Bwindi: Local economic development through gorilla sustainable tourism - 2017
Often I have colleagues and students asking for practical examples and practices of sustainable tourism. This time I want to give you all the opportunity to get involved with a project. (click to download the project flyer)
During World Travel Market in London (November 2017) I attended the presentation of this interesting project explaining the efforts to sustainable development of people living nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwest Uganda.
The Responsible Tourism Partnership is contributing its inclusive tourism expertise to a Darwin Initiative funded to improve the livelihoods of those living adjacent to Bwindi. The initiative is led by the International Institute for Environment and Development. Local economic development through ‘pro-poor’ gorilla tourism in Uganda (Apr 2016 to Mar 2019) is a 3-year project funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative.
Through the project, The Responsible Tourism Partnership will work with local people and established tour operators to develop and test new ‘pro-poor’ tourism products and services around Bwindi.
The new initiatives — such as guided tours, food experiences, cultural performances, and improved handicrafts — will aim to add value to the typical 2-night gorilla tracking package and increase local revenue from tourism, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation, improving local peoples’ attitudes to conservation and reducing threats to gorillas. (I find it interesting that with Slow Lake Como I am doing the same in Lake Como, Italy with a slightly different aim! Check what we do and our values!)
Some numbers!
Tourism in Uganda is critical for generating revenue for conservation of Mountain Gorillas and other species and habitats. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tourist numbers have increased from 1300 per annum in 1993 to around 20,000 today. International tourists pay US$600 per head to track gorillas. Local people living around the forest receive US$10 per gorilla permit sold plus 20 per cent of the US$40 park entry fees in recognition of the importance of their support for conservation.
However, the research has shown that local people have a negative attitude towards the park and towards conservation. This is driven by the fact that they suffer significant costs such as crop raiding by wild animals, but the revenue from the park is not targeted at those who suffer most, and there are few conservation or tourism based jobs open to local people.
Benefits from tourism are also limited as a result of poor quality handicrafts and presentation of community-based enterprises (which deter tourists), and low levels of skills development to improve job prospects or enterprise opportunities.
The result is that relationships between local people and the park authorities are poor, and poaching, snaring and other forms of illegal resource use continue. This represents a significant threat to the park and to the long term conservation of the gorillas, and a missed opportunity for harnessing tourism as an engine for local economic development.
Outputs and outcomes
The project will bring improved and new livelihood benefits from tourism to poor households around Bwindi forest. Local women and men, especially those who are currently marginalised from tourism benefits, will acquire the necessary skills to offer quality tourism services and products to international tourists and to manage basic enterprises. They will also benefit from working relations with tour operators, which will set the foundation for sustaining the initiative in the long term.
In the medium and long term, the project will improve local attitudes to conservation and hence reduce threats to the forest. Project beneficiaries will extend beyond the households as successful approaches are replicated by others and become integrated into standard tourism packages. The way tour operators and national tourism and wildlife authorities view local communities will change, as they are seen as a source of new, quality, tourism experiences that improve the packages they market to their clients. Local people will become active partners in conservation and key to the long term survival of the Mountain Gorilla.
Get involved If you would like to find out more about the project or if you are a tour operator and interested in becoming involved, in the first instance please contact the Project Leader Dilys Roe: dilys.roe@iied.org
Are you interested to know more?
Uganda tourism up to the mountains
Climb the Mountains of the moon : The mountain Rwenzori boasts vegetation that varies from tropical rainforest although as you ascend further up, you probably won’t miss the six meter heather of moss and its snow peak Mountaineering Exercise by hiking to the Nyabitaba hut and later on connect to Nyakalengija trailhead (1600m) with tour guides and porters climbing up to Nyabitaba hut going through the homesteads and the local plantations which is a breathtaking experience. Then follow the trail along the Mubuku River, via the landslides up and down rocks and bluffs. Go across the Mahoma River and ascend steeply through the bracken fern slopes and Podocarpus forest to Nyabitaba Hut for an Overnight. Nyakalengija Trailhead – John Matte Hut (3350m). From Nyabitaba hut, follow the trail which drops you down through the forest to the Kurt Shafer Bridge, just below the meeting point of the Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers.
