Uganda Tourism Board is striving to promote Uganda tourism to all parts of the world. This time around, Uganda UTB has launched a campaign to promote destination Uganda in the Middle East countries. The major aim of the new campaign is to sell Uganda tourism products in the Middle East and encourage more people to come and explore the Pearl of Africa. The target UAE’s countries include United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia among others. The “Experience Uganda” campaign is aimed at providing selected GCC travel agencies unique travel holiday packages to visit different attractions in the Peal of Africa. More still travel agencies from Middle East will be given free airport transfers and pickups to ensure smooth travels. The marketing campaign was held at Hyatt Regency Hotel Dubai attended by Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, the minister of tourism in Uganda, Irene, the Ugandan ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and H.E Zaake Wanume Kibedi along with Member of Parliaments and other officials from Uganda Government. Ndere cultural troupe rom Uganda entertained visitors showcasing the unique cultures and transitional performances of Uganda. The campaign is aimed at promoting Uganda as a premier adventure and nature holiday destination suitable for families, groups, couples and young adults seeking to have a lifetime experience at affordable rates.

Special Uganda Packages being marketed
Among the promotional tourism products, Uganda Tourism Board is marketing include guided game viewing safaris in the open savannah parks of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley National park. Game safaris exposé travelers to different wild animals which include elephants, lions, zebras, impalas, waterbuck, warthogs, Uganda kobs, buffalos, cheetahs and leopards among others.

Nile riverboat cruising is also a must-do on your Uganda safari. Travelers also enjoy a cruise to the source of River Nile and also enjoy the cool breezes of Lake victoria

Mountain gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most done tourist activity, which attracts the highest number of travelers from all over the world. The pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas which live in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks Bwindi is home to 17 gorilla families split in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors while Mgahinga is home to the one Nyakagyezi gorilla family plus some members of Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family which previously left Volcanoes National park and entered in Mgahinga gorilla park Uganda. At present, a single gorilla permit costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs 250,000 for east African residents. These prices are to be increased with effect from 1st July 2020 to $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs 300,000 for east African residents. A gorilla permit is a pass to see gorillas and hence a must have for everyone coming to trek gorillas.

Wild chimpanzee encounters is yet another exceptional experience you should not miss. Uganda is a premier chimpanzee tour destination being home to the highest number of chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National park is the number one-stop center for Uganda chimpanzee tours and is home to 13 primates. Other chimpanzee destinations in Uganda are Karinzu forest, Kyambura gorge, Budongo Forest and Ngamba island (chimpanzee sanctuary). Fortunately, chimpanzee trekking permits are quite less at $220 hence affordable compared to gorillas.

In addition to wildlife safaris in Uganda, the pearl of Africa offer travelers the best pampering and chilling experiences. Numerous luxury lodge, hotels, and resorts have been established to offer you with excellent food and sleeping services all day on your Uganda safari

Still in the campaign, the Uganda Tourism Board will also launch an online training program to enable Middle east travel agents to book and reserve Uganda safaris online. The hashtag #ExperienceUganda1st will be opened and promoted on all social media platforms to encourage more social media users to come and explore the Pearl of Africa.

Over 50 travel agencies from the United Arab Emirates attended the campaign which gives Uganda, hope for increased travel business from Middle East countries. Uganda expects to receive a high number of travelers from UAE to trek gorilla in Bwindi, go game viewing, bird watching and also experience the unique cultures and traditions of Africa’s Pearl.