Tourism strategy will preserve Africa’s pearl

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS the amazing mountain gorillas in the rainforest and the thrill of whitewater rafting

FAMOUSLY dubbed “the pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, Uganda is an ideal location for eco-tourists and lovers of wildlife.
Top of the list for many visitors are the famous mountain gorillas who live in ancient rain-forest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But there is a bewildering variety of other wildlife to enjoy, from baboons and buffalos to crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions and zebras. For birdwatching, Uganda is unequalled with more than 1,000 species–606 in Queen Elizabeth National Park alone.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is charged with conserving and managing the wildlife and protected areas. The authority is responsible for 10 national parks, and 17 wildlife reserves and sanctuaries.
The Ugandan landscape is spectacular, ranging from awesome, snow-topped mountains to wide plains, expansive savanna grasslands and abundant rainforests. From Lake Victoria, the biggest lake in Africa, the Nile flows north through Uganda and into Sudan.

In the late 1960’s, before the years of political instability, Uganda was the most popular tourist destination in Africa. Today, it is rebuilding its tourism industry, but doing so with full awareness of the need to preserve the diverse but endangered natural resources that make it such an attractive place to visit.
The government’s aim is to develop an industry that is conservation-based and sustainable. Mass tourism is not on the agenda. Eco-tourism–the fastest growing sector of the world tourism industry–and niche marketing are the way ahead.

“We want selective tourism, not mass tourism,” says Professor Edward Rugumayo, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry. “We have a very fragile environment that we wish to preserve,. If we had mass tourism, it would have a catastrophic effect. We want to target people who would enjoy hiking in our forests to see our wildlife, viewing our beautiful landmarks or even going white-water rafting.”
Uganda’s tourist arrival rates are higher than other countries in the region, but it still receives only around 250,000 visitors a year. “It’s not a very big number by international standards, but in 1986 we had barely 10,000,” says Peter Kamya, Chairman of the Uganda Tourist Board.
“We are encouraging tour operators to bring people in groups, which is cheaper than coming on an individual basis.
“Wildlife is our centerpiece attraction. Then there are special interest groups to cater for, like those who want to come here for the mountaineering or the fishing. We want to develop cultural tourism. People are interested in our way of life and historical background.”

Big improvements have been made in tourism infrastructure over the past decade. Roads and telecommunications have been upgraded, and safari lodges built. But much more needs to be done, according to Prof. Rugumayo.
“We have insufficient accommodation in our national parks and other tourist destinations. We would like to invite foreign investors to form joint ventures with our local companies, to come and build hotels, lodges and guest houses.”

He highlights the potential for tourism investment offered by Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. “Lake Victoria offers lots of investment opportunities. I can’t think of a decent lodge or hotel that is located on the lake.
“Egypt, which shares the Nile with Uganda, has made a fortune from water activities, yet the potential here is not exploited. We could have cruise ships from Uganda to Kenya and Tanzania and back. We have some investors interested in doing business on the lake, but there is a lot more that could be done.”
There is also potential for developing cross-border safari packages with Uganda’s East African Community neighbors, Kenya and Tanzania. “We have strategies that will standardize licensing and other tourism activities in the region,” says Prof. Rugumayo.

Peter Kamya makes the point that the kind of visitors Uganda seeks to attract are looking for “an element of adventure.
“It’s part of the experience. You can’t expect to travel on smooth roads in the parks. We want tourists to be able to stay in places that give a decent, clean service. We are not aiming at providing the Sheraton.”