#Fort Portal road Uganda

[delusionalbubble]

10 Best Reasons to Visit Uganda

Looking for the best reasons to visit Uganda? An Ugandan Tourism specialist has tailored the top 10 best reasons to visit Uganda for you. Don't miss out!

Looking for the top 10 best reasons to visit Uganda? Welcoming you to Uganda on arrival at Entebbe main airport are the peaceful blue waters of Lake Victoria – a symbol that immerses you in the natural beauty, adventure and leisure. Uganda’s Kampala capital city seats just 38 sq. km away from the shores where business thrives most and the city gives access to several sites that will introduce…

[thrdnarrative]

UGANDA. Fort Portal. 2019. A piece of everyday life for shoemakers stationed on a dark road. © Random Institute

[ibrahimfarah-blog]

                                      IQUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK           

          The following essay is my account of the time I visited Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located at fort portal-mpondwe National Park, Uganda. It is one of the largest national parks in the world. In its landscape, it encompasses hotels, roads and spacious land for animals.  According to Creadon (22), Queen Elizabeth National park is amongst the best-known Parks in Uganda. The theme of this descriptive essay will pivot around the park's landscape and the different species of animals at the park.

            To begin with, Queen Elizabeth National Park spaciously sits on seven hundred and sixty-four square miles establishing itself as one of the biggest national parks in the world. The park at the centre has antique hotels that are made of animal skin. The hotels are surrounded by waterfalls and hills. The hotels have a transparent thick outer fence to keep the wild animals away. The park also has sophisticated infrastructures that enable you to see the animals in their natural state

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           Second of all, the park variety of species of animals from elephants to different kinds of ants. My favourite was the hippopotamus. The hippopotamus is a colossal animal with thick skin. They have an uncunning resemblance to pigs. Most of them are grey-skinned and all are hairless. Most are land creatures but can survive in an equatorial environment. The other astonishing animal I got to see were the giraffes. The stand taller than ten feet and surprisingly have smooth fur.

         All in all, Queen Elizabeth Park is undeniably one best zoo experiences I had. We got to experience numerous species of animals including couple distinct animals. I would definitely recommend Queen Elizabeth National Park.                                                                                                                                     Creadon, Micheal.   “Traveler’s Advisory.” Time international (Canada Edition).                                     Vol. 150, no. 22, Dec. 1997, p. 2. EBSCOhost, search.ebsc                                   host.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=538&site=                                        ehost-live.

Cited from google images.

[frenaadventures]

4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Lake Mburo Safari

After breakfast, you'll leave for Queen Elizabeth Park, which is about 6-7 hours west of Kampala. You will have a stopover at the Equator, where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres and take memorial photos. You will continue to Mbarara town for lunch before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, you'll go on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects the lakes of George and Edward, where you'll see giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, among other things. Many bird species can be found near the water's edge. Kazinga Channel View Resort/Engagi (Budget) Bush Lodge for dinner and overnight (Mid Range).

A morning game drive in the park will be organised, during which you will see animals such as lions, leopards, bushbucks, topis, cape buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, elephants, giant forest hogs, Uganda, Kobs, and so on. On the way to Kibale National Park, you'll pass by the impressive "Mountains of the Moon," which can be seen from the road to Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight at Rwteera Safari Park for low-cost travellers or Kibale Forest Camp for mid-range travellers.

After breakfast, you will travel to Kibale Forest National Park to see the primates. The tour will begin at 8 a.m., with a briefing on the rules and regulations for chimp trekking. Following that, you'll begin your search in the forest. Depending on where they are, the exercise will take about half a day. Along the way, you'll see grey-cheeked mangabeys, Phestes, colobus monkeys, and blue and red-tailed monkeys resting or swinging in the tree branches. To ensure that you understand the lifestyles of the primates you will encounter, as well as the plants, insects, and butterflies in this forest, your guide will provide you with informative briefings.

After breakfast, you will depart for a morning nature walk in the forest to observe the rare and unique animal species before returning to the lodge for lunch before departing for your return leg to Kampala. If you want to trip 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Lake Mburo Safari, then visit our website.

[ewan-mo]

African Time Sunday 18th Nov

Mo and the others arrived on time and tumbled into bed.  

It rained heavily in the night with some thunder.

