The Pearl of Africa - UGANDA (UG)

A wise traveler never despises his own country - William Hazlitt 

UGANDA

Hey Guys,

Its only right I do a post on my experience while in my home ground that is **UGANDA**. I am of Ugandan and East African heritage, spent a few years there but as many kids raised abroad, I sometimes feel like a tourist in my own country.

But as William Hazlitt said; "A wise traveler never despises his own country" so yeah, here's my tribute to my beloved Uganda.

I have only been to Uganda two times in the last 4 years but nonetheless, I have had the opportunity to  continuously discover the beauty of the country from visiitng landscapes such as the River Nile, Lake Victoria and Itanda falls as well as the capital city (Kampala) itself; I have also been able to indulge in the food and nightlife. I would say that Uganda became more popular in the western world in 2006, following the theatrical success of "The Last King of Scotland" filmed in the honour of the late President Idi Amin and lately after the London Olympics 2012 when Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the marathon.

Anyways, here's a quick history then pictures and tips.

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, a country with fantastic natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Uganda is found on the eastern coast of Africa, gained its independence in October 1962. Its capital city is Kampala which many would have seen in the recent episodes of Top Gear aired in March 2013. Besides the bad road traffic, the natural beauty of Uganda landed its nickname “The Pearl of Africa” from Sir Winston Churchill back in early 1900s because of its evergreen landscape, lakes such as Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, the River Nile and waterfalls like Owen falls dam and the Itanda falls as well as various mountains including Mountain Rwenzori.

Kampala in the day and night

It is the largest city in Uganda, it can be undesirable in the day, when the heat is hitting you and your stuck in the traffic, but it gives you an opportunity to see the working culture and the people of Kampala selling snacks on the street. 

TRANSPORT

You will find that the majority use the local forms of transport to get around. these includes taxis (they are mini vans) although some find motorcycles ( known as bajaji ) as the easiest, scariest, cheapest and fastest form of travel.

LANDSCAPES

The most famous River Nile has its source situated in the eastern Region of Uganda, known as Jinja. Jinja was a fishing village that benefited from being located on long-distance trade routes. I went to Jinja to attend my cousin's traditional wedding but before the occasion, I took a trip down to the Nile, as it was rainy i was unable to take clear pictures. However, further into the day, I visited another landmark "ITANDA FALLS". The sight of the flowing water and the blazing sun, played a huge part in proving Sir Churchill's description  of Uganda's natural beauty. Many Ugandans tend to eat freshly barbequed fish whilst near the water landmarks. Being the tourist that I am, i sure had a whole fish to myself. 

LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria is not only the known source of the River Nile but it is also one of the African Great Lakes. The lake was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, by John Hanning Speke, the first European to discover this lake. Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area, and it is the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria is the world's 2nd largest freshwater lake by surface area; only Lake Superior in North America is larger. In terms of its volume, Lake Victoria is the world's ninth largest continental lake.

THE EQUATOR

Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the imaginary line that divides the earth into two half passes. The Equator or the Uganda equator crosses into Uganda at a point situated south of Kampala along the Kampala – Masaka road.

TIPS:- 

The main currency used is the Ugandan Shilling, although in some big places they tend to use the US Dollar.
Try to get atleast one ride on the bajaji; its an experience
Hold your bag closely when out in public (day and night)
Less jewelery is best
Have a meal (muchomo) out in the local pubs
Have some local food (matooke and beans); it hits the right spot

Visit the African Village for the best craft gifts

Visit the beach (Muyonyo and Gaba beach)and have some tilapia

Go to one of the National Parks and Zoos

Uganda at Night

• Make sure to club hop around Kampala from Kabalagala and sample clubs like Club Rouge and Silk and Guvnor Bar.
• As Ugandans are known for their drinking habits; be sure to try the national drink "Uganda Waragi"
• Avoid holding bags; use your jean pockets to hold only the necessary pieces.
• Avoid displaying your cell phone and again less jewellery is better
• Do not flash your money
• Do not leave drinks unattended
• When travelling back home; use a special hire taxi
• Travel with a Ugandan; they can get you out of trouble and can also get you good deals. Tourists tend to get exploited due to their lack product price knowledge.
• For women; dress abit conservatively to avoid attracting silly comments. 

PS. I aim to try and add more things to this post, but hopefully this is useful.

Still seeking more tips on blogging and how to reach more people. So please feel free to add comments and suggestions 

Thanks y'all

Kyali 

xoxo