Fay Kakai's Blog, page 2

Sports Tourism: Sightseeing in Mbale with Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Golf Union

After visiting Western Uganda and Northern Uganda last month, I completed my own little Uganda tour over the weekend in the East, my home town, Mbale district.

This time, I travelled with Golfers from Uganda Golf Union and a team put together by Uganda Tourism Board. The tour was part of an ongoing initiative between the two bodies to promote sports (particularly golf) tourism in Uganda. We arrived in Mbale on Friday evening and after watching the golf games on Saturday morning, set off to explore Mbale. Our escapade begun with a scenic drive to the top of Wanale ridge in Mbale and concluded with a visit to the glorious Sipi Falls, located in Kapchorwa, about 50 kilometers northeast of Mbale.

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Wanale Ridge

Wanale Ridge is one of the ridges that form the Mountain Elgon range. Interestingly, around this time last year I climbed Wanale for the first time and I must say, the views and scenery along the way are definitely worth the climb. This time we took a longer (and equally scenic) route and drove to the top of the ridge. It felt like a different journey altogether as the views are different from those of the hike. At some point during the journey, we got off the bus and decided to climb. The winding roads to the top reminded me of Kisoro. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera on the bus during the walk. I would have loved to have captured the views.

After some huffing and puffing, we got back on the bus and drove the rest of the way to the top. We were welcomed by a drizzle and while we frolicked around, enjoying the view and taking pictures, it threatened to rain. That didn’t stop us though, the grey clouds and the cool air somehow created the perfect end to what had otherwise been a very active day, especially for the golfers.

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Sipi Falls

Before we made our way back to Kampala on Sunday, we took a morning drive to Kapchorwa district to visit Sipi Falls. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls commonly referred to as Sipi 1, Sipi 2 and Sipi 3. I’d visited Sipi 1 and 3 on previous trips to Mbale but never all three. Most of us underestimated the amount of hiking involved as by the time we got back on the bus, the entire team was ready to black out for the long journey back to Kampala.

We visited the falls in chronological order starting with Sipi 1.

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After hiking to a point where we had the perfect view of the base of Sipi 1, we continued to ascend until we got to the perfect viewpoint of Sipi 2. We then proceeded downhill until we reached the base. The base was spectacular. It was here where we were able to stand directly under the waterfall and cool off or simply stand near it, surrounded by rocks and cave, watching the water cascade to the ground, taking in the cool air and feeling the droplets on our skin.

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After quite the hike, we drove over to Casa Sipi Falls Lodge. The perfect spot to take in Sipi 3. While at Casa, we took what our guide referred to as “magic photos.” I managed to get shots of myself “washing my hands in the waterfall,” “drinking the waterfall” and even “puking the waterfall.”

At the lodge, it was all fun and games and the perfect end to our weekend Mbale tour.

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Have you visited Mbale, Wanale ridge or Sipi Falls before? If you are a sports fanatic, do you usually tour the towns/villages where you go to play/watch the games? Drop a comment and let me know. Xx

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Published on April 09, 2019 10:48

Part Two: Exploring Aruu Falls and Fort Patiko with Tulambule Northern Uganda

Day three of the Tulambule Northern Uganda tour was my favourite. After a night out in Gulu town, we were up early to do some exploring, particularly Aruu Falls, located in Pader district and Fort Patiko, located in Patiko, before hitting the road back to Kampala.

Aruu Falls

After a quick briefing, we began a short hike towards the waterfall. We left the Aruu Falls camp area and descended towards the rocks that would lead us to the waterfall. A few minutes into our decent and we were welcomed by an impressive view, consisting of a lush green expanse of thicket below us, as we stood on the rocks, glistered with water streams. Golola Moses, being the entertainer that he is, took the liberty to do a few push-ups over the rocks and above the streams. I learnt from this trip that Golola Moses never passes up an opportunity to get a good workout in. He will exercise anywhere and everywhere.

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We split up into two groups. One group took the more challenging route and the other took the simpler route. I opted for the simpler one. Well, because from just glancing at the rocks, it seemed like the wiser thing to do. We descended some more and made it to the base of the waterfall. Stopping along the way to take in the view – streams of waterfalls cascading over a stretch of large rock. Unfortunately for us, our guide explained that what we were witnessing wasn’t Aruu Falls in her true glory. Due to the dry season (and climate change), what would have been a roaring waterfall that engulfs most of the rocks, was now a group of glistering streams. Nonetheless, the view was amazing and we stopped along the way to capture it.

