loss of business as the reason the tourism fraternity is opposed to online gorilla permit booking. He says when tourists physically contact tour operators to book gorilla permits, they can easily be convinced to visit our other parts of the country. “By taking gorilla permits online, tour operators lose their bargaining power,” Byaruhanga explained. In September, Maria Mutagamba, the tourism minister, set up a committee to resolve the matter.

Gorillas at Bwindi national park

The committee chaired by a  
commissioner in the tourism ministry has representatives from UWA, the Association of Uganda Tourism Operators (AUTO) and the communities, and a representative from the International Gorilla Conservation Program. The committee is chaired by a commissioner in the tourism ministry Mutagamba ordered the committee to find a solution in three months, which elapsed in December 2013.

However, the matter remains unresolved because tour operators did not provide a representative. Apart from the online gorilla permits, the tour operators say UWA is introducing vehicles in national parks, which private sector players say is going to create competition and take away business. They also say the World Bank funded initiative in which UWA is expected to get buses to ply between Kampala and the protected areas, will undermine the earnings of tour operators. “Such services will compliment tour operators,” said Muhangi. “We are not competing with them. The tour operators target high end tourists, while our focus is on domestic and budget tourists.” Muhangi cited groups organised under churches, Rotarians and families as some of the intending tourists who would visit the protected areas.

For long, he said many people have kept away from the protected areas because tour operators charge exorbitant fees. The conflict, which is fueled by greed, ignorance and arrogance, has rolled the names of the top leadership at UWA in the mud. “I do not know what is driving this man (Andrew Seguya, the executive director of UWA) You agree on one thing and he does something else,” said Byaruhanga. When contacted for comment, Seguya said UWA had formed what he called ‘the coalition of the willing’, comprising institutions willing to break boundaries to expedite the fulfillment of Government plans to build infrastructure. He said the Civil Aviation Authority, which is part of the “coalition of the willing” had introduced scheduled flights to the largest protected areas of the country.

Others include construction of tourism roads which will link the protected areas, such as Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda and the southern parts of the country, where Kibaale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Experts say Kaddu Sebunya, representative of the Africa Wildlife Foundation UWA and the private sector need each other. But the conflicts that have emerged are motivated by fear of the unknown. The conflict is unhealthy, especially for the tour operators because 80% of their business is in the protected areas.

The Government does not adequately fund the Uganda Tourist Board (UTB). Even UWA does not get enough money from the Government and it cannot donate the money it uses for marketing to UTB, unless the law is changed. The private sector should reorganize and engage UWA over strategic interests and reforms. UWA keeps interacting with tour operators and lodge owners in clientele relationship. This should evolve into a partnership relationship. At the moment,  the conflict is unhealthy and it does not help conservation and tourism. Author New Vision

Game Park tourists increase by 17.5%

These graceful giraffes grace on a hot day at Kidepo National Park.

Visitor numbers to the protected areas has increased by 17.5%, the highest rise ever since the creation of the Uganda Wildlife Authority two decades ago, according to Barbra Ameso, UWA’s marketing and research officer.

Ameso attributed the high increase in the numbers to the solar eclipse, an event that attracted many tourists to Murchison Falls National Park.

“Uganda has unmatched attractions like the Mountain gorillas,” said Ameso, adding and the accolades lavished on Uganda by travel magazines including the Lonely Planet catapulted Uganda into the global spotlight.

 Kidepo Valley National Park in the north eastern part of the Uganda was last year listed by CNN among the top 10 parks in Africa.

The windswept Kidepo has large herds of buffaloes and a wide uninterrupted landscape surrounded by Karamojong pastoralists who have a rich culture.

Ameso said the visitor numbers increased from 182,149 in 2012 to 213,949 which amounts to 17.5%. She also said that foreigners contributed 43% of the visitors and the rest included Ugandans and East Africans.

Murchison Falls National Park attracted the highest number of visitors, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park. Though visitors going to Kidepo have increased, the most pristine park came third after the most popular parks, Murchison and Queen.