Climb via the bamboo forest, going across a long and fatiguing stretch of slippery moss-covered rock. From Nyamileju rock shelter, on clear-sight days, Mount Stanley and Mount Speke can be seen before passing into the zone of the giant heather, lobelia and groundsel. The final stretch to the John Matte hut is across a strenuous bog, the first of many for which the mountain is well-known. Overnight at John Matte Hut (FB) John Matte Hut – Bujuku Hut (3900m) After John Matte Hut, the trail goes downward to cross River Bujuku and enters Lower Bigo Bog, home of giant lobelias. Jumping a tussock after the other, the bog is crossed but at times the feet taste the freezing ooze. The Upper Bigo bog gives a way to Bujuku Lake, with the sight of Mt. Baker to the South and Mt Stanley to the West. Bujuku Hut, appropriately situated in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Speke, is in a narrow valley below Stuhlmann Pass. Be ready for this trail which can be very cold for you as well as to the dwellers of Rwenzori. Overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4541) Departing from Bujuku, via more bog, the trail ascends the slopes west of the lake, passing through the magical Groundsel Gully as it goes up to Scott-Elliot Pass at 4372m. A metal ladder takes you over a steep section after which the trail splits into two at the head of the channel. The right path goes up to Elena Hut and Mount Stanley on a steep trail over large boulders whereas the left path leads to Scott-Elliot Pass and down to Kitandara Lakes. Overnight at Elena Hut even though the nights may be cold (FB). Elena Hut – Margherita Peak (5109m) Climbing Margherita peak (5109m) to the base of the Stanley Glacier continues. Basing on the weather and one area familiarity, it can be a walk of between 4 to 7 hours to the summit of Margherita. It is a tough walk over three glaciers, slippery rock, ice and very open on many sides. The people physically fit are the only ones for this and it is a technical climb which needs roping up, crampons and appropriate equipment for cold, windy and icy conditions.
It is good to try the final climb in a group of at least four-two climbers and 2 guides; (the extra guide has to be paid for at the time of booking). Climb on to the glacier, cross the Stanley Plateau and move on with the ascent. Basing on altitude sickness, fog and weather, scramble up to the summit of Margherita, the Rwenzori peak.
Everyone is not guaranteed to reach the summit because of the altitude and the tough conditions. So do not get disappointed if you do not. Coming back to Scott-Elliot pass, you get spectacular views back to Bujuku Lake and Mount Speke, up to Mount Stanley and down to the Kitandara Lakes. Once over the pass the trail enters an alpine zone of sparse vegetation and rough boulders. Go down to Kitandara Hut for overnight, past the Kitandara Lakes. (If you do not wish to climb the peak, a more restful day walking from Elena Hut to Kitandara Hut 4,023m.)
After Kitandara, the trail goes up steeply to the headwall, spreading out from the Mount Baker base and proceeds to the south side of the mountain to Fresh field Pass. On a good day, you see part of the Congo in the west and Mount Stanley in the north. From the pass, the long muddy goes down, going through the rock shelter at Bujongolo, this is the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906 .
Author: Yofes Mwesige
PIONEER EXPRESS SAFARISKansanga,Gaba Road, Kla, Uganda.Email: info@pionnerexpresssafaris.com
Tourism - the water as important and beautiful resource in Uganda
The Nile river flows from Lake Victoria at what was the Rippon Falls and into Lake Kyoga. Still the Victoria Nile, it cuts a raucous passage west across Karuma Falls and through the narrow pillars of Murchison Falls towards Lake Albert.
Finally the Albert Nile meanders along a slow wide corridor into Southern Sudan. Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s deepest lake as well as its environs, offer a scintillating spectacle no words will be sufficiently describe. A good place to go camping, you could also relax courtesy of a canoe ride on the lake. Around Sezibwa falls, covered in the thick green shrubbery, nature is courteously at harmony with the singing birds, croaking frogs ans veering trees. There is also the spectacular view of the violent waters falls. Ngamba Islands : Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The Ngamba Islands on Lake Victoria, less than an hour by boat from Entebbe, offers the opportunity to deligent in a community of orphaned chimpanzees; allowed a new least of after being rescued from poachers, as is the case for most of these apes. Stunning Sipi : The thunderous descent of the water at the Sipi falls is a sight to behold, you will be gasping for breath by the time the Sipi is through with you.
Author: Yofes Mwesige
PIONEER EXPRESS SAFARIS
Kansanga,Gaba Road, Kla, Uganda.Email: info@pionnerexpresssafaris.com
Pearl of Africa Uganda unique sustainable tourism hot spot - 2013
Pioneer Express Safaris is operating in East Africa and offers a variety of service and the best safaris for a perfect sustainable tourism offer.