We met for breakfast about 8.30 and as is the way when travelling discovered the other lady at the table runs a project for children with physical disabilities, based in Fort Portal, which we had already heard about.  In fact we’d all been in the same email discussion initiated by Dr Rob at Kagando within the last couple of months! She is making a difference to another low priority group, many of them with cerebral palsy and sometimes epilepsy as well. Her team will certainly improve some children’s’ lives and those of their parents.

Our transport was due at 8.30.  We were due in Kampala at 10.30 to have some video taken which might be used in a video UPMB (Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau) are making on mental health care.

It was regrettable that the vehicles didn’t reach us till 11.10.  They said the rain had delayed them.(!) We didn’t reach the UPMB offices till after 12.  James Mwesigwa was very understanding and said things go slower in Africa.

E&M, David, James, Linda and Hugh

We each did a bit on video and we had a very useful conversation with James.  He is the UPMB lead for mental health and it turns out he worked for 12 years in London helping set up community care when they were emptying the asylums.  He has a couple of relevant master degrees and is doing well at being an advocate for MH services.  Our conversations are to be continued.  David is an expert on data, so may also be useful.

We got away much later than I had intended.  We aim to avoid driving after dark, and we weren’t clear how long our journeys would take. Hugh and Linda headed off south and we went across Kampala, picking up some food, fuel, and money, and went west to Jinja to cross the Nile.  The last time I crossed it there was when I was 4.  

This road is the main road to Mombasa, the nearest port and so all the imports for Uganda and South Sudan plus some for the East DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania come along this road.  It takes a hammering with the tyre tracks being about 10 cm lower that the ridge in the middle of the road in places. The road west is better as the trucks usually return empty.

No idea how effective this herbal jelly is, but I am sure it appeals to parents.

We then turned north east to go to Mbale.  This road was much quieter, so we made better progress. Some of the driving was to closer tolerances than I am used to.

All these vehicles are moving

Others have time to contemplate.

The shadows were getting longer and the light more striking.

Selling charcoal by the road side.

It was getting dark rapidly as we drove into Mbale, and the number of matatus without lights, to say nothing of the motor bikes, was not reassuring.  We were glad to arrive at the Mt Elgon Hotel.  

It is a large older style hotel.  I had booked an executive room which they gave us at a very reasonable price.  It was spacious and well set up.

We went down for a good supper and then had an early night.

[jobuganda]

KCB Bank Uganda Jobs 2022 – Fresher ReconciliationSupervisor

Job Title: Reconciliation Supervisor – KCB Bank Uganda Jobs 2022 Organization: KCB Bank Uganda Job Location: Kampala, Uganda     KCB Bank Uganda Profile: KCB Bank Uganda which is part of KCB Group, East Africa’s largest commercial bank that was established in 1896. Over the years, the Bank has grown and spread its wings into Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi completing the East African circuit in the year 2012. Today, the Group has the largest branch network in the region with over 238 branches, 950 ATMs and 8,000 agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. KCB Bank Uganda was established in the year 2007 and has grown to become one of Uganda’s top ten commercial banks. Currently KCB Bank Uganda has 14 branches complemented with 16 ATMs spread on Kampala Road, Commercial Plaza, Ben Kiwanuka, Luwum Street, Oasis Mall Sixth Street, Arua, Elgon Masaba, Fort Portal, Gulu, Hoima, Lira, Mbarara and Jinja that offer trade financing, corporate and retail banking services to customers.     Job Summary: The Reconciliation Supervisor will ensure up-to-date reconciliation of suspense accounts, International money transfer agency accounts, Telecom money transfers agency accounts, Collection accounts, Card related accounts along with coordination and maintenance of the section’s records and reports.     Roles and responsibilities: - Review and reconcile items in merchant’s accounts, suspense accounts, and collection accounts as per the Reconciliation Schedules. - Review and reconcile settlement done on international agent money transfer accounts in line with agent policies and procedures as well as bank accounting procedures. - Check activity reports, Investigate and report suspicious transactions on merchants, suspense, agency and merchant’s collection accounts. - Monitor and ensure exceptional items are tracked and escalated as stipulated in business rules. - Monitor and ensure prompt response to reconciliation related queries from other subsidiaries and branches. - Participate in timely presentation of end of month reports and returns where applicable to Finance department. - Participate in the identification and control of key risk indicators with in the Operations department. - Handling queries regarding merchant payments - Payment of merchants in UGX & USD via the below modes of payment: - Creating and writing a file in Quick pay for those holding accounts with KCB - Funds transfer for those holding accounts with other banks (RTGS). - Prompt response to merchant’s payment queries. - Daily review and reconciliation of International money transfer agent accounts, and all collection accounts (URA, Umeme& Centenary) - Review and reconciliation of assigned suspense accounts held within HO operation’s department.     Minimum Qualifications: - The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree – Business Administration/ equivalent, or any other degree with a quantitative/Mathematical bias. - Professional Qualifications – Accounting - Master’s Degree – Business related     How To Apply for KCB Bank Uganda Jobs 2022 All interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the link below. Click here to apply Deadline: 7th February 2022     For similar Jobs in Uganda today and great Uganda jobs, please remember to subscribe using the form below: NOTE: No employer should ask you for money in return for advancement in the recruitment process or for being offered a position. Please contact Fresher Jobs Uganda if it ever happens with any of the jobs that we advertise. Facebook WhatsApp Twitter LinkedIn Read the full article

