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Entebbe International Airport to Reopen for Tourism

As the great impact of the Corona virus pandemic, globally business rushed into a comprehensive lockdown of almost 98% the world countries for about three months. The reality was the pandemic had become one of the universal imports as many of the travelers by the time to returning to their mother countries were already infected. Before the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc around the world and grounded thousands of airlines, travelers going through Entebbe were expected to arrive three hours early to undergo stringent security checks.

This started from Chines business city of Wuhan, the virus wasn’t lazy but haughtily eager to break broader bounds to claim many lives. Effort globally started to limit the uncalled-for importation of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown surfaced to almost business and borders where traveling across borders was very limited and strictly conditioned to ensure prevention of the pandemic.

In March, Uganda head of state, President Yoweri Museveni directed the closure of Entebbe International Airport and other entry/exits points into and out of the country to halt the spread of the coronavirus. The directive was initially for 32 days but had since been extended indefinitely after several extensions of the lockdown.

In the same way Uganda drew a list of guidelines/ precautions to avoid coronavirus importation in Uganda, among the precautions Entebbe International Airport and all borders were closed in the twilights of March. Only cargo plane and UN flights were left to use the airport as well road borders were only left for cargo vehicles.

However, the lockdown was to some extent adjusted for some domestic business operations, though public gatherings, bar, schools and churches are still on the lockdown. Entebbe airport is among the things still under the lockdown.

Much of the forces are coming from the tourism sector for the reopening of the airport for tourist, this comes as a result that neighboring countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda have opened their airport for tourist. Its undoubted that tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner to Uganda. Much efforts have been inserted in the negotiation between the government and travel agencies to ensure that the airport is open.

This comes short after tourism was open to operate domestically to all parks accept primate parks. But Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has confirmed the reopening of all parks and certainty the highest percentage of tour operator in Uganda deal with foreign travelers. So, unemployment in the tour and travel industry is still realistically embryonic until the airport is open for extraneous holidaymakers.

UWA has also come up with SOPs to be abide by travelers looking to visiting the apes in Uganda. Before the lockdown, Uganda had a number of bookings for travelers going for gorilla tours in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Though the agency encouraged post poning trips, a number of trips have been put on hold and the reopening of the airport is expected to increase tourism activity in the primate parks. Some of the new SOPs introduced is obtaining a Covid-19 PCR test before visiting the mountain gorillas.

Currently the inside sources shows, that the airport will soon be open come 1^st October 2020. The airport all necessary guidelines and Coronavirus preventing tools have been installed by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to ensure SOPs are satisfied.  Opening for international commercial passenger flights return to Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport on October 1, 2020, will wind-up at least five months of pandemic lockdown.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda (CAA) on September 8^th letter to airlines’ executives said that 13 flights, to and from the airport have been cleared for the first day, while 10 flights are confirmed for the second day. The letter is signed by Sooma Ayub, the CAA director for Airports and Aviation security.

List of Airlines that are projected to recommence flights in Uganda include the national carrier Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airlines, Fly Dubai, Rwanda Air, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Brussels Airlines, and Tarco Aviation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda has guaranteed the airport will be resuming after putting in place all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place like Social distancing, sanitizers all over the place among other SOPs to avoid transmission of the virus. The re-opening will see the number of flights handled at the airport growing regularly. The regulator also gave details of a revised weekly flight schedule for the first phase of the reopening which runs for three months.

Lake Bunyonyi: Lots of Adventures Await You

Lake Bunyonyi is located in Kabale District which is found in Western Uganda. This lake is considered to be the deepest lake in Uganda, and there are many people who have traveled to this lake in order to have a glance at its beautiful waters. This has greatly attracted many safaris to Uganda hence increasing the revenues of the country. The lake has always given relaxation moments to the tourists especially those who come for birding safaris since this Lake has got many bird species which are so attractive to the tourists.

This lake has got many Islands which are so attractive and they have also got many bird species and many other animals. The lake has greatly encouraged canoe riding by the tourists who enjoy water and viewing of water animals .This Lake is also considered as a crater lake and its near Lake Katwe where salt is done. There are many tourist activities which are done on this Lake and these include; swimming, fishing, boat cruising and many more which are enjoyed by the tourists who come for safaris to Uganda.

