It is a far cry from the country’s darkest days, when it was not just the people who suffered. Uganda’s animal populations declined rapidly during the infighting as the numerous guerrilla groups feasted on wild game.
Leading safari and adventure travel company, Gane & Marshall, has hailed the resilience of Uganda as tourists begin to flock back to the country following decades of violence and political turmoil.
According to the central African state’s tourist board, almost 1.2 million tourists visited Uganda in 2013, an increase of 50% over five years. The figures demonstrate that the tourism industry is starting to recover, following the lengthy civil war that followed the barbaric reign of dictator, Idi Amin.
It is a far cry from the country’s darkest days, when it was not just the people who suffered. Uganda’s animal populations declined rapidly during the infighting as the numerous guerrilla groups feasted on wild game.
Now, with the last of the warlords expelled and a stabilising economy, Uganda is beginning to attract tourists again, which could ultimately see the country reclaim its tag as one of the great African safari destinations.
Despite obvious concerns about Uganda’s recently imposed anti-gay laws, safari operators are already anticipating a greater influx of visitors in the years to come.
A look at its natural diversity helps to explain why. An incredible range of landscapes is squeezed into its small land mass, which are home to an impressive array of wildlife that has made a miraculous recovery in the last decade. These include the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Forest, which is the habitat for roughly half of the world’s total population of this magnificent primate species.
Its expanding infrastructure is another factor behind its resurgence. With more than 1.6 million inhabitants, Kampala is one of the fastest growing cities on the continent. Investment in Uganda has also soared in recent years and last year, the country rose broke into the list of top ten African nations for foreign direct investment.
A spokesman for Africa safari travel operator, Gane & Marshall, welcomed the tourism figures and insisted they are testament to the spirit and fortitude of the Ugandan people.
He said: “It is great news to hear that tourists are starting to return to Uganda in bigger numbers. The efforts of the Ugandan people in rebuilding the country following decades of violent and political upheaval are commendable and speak volumes about their resilience.
“Uganda is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best safari destinations, and we are sure that the numbers of tourists visiting the country will continue to increase,” he added.
Gane & Marshall is a long-established wildlife and adventure travel company providing tailor-made holidays to Africa, the Indian Ocean islands and wildlife destinations around the world. Their adventure holidays are also sold as tailor-made and small group travel itineraries. The company is ATOL licenced and financially bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