[pearlofafricavacations]

CLASSIC 18 DAYS CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS IN THE WILD HOLIDAY SAFARI ITINERARY  Day 1:   Arrive in Uganda Day 2:   Do Kampala city tour Day 3:   Explore the source of River Nile Jinja Day 4:   Transfer to Murchison falls  with a stop over at Ziwa rhino sanctuary  Day 5:   Game drive & boat cruise Day 6:   Transfer to Fort portal town Day 7:   Encounter Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park Day 8:   Do Crater Lake hike & Amabere caves walk Day 9:   Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & do Kazinga channel launch cruise Day 10: Do Game drive & Kyambura Chimpanzee trekking Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi & encounter tree climbing lions en route Day 12: Do gorilla trekking Day 13: Do Volcano climbing or do golden monkey tracking. Day 14: Do Batwa cultural trail & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Day 15: Encounter Lake Bunyonyi Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo & visit Igongo cultural center and back on the road to the park.                                       Day 17: Do horseback safari & afternoon boat cruise Day 18: Do Nature walk & transfer to Kampala.  End of 18 Days Primates, Culture & wildlife safari. To get a quotation, kindly drop us an email on booking@pearlofafrica.tours or Whatsapp/Voice/Text/Wechat +256-755-200004. We handle groups from 4-45 people, and couples e.g. Honey Mooners or families. For more details visit us at https://pearlofafricavacations.com/Destinations/Destinations_Package_Details/36/1 https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQN-t0onrP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[afritrekholidaysuganda]

4 Days Tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival from Entebbe to Kampala.

You will be picked from Entebbe airport and checked in the hotel in Kampala for the overnight. If arrival is early, you can have a chance to have a tour around Kampala city, where you can visit the museum, the Kasubi tombs, Namugongo martyrs’ shrines, and several art and craft shops.

DAY 2: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After an early breakfast, our guide will pick you from the hotel and start your journey to the western, a journey of 5-7 hours. On the way, you can stop over at the equator and Mpabirwe drum makers and do some shopping. Proceed to Mbarara, where lunch will be taken before proceeding to the park. In case you wish to visit Lake Mburo National Park which is before Mbarara, you will pay an extra cost.

Passing through tea plantation under Rwenzori commodities and banana plantations, you will be able to see some animals on the roadside en route to the Mweya safari Lodge, where you will stay. Also, enroute to the park, you get a chance to see the escapements of Rwenzori Mountain Crater Lakes, rift valley.

After some rest, if time allows, have evening game drives within the park and see animals like tree climbing lions, lions, elephants, buffaloes, Kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, leopard but it may not be easy to see it. Then have supper at Mweya safari lodge where you have a view of Kazinga channel and Lake Edward peninsular.

DAY 3: Game drive and boat cruise.

After an early breakfast, you will take chimp tour to Kyambura Gorge, where you will encounter with buffaloes, water bucks, warthogs, variety of birds, lions, Uganda kobs and others animals. After lunch and refreshments at Mweya lodge you will go for the exciting 2hour Launch cruise along the Kazinga channel. Expect to see bird species such as the rare shoe bill, Egyptian geese, the yellow billed stork, white pelicans; Hippos and Crocodiles swimming while others bask in the sun. If interested, a visit to Maramagambo forest will be arranged, where you will see different tree species, birds. Return for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Morning Game Drives and depart for Kampala.