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At the base, the view was even more breathtaking as the waterfall poured into a large pool dotted with rocks. It made the perfect swimming pool, and a couple of us (that had thought to carry swimming costumes), went all in.

Back at the campsite, we were entertained by local dancers after which we enjoyed a traditional lunch of matooke, boo, groundnut sauce, beans, goat meat and salad before heading off to Fort Patiko, our next stop.

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Fort Patiko

Our next and final stop of the tour was Fort Patiko, also known as Baker’s Fort and a former gateway for slave trade (1850 -1872). This was my first time visiting, or even hearing about, Fort Patiko and as Rony (our guide) narrated the story, I couldn’t help but think about all those history lessons we spent in high school, learning about the Canadian Prairies, instead of our own history (but that’s a story for another day).

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We took a tour through the grounds as Rony told us how the
fort was used as a screening and torture center in the 1850s and 1860s. The
kings and chiefs at the time traded human beings for jewelry, ornaments and
guns from the Arabs. Fort Patiko was used as a sorting center where the strong and beautiful were taken as slaves
whilst the weak and unattractive were killed. The chosen slaves were then
forced to trek from Patiko, through Sudan, across the Red Sea and sold off in
Egypt. In 1872, while in Uganda on a different mission of discovering the
source of the River Nile, Sir Samuel Baker took over the fort from the Arabs
and restored it.

Listening to inhumane stories of torture, murder and slave
trade that happened right here in Uganda, was both sombering and enlightening. As
I type this, I thank God that you and I were born in a time more civil. It was
also quite sad to me that these stories are rarely ever told.

Somber, we set off for Kampala at about 6pm. A weekend well
spent in my books, I created memories with the Tulambule team that surely, will not be forgotten.

Read Part One of the Tulambule Northern Uganda tour here.

Have you visited Aruu
Falls or Fort Patiko before? What was your experience like? Do share in the
comments below.

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Published on March 11, 2019 22:50

Part One: Murchison Falls National Park with Tulambule Northern Uganda

I’m still elated from the Tulambule Northern Uganda tour, so elated in fact that I doubt the experiences will fit in just one blog post. So here goes Part One…

Day One

We set off from Kampala early Friday afternoon for Murchison
Falls National Park. I’d been to the park before but it felt likes ages ago,
hence I was really looking forward to this particular trip. Most of day one was
spent on the road with an exciting stop at Luweero
Market. Ugandan kickboxing champion and entertainer, Golola Moses (who was part
of the trip) caused quite a stir and literally left the crowds hysterical. Large
numbers gathered all around him. Next thing I knew, there was free gonja and muchomo passing round the bus. What a way to kick off the trip!

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After what I’d call a smooth ride with lots of laughter and banter on the bus, we eventually made it to Murchison Falls National Park. Driving into the park was an experience on its own as we drove past Karuma falls, lush landscapes and various wildlife. In fact, two large elephants were so close to our Uganda Wildlife Authority bus at one point that we parked for a while and gazed at the giant creatures, taking pictures and videos of the elephants and listening to each other’s tales. I particularly remember Patrick Salvado (another celebrity on the trip) proudly explaining to everyone why elephants won’t attack the bus in spite of it being so close. If I got his explanation right, it’s because the bus is larger than the elephant and so the elephant feels intimated. However, if you step out of the bus as an individual you’ll have a different story to tell (if you live to tell it).

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Fatigued, we arrived at Pakuba Safari Lodge at nightfall and pitched tents for the night. Getting lost contributed to the fatigue. We lost about two hours or more as our driver tried to navigate Murchison Falls National Park at night. Nonetheless and despite all of this, most of us gathered round the swimming pool after dinner for drinks, stories and recollections from the day as well an electric silent disco that went on well into the night.

Day Two

I made it to bed at about 2am. It wasn’t my first time camping and so I knew what to expect. Also, there was the fact that I was laying my head down for not more than three hours. We were up before 6am for an early morning Game Drive. I remember getting on the bus and shutting my eyes to pitch blackness and then being woken up by the morning sunrise and the possibility of sighting a lion. We saw a lioness and cubs in the distance. We also spotted more elephants, buffalos, antelopes and plenty of giraffes.

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Aside from the Game Drive on day two, we visited Paraa Safari Lodge to wind down before heading to Gulu to check into a hotel for the night and check out Gulu’s nightlife scene. Gulu town was exciting and probably the highlight of the entire trip for me. I’ll save the rest for Part Two.

