UGANDA – THE TRULY WONDROUS PEARL OF AFRICA

LEISURE: Memorable adventure soaking the country’s heart-warming hospitality, glorious wildlife on the savannah plains, including breath-taking deep forest encounter with gorillas in the mist…

By Geniene Preston

My seven glorious days in Uganda have to be the highlight of all my travels over the years. I was invited by the Uganda Tourism Board and Explore Uganda on a FAM trip to see what the East African destination has to offer.

I have visited over 84 countries and I can honestly say that the smiles of the Ugandan people, their hospitality and their ability to make me feel right at home was so memorable. Uganda Airlines efficiently flew us there.

We started in Kampala, the capital city, with a couple of nights at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, which was beautifully decorated with the spirit of Christmas. The hotel buzzed with events and the beat of Africa.

We had the privilege of visiting the Ndere Cultural Centre, which was one of the best cultural entertainments I have seen in a long time. I was riveted. We all were. We also stopped at the Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo centre to hear more about the history of the martyrs and what they had to endure.

Our tour guide was interesting and knew so much about the story behind the story. The sculptures were carved to precision and it was almost as if we had been there.

We left Kampala and headed to the Primate Park in Kibale where we stayed over at the fabulous Chimpundu Lodge where leaving your room seemed insane to climb in the deep forests of the Uganda Wildlife Authority Primate Park. But that’s what we did. And I saw the chimps in their natural environment.

Rain and all. The forest floor was not an easy walk but our guides who stayed close were on hand to help and ensure we could have a memorable visit. I was blessed to return to a hot bath, great meal and superb accommodation in a 4 poster bed with a room that had a great view.

We headed off to our next destination Nkuringo, Bwindi in Kisoro via the Queen Elizabeth park where the proliferation of wildlife was there for all to see.

And the wide savannah made it easy to see buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and so-so many birds. Our photographer, Ken, didn’t know where to point his camera first! During our journeys we were treated to seeing the local communities, their farming on the side of the mountains and their wonderful taxi system of motorbikes. I love how Africa turns a challenge into an opportunity.

Arriving at the Gorilla Heights Lodge was a welcome respite from the long journey and the chalets all have the most wonderful view. Celestine Masiga, the GM, was on hand with this smiling staff, to greet us with warm towels and a great meal served by their chef of many years.

The chalets were just amazing and the sunrise the next morning told a story of its own. When you book into the lodge, you are booking into a community as they share their success with the local community.

The next morning it was time to find the Gorillas and that is an adventure in itself. There was mist, rain, sunshine all in one day and, finally after a steep climb, they were there. For all to see. What glorious creatures.