Travel Adventure

Africa Tourism boss interview on ways to make tourism better

After the recently concluded annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), an interview caught our eyes. At the event organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), it was confirmed that at least 200 tourism business managers from nearly 30 countries from a whole four continents. This interview, a Question, and Answer for Daily Monitor’s Prosper Magazine by Justus Lyatuu, also published by the Daily Monitor had Mr. Alain St. Ange, the president of the African Tourism Board exploring Africa’s tourism industry.

What is the role of the African Tourism Board?
It was conceived to bring Africa together; we are 54 states currently competing with each other rather than complementing each other. Here, we have Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda competing yet truly, they should be working for East Africa’s good.

When countries work as an East Africa bloc, they all benefit. But if they go separate ways, they are not working for Africa. So the African Tourism Board was formed to bring Africa together.

At African Tourism Board, we believe that if East Africa is working together, we can improve from the current 6 percent of intra-Africa travels and this will benefit Africa more.
Africa has a big market of over 1.2 billion people which we must exploit to our advantage by increasing intra-trade and intra-travel among us.

How would you rate the performance of Uganda’s tourism sector?
Uganda has unique selling points; it has the political will, something we rarely see in many countries.

Africans believe that to be a ‘tourist’, you have to travel out of Africa. How can we deal with that?
No one is a prophet in their own country, the first thing should be making people appreciate the fauna and flora in the country. As a citizen, you must see that people come from all over the world to see the good fauna and flora. Domestic tourism should be encouraged because people should spend the Ugandan currency here first. Therefore, understanding the country will help to promote tourism; it is the role of the industry players to change people’s minds.

Seychelles is one of the countries with a successful tourism record. How can Uganda borrow a leaf?
Seychelles has done it well; I was a director of tourism and minister of tourism.
The Ministry had political support from the government because tourism is our life; we protected what we have and developed an industry that suits the smallness of Seychelles.

We brought all the citizens on board and made them aware that tourism is our bloodline; that is what Uganda should do and all locals should be involved; not only big investors but small ones also. For instance, in Seychelles, we said a small hotel of 24 rooms should be left for local tourists. That encouraged local investors to make some money and that is what Uganda should do, make Ugandans part and parcel of the industry.

How do conflicts in the world affect tourism in Africa?
There is a saying, “When big countries sneeze, we catch cold,” because we are dependent on their visits. So when they have difficulties, we feel it. Now, let us find a way of doing intra-Africa tourism; this will make us self-reliant; we are 54 states with millions of people; that is a ready market.

Under-funding remains the biggest hitch in Uganda’s tourism industry. What can Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) do to become self-sustaining?
UTB will never be self-sustaining; the Board benefits from an income from the government. So UTB’s role is to bring the people and the percentage of the income from tourism should be given back to the board to continue the work; as long as it brings the tourists, it should be self-sustaining.

Has Africa fully exploited technology in its tourism marketing strategy? If not, how can this be achieved?
Marketing in Africa has taken a leap; today, technology has taken over fully, e-marketing, e-booking. So Uganda should be encouraged to sell through e-sales mediums so that they can benefit from technology.

How can East Africa market its tourism as a block since the features are almost the same?
The East African Community has made big strides in selling themselves; EAC has key assets that go beyond the borders so this should even make marketing easy. From that, we have seen things like EAC visa and other initiatives in a way that will help Africa sell themselves to the world as a block. EAC can use key personalities who have a following in the region so that marketing is made easy.

From the African perspective, what are the challenges in the tourism industry?
African states have different challenges; the bad news of one of the 54 states spreads faster than any good news and any bad news in one country is affects the 54 states for instance Ebola, so Africa must work together to rewrite its own narrative.

Africa cannot continue to let the world ride on its back, the world is writing what they want, and often looking at all the mishaps; all the mistakes and for everything else that is not good about Africa this is a challenge that needs combined efforts to fight.

The political will is there although it varies by country. I think in Uganda it is there but more importantly, we need the African Union to show the political will and it is this that tourism will be able to thrive on the continent.