Uganda has got many water bodies, however Lake Bunyonyi has got unique features which are adventurous and can provide unique experiences to the tourists who travel to Uganda, this lake has got blue waters that are so precious to any one’s eyes and it’s also surrounded by much species of vegetation which attracts many birds to migrate to the area hence attracting many birders to the Lake.

Apart of this lake, Uganda is also blessed with Lake Victoria which is one of the biggest lakes in Africa, this lake is shared by many countries in Africa, however its biggest part is found in Uganda, this lake has also got many birds around it and other tourist activities which include; swimming, fishing, sports activities which are carried out on the beaches which are found on the shores of the lakes especially at Entebbe. All these have greatly attracted many people to come for safari visits to Uganda.

There are also other lakes which are found in Uganda and many rivers , these include; Lake Edward, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga and many others which have greatly attracted people to travel to Uganda. River Nile is also found in Uganda and its source is located in Jinja , this River has also attracted many people to visit Uganda since it has also got many tourist activities which include; swimming at the shores of the river, boat cruises to the actual source of the Nile, canoe riding and many more activities which are so adventurous to the tourists who come to safari Uganda.

Visiting Uganda Gorillas: When to Visit

A trip to Southwestern Uganda to track mountain gorillas is strongly an experience that comes once in a life time. Uganda’s mountain gorillas are only tracked in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A 600 kilometer journey to the misty valleys of Kabale, Southwestern Uganda comes with tremendous gorilla experiences of a life time for visitors. Although it is a wish of every one around the globe to get a glimpse of these remarkable Giants in the wild, it takes visitors $600 to purchase a gorilla permit to achieve that dream. For visitors who may wish to improve on their experiences further, there is Gorilla Habituation Experience where he or she will be enjoying all the four hours with mountain gorillas in the wild.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is described as an all year round adventure. However, visitors ought to know the best time to travel to go on a gorilla trek as each season comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Uganda is strategically located within Equator some thing that makes it to have 2 wet seasons; the short wet season starts in October and November while the long wet season occurs from March to May. The other months are dry but due to fluctuating weather patterns, it isn’t easy to forecast the seasonality of the country. In most cases, visitors tend to run away from gorilla tracking especially during the wet season given the fact Bwindi Impenetrable Forest receives heavy rainfall and in turn makes the gorilla habitat very muddy and slippery and hence a block to road connectivity to gorilla trail heads. Tracking gorillas becomes a bit changing for visitors but in most cases, there are visitors who come during this season.

Well, it is possible to track gorillas during the wet season given the fact that rain showers can be experienced in the course of day and at the same time it can take a short time and the sun comes out and gorilla trekking explorer can still continue. Tracking mountain gorillas during wet season is also advantageous based on the fact that there can be plenty of food at the foothills and trackers are able to view them easily. The disadvantage with this season is that it comes with reduced chances of clear views and difficulty in photo taking for the visitors due to dense vegetation cover.

The peak Season:

Most preferably, many visitors travel during this season to track mountain gorillas. Uganda’s peak season is characterized by low rainfall and it falls in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December. Because there are many visitors who come to track mountain gorillas, the demand for gorilla permits also tends to be high and visitors are encouraged to book them in advance. The dry season is the best for gorilla tracking as mountain gorillas can be sighted in temperate weathered areas with raised landscapes and this means that the climate remains cool throughout the year.

The Low Season:

This is the perfect time for visitors traveling on budget and many visitors have enjoyed visiting the country during this season. During this season, there are discounted permits that are offered to travelers in the months of April, May and November. The cost of permits for this season goes at $450 for foreign non residents, 400 for foreign residents and shs.150000 for East African residents. What is surprising is that, even the nearby lodges can reduce their prices.

In conclusion, gorilla tracking has no defined season, what may seem to be the best season for one may turn to be the worst time for some one else. However, it is best done during the dry season which offers travelers with incredible experiences. Come and explore what is inhabited within the tropical rain forests of Uganda and you won’t regret in life!

The Story Behind Black Star News: A Diaspora Founded New York Weekly

You may have heard of Black Star News, a New York-based and Ugandan-founded investigative newspaper, whose critical coverage of Uganda and metropolitan New York issues has made a name for its founder, Milton Allimadi. Ugandans Abroad wanted to pick his brain about the business, and share the insights he’s gleaned with other African entrepreneurs in the diaspora.

