What’s New in Uganda Tourism Industry?

Tourism investment window opens, gorilla population grows, new hotels launch, and more

Heading into the busy summer season, the Uganda Tourism Board is pleased to share a number of new developments set to make the destination’s overall tourism experience better than ever before.

Tourism investment window opens

In partnership with the conservation charity Space for Giants and its partner the African Wildlife Foundation, Uganda is currently seeking private sector investment in a number of key tourism areas to provide long-term funding to support wildlife conservation efforts. Candidates are required to have a proven track-record of developing and managing tourism portfolios that are high-value, low impact, conservation-focused, and commercially successful. Initial offerings include two areas in Kidepo Valley National Park, four in Murchison.

Falls National Park, two in Kibale National Park, two in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and one in Semuliki National Park.

Gorilla population surpasses 1,000

A recent survey recorded 604 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif which includes Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the largest number of the subspecies ever recorded in the area. It is estimated that more than 1,000 mountain gorillas are now living in the wild among these areas and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an increase of more than 100 gorillas in less than a decade. A formal census is currently underway in Bwindi.

Lodge renovations completed

In the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes Safaris recently completed a full renovation of Bwindi Lodge and launched the new Forest Spa Humula mw’ Ishamba. Renovations include a redesigned guest lounge and dining area that bring the feel of the forest inside. A new outdoor terrace gives dramatic views of the forest. Eight individual bandas, each with its own view of the forest, have been upgraded with stylish new interiors. The new Forest Spa opened in April 2018. A complimentary 30-minute massage is included per guest per stay. Nightly rates start at $450 US based upon double\ occupancy.

Also in Buhoma, Mahogany Springs has introduced several new guestrooms including a Honeymoon Suite; a River View room; and the Bird View

Suite designed for bird watching guests who visit Bwindi to enjoy the nearly 350 bird species living in the park. Upscale Africology products are now featured in all bathrooms, and all rooms are now WiFi

accessible. Nightly rates at Mahogany Springs start at $315 per person US based upon double occupancy in high season (January – February;

July – October; December) and $240 per person in low season (March – May; November).

New upscale hotels open in Entebbe and Kampala

Several new hotels in Entebbe and Kampala offer upscale experiences for travelers overnighting before or after their Uganda safaris. Just

10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, No. 5 Boutique Hotel welcomes guests for stylish stays starting July 1. The property is operated by Wild Frontiers and features 10 guestrooms, five luxury apartments, and one luxury residence with a dedicated full-time staff.

Amenities include a spa, swimming pool, gym, and restaurant with a thoughtfully curated international wine list. Rack rates start at $300 US per night.

In Kampala, the new Méstil Hotel & Residences provides guests with the privilege of staying in an exclusive, serene space overlooking the skyline and historical hills of Kampala with proximity to arts and crafts centers, fresh food markets, and other areas of interest. The sophisticated property features a full-service spa with fitness center and hammam, pool, restaurant, and more. Rack rates start at $180 US per night for executive rooms.

Latitude Hotels will open the 49-room Latitude 0 in Kampala in September, marking its third destination after Zambia and Malawi.

Latitude Hotels offers unique, localized lifestyle experiences based in urban environments. The Kampala property will feature tranquil gardens, two pools, a spa, and a private members club.

Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is located in East Africa and offers some of the continent’s most diverse wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. Uganda is home to more than half the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to observe these gentle giants in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the world’s top bucket list travel activities. Safari opportunities abound in savanna, forest, and wetland settings throughout 10 national parks, where visitors can come face to face with “The Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – as well as giraffe, zebra, chimpanzee, hippopotamus, crocodile, and more than half of all bird species found in Africa. Among Uganda’s extraordinary natural attractions are the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains; expansive Lake Victoria, which forms the source of the Nile River; and Murchison Falls National Park. Air service to Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport is available on carriers including Delta Air Lines/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, South African Airways, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. For more information, please visit www.visituganda.com<http://www.visituganda.com