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PS: Some of the pictures in this post were taken by the talented photographers on the trip i.e. Tweny Benjain (@twenymoments), Mudo Eve (@NzeEve), Joel Jemba and Stuart Tibs.

PPS: “Tulambule” is a local Luganda word meaning “Let Us Tour” and is the name of a campaign by the Uganda Tourism Board, targeting domestic tourism.

Have you visited
Murchison Falls National Park before? Which animals did you see? What are your
thoughts on the Tulambule Northern Uganda tour? Let me know in the comments
below.

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Published on March 08, 2019 04:22

Road tripping through Western Uganda with Airtel 4G

I’m a sucker for a good road trip, especially road trips way
out of town with glorious scenery, clean air, vibrant wildlife and cheap food.
The problem though is that up until now, the further one would go, the worse
the mobile network and internet connection would become. Although sometimes
this can be an opportunity to truly disconnect and bond with nature (some might
say), for a blogger and digital marketer like myself, it’s a huge
inconvenience.

I personally love the idea of working remotely and it’s why I chose to do what I do for a living. My best life is the one where I travel and work at the same time. Work is travel, travel is work (you catch my drift…?). With Airtel’s countrywide 4G, this is made possible for me.

Day 1

Our two day Western Uganda road trip started from Kampala on
Wednesday morning. We drove to Kibale National Park, making an impromptu stop
on the way at Kagorogoro tea plantation to take in the lush views and share a few
light moments. After briefly stopping by the National Park, we continued to
Fort Portal town for a late lunch/ early dinner at one of my favorite lunch
spots in Fort portal, Gardens Restaurant, before continuing to Kasese town for
the night.

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Day 2

On our second day, we used the Mbarara route back to Kampala. First, we drove all the way to the Mpondwe border that separates Uganda from Congo. We were able to park our car on the Ugandan side and actually cross the border into Congo on foot, all the while monitoring our Airtel 4G connection. After gallivanting at the border, we proceeded to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Did you know that the world’s main latitude, the Equator, crosses right through Queen Elizabeth National Park? Unfortunately, the equator monument is currently under renovation however, there is an improvisation in place that provides a great temporary backdrop for pictures. We continued to Kampala via Mbarara town, completing our journey in a perfect loop.

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After this trip, I’m definitely not taking another upcountry trip without my Airtel 4G sim card. Airtel 4G offers me both convenience and reliability. Read more about Airtel’s countrywide 4G here.

Is a good internet
connection important to you when you travel upcountry? Have you tested Airtel’s
countrywide 4G network yet? If so, let me know in the comments below. Xx

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Published on March 05, 2019 03:47

Splendour at CiSand Hotel, Jinja

Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital, is always a good idea. I’ve visited Jinja quite a few times before (see posts here and here) and I never tire of returning because the city just has so much to offer. From white water rafting and bungee jumping activities to a simple and quiet getaway with your girls, Jinja is truly the city of options. Having visited several times however, I was surprised I had never heard of CiSand Hotel, up until my most recent visit.

CiSand Hotel is an undiscovered gem. The hotel is located right in the heart of the city and yet still, tucked away from the activity and noise. I travelled to CiSand Hotel from Kampala by taxi (matatu). The taxi cost me UGX 7,000 (about 2 dollars) and then I got a boda boda from Jinja Main Street that cost me UGX 2,000 (less than a dollar). Locating the hotel was simple as the boda boda took me right to the gate of CiSand Hotel, located on Spire Road, opposite the Uganda Revenue Authority offices.

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A warm welcome

I received a warm welcome at the reception and proceeded to check into my room. I loved how the grandeur of the hotel’s exterior contrasted well with the coziness and intimacy of its interior. My room was simple and tasteful, complete with a flat screen TV and fast Wi-Fi, should I need entertainment. The view from my window overlooked a very still and quiet side of Jinja town and I could spot the River Nile in the background, somewhere beyond the trees.

I immediately felt relaxed and at home. The next morning, I was greeted by the most stunning sunrise ever (I kid you not), right from my room window (I stayed in room 11).

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The restaurant and bar

The chef outdid himself too, preparing delicious meals throughout my stay. As for the bartender, I’m convinced he was just showing off. He provided a range of cocktails, mocktails and assorted juice blends.