Black Star News initially ran as a monthly metropolitan newspaper, but transitioned to a weekly newspaper so it could run more current movie listings, which has helped the publication to survive. Although there is a market in reaching advertisers who want to target black consumers in New York, the recent recession took a large hit on the investigative weekly.

When the publication first started, it hit a chicken-and-egg scenario, where you couldn’t get ads without being known, but needed the revenue to invest in your publication.

The publication was founded with an investment by Bill and Camille Cosby, after Allimadi sent them a copy of his business plan. Black Star News’ first ad came from the Independent Savings Bank, which had once advertised with the City Sun, where Allimadi had worked before founding his own paper.

The bank, which is now part of Sovereign Bank, took out two full-page ads in the Black Star News.

Getting the initial first corporate ad was a huge boon. “’You get them, and you want to show that to every other advertiser,” said Allimadi. To figure out the rates for his publication, he looked at rates for other established publications like the Amsterdam News, a black publication that launched in 1909, and discounted them. Back then, he says that it was a question of time.

“Advertisers tell you from the get-go, come back in five years,” he told Ugandans Abroad. “I tried to make the calls as much as possible to sell ads, and do the writing and editing at night.” Now, he has staff members that sell ads full-time, freeing him to focus on journalism.

“The call is very efficient now,” he said, since the paper has been building relationships with advertisers for years. Before, he says, he “was just calling and playing the numbers.” As the paper got scoops, they were featured in media outlets that ranged from CNN to the New York Post and the New York Daily News, which helped bolster his relationship with advertisers. “

There’s some recognition,” he said. The recession, however, really damaged the relationships between publications throughout New York and advertisers, who slashed their budgets. “The recession was really, really bad on us,” Allimadi said. “It almost knocked us down.”

To survive, the weekly reduced its page count and cut their paper size, and cut the frequency that they came out for a few months, combining some of their issues to make ends meet.

Things have improved since the economy began to recover, to Allimadi’s relief. “It’s like night and day,” he said. In a 20-page newspaper, Black Star News typically sells about four to five pages of ads, some with multiple runs. They all sell ads on their website, which they hope to focus on more down the road. The newspaper is still “the bread and butter,” he says.

Their pockets are not as deep as other publication, and they rely only on freelancers, which helps them control costs. “I think our market is relatively untapped for African-American readership,” he said. “You can operate a profitable daily.”

The paper is focused on increasing its print runs and their advertising resources, and hopes to tap into a vacuum left by the Village Voice for investigative journalism. The Village Voice recently let go of veteran city reporter Wayne Barrett and lost Tom Robbins, a loss the newspaper might not survive.

“You wouldn’t believe the number of stories we have in the pipeline,” he said. “We want it to be a decent paper and viable as a business.”

For entrepreneurs interested in creating businesses that cater to African and Caribbean immigrants, as well as Latinos, Allimadi believes that the market is huge. “The demand is here,” he said. “Just create the medium.”

Tourism in Uganda and Rwanda

Both Uganda and Rwanda are found in East African community and their economies are based on tourism as a major income generating sector.

Both countries have booming tourism sectors strengthened by the presence of Mountain Gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Forest national park in Uganda hosts mountain gorillas.

Both Countries also host Chimpanzees – the chimps are considered as our close relatives and the second thought for option after Gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s chimpanzees are found in Nyungwe Forest national park while in Uganda, the chimps are found in Budongo forest, Kyambura Gorge, Kibale forest national park and semliki national park.

Both Rwanda and Uganda are neighboring countries which makes it easier for the tourists to combing the two nations. Some of the safari itineraries are combing safaris in Rwanda and Uganda.

Rwanda and Uganda are politically stable to create a favorable ground for tourism to prevail.

Mountain Gorilla trekking is the major tourism activities in both Uganda and Rwanda, followed by Chimpanzee trekking.

Differences between Uganda and Rwanda Tourism sector:

Uganda’s tourism sector is based on ten national parks: kidepo Valley national park, Murchison Falls national park, Kibale forest National park, Mountain Rwenzori national park, Semliki National park, Mountain Elgon National park, Lake Mburo National park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and Mgahinga Forest national park while Rwanda is tourism sector based on three national parks including Akagera national park, Nyungwe Forest National park and Volcanoes national park.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the government arm responsible for all tourism activities in Rwanda likewise Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest currently hosts Fourteen mountain gorilla groups while Volcanoes National park with ten habituated mountain gorillas.