After breakfast, if still in the mood, you can have more game drives to see more animals, and a visit to Maramagambo forest to see chimpanzee and other primates, in case you didn’t see them the previous day. Then proceed to Kampala via Kasese Fort portal road have dinner and overnight in Kampala where you will be picked for airport travel.

Summary of activities at the park will have included; -

Boat cruises at Kazinga channel, game drives, interaction with local people, visit to Kyambura wild life reserve, see traditional salt works, see tree climbing lions in the Ishasha southern part.

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3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park

End of the tour

[rweteerasafaripark]

@ Rweteera Safari Park We're favorite choice for couples getaway in Uganda. Find us in Fort Portal along kamwenge road. Reservation via WhatsApp 0776862153. #visituganda🇺🇬 #rweteerasafaripark #couples #love #ugandaisbeautiful #cheapaccommodation #cheaptrips #fortportaltourismcity #kibalenationalpark #fortportal (at Rweteera Safari Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLvWhBIHsgJ/?igshid=qarl3f4x2710

[mubahood360]

Eye witnesses fault UNRA on clash that left 32 dead – #ugnews24

Eye witnesses fault UNRA on clash that left 32 dead – #ugnews24

At least 32 people were confirmed dead and five others seriously injured after a grisly accident involving five vehicles along Fort Portal-Kasese highway on Tuesday night. At about a half past midnight, a vehicle carrying a coffin is said to have rammed into another at a deadly spot deliberately neglected by the Uganda National Roads Authority, UNRA leading to deaths of 32 people on the spot. The…

[governmentofuganda]

President Yoweri Kaguta T Museveni has commissioned the 50Km Kyenjojo—Fort portal road, whose construction was fully funded by the government of Uganda. A major link to the neighboring countries of Democratic Republic of Congo & Rwanda, it also serves as a transit route for tourists to the Rwenzori Mountains. https://www.instagram.com/p/CI3fRwrhEdo/?igshid=dfafj8mabctr

[frenaadventures]

4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Trip – Frena Adventures

Day 1: Kampala/Queen Elizabeth & Boat Cruise

After breakfast, you'll go for Queen Elizabeth Park, which is about 6-7 hours west of Kampala. You will have a layover at the Equator, where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres and snap memorial shots. You will continue to Mbarara town for lunch before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, you'll go on a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, which connects the lakes of George and Edward, where you'll see gigantic hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, among other things. Many bird species can be seen near the water's edge. Kazinga Channel View Resort/Engagi (Budget) Bush Lodge for dinner and overnight (Mid Range)

Day 2: Kibale Forest National park

A morning game drive in the park will be organized and you’ll get to see animals like lions, leopards, bushbucks, topis, cape buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, elephants, giant forest hogs, Uganda, Kobs etc. En route to Kibale National Park, you’ll come across the impressive sight of “Mountains of the Moon” which you can see on the road to Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight either at the Rwteera Safari Park for budget travelrs or Kibale Forest Camp for mid-range travellers.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking/Bird Watching

You will, after breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National park to view the primates. The tour will start at 8 am and you’ll receive a briefing about the rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking. Following that, you’ll set off into the forest in the search. The exercise will take about half of the day depending upon their location. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot animals like the grey cheeked mangabeys, Phestes, colobus, the blue and red tailed monkeys resting or swinging in the branches of the trees.

Day 4: Nature Walk/Kampala City

You will have breakfast and leave for a morning nature walk in the forest to observe the uncommon unique animal species and return to the lodge for lunch before setting off on your return leg to Kampala. If you want to 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Trip, then visit our website.

[exploredestinations]

The Ultimate Guide to Kampala

The Ultimate Guide to Kampala - Things to See & Do, Where to Stay & How to Get around

Situated within the Central part of Uganda, Kampala is the country’s capital. This city welcomes many people from different parts of the country who come in for business, shopping and other leisurely holidays. Kampala is the epicenter of Uganda. Several roads start from this city to numerous regions of the country. Some of these routes include Kampala – Jinja – Mbale, Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway, Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara, Kampala – Mubende – Fort portal highway to name but a few. On your first visit Kampala you are usually welcomed by the freestanding skyscrapers with their exquisite grandeur, busy downtown areas with thousands of locals carrying out different activities, taxi parks, amazing streets and many billboards that display various relevant information to the public.

