UGANDA: African pearl.
The land of the sun and rain- the empirical requirements, for biodiversity growth and nature sustainability. This is one the places in the world that mankind first lived, come and explore.
Coverage:230,000SQ KM.
This country is gifted or endowed by nature compared to the rest of Africa, its biodiversity is un matched.
There is no country of this size that matches the range of nature and vegetation variation, each endowed with almost unique nature.
From glacial topped mountains of the Rwenzori or mountains of the moon, to dense high and low tropical rain forests, or the savanna with undulating beautiful hills and plains, Swamps and mashes, meandering rivers, Abstract scenery, wildlife and features, the Albertine region- With such a relative small area, is full of wonder one should never miss from the rain forests of the semiliki valley to bamboo of Kigezi and West Nile or the semiarid savannas in the rift valley floor.
This contrast makes this tiny African nation an area of unique geographical interest, hence the nick name “The Pearl of Africa”
Geology:
Geographical back ground
Uganda lies entirely between the two arms of the great east African rift valley. To the west Uganda borders DR Congo (former Belgian Congo). The border coincides with the western rift valley occupied from the north to south by lakes Albert, Edward, George and Kivu. On this side with DR Congo also exist the Rwenzori mountain ranges; the highest point (Mt Margherita) is 5119metres high. Further south-west between Lake Edward and Kivu, there is the volcanic Muhabura range protruding from the rift valley between 3500-4000metres high.
In the north Uganda borders with Sudan. The final demarcation of this border was in fixed in 1914 giving the Lado enclave to the Sudan and transferring west Nile from Belgian Congo to Uganda. To the east Uganda borders Kenya. Before 1902 the eastern boundary had extended as far as Lake Turkana. Gradual adjustments by the British colonialist who were ruling Uganda and Kenya (then British East Africa) finally fixed the boundary of Uganda in its present position in 1926.
To the south Uganda borders Tanzania (former German East Africa). Boundary adjustments in 1910 between the British, Belgians and the Germans fixed the southern limit of Uganda by including, Kigezi (formerly part of Rwanda which then belonged to Germany east Africa which was later taken over b the French) and Bufumbira (formerly Belgian Congo).
Generally, Uganda is a land of plateaus, though in some areas there hills which are 200-500metre high, though in most places they are heavily eroded. In the extreme west the ancient tabular still remains. The equator crosses southern Uganda; the climate is equatorial and moderate by altitude. The northern shores of Lake Victoria receive rain fall all year round, though the rest of the country has 2 rainy seasons. The highest temperatures occur on the Albertan Flats and the lowest occur on the glaciated slopes of Mt Rwenzori.
Formerly much of southern Uganda was covered in tropical forest, though most of it was cleared for human settlement and development, mainly on the showers of Lake Victoria. Forests do occur on the slopes of most mountain rangers, along the rift valley escapements and on the showers of lakes and Ssese islands, in Lake Victoria. Uganda is endowed with a variety of vegetation which is home to a wide diversity of animals.
The present country of Uganda was forged by the British between 1890 and 1962 the name was derived from the ancient Buganda Kingdom, that was under threat from its Bunyoro, neighboring kingdom. Bunyoro was eventually suppressed and large chunks of its land given to Buganda. (Not only Bunyoro, but kingdoms like Ankole suffered the same fate). The people of Buganda become the colonizing agents of the British hence the name, Uganda, they just omitted B.
There is no one Ugandan culture. There are many cultures as there are people. There are diverse cultures and tribes, speaking more than thirty languages. Culture, like a person is born, grows and dies. The cultures of Ugandan people is modeled by the natural social environment obtained from specific, areas people lived or migrated from, incorporating more from where they are settled.
There is no precise cultural definition, but it is the total sum of a people’s way of life. Mainly, norms and value of a society.
Our country is a land of smiles endowed with a diverse flora and fauna, with beautiful adrenaline heightening scenery, coupled with good leadership, in the last 25 years, Uganda is the leading tourist destination in Africa. Talk of the Pearl of Africa as Winston church hill summarily named it.