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Lasting impressions

Overall, I was impressed by the coziness of the hotel, the warmness of the staff and the greenery of the gardens and room views. I loved that even with its coziness, CiSand Hotel is complete with fine dining and an impressive conference room for formal gatherings. In my opinion, providing the best of both worlds. On my last day, I noticed a group of people that came to book the grounds for a birthday party. I wasn’t at all surprised by their choice.

One word? Splendour.

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Find out more about CiSand Hotel and their rates here.

Have you visited CiSand Hotel before? Would you? What do you think about cozy spaces with splendour in towns that are full of activity? Let me know in the comments below. Xx

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Published on December 02, 2018 07:44

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

It’s a long, rewarding journey from Kampala to Kisoro district, home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi had been on my Bucket List for a while and so when the opportunity to finally do it presented itself, I seized it with both hands.

Getting there

I travelled with my friend Carina, who was visiting from Germany at the time. We took an early morning, 5:30am bus from Kisenyi Bus Terminal, downtown Kampala to Kabale district. The bus cost us UGX 30,000 (approximately USD 8) each. Setting off early, the weather was cool and we slept most of the way. We arrived in Kabale district at 2:30pm and then took a cab that drove us right up to Gorilla CloseUp Lodge in Kisoro, finally arriving, completely exhausted, at 4:30pm (11 hours later).

Despite our fatigue, the rolling landscapes as we drove from Kabale to Kisoro kept us awake. Winding narrow roads completely surrounded by views of lush hills, tea plantations and grazing cows kept getting better and better as we ascended. Because of the rains, the road was murky at some point and we had to get out of the cab as the driver navigated the terrain. It was at this point that I remembered to pull out my camera and capture the moment, a glimpse of the beauty that is etched in my memory.

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Gorilla Tracking Day

We were up early and excited as we had been warned that the Gorilla Tracking experience is quite unpredictable and different for everyone. I was interested to know how long the hike would take but this is very difficult to predict as it all depends on where the Gorilla Family one is tracking happens to be that morning. Gorillas live in families (just like most humans) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park currently has 15 inhabited families living in the park. The section of the park that we visited (Rushaga) holds 6 inhabited families/ Gorilla groups.

At the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) registration point, we were divided into tracking groups and each assigned a tracking guide and a specific family to track. Saidi was our designated guide and he was very knowledgeable and informative throughout the trip. Aside from Saidi, we were escorted by official trackers (who went ahead of us and helped us locate the Gorilla family). These professionals are able to track the Gorillas by following their dung, leftover food, footprints and bent grass. We also had security escorts with us that carried riffles, because the park also inhabits elephants and solitary male Gorillas that may become aggressive. In case of danger, the security escorts are able to fire warning shots in the air to scare away any threat. Since we didn’t know how long the hike would take, most of us supported the local community and hired porters that helped carry our backpacks filled with water, snacks and packed lunch.

We visited the Mucunguzi Gorilla family.

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It was a one hour steep climb to the entrance of the forest. We had a chance to take in the Kisoro landscapes once again, this time on foot. We got to a point that’s referred to as heaven’s tower. It’s the highest point before entering the park, approximately 2500m above sea level! At heaven’s tower, we were briefed once more before we made our way into the park.

Navigating the park was exhilarating. One hour into the park, we were informed that the Gorillas were close by. This meant that we got off the narrow trail as the professional trackers ahead of us used panga knives to clear the thicket. We followed closely. Almost out of nowhere, we spotted the Silverback (the dominant male Gorilla). I couldn’t believe how grand he looked in person and I imagined his fur felt like pressed silk. What was so amazing though was how completely unbothered he was by us, almost as if he was expecting us. He sat peacefully as we clicked away with our cameras, pulling at nearby shrubs. And then, as if to say enough with the pictures, he turned his back to us and thudded his knuckles a few meters away. That’s when we spotted the female Gorilla with her little ones. The Mucunguzi Gorilla family was complete.

Tracking Gorillas involves following them closely as they go about their business. We are permitted one hour with them, keeping a 7 meter distance so as not to overwhelm them. We were so close! Carina mentioned that it felt like if she stretched out her hand and the Silverback stretched out his, fingers would touch. As we quietly followed the Silverback, we were astonished to witness a mating session with the Silverback and the female Gorilla. Our guide was excited as he assured us that very few people get to witness this. He also joked that if we returned in eight and a half months (the Gorilla gestation period), we would find a brand new baby Gorilla. What an experience!

PS: I took videos of the mating session which can be found on my Instagram story highlights on my Instagram profile here.