We offer Tourism services to your desired destinations around East Africa Arranging transportation ,pick up and drop service from and to the airport , conducting research for groups and company retreats, business meeting, conferences, We specialize in Walking, Hiking, Trekking, Mountain Expedition, Rafting, Canoeing, Bungee Jumping , Wildlife Safaris, Incentive Travel, Hotel/Lodge /Resort/home stay Bookings, Cultural activities, Honeymoon Luxury Lodge Safari, Bird watching, Car Hire. And our staff is also able to give professional advice to travelers with regards to where to go sightseeing, engage in adventure & sports, what to eat and drink.
Uganda is one of the African countries endowed with a lot of natural resource vital in the tourism industry of the country. The valid biodiversity that attracts over 56% Tourist arrivals . It is best described by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa”.
Perhaps the most suitable description for a country so endowed with the best of everything the continent has to offer packed into one small, but stunning destination. Situated in the heart of Africa and being astride the Equator gives Uganda the best climate all year round. Uganda is also home to the highest mountain ranges in Africa- the Rwenzoris. It is in Uganda that the World’s longest river “The Mighty Nile” starts its 6700km journey to the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River is renowned for its unique rapids which rafters find very exciting. Adventure seeking tourists have unlimited options when it comes to the Nile River. In the wake of the booming tourism industry, Uganda went ahead and developed the best spot for stunt jumping in the whole world along River Nile.
The beauty of Uganda extends far beyond for instance; the scenery is so striking and picturesque. Have been gazetted in the ten National 
parks including: Murchison falls the largest National park crossed by the mighty River bile. Queen Elizabeth 2nd largest, kibale National park the world’s leading primate destination,Bwindi and Mgahinga famous for Gorilla tracking,kidepo valley, Rwenzoori , Semliki and lake Mburo with 13 game reserves sanctuaries and Zoos.
[toggle title=”Tourism introduction”] Holiday weather all year around, Bad weather is a quality unknown in this parts; it feels like summer every day in Uganda. Never too hot, never too cold, balance is just right. And you will love it.
ISLANDS AND BEACH RESORTS & HOTELS 8-Ssese Islands, used and often abused, we’ll ask that you excuse the cliche “perfect get away”,because in truth, there is no better way to describe these islands on lake Victoria. Lodge Inside the Mabira, A lodge right inside a forest” how cool can that be” how about having a wild for your neighbor hood, at the Rainforest Lodge inside the forest. City hotels and lodges , homesteads and guest houses as well as safari camps and Bandas
TRANSPORT IN THE CITY
Boda-boda, part of the kick in taking a boda boda ride about town derives from the uncertainty the ride carries. This motor cycle taxi will get you any where, any time in no time. A good way to beat the traffic jam, and get to your rendezvous on time and hopefully, in one piece…
RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES
Go bungee Jumping, life on the wild side and without breaking any laws. You can only do this if you try out this enthralling adventure at the bujagali, but be sure it will send a chill down your spine speed boat, rafting running sport biking, gyms , football and golf .
Eco-tourism and wildlife. Uganda is a beautiful country everybody should visit for many reasons.
Track the Mountain Gorillas is an example, this endangered species-less than 700 survive in Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains .With 95% of their genes bearing semblance to those of humans, they are genetically one of the closest primates to Human beings. the pursuit of this gentle giants is sure to thrill.
Game Parks Galore;
With the kind of parks available in Uganda, every village could be a national park. Lake Mburo National is the only National park to contain an entire lake, and is the park closest to Kampala.
– If it is the giant forest hog or Uganda Kob you are into, then the Queen Elizabeth National Park is your place.
– Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga is one of the two places Uganda for gorilla viewing, but the gorillas in this park move between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and are not always view able. Never the less the gorilla permits are cheaper here than Bwindi, the other Park with a collection of gorillas.
– Kibale Forest National Park
With over 13 species of primates, Kibale is a must visit.The park also boosts the large community of wild Chimpanzees.
– Kidepo National Park has the answers to all the question, that bird enthusiast might pose, as it wonderfully makes up for the challenges it poses in accessibility with its variety of wildlife, especially bird life.