How to get to & around Kampala

If you are getting to Kampala from Entebbe or other regions of the country, don’t hesitate to contact Uganda Airport Taxi. There are into this field mainly to provide incredible transport services to whoever who would wish to move from one place to another. There are majorly based in Entebbe and doing more of airport transfers. There are also more determined to ensure complacent transfer services for anyone in need at unbeatable prices. Once you get to Kampala, there are plenty of things to see and admire, including historical sites, local markets and religious sites. The list is endless, but what limits most visitors is the way to get there. With certainty, you can get around Kampala by many options including use of a Boda Boda. For a comfortable option, choose to hire a car with a driver to take you around the city’s main points of interest.

Where to stay in Kampala. 

When it comes to accommodation, Kampala is no place to doubt. This place is home to the most luxurious hotels in Uganda. Some of these hotels are Serena, Sheraton, Pearl of Africa hotel and more.  Besides that, this city is dotted by several accommodation facilities of other categories like mid-range and budget hotels, lodges and guest houses. All these properties offer remarkable lodging facilities that leave most guests just contented of the service.

Where to eat in Kampala. 

Kampala consists of restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets. All these facilities serve both local and international dishes that are worth to taste before you leave. Additionally, most hotels and other lodging facilities have onsite restaurants that serve delicious cuisine and fresh drinks at affordable prices. Fas food outlets include KFC, Chicken tonight, Food hub and more.

Where to find Banks & Forex Outlets. 

Banks and Forex Outlets are one of the things that are essential especially for foreign visitors. Kampala has plenty of these properties.  Some of the popular banks in Uganda are Equity bank, Stanbic bank, DFCU bank, Centenary bank, Eco bank, Absa bank to mention but a few. Most of these are found along the streets in the city like Kampala road in uptown and other corridors in downtown.

Best places for shopping in Kampala. 

For those who love shopping, the best places to go for this in Kampala are shopping malls, plazas and supermarkets.  Some of the malls are acacia mall, garden city, stores along Kampala road, Freedom city in Namasuba. Supermarkets include Mega, Tuskys, Shoprite and more. For shoes, you can check out Bata stores and numerous shops along Kampala road.

Best places for leisure time in Kampala.

Kampala with its serene atmosphere is a great place to relax while in Uganda. It consists of several venues that offer unmatched treats to those who are after relaxing outings. Some of these venues include centenary park, Kyadondo rugby grounds, malls like kingdom Kampala, acacia mall, garden city, freedom city to name but a few.

What to do & see in Kampala

The list of beguiling things to do in Kampala is endless, but below is some of those you shouldn’t miss for everlasting memories. Visit historical sites. This is for history lovers. Kampala is dotted by many historical sites that exhibit plenty of exciting things including artefacts. Some of these are Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum, the royal palace of Buganda kingdom and the Uganda martyrs shrines in Namugongo.  If history doesn’t appeal, Kampala also consists of places that are perfect for fans of religion. The list of these sites includes Namugongo and Rubaga cathedral, Bahai temple and Gadhafi mosque. Try the local food. Uganda’s local food is ranked as one of the most delicious in East Africa. Therefore, don’t miss to taste some while in Kampala.  This local food includes Katogo, Matooke, Karoo, Posho, Rolex and more. It is served in most eateries around Kampala at affordable prices. Other prominent places to go for Uganda’s luscious cuisine are the local markets.  Meet with locals. Uganda’s local people are welcoming and friendly. Don’t miss to engage with them for some conservation and as well learn how to speak some local languages like Luganda. Local markets like Owino, Nakasero, and USAFI are the best places to have an incredible local life experience. Attend fun events. If you love fun, make sure to attend one of the fun events hosted in Kampala over the weekends. Some of these events are Roast and Rhymes, Blankets and Wine, Meat & grill at Kyadondo rugby grounds to name but a few. Enjoy its vibrant Nightlife. When it comes to partying, Kampala is an idyllic place to do it. This city consists of a plethora of night clubs and bars that awesome and life energizing at night. These spots are scattered around the city and close to different hotels. Try street walks. Another thing not to miss is the street walk. Arrange for this in the morning or evening when all streets are free from sunshine. It is perfect for health and as well offer endless views of standing buildings with their striking splendor.