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Important things to know before Gorilla Tracking

Mountain Gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and Uganda has more than half the population. Uganda also offers the most affordable Gorilla Tracking permits.
Pay for your tracking permit ahead of time from the UWA offices in Kampala. Permits cost UGX 250,000 for Ugandans and USD 600 for foreign nonresidents.
Make sure you are fit and in good health (people suffering from colds, flu and some other ailments are not allowed near the Gorillas).
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably something long sleeved to prevent scratches from the thicket as well as long socks and hiking shoes/ gumboots. Carry a raincoat.
The Gorillas are inhabited and are used to humans. There is no need to be scared. It is a very very calm experience and they behave a lot like us.

When our one hour with the Gorillas was up, we returned to the park entrance and picnicked for lunch on open ground, overlooking the park and Kisoro views. We each received certificates from our guide and had a mini celebration/certificate giving ceremony as we reminisced the experience we had just shared.

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Where we stayed

We stayed at Gorilla CloseUp Lodge, which is a mid-range and luxury lodge located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge has amazing views. The next morning, as we enjoyed our breakfast, it was surreal to overlook the very forest we had explored and shared a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the day before.

Read more about Gorilla CloseUp lodge and their rates here.

Read more about Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi here and here.[image error]

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Have you been Gorilla Tracking before? Where from? Would you try it? Let me know in the comments below. Xx

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Published on November 07, 2018 21:05

Bliss at Buvi Lodge

“Bliss” is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as perfect or complete happiness and the definition flawlessly captures what I experienced at Buvi Lodge.

Getting there

I travelled on a Sunday afternoon and drove to the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe. I parked my car at the landing site (safe parking is provided) and then took a 20 minute boat ride to Buvi Lodge. The lodge can also be accessed via road, about a 60 minute drive from Kampala to Buvi.

I recommend the boat ride so as to enjoy the stunning scenery as you approach the lodge. I enjoyed cooling off in the speed boat and taking in the surrounding Lake Victoria views (Buvi Lodge will arrange the boat transportation for you).

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First impressions of Buvi Lodge

I was starving when we docked and so the first thing I did was place my lunch order, pork chops with mashed potato. As I walked towards the restaurant, the lake welcomed me once again. It was beautiful and my mind already begun to anticipate a stunning sunset later that evening. The food was delicious and once I was done with my meal, I took a little walk round the lodge as I mentally planned what I’d get up to for the next 24 hours. I was dying to take a swim as the pool was very inviting, I was also dying to check out my room.

The cottages are given the local names of different Ugandan lakes, I stayed in Dweru, which is the local name for Lake George. I loved the raw brick architecture. Interestingly, Buvi Lodge was once a brick making site. The bricks were turned into cottages and rustic brick finishing was maintained, providing the perfect balance of earth and modernism. Also, what is now a swimming pool was once a cattle dip and the lodge has young banana trees growing where a plantation once existed. Buvi Lodge is a work of very thoughtful art, if you ask me.

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The next morning

I was up early to catch the sunrise and it couldn’t have been more worthwhile. The pool was now my favorite place as I had swam late into the darkness the night before. I had an idea to take pictures by the pool in the early morning sunlight. I got up, set up my tripod and snapped away as I eagerly awaited my scrumptious mid-morning breakfast.

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Things to do

Buvi Lodge, though quiet, serene and romantic, has several activities that you can choose to indulge in while enjoying your stay. One can take a boat ride to any of the nearby islands or Entebbe city. One can get a relaxing massage at the spa or enjoy an indoor game of pool. Also, the play park, just besides the swimming pool, provides for plenty of outdoor activities that both adults and children can enjoy.

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Saying goodbye

I was sad to leave on Monday evening but after a late lunch, we set off. I’ll definitely be back. Great news – Buvi Lodge is currently running a 40% discount promotion. A double room, bed and breakfast, is going for UGX250,000 and a family cottage (with two double rooms enclosed) is going for UGX450,000, bed and breakfast. Tailored packages for honeymooners may also be arranged.

Find out more about Buvi Lodge and their packages here.

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PS: Buvi Lodge sponsored this trip and I took it solo. I thoroughly enjoyed the alone time and I truly believe that more women should take solo trips. If you’re reading this – go out and adventure, spend some quality time, somewhere beautiful, with yourself. Xx

Have you visited Buvi Lodge before? What was your experience like? Would you visit? Do let me know in the comments below.

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Published on October 09, 2018 10:55