Gorilla habituation is done in Uganda (4hours viewing Gorillas) while Rwanda has no Gorilla habituation activity at the moment.

Uganda has two parks where Gorilla trekking is conducted (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and Mgahinga National park.

Uganda has five trekking centres namely: Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Nkuringo Sector, Rushaga sector and the one in Mgahinga National park.

You can enjoy a classic safari in Rwanda within only the Akagera National Park. This savanna national park is only destination where you can enjoy game drives.  In Uganda; game drive is done in Kidepo valley National park, Murchison falls national park, Lake Mburo National park, Semliki national park.

Uganda Road Requirements For Vehicles and Drivers

By East African standards, Uganda major roads are generally in good condition. Surfaced roads radiate out from Kampala, running east to Jinja, Busia, Mbarara Tororo, Mbale and Soroti, south to Entebbe, southwest to Masaka, northwest to Gayaza and Kayunga (and on Jinja). As a rule, however, Uganda, un surfaced roads tend to be very variable from one season to the next, with conditions likely to be most tricky during the rains and least so towards the end of the dry season. Even in this generalization, an isolated downpour can do major damage to a road that was in perfectly good condition a day earlier, while the arrival of a grader can transform a potholed 4×4 track into a road navigable by any salon car.

Driving in Uganda is interesting, a bit more challenging than other East Africa and Southern Africa countries. You definitely need to be a defensive driver. During yourself drive, just drive defensively when buses and minibus-taxis are around as their drivers are crazy. These are now the main hazard on Ugandan roads aside from unexpected potholes. Minibus-taxi drivers in particular have long been given to overtaking on blind corners, and speed limits are universally ignored except when enforced by road conditions.

As a big threat as minibus-taxis these days are the spanking new coaches that bully their way along trunk routes at up to 120km/h. You will be overtaken by big buses carrying over 70 passengers traveling at excessive speeds, oncoming traffic appears to be heading straight at you. People pass in curves, on a hillside and each day one reads of accidents that result in loss of lives and sometimes in great numbers. Keep an eye in the rear-view (driving) mirror and if necessary pull of the road in advance to let the closing loony past. Other than them you won’t see much traffic outside of Kampala, except on the road to Jinja and the Kenyan border.

The best thing however is to hire a car and a driver, and not just any but a well maintained vehicle and a safe driver that follows the rules.  Not easy to find either one of those. We hire only the best driver guides who have been to almost every corner of East Africa and know the twists and turns of every safari destination, – and feel a concern for the well being of our client. Driving at night can drive you mad and you should avoid the habit of driving without lights. Most Ugandans have this habit of driving without lights. To be more perfect, hire a vehicle and a driver and enjoy your road trip in Uganda and East Africa as a whole.

You will meet lots of very friendly and helpful people. If you are unfortunate enough to have a puncture remember to get out of the way of the rush of local people wanting to help change the wheel for you. Drivers in Uganda are very aggressive and keep you on the edge of your seat. Though I’ve mainly been around Kampala, so of course driving in the city is much more intense than in the rural areas. If you do plan to drive definitely have someone go with you for the first few drives, as driving on the left side, and amidst tons of minibus taxi’s and motor scooters is crazy. Overall the people are welcoming and helpful if you do happen to need help.

If you hire a decent car you probably won’t have any breakdown problems, fuel is available all around the country and there might be an occasional roadblock at Owen Falls Dam, Jinja, and a customs one on the way to the southwest. No one will try and solicit a bribe from you, unlike some other countries. Fuel is expensive in Uganda – the equivalent of around US$1.4 per litre for petrol and slightly less for diesel. If you are arriving overland its worth stocking up before you enter the country.

Contact us for the kind of car of your choice either on line or by directly visiting our offices. All our rates are fully inclusive of insurance, local taxes on unlimited mileage basis. Our company considers value for money and also covers great rates and outstanding customer service.