Top Day tours from Kampala

Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Situated just in Central Uganda, Nakasongola district, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to the species of White Rhinoceros. It was mainly established to reintroduce this member of the African big fives back to Uganda.  This protected area treats wildlife addicts with endless views of these animals in their habitats. Rhino tracking is the main activity here and lasts for about one hour for USD 50 per person. Visit Jinja town. If it listing Uganda’s notable towns, Jinja can’t miss. It is soon turning into a city. This area in eastern Uganda has a lot of attractions including the source of the River Nile, so it is easy to understand why it is common on most travelers’ wish list.  Some of the activities that keep tourists occupied and excited on this land of the Kyabazinga are white water rafting, boat cruise, quad biking and the visit to the source of the Nile. Zip-lining & Forest walks in Mabira. For adventure travelers, don’t leave Uganda without trying Zip lining and forest walks in one of the country’s biggest forests. This is a popular day tour from Kampala and both activities are possible in a single day. Adding to the calm atmosphere in the forest, tourists on this tour usually enjoy the endless scenic views of different Wildlife species and picture-perfect landscapes. Visit Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary. Are you after primates? Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary is for you. This protected area is nestled on an island that is part of Koome group of islands.  It was put in place to provide beautiful homes for the rescued orphaned and uncared chimpanzees. The sanctuary is now home to over forty-nine chimps. Visitors to this spot engage in multiple activities including chimpanzee feeding, care-giving and more. Visit Lake Mburo National Park. Other than Ngamba, Lake Mburo National Park is another remarkable place to visit from Kampala. It is located in western Uganda near Mbarara town and plays host to a range of wildlife species. These include wild animals like elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, unique bird species, insects and reptiles. The drive from Kampala to the Park takes about 4-5 hours. While in the park, you can easily take in its scenery either by boat cruise or game drive. Read the full article

[nezasafaris]

The Rwenzori lies a few kilometres north of the equator, rising over 4000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley.

The park trailhead at Nyakalengija can be reached from Kampala from the north via Fort Portal (375km) or the south passing through Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth National Park (450km). Nyakalengija is 17km off the Kasese-Fort Portal road and 25km north of Kasese town. Charter fl ights to Kasese can be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi) or Entebbe.

The remarkable landscape is bisected by the Uganda-Congo border which passes through Mt. Stanley the highest peak. The Ugandan Rwenzori is protected by the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and, in Congo by the Virunga National Park. The park can be explored along a 7-day trail that meanders along the Mobuku and Bujuku valleys beneath the highest peaks. Though distances are short, the terrain, altitude and weather combine to create a tough trek, the diffi culty of which should not be underestimated.

The famous “Central Circuit” (9Days), consists of a hike lasting seven days and six nights, plus two extra days for the drive from Kampala/Kasese and back. The level of difficulty of the circuit is not very high; therefore everybody can undertake this wonderful and exciting experience. The possibility is open for whoever wishes to climb the peaks, which involves an extension of one day per peak.

[pearlofafricavacations]

CLASSIC 18 DAYS CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS IN THE WILD HOLIDAY SAFARI ITINERARY  Day 1:   Arrive in Uganda Day 2:   Do Kampala city tour Day 3:   Explore the source of River Nile Jinja Day 4:   Transfer to Murchison falls  with a stop over at Ziwa rhino sanctuary  Day 5:   Game drive & boat cruise Day 6:   Transfer to Fort portal town Day 7:   Encounter Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park Day 8:   Do Crater Lake hike & Amabere caves walk Day 9:   Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & do Kazinga channel launch cruise Day 10: Do Game drive & Kyambura Chimpanzee trekking Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi & encounter tree climbing lions en route Day 12: Do gorilla trekking Day 13: Do Volcano climbing or do golden monkey tracking. Day 14: Do Batwa cultural trail & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Day 15: Encounter Lake Bunyonyi Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo & visit Igongo cultural center and back on the road to the park.                                       Day 17: Do horseback safari & afternoon boat cruise Day 18: Do Nature walk & transfer to Kampala.  End of 18 Days Primates, Culture & wildlife safari. To get a quotation, kindly drop us an email on booking@pearlofafrica.tours or Whatsapp/Voice/Text/Wechat +256-755-200004. We handle groups from 4-45 people, and couples e.g. Honey Mooners or families. For more details visit us at https://pearlofafricavacations.com/Destinations/Destinations_Package_Details/36/1 https://www.instagram.com/p/CVOqpyKo6V7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[amcbrooks-blog]

How to travel around (when you don’t have a helicopter)

New expats frequently ask me where the best places are to live in and I always recommend trying to live the same side of town as you work. Scroll down and you’ll understand why. does not have a public transport system as such (it’s all privately owned) but there are many different ways of travelling to and around the city. Here’s the muzungu’s introduction to the different types of transport and a few personal recommendations.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know I’m always up for a new adventure so I’ve tried all the different methods of transport across .