Come and breathe the pure air of African luxury.
Today the country is peaceful with the the highest growth rates in the region, though it suffered political set backs from 1970s to 1986 when the present leaders headed by president Yoweri Museven toppled the dictatorial leaderships of then, to put this country on the right track of economic recovery, with enhanced security, compared to other African countries.
compiled by Dobson D AbrahamRobinsonBalyampa Baliija
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Uganda Travel tips/ Travel Information
Accommodation
In Kampala, there are a number of good hotels that suit everyone’s budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the national parks, hotels, lodges, bandas and inns are generally available, but greatly vary in quality of service and quantity of rooms. Some of these accommodation facilities however need to be booked 3-6 months prior to the date of travel.
Visas
Visas are required if you are not from the following countries. Angola, Comoros, Eritraia, Kenya, Malawi Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierraleone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Vicent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Itally (only diplomatic passports) and Cyprus. However visas can be got on arrival at the airport.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Uganda Shiling in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 coins while paper notes are in denominations of 1,000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency in all large towns but Euros and Pound sterling are accepted as well. Traveler’s cheques plus credit cards are not widely accepted outside Kampala save for a few hotels and lodges.
Climate
Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of lowlands to the coolness of highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21˚C and 31˚C all year round. Wet seasons are March-May, October-November but there is no bad time to visit Uganda.
Clothing
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sun glasses and sunscreen for sun protection as well as a swimsuit. For mountain climbers, you will need hiking boots. Umbrella and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. For gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris, we recommend that you carry some insect repellants and torches. If you are planning to visit church services or official functions, be recommended to bring some decent and smart cloths.
Credit Cards
VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTERCARD are only acceptable at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some up-country lodges. Most transactions are carried out on cash basis.
Drinking Water:
We recommend that you DO NOT at any time drink tapped water. Most hotels and restaurants provide drinking water, or you can opt from several brands of mineral water. Mineral water is sold in all parts of the country and can be bought on safari at different stop points.
Foods:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abundant throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international is served in the hotels and restaurants. . Don’t miss to try the typical Ugandan food, like Matooke, Posho, Cassava, and sweet potatoes.
Health Requirements:
Certificates may be required for vaccination of yellow fever. Malaria risk is general, and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to start anti malaria medications 10-14 days prior to arrival and continue the same for 14 days after leaving East Africa. Talk about this issue with your doctor at home and ask him about his recommendations depending on your itinerary and duration of stay.
Language:
The official language in Uganda is English. Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country. We actually have over 40 languages in Uganda. However, majority of Ugandan speak English well.
Luggage:
Airlines will offer you 20-40 Kgs in general, or two pieces of luggage in most flights. It is preferable for you to use soft luggage, as space in safari vehicles is limited.
Photography:
Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring film and batteries with you or a digital camera with some spare batteries.
A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for keen game viewers or birders. There is no charge for photography cameras and personal video recorders, but there may be a charge for commercial cameras in some places. Clients are responsible for any such fee. Please always asked people before taking pictures.
Security:
Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Lock up your valuables in the hotel safe. We recommend that you do not walk alone in the late hours of the night but instead take a taxi.
Sports Facilities:
There are a variety of sports facilities available in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja city centers-squash, golf, tennis, and the Hash House harriers every Monday etc. Fishing on lake Victoria and River Nile is popular. White Water rafting and flat water canoeing is also available on the River Nile. White Water rafting is on the Nile from Jinja is considered the best one day trip in the world. Mountain climbing and hiking are popular in the Rwenzori Mountains and on Mt Elgon.
Avid climbers will want to check out the Rwenzoris and Virunga Volcanoes.
Transport:
Some roads are not in good condition. 4WD vehicles are required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons. Traveling in our commuter taxis (matatus) can give a good experience; Boda bodas (motor cycle transfers) can be fun but dangerous especially within the city.
Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants and it will be appreciated. It is normal to tip at tourist-oriented restaurants. to always tip guide and Drivers. |
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