5 Reasons to Book Private Car Transfer from Entebbe

Entebbe Airport is one of the biggest airports in eastern part of Africa. It is the main gateway to Uganda and it is the only international airport within the country. This implies that all international flight schedules from Uganda are made at Entebbe airport. Obviously, once you step in Uganda, all journeys in Uganda kickstarts from this airport.

From this point, one may choose to use public means of transportation from the airport to his or her destination that’s is by using Matatu cars and minibuses or hire a private car that will take you straight away to your destination. Currently there are several agencies offering car hire in Uganda and these have greatly helped in organizing private transfers. Here are some of reasons why should rent a car than using public mean when you are travelling from Entebbe airport.

Reliability and flexibility;
A private car is so reliable as it picks a client at any time of the day or night. A traveler cannot get worried of going to travel in late in the night as some flights reach Entebbe airport late in the night. They are so flexible to an extent that they do not operate a one route system anywhere one wants to be taken it is at one’s service.

So fast in service provision;
These cars are faster that public means in helping you reaching your preferred destination. Once you choose to hire a private car, just be guaranteed that there will be no stop over on the way. The private car will lead one directly to you desired destination.

Comfortability of private cars.
The feeling and comfort you enjoy in your own personal car is the same feeling you are subjected to once you opt for a private car. There is room for stretching your legs and also your luggage has space where it can be placed and no need to carry it while seated and the space inside them is enough for you without rubbing shoulder with any other passenger as you are the only passenger in the car.

Less costly in long run;
Remember, there is no need of adding extra costs since all costs are catered for and covered in the fee you pay as it may not be in case of a public mean of transportation. Remember, most of the public transport Service providers will charge you extra cost for your luggage but there is no extra charge for luggage once you use private means.  It also becomes quite expensive when one uses the public means which involves boarding different carriers when one reaches a certain point and also the fares charged by these public means are not standard as they charge according to the prevailing transport situation along the road.

Security provision;
One is safer once when he travels privately than going public. Here, a traveler is more safe and secure with his or her luggage as these private cars are always attached to car rental companies that are registered legal for the job. There is always only one passenger travelling in the car so no one can take the passenger’s belongings.

How to Save on Your Next Gorilla Trekking Experience

Africa has a wide range of tour adventures but not all are pricy. However, the most pricy options hold the most powerful experience in the rain forests of Uganda and Rwanda. Tourists go on gorilla trekking safaris in four known locations; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To experience the world’s most wildlife encounters in Uganda and Rwanda follow our tips and spend less on your next trip;

1. Don’t Visit in Popular times

You don’t have to visit a destination just because your friends and relatives are visiting but you can do it your way and save much. During the most popular times-peak season all tour essentials are high due to the demand making it hard to get discounts and promotional offers. However, this can happen during the low season and you save big on accommodation and other trip essentials like transport. Remember rates for low season months are different from those for high season months.

2. Visit a Cheap Alternative Park

Due to different gorilla permit prices, exploring a cheap alternative park is a great way to save and enjoy to your best. If you’re initial plan was to track gorillas in Rwanda, then head to Uganda the most convenient cheap gorilla trekking safari alternative where gorilla permits go for $600.Allow yourself to explore the ambience of two beautiful Africa countries  on a single gorilla trek. No need to worry about how to connect to Uganda after flying to Kigali Rwanda. This has always been the easiest way of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda due to short driving distance.

3. Short Gorilla Tours

Though there are many gorillas trekking safari options on offer in Uganda and Rwanda short treks of 1-3 days are great for those interested in seeing only mountain gorillas. The 3 days gorilla trek unveil all the rainforest adventures like golden monkey trek, cultural trails, nature walks, volcano hikes plus a city excursion before departure at the most affordable rates ever. In case you want to check out other country famous attractions then go for a 4- 5 days gorilla safari tour at amazingly low prices.

4. Travel with a Friend

Many Adventure tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda often organize gorilla tours for two and more which bring down the price. Don’t forget to tell a friend about your travel plans of tracking gorillas so that you can share other costs like transport and accommodation. You can also join gorilla overland trips, group tours and enjoy your trek with new friends from different corners of the world.

5. Book Budget Gorilla Safaris

If you dream of having a budget gorilla trek in Uganda, go for budget safari options where you will stay in good budget accommodation facilities in Bwindi Mgahinga national Park and experience the best. It can be a camping trip, backpacking or private budget tour.