In case you are still wondering what you or your family should be up to when you finally retire from your work stations for the serene atmospheres of Uganda this festive season, then the wait is over. When you get into this mother land of Africa, once declared the Pearl of Africa by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the party and adventure just got better.
From the Jamaican song bird sisters, Brick n Lace, Akon, Kevin Lyttle, Elephant man, Coolie Buddz, Shaggy, Montel Jordan, KCI and JoJo, Wyclef Jean, the legendary British band group UB40 and acclaimed gospel artist Kirk Franklin, have all had a good feel of this beautiful nation, so what you still waiting for?It all starts on arrival at the newly refurbished Entebbe airport, after so many years of hectic check-ins, the airport finally offers one a feel good atmosphere on landing. While in the heart of the city for all of you who love travelling take a deep breath for your about to go on a ride of a life time.
You may choose to start east, west, south or north any way round, the expedition will always be a voyage of a life time. Heading to the western part of the country one may choose from a variety of national parks to visit, from lake Mburo national park that harbors the most gracious variety and species of mammals and birds, to Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla park bordering Rwanda and Congo, these two offer the best Gorilla tracking experience world over, to queen Elizabeth national park that borders lake Edward and lake George which are connected by the kazinga channel. Not to forget the snow capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains and Semiliki national park which is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of both flora and fauna, more so a great place to catch the birds. While in this area of course, for first timers in Uganda to receive VIP treatment, you will need to visit Mweya safari lodge for first class accommodation.
While for those who may choose to start north, the journey of recent may start as far as southern Sudan following the normalization and the return to peace in northern Uganda. But if you choose to stick to the pearl of Africa, then the best place to start up your sight seeing would be Murchison Falls. Situated in the northern district of Masindi, boat trips to Paraa safari Lodge a sister to Mweya safari Lodge may last up to three hours guaranteeing you an up close meeting with the Hippos and Crocodiles, not to forget a bird full event. The area also offers a chance for one to trek Chimpanzees, these are mainly at the Kaniyo Pabidi on the Masindi Paraa road.
As you get closer to summing the voyages, you may need to travel east starting, from the Kidepo Valley National Park; this area north east of the country is home to the nomadic cattle keeping ethnic group the Karamojong. Not only does meeting this nomadic group of people that live a modest life style make it a memorable experience, it also offers a chance for you to come face on with Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs, herds of elephants and Buffalos, more so its also home to large birds of pray and the Ostrich.
And when you move closer east to the mountain districts of Mbale, you will be mate by the striking futures of the extinct Volcano commonly known as Mountain Elgon. In this beautiful eastern town, the party gets underway at the Club Oasis. After an eventful climb and trekking circuit of 4-5 days to complete, before you make your way back to the city, one may need to visit this beautiful establishment. A fully stocked bar with patrons from University to working age groups, Oasis offers room for unwinding in the night life of Mbale town.
As you may seem mesmerized by the eventful night life in the Bamasabaa land, closer to the city, one is struck by the once Industrial giants of Uganda, Jinja town still struck by the owe of celebrating its recent one hundred years of existence. At this stage before you cross the Owen Falls Damn, take heart and branch off to Bujagali falls, the home to Jinja Nile Resort and adrift, at this stage you will get to explore your imaginations, for not only will you experience the best white water rafting point in the world, but you will also have a chance to go, Fishing, Bungee Jumping and Buggy Climbing and Ridding in the most challenging terrains. Restaurants to be visited at this point are in plenty and fish is a main part of the menu.
After all these memorable voyaging experiences, when you finally burst into the heart of the city, you are reminded to take it slow coz you are finally journeying into the Los Angles of Africa, where the party never stops. From Ethiopian to Cuban, Mexican to Italian, Japanese to Thai, Lebanese to Indian, Turkish to Ugandan, one will never seize to find a restaurant or bar that serves his or special treats.
While for the night animals, the traditional clubs Age Mystique and Club Silk in industrial area still rule the park, with the fanciest nights, from campus nights to ladies nights, tough gong nights for the reggae lovers, fashion nights for those who are into fashion, just to mention but a few, here the blend of music is un marched and always to be remembered. But for those who may not wish to meddle into the city traffic jams, you can catch your party zones at some of the latest clubs in town. For you living on Entebbe road you may catch the fun from Club volts or Night Riders in Entebbe. While some one in Ntinda may do so at Club Pa Lui one of the latest additions into Uganda’s social scene located right at the Ntinda shopping centre.
If you chose to enjoy your drink in the open, Steak Out Bar and Restaurant is the place to be, with its blend of music from Monday to Friday and the best Nyama Choma in town/Kenyan style you will live not to forget this Lumumba Avenue Bar, it also gives you a chance to blend with the university and corporate class. There are so many more open style bars and theme nights, right from Monday, when you can catch the party at the National Theatre, and here it’s the Jam session, with all the budding musicians and celebrities doing their thing on stage. While on Tuesday its Super Tuesday at the stick out bar and restaurant with beers at a reduced price, on Wednesday it’s rock night at club Rouge, a blend of music that is not yet so popular with the Ugandan public though it seems to be gaining some fire in town Thursdays you may catch the fun at Bubbles O’Learys the Irish Bar and if you are so luck you may witness the bar quiz that happens every first Thursday of the month and if you need a crazy night out, you could also head for the red light districts of Kabalagala, where bars never go to sleep.
And to all you coffee lovers, yes the coffee culture in Uganda just got better, with the introduction of café pap, Mokka Terrace Café, Java’s Café and a new out let Bann Café at the Nakumat mall, a new and Panorama Coffee shop into the market, 1000 cups, Bann Cafe and Design Agenda have all stepped up their game. So rest assured to grab yourself some of the best cappuccinos in town.
But before you jump out of the picture take time out to grab yourself some of the best beautiful artifacts from Banana Boat, Nommo Gallary, Katch the sun or any of the numerous art galleries in town as you crown your stay in Ug. Till then have a blast in Uganda and Bone Voyage.
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