⦁ Walking ⦁ Cycling ⦁ Boda boda motorbikes ⦁ Cars ⦁ Taxis and special hires ⦁ Matatus ⦁ Buses and coaches ⦁ Train ⦁ Helicopter!

Walking in

If you’re within walking distance of where you work, then lucky you! My organisation office was in the spare room of my home for my first few years in Uganda and I was saved the hassle of fighting through ’s traffic. I had no idea how lucky I was!

You wouldn’t think this was in would you? Morning view across the wetlands below Bukasa, Muyenga . A morning walk is the perfect way to start my day

Walking my dogs through the back roads of Bukasa and Muyenga were some of my happiest times in Uganda. Here’s a favourite walk of ours. Once you’re in town however, walking is an altogether different matter.

Pavements along Road are good. Very occasionally the streets are closed to vehicles (this was during the City Festival)

It’s only in the centre of town and around the central business district (CBD) that you will find decent pavements. In other parts of town, pavements may suddenly end without warning (if they exist). Drainage covers may be there today and gone tomorrow so always tread carefully. If you have kids, forget bringing the buggy to . You won’t be able to push it very far.

Cycling in

I know very few expats who dare to cycle on ’s crazy streets. I used to cycle when I lived in London but here we have little awareness of cyclists or their safety. You wouldn’t find me cycling around unless it is down by Lake Victoria or on the quiet hills of Kololo or Nakasero. Save your biking for weekends in Lake Mburo or Fort Portal. (Did you know there is an annual mountain bike tour in Karamoja?)

Boda boda motorbikes

These are undoubtedly the quickest way of getting from A to B and the city couldn’t function without them. Boda boda drivers are our best friends, our Mr Fix It, frequently our saviours – just choose with discretion. They can be a real menace too. Read my blog How to ride a boda boda.

Rush hour boda bodas Jinja Road

If you take a boda boda, do yourself a favour and wear a helmet. Don’t just accept a lift from random guys driving past either. Get to know riders from your local boda boda stage or download one of the ‘ride hailing apps’. I use the Uber app all the time in . Their boda riders are registered and bring you a high quality helmet to wear.

Driving a car in

Lots of people prefer the comfort and privacy of having their own cars. I bought my car from expat friends and enjoyed the independence of it for many years. What I didn’t enjoy were the many hours sweating in traffic jams at Jinja Road. Neither did I appreciate being pulled over by the traffic police for some minor offence they had just cooked up when they spotted a loan muzungu. (They pick on Ugandans too, I know!)

The weirdest occasion was one Christmas Eve when I was driving through the industrial area. The traffic policeman ahead of me motioned me to pull over. “What have I done?” I asked him innocently. He walked around the car.

“I’m pulling you over for having a faulty rear brake light” he said.

“How could you see that when you were standing in front of me?” I asked him.

“For us, we have special powers” came the reply.

Driving in – not for the nervous is a popular post by a former expat.

Taxis and special hires

This is where it gets confusing!

Private cars, like Uber, which we now have in , are called ‘specials’ or special hires.

When a British person like me thinks of a taxi, this is what I see:

Black London taxi cab

Matatus

In however, ask for a taxi (pronounced taxiiiiiii) and someone will point you to a matatu or minibus. The crowded old taxi park in downtown is an experience in itself! It can be pretty intense.

Diary of a Muzungu (plus new mattress!) squeezes into a matatu in the Old Taxi Park

The 12 seater minibus taxis (generally white with turquoise ‘go faster’ stripes) are the cheapest way to get around but the routes can be annoying as you have to go into the centre of town to get out to the other side. People often walk a bit, take a matatu and then take the second one or jump on a boda boda for the last part of their journey.