We still have the visa issue, Uganda had made some progress on e-visa, also African airlines can work together to offer the best flights and reduce the waiting time.

What aggressive strategies do we need to market Uganda better?
First, increase visibility; compile unique selling points. We have things like the Equator, Source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, and the legacy of former President Idd Amin.

Idd Amin is one of the most talked-about Ugandans, there are many films on Amin but is Uganda benefitting from the films? We have to find a way and write that it’s an era that was there and nobody will change that; let us capitalize on that and get the money.

Africa has icons like Nelson Mandela, Idi Amin; things like Saba Saba, you have excellent wildlife; what you need to do is to develop the internal water transport system, specifically in Lake Victoria.

Investment opportunities
Make Uganda visible to the world. Uganda needs to increase her visibility by telling the world Uganda exists; in Uganda, the good news is not news. You need to rewrite your narrative and tell the world how good Uganda is and that there are investment opportunities.

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Five spots on the wild and tranquil Ugandan waters

It is a honeymoon? Is it love you want to celebrate? What better way to express this than by taking a boat cruise? Uganda’s lakes and rivers are more than just waters, they come with sceneries to die for. Tranquility takes center, the breeze is soothing, the beauty simply out of this world and the experience sticks to mind. But the wild is magical too. Join the View Uganda team on a five-spot boat cruise.

1. A dreamy Lake Albert awaits.

When the boat docks, we guarantee you will be smiling. For emphasis, we shall repeat: By the end of this two-hour trip, the memories you would have collected will leave you smiling. It starts with encountering of plenty wildlife whilst still ashore; reptiles, birds, you name them, exciting! But that you will soon learn is just a teaser; this entire experience is capped with thought-inducing sunsets and pure relief. A tangle with nature, a sun so soothing you wander into the what-ifs of life. You live and let live whilst on the waters of Lake Albert.

It remains one of the most informative sightseeing tours in Western Uganda. Offering a relaxing way to learn about puzzling tectonic earth movements that led to the formation of the Albertine rift valley. It takes place aboard a wooden boat powered by twin-turbo engines. What a gentle experience this boat, managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, provides. Arguably the most stable boats on Ugandan waters that boast of comfort so fulfilling it allows for dreams.

The adventure is fun and exciting, but also informative. The guides on site know so much about the area. You will be impressed by how they value the environment, and the special role that each animal in Semuliki National Park has in sustaining its eco-system.

The cruise unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing you to see all types of birds that prey on fish possible. The biggest highlight is spotting Uganda’s most sought-after species, the shoebill. Imagine encountering a pre-historic bird that has defied odds and outlived extinction since the time dinosaurs still walked the earth.

The longevity of the tour is perfect. It is long enough to allow you to see all the animals on your bucket list but also short enough not to make you bored.

Cost: The tour costs roughly 50,000 UGX and can be booked through the luxury lodges in the park. One such lodge is Ntoroko Game Lodge.

It continues tomorrow… who wants to go Sports Fishing on Lake Victoria

    2.   Canoe cruise on Lake Mulehe, so picturesque!

 

It captures your heart with intriguing sights and sounds of Lake Mulehe. Found in Kisoro District(South-Western Uganda), it is a scenic crater lake that has a healing effect on the mind, body, and soul.

You will have a calm paddle aboard a dug-out canoe that is small and made for an intimate connection. Be prepared to get award-winning pictures of green hilly landscapes with plantations of Irish potatoes on their faces.  The bonus is a mix of dormant and active volcanoes that perfected the beauty of the Virunga region with their sky-hugging summits. In their shadows are well-organized villages of locals, most of whom hail from the Bafumbira tribe.

As the sun rises gloriously, it creates clear blue skies which are beautifully reflected in this lake. This creates a powerful and energizing environment for adventure and re-discovery of one another.

As you ride on, you will encounter lots of birds with soothing music for your soul, like the malachite kingfisher. But that’s half the story. The trip is just what you need to cool off and reflect on how far your relationship has come. Why? As opposed to being powered by a motorized engine which would disturb your peace, the canoe is steered by paddles.