Kidepo Valley National Park situated in the North Eastern Uganda extreme corner and bordering Sudan and Kenya has tour activities and attractions that consist of game drives, cultural visits to kraals and Karimajong homes called the Manyatas, scenery viewing of the gently sloping savannah grasslands and nature walks among others. The park comprises of the rolling savannah grassland and rugged magnificent mountain scenery. Accessing the park can be by road or by Air from Entebbe or Kampala. Kidepo is among the wildest, original African parks in Africa, giving an astonishing experience of nature and game viewing.
– Murchison Falls National Park. Very impressive, this park Murchison falls National park is covered by mostly untamed savanna. It constitute a point at which the Nile burst out into a white water rage, all the way to the bank where the buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos and waterbucks take it easy for close up viewing.
If you would like visiting the wild, but have very limited time to travel upcountry, where most of the wild reserves and National parks are, don’t worry! The National Forest Authority recently declared 11 forest reserves as Eco-tourist site including Mbaira forest reserve and all this are within 55 Km more or less outside the capital city.
– Mount Elgon National Park, the 4th highest mountain in Africa is one of for the adventurous climber.Mt Elgon is an extinct volcano with magnificent waterfalls, caves, gorges and hot springs. Mountain Elgon is seated in Eastern Uganda is an incredibly a striking place for a trip, with its amazing great Sipi falls. There is a camp built around a croft-like house originally built as a Governor’s retreat, on a rock face directly overlooking the mesmerizing the Sipi Falls and the Karimajong plains. Visit the source of the Nile, fancy checking out the point where the worlds longest river starts? prepare for a journey to Jinja an hour from Kampala city Center and you are there! Variety on the Victoria
– The world’s tropical lake offers more than just beautiful Islands. For one its good enough a sight to take in for water shy, but the temptation to try and catch some Nile perch could turn out too great to turn down, as could that sail on its serene waters. Catch some fish, with a third of the country covered by water, Uganda offers a wonderful opportunity for those keen on sports fishing. What are you waiting for?
Avi Tourism
Uganda us host to such a wide variety of birds; there are no less than 1000 bird species available for your optical nourishment. Forest birding savannah habits are distributed around Uganda including , Mabira, kibale ,mpanga forest, Bwindi, kibale , semuliki etc
Uganda is not a wild park whose only attraction is the lions and chimpanzee, giraffes, zebras and ostriches- which we do have and adore terribly- it is a country whose people make it what you see and feel when you are in it. A country filled with so much color and egency and love,its contagious.
To find out more please visit www.pioneerexpresssafaris.com or contact info@pioneerexpresssafaris.com
Cultural and natural tourism in Uganda - 2013
Every tribe, every region in Uganda has its folktale, is an individual bedtime story to tell children over the many generations- past, current and future. But there are aspects now commonly shared across tribes, and once of those – the gomesi, a lady’s outfit with shoulders that stand in vertical pleats and a sash firmly wrapped around the waist, sure to add grace to the wearer, any wearer.
Be a part of Kwanjula: It doesn’t matter whose side you are on- prospective groom or bride; the mock battles, teasing and great food that come with a traditional introduction ceremony are an experience worthy of pursuit. Nyero Rock Paintings, The impressive rock paintings in Kumi near the village of Nyero provide indisputable evidence of artistic ability in this locale from ages past.
The rock face is decorated with ornate designs, canoes and zebras. Kasubi tombs, for those logging for historical enrichment, this logging will quickly be quenched at Kasubi hill. Location of the Kasubi tombs where all the Kings (or Kabakas) of Buganda Kingdom are buried. Four kings namely: Mutesa 1, Daudi Chwa, and Mutesa 11 are buried here. There are huge traditional reed and bark-cloth buildings. Embark on a pilgrimage: Join pilgrims on the 3rd of every year as they make their way to the Matryr’s Shrine in Namugongo to commemorate the 20 victims of the Kabaka Mwanga’s wrath – burnt alive by Kabaka for hanging onto their faith. Every time is party time: Uganda is one of the countries with the world’s youngest population. And you wonder why there is so much energy buzzing in the small towns, villages and the heart of the city? Ugandans need only the flimsiest of the excuses to party. Luwombo: This delightful dish is good enough reason on its own for on to keep coming back to Uganda. Usually made for special occasions like kwanjula or reserved for a special guest, the luwombo is chicken or beef boiled in wrapped banana leaves sans oils or additives A must- try, this once.