Matatus are very cheap. There are no price lists, no receipts and no timetable. They have set prices but the conductor (who sits by the sliding door and takes your money) will frequently try and overcharge you if you’re a muzungu. It is inevitable but you will quickly get to know what’s a fair price. Most routes charge 1,000 shillings (equivalent to 20 British pence or 30 US cents). If you’re not sure how much to pay, fellow passengers will usually help you out (and scold the conductor at the same time!) Travel with loose change or small notes if you’re using a taxiiiiiii in .

Matatus are good if you are on a tight budget, have a good book to read and can go to work very early (or arrive home very late). Play with your expensive phone at your peril. Thieves are known to put their hand through taxi windows and snatch phones when you’re stuck in traffic.

British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team drove through . Here they were looking for a way to get out of the old taxi park!

The downside with matatus is that they frequently get stuck in traffic, especially around the taxi park and Clock Tower roundabout. It’s not uncommon to sit for one or two hours without moving. Their drivers are often aggressive. Also, you have to be careful of your belongings on these crowded minibuses as there are lots of cunning pickpockets. One friend was relieved of her laptop in a matatu. She had no idea she was being robbed until she got out of the taxi and opened her bag to see her laptop had been replaced by bricks!

If you are using a taxi upcountry, expect to fit a lot more than 12 people in!

Nairobi’s matatus – famous for their graffiti decor and pumping sound systems – are bigger than Uganda’s vehicle of the same name

Note: Uganda’s matatus are twelve-seater minibuses, slightly different from Nairobi’s matatus which are buses, coaches or ‘coasters’ (slightly smaller than a bus).

Buses and coaches

Within city, Pioneer are the only bus company that I know of. Their buses are new, well-maintained with fixed routes, fixed prices and even tickets! Oh how I wish the city had more of these.

I usually take the Link bus between to Fort Portal

If you want to travel outside , upcountry or across one of Uganda’s borders, buses are safer than matatus,  which have a particularly poor safety record. My preferred bus companies – who I use regularly – are Mash, Link and Jaguar Executive Coaches. Other people also recommend Oxygen, Coast and Modern Coaches.

Train

If you are lucky enough to live in Kireka or Namanve, you can even get the train into town! The downside is that the service is infrequent although it does have a daily timetable and it’s very cheap. Click on the image to read more about ’s commuter train service.

Rift Valley Railways passenger train – early morning view from the train window

I simply love trains. Read about my train travels across East Africa:

On the right track – my first Ugandan train ride

More ‘lunatic’ than express – an epic adventure on Kenya’s (in)famous train to Mombasa

Of romance and railways. A guide to booking Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway train and a comparison between the train journey and the bus between Nairobi and Mombasa.  

Helicopter

I once crossed Jinja Road by helicopter!

Helicopter pilot David Guy (flying over Murchison Falls in this photo)

When I was a volunteer, I got to know the pilot of the helicopter stationed at International Hospital Muyenga. I begged him for a ride (not thinking there was any likelihood of it).

One morning he called me. “Can you get to the hospital in fifteen minutes? I have to transfer the helicopter to the grounds of the Serena Hotel to pick up a private client. You can hop in if you want to?”

God I was excited – but no sooner had the helicopter lifted off the ground than we were landing again… and that sums up my travel experiences in helicopter!

What’s the muzungu’s preferred way of travelling around ?

These days I’m a big fan of Uber and use them every day I’m in .

I love talking to Uber drivers – everyone has a story

Although Uber isn’t ’s only ride hailing app, it does offer the most flexibility and for tourists and new expats, it’s a recognised brand that you may already have installed on your phone. The system works exactly the same way as it does ‘back home’ but cash is always preferred by drivers. Few of them accept credit cards which is understandable. Very few shops in Uganda accept credit cards – we just aren’t there yet.

View from my mobile office in ! My work day starts once I’m in Uber

What’s great about their service in is that Uber have both cars and boda bodas. When I have time, I’ll take a car. This gives me a chance to schedule my meetings, check my email, do a Facebook update (and do my make-up (!) of course). Uber is my mobile office, regardless of the weather or the heavy traffic. When I’m in a rush, I order an UberBODA from the same app. When I’m in , I won’t get on a boda unless I have my helmet. The great thing with UberBODA is your driver will arrive with a helmet for you to borrow (meaning you don’t have to carry your helmet with you all day long). I love the flexibility this gives me.

What are your tips for travelling around ? If you’re coming to live in Uganda for the first time, read Uganda for beginners – an introduction for new expats.

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