Going to East Africa? Try this for size
Are you thinking about where the next 12 months will take you? Here are some of my favourite places …
UGANDA – Kampala “KLA”- coffee, culture and chimpanzees!
Denmark’s most popular newspaper, Politiken, asked me to recommend the Top Things To Do in Kampala for their Insider Guide. We agreed that Danish culture and cafe buffs would appreciate the Ndere Cultural Centre, Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, Kampala Art Biennale, the Bahai Temple and Acacia Mall in Kisementi (for the obligatory cappuccino fix).
‘The Kampala Dark Day Tour’ run by Changing Horizons covers “1 Day, 150 Years of History.” There are many Kampala tours; uniquely, this one is the creation of a criminologist! Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and Wamala Tombs are two of the tour’s historical stops I’ll be featuring on my blog in 2017.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Lake Victoria
Our closest relative is bound to inspire you! Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is perfect for a family day out, for camping with friends or as a romantic overnight getaway. It is internationally reknown for its high standards of primate care.
Be the first of your friends to track the gorillas of Mgahinga! The little-visited but engaging gorilla family has now been resident for three years, so sightings are virtually guaranteed. Alternatively, track the rare golden monkeys, hike one of three volcanoes or interact with the Batwa tribe who inhabited the forests for 60,000 years. Their story is fascinating. For all the info you need to plan your trip to one my favourite parts of Uganda, read my article in The Eye Magazine. Fly with Aerolink from Entebbe for a real treat!
Promoting tourism across Uganda: Arua and West Nile
Enthusiasm for tourism in Uganda is at an all time high across the country. I loved visiting Gerald Iga’s hometown of Arua. Read what I discovered in “10 little-known things to do in Arua & West Nile.”
Birdwatching – anywhere and everywhere in Uganda!
Sunbird Hill, next to Kibale Forest, is named for its 20 sunbird species (I’m sure the birding experts will find more!)
Ornithologist Malcolm Wilson is planning a bird ringing expedition to Uganda in 2017 or early 2018 when he will be ringing at Sunbird Hill and and other popular birding locations. Read Malcolm’s blog of a previous bird ringing trip to Sunbird Hill. An August trip is planned for interested Ugandan residents.
KENYA – Nairobi nightlife, rail journeys & the coast
Come, we go! The East Africa Tourist Visa & Interstate Pass make travel between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda cheaper for tourists and expats + easier for nationals. Read my blog and go!
Did you know…? In 2017 the ‘Lunatic Express’ train from Nairobi to Mombasa will be replaced by new trains on a new track. This gives you two opportunities: to ride the old-fashioned trains for the last time and, after Easter, enjoy the far quicker four hour journey to the coast.
Tawi Lodge was named Ecotourism Kenya’s Eco-Warrior Facility of the Year. The award-winning conservancy has arguably the best views of (Tanzania’s) Mount Kilimanjaro.
RWANDA: Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Kampala to Nyungwe by road: 14 hours by bus + 3 hours by matatu minibus + hmmm… a bit longer on a smaller bus + half an hour ride on a boda boda through the dark forest + hitchiking is not everyone’s dream journey but Jules and I LOVED it! Nyungwe Forest’s canopy walk and chimp tracking are both highly recommended.
Source: muzungubloguganda.com