The Kayaking option is equally so much fun, a great physical workout too! There is enough paddling to do. Throughout, you will be in the company of an extremely enthusiastic guide who is knowledgeable about the area.

If you love swimming, you can take advantage of the lake’s bilharzia free state and jump in for a refreshing dip. The fish are quite curious and swim right up to you- so cute! You’ll have absolute peace of mind considering lake Mulehe doesn’t have any hippo or crocodile.

Cost: The adventure costs roughly 50,000UGX per person and can be booked through the various safari lodges in Kisoro.

 

3. The wild Murchison Falls National Park boat ride

Take a boat cruise in Murchison falls National Park, we dare you! Not that it is a bad dare, the thing is, this is more of an exploration of the wildlife of this park, and thus more than just a tour. It is no wonder it attracts over 200,000 tourists annually! The cruise takes place on River Nile aboard a big boat with a lower and upper deck. Imagine how electrifying it would be to cruise on the world’s longest river? Yes, a wonder that that started flowing even before Moses freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Imagine that!

This beautiful biodiversity hot spot is home to tons of birds, reptiles, aquatic species, and mammals like buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and giraffes. All these can be easily spotted this a sightseeing boat cruise destined for the mouth of the river. During this two-hour experience, you will ride past small swamps systems with schools of hippos cooling of the heat with a swim.

Should you look keenly into the water, you will see gigantic crocodiles camouflaging with surrounding rocks. Their eyes are glued to the shoreline to stalk prey that has come to quench its thirst. The guide who will be entrusted with looking after you speaks so much about conservation and sustainable tourism. Their love for the park will make you want to stay there forever.

Like a true climax, the best part of this boat ride is watching the majesty of the Murchison Falls unveiling ever so thunderously in your eyes. This, on top of experiencing wildlife in its habitat, is what makes this boat ride one die for.

 Cost: In short, the tour is good value for money and thus highly recommendable. Costs between Shs30,000 -120,000 depending on whether you are an East African, Foreign Resident, or Foreign tourist.

 4. Time to go fishing on Lake Victoria

First of all, safety is germane! The entire excursion is a tale of a well-organized and executed affair, complete with attention to safety. Before we delve into it, not that Lake Victoria is one of the very few freshwater bodies in the world that are still lonely save for a lone canoe in a distance. This should allow you to rediscover what you like about each other without feeling like your privacy is compromised.

It helps that the temperature in and around the lake is friendly all year round. Listening to the calm waves gently splashing the side of the boat will heal your mind and soul of whatsoever is troubling it. If sportfishing with Wild Frontiers, your trip will be guided by a two-man team that had done this over 200 times now. They will make sure you are well taken care of from start to finish. Even better, the boat is well suited for deep lake trolling.

At the genesis of this adventure, a briefing about the rules and regulations must be held. This is to ensure that all are versed in the safety and operations of the boat and only then will you get into the nuts and bolts of your mission. To go fishing! The activity is easy as there are not many Dos and Don’ts. The artificial lures are designed in the shape of prey that is a delicacy for giant tilapias and Nile perch.

The ever-so-patient instructors make the activity doable even for a novice. Throughout the excursion, there is no rush to get you back to shore, you will fish until you are were happy to pull in the lines. The crew’s knowledge of the lake is hard to beat. They know where, when, and how to hook the biggest catch. It might take lots of minutes before landing on a good catch, this makes the victory worth a huge celebration like a lottery win. Luckily, there is lots of beer on board. Did I say there was lunch too? Well, you bet there is. The day will end with a brief visit to one of the many islands on the lake whereof the Equator passes. Imagine that!

Costs: An average of $125 with Wild Frontiers, a sports fishing agency based in Entebbe

5. An adrenaline dose from Rafting River Nile.

Are you feeling plain old? Did plain stick maybe? If you are just bored of the relationship, then this adventure is exactly what you need. In fact, put it on your bucket list for valentine, you will not regret it!  It entails overriding 8 major rapids of the river that are well spaced over a scenic 24-kilometer stretch. Imagine that!

This pushes you to the limits and enables you re-discover your strength, or just how good you are at maneuvering through challenges. All that initially seemed impossible will fizzle off. And dare we add, this could go a long way in trivializing all the hurdles that seemed unmovable. And oh, this is regardless of whether you chose the half-day or full-day excursion, you will leave with both physical and emotional rewards.

Over 1,000 who don’t know how to swim have successfully and safely rocked the adventure since its inception over 20 years back. This is partly because safety is the main concern of the rafting agencies and standards of their equipment are second to none.

Before the experience, a breakfast to fill you with sufficient energy ahead of your expedition is served. You will then be split into groups of six people each with similar appetites for adrenaline. Each will be led by a coach who has been rafting for over 10 years. He will ensure you are comfortable but most of all confident to rock the day. Shortly after boarding the raft boat at a calm stretch of the river, he will give you a safety briefing—purposed to enlighten you on how to have a trip that is free of regret and fear.

Having rafted countless times before, the safety crew knows the river very well and will keep you safe throughout. You will swiftly come to your rescue just in case you fall out of your boat after it has hit a high wave. The rapids you will counter are on the bigger side but prior to confronting each, the raft will be consulted to determine which line to pass.

This will limit the number of times your boat flips upside down. The beauty of rafting the Nile unlike an ocean or sea is that its water is not salty, it is fresh. As such, neither your eyes nor skin will be damaged. On the contrary, they will look exquisite and renewed in the end due to the healing effect of the mineral-rich water.

A photography crew will be stationed at different strategic parts of the river to get highlights of your excursion. Halfway into your adventure, you will have a lunch stopover at one of the islands surrounded by exhilarating rapids and a rich concentration of beautiful birds

Costs: The average cost for a full day raft is $125

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West Nile’s secret: Mount Wati and Miriadua Falls

My very first mountain-climbing attempt was Mount Wati, in Arua district, West Nile. Mount Wati stands at approximately 1,250 meters above sea level and it is believed that back in the day, rebels used to hide in the mountain to monitor advancing government soldiers. Today, the mountain makes for a

great hike, a chance to bond with nature, and an opportunity to experience very scenic views from the top.

I arrived on a Friday just before sunset and set camp right next to Miriadua falls. The falls are stunning and the gushing sound made the campsite feel very homey as if to say “welcome, you are not alone.” Miridua falls made for a practical camping spot too as the cascading water created a great shower spot that evening. My trip was during the dry season and our guide, Gerald Iga, insisted that we didn’t even witness half the beauty of the waterfall, as it gushes with even more power and vigor during the rains.

Internet photo

The next morning, and the group I traveled with, began the much-anticipated hike. We drove about one hour from Miriadua falls to Mount Wati and started our hike from the base of the mountain at about 11 am. The climb was a test of perseverance and patience. Trekking through savannah grassland and steep rocks, we felt the hot West Nile sunrays on our backs and stopped occasionally for rest and my personal energy boost of water (mixed with glucose), groundnuts, and biscuits. Our guide was very helpful and he led us as we navigated the rocks, at some points on all fours! It’s hard to describe how thrilling and enjoyable the experience of mountain climbing is. As you climb, all vanity ceases and all dependency relies on your instincts and Mother Nature.

Climbing with a group is a bonding experience like no other. As much as you have yourself, I’d say a first-timer is more likely to summit when climbing with others. As the great African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” One step at a time as you climb and truly live in the present moment, you never quite know when exactly you will reach the top as it all depends on the group pace. We encouraged and supported each other along the way and through dry grass, through bush and thicket, through the rocks, we kept ascending.

The summit was surreal. A sense of accomplishment engulfed me as I overlooked the vast savannah. At that moment, we were standing at the highest point in West Nile! Triumph and jubilation filled the air. I rested, relaxed, took pictures, and gazed at my surroundings. I was proud of myself, and I knew that very moment would be indelibly etched in my memory.

The mountain descent was a shorter expedition though nonetheless challenging. Resisting the pull of gravity, we made our way back through the rocks and eventually onto the mainland. I completed the hike at about 6 pm and headed straight to camp to freshen up, enjoy a bonfire, and indulge my palate with local dishes of the Angara, Enyasa, and Osubi.

On Sunday, we made our way back to Kampala. Both fatigued and excited, nostalgia for Wati and the entire experience immediately sank in as we set off. On our way, we stopped at the market to buy some kitenge (East African cotton printed fabric) which is much more affordable in the West Nile region than in Kampala city. I still haven’t made a dress out of my kitenge, but when I do, I know that I’ll have something to remember my first mountain climbing experience and the glory of the West Nile.

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A white water rafting experience

Are you in Uganda? Then you just can’t miss this awesome dose of adrenaline rush. Many even call it the top adventure to do in Uganda’s adventure capital, Jinja. It entails overriding 8 major rapids of the river that are well spaced over a scenic 24-kilometer stretch. Regardless of whether you chose the

half-day or full-day excursion, you will leave with both physical and emotional rewards.

If you are feeling stressed, the roller coaster-like ride will treat your mind and soul to internal healing and nourishment.

 

Over 1,000 who don’t know how to swim have successfully and safely rocked it since it began taking place over 20 years back. This is partly because safety is the main concern of the rafting agencies and standards of their equipment are second to none.

 

To start the day, you will be served breakfast to fill you with sufficient energy ahead of your expedition. You will then be split into groups of six people each with similar appetites for adrenaline. Each will be led by a coach who has been rafting for over 10 years. He will ensure you are comfortable but most of all confident to rock the day. Shortly after boarding the raft boat at a calm stretch of the river, he will give you a safety briefing—purposed to enlighten you on how to have a trip that is free of regret and fear.

Having rafted countless times before, our safety crew knows the river very well and will keep you safe throughout. You will swiftly come to your rescue just in case you fall out of your boat after it has hit a high wave. The rapids you will counter are on the bigger side but prior to confronting each, the raft will be consulted to determine which line to pass take through. This will limit the number of times your boat will flip upside down. The beauty of rafting the Nile unlike an ocean or sea is that its water is not salty, it is fresh. As such, neither your eyes nor skin will be damaged. On the contrary, they will look exquisite and renewed in the end due to the healing effect of the mineral-rich water.

Our photography crew will be stationed at different strategic parts of the river to get highlights of your excursion.

Halfway into your adventure, you will have a lunch stopover at one of the islands surrounded by exhilarating rapids and a rich concentration of beautiful birds.

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15 Giraffes Translocated to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

UWA the body that manages the country’s wildlife recently released 5 Rothschild giraffes into North Eastern Uganda-based Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This reintroduction exercise will now bring the total number of giraffes to 15, 10 of which are females.

Presiding over the event, Dr. Panta Kasoma, representing the Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, that the re-introduction of giraffes in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is in line with UWA’s strategic objectives among which is the reintroduction of extinct species.

He maintains that the exercise was looking to uphold conservation and keep the animal populations fairly distributed and high. “Especially the endangered species, we must pay attention to them,” he said. We are happy that we now have giraffes in Pian Upe after very many years, and we hope this will further enhance tourism in the reserve.”

This will not only stop at the giraffe populace, as only last year but impalas were also transferred. “We translocated up to 92 impalas into the reserve areas,” UWA’s Charles Tumwesigye said. “These translocations are good, we have seen an increase in antelopes, zebras, cheetahs…”

This is an ongoing process, one that is expected to yield results, protect the endangered long-legged giraffe but also see it thrive in a place where its population is wanting.

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A Mona Lisa Painting for Uganda

For art lovers, the recent launch of the Leonardo Opera Omnia Exhibition undoubtedly welcomes the news. The exhibition that will be running from 19th November 2019 to 5th January 2020 at the Uganda National Museum in Kitante has caused quite the rave. According to the Uganda T

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Amabeere Ga Nyinamwiru: The ