CNN looks at Uganda's tourism and the current trends

Teaming up with a group of Ugandan Travel bloggers, CNN's Tommy Bouchier Hayes the producer of Inside Africa a weekly show that airs on CNN International, highlighting the true diversity of the African continent as seen through the prism of different cultures and religions. A show that explores a wide range of topics like art, music, travel, literature, and so much more.

The team with UWA officials at Mgahinga. Src: NewVision

New Vision's Solomon Oleny renown  travel blogger partnered with the Hayes in a move to show the world around Uganda and the most iconic attractions in the country. The whole documentary covers the major National Parks and the features involved: The gorillas at Mgahinga, The Murchison falls along the Nile, Kidepo Valley National park-which was named among the ten most beautiful parks in Africa, still by CNN.
The two minute video covers a few highlights in the whole documentary and it serves the purpose, for it gives you a look at what is covered in the story.

The 30 minute video also brings on board some of the travel enthusiasts in the land, the likes of Amos Wekesa, Kreative Adikt of the famous #KoiKoi and Kafunda Kreatives, also a renown travel photographer, and other youths who have taken part in promoting tourism through social media. These young guys have crafted catchy and trendy travel themes and hashtags which have not gone unnoticed. But the influence has been more on the local scene, and that's where the CNN team and involvement comes in handy. 

Andrew Seguya is the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). To him, one of the most thrilling things about Bouchier’s documentary is the fact that it was covered by Media 256, which has a global filming reputation. It is renowned for shooting some of CNN’s most punchy adverts, including Destination Mauritius. The Uganda-based agency is currently on retainer by CNN to shoot African Voices.
More about the documentary on CNN

Lake Bunyonyi, a not yet THAT discovered natural wonder.

“The lake of many little birds” in Rukiga-the local dialect spoken in the are-is a natural wonder of the world that is surprisingly known to only a few. Located in South Western Uganda, 7 km away from Kabale town and near Rwanda, with an area of 24 sqrkm and elevated to 1,946 m above sea level, lake Bunyonyi is such an amazing scenery of up to 29 islands of different shapes and sizes all scattered all around it.

The second deepest lake in Africa with the known depth to be up to 900m at some point, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in East and Southern Africa that are bilharzia free, that means safe for swimming. Also it is free of dangerous aquatic life like crocodiles and hippos. But amateurs are advised to not take the risk or at least inform your guide prior.

The Islands

Legends and myths are associated to most of the islands. My personal favorite is that of Bucuranuka island. Which translates to upside down island.

The legend says this island killed so many people. At on point a group of locals 15-20 were brewing beer and that’s when an old woman came by and asked to be given some of the beer. To which they responded in a rather not good manner for they thought her a beggar. So they told her to “get lost”. Then she asked if they could help her reach the mainland and to that they were positive by giving her a young man to canoe her to the her destination, that because they were fed up with her. So they left to the mainland. When they had just reached ashore and the young man was about to come back to rejoin his comrades, the island turned upside down, no man survived. And only a chicken they had with them flew away and survived.

The islands covered in mist.

Well, there are other more realistic tales; Akampene Island, which was an island to where they used to take unmarried girls who got pregnant and were left to either starve to death or drown on attempt to escape. And many more as will be brought to you by your guide

The photo on this note was taken at the shores of L. Bunyonyi

Nature around the lake

With more than 200 bird species around L.Bunyonyi you can tell why the name and how it is a great place for Birding . With an accompaniment of more wild game like Zebras, antelopes and apes at the islands to spice up you trip.  

Weaver bird at Bunyonyi

Culture

When it comes to culture and people, there’s a lot to catch your eye around here, but the most spectacular has been the Batwa people/ the pygmies at the Bakora cave or as suggested by your guide. The traditional blacksmiths (abahesi) with their ways with metals, you don’t want to miss that too.

There’s plenty of accommodation around and very close to the lake with different classifications to fit your pocket, from Luxury all the way to budget. Some tourists though opt for camping, which is turns out amazing and some prefer it to lodging, but that’s about one’s taste.

Visiting this fascination should sit on every traveler’s bucket list.

Oh wait, I didn’t even mention to you the hiking around the hills, how about you just get there and see these and more by your self..