Lake Mburo National Park in Mbarara, which is being developed into a suitable product for domestic tourism, was the least visited park.

The top wildlife agency is working with Africa Wildlife Foundation with the support of USAID to increase the visitor numbers at Mburo.

UWA, which was established in 1996 after the merger of the colonial set up Uganda national parks and the Game Department, manages 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves located in different parts of the country.

On Trip to Kidepo Valley National Park

Kjong Uganda safaris give you a chance to visit the most isolated and magnificent national park Uganda and is ranked among the Africa’s finest wildernesses.

Elephant crossing

Kidepo Valley National Park is a completely different world. Vast plains, inspiring views from every vantage point.  With a lot of wildlife as you drive into the park. Kidepo offers breathtaking open savannah which is surrounded by spectacular mountain landscape nowhere to be seen in Africa!

 

Kidepo zebras feeding.

Our clients take pictures of the Karamanjongos  as our Tour Guide look on

 Kidepo valley national park is also surrounded by interesting traditional and ancient tribe like karamonjongo’s and the iki and this will give visitor to have cultural experience with Karamonjongo people, you will have an opportunity to visit there traditional home stands called the mayattas.

Market day

We have five day tour that will see you visit Kidepo and this unique tribe of Uganda.

Pope Francis to Visit Uganda

Pope Francis will in October this year, attend the celebrations to mark 50 years since the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, the Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi has said.

Mbabazi was speaking during the consecration of Bishop George Bagamuhunda, as the 5th Bishop of the Anglican Kigezi Diocese at St. Peters Rugarama on Sunday.

Mbabazi said the Government and the Catholic Church had invited the Pope to attend the golden jubilee of the canonization of the Ugandan martyrs and the Pope had accepted the invitation. But the Vatican is yet to confirm officially.

The Prime Minister Hon Mama Mbabazi  confirmed that  Pope Francis will be  Visiting Uganda this year. As Ugandan am  very great full about his visit and we at Kjong safaris ltd we welcome the Pope to Uganda and all the people who will be traveling with him.
This is good news to Uganda as Nation and to the tourism industry this very good opportunity for us to show what Uganda has to offer to the world.

Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa and while in Uganda you will have an opportunity to visit all these and much more.

Gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Comfortable accommodation while on safari

Ngamba chimp sanctuary ranked best in Africa

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Island has been ranked as the best chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa by Jane Goodall, a United Nations ambassador of peace.

A powerhouse primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist, Goodall is also the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute.

She says she based her ranking on the kind of attention and care accorded to the primates, which are highly threatened by extinction.

There are 29 chimpanzee sanctuaries in the whole of the African continent. Two of these were founded by Goodall under her Jane Goodall Institute. She has been supporting the other 27 through funding.

Found majorly in the tropics, you will find these sanctuaries in Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo and Rwanda.

There are also some in South Africa and Sudan.

Speaking at her 80th birthday which was held at Lake Victoria Island, Goodall said she observed that the 47 chimpanzees on Ngamba Island were loved and treated with so much care like no other on the planet.

Jane Goodall mingles with the chimps at Ngamba sanctuary

“For the last couple of years, I have been moving from one sanctuary to another across the continent, but never have I seen chimpanzee caregivers treat the primates with so much care and love before.

“They have fully acknowledged the fact that chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives and treat them with so much love and attention. I am overwhelmed,” she the delighted octogenarian.

The sanctuary’s top ranking is seen as potential pull for the local tourism industry.

According to Lilly Ajarova, the sanctuary’s executive director, Goodall’s recognition of Ngamba as the top sanctuary in the continent could be a positive turning point, which could attract more tourists.

“Owing to the fact that Goodall is an inspirational figure who commands over 10 million followers worldwide inclusive of tourists and conservationists, her credit of Ngamba is destined to fire up its annual tourists turn-up from its annual 4000 to 5000 to nothing short of an impressive influx,” she says.

Ajarova is quick to add that, this will play an instrumental role in the conservation of the primates whose population across Africa country is dwindling at a high as many people continue to hold them in captivity and degrade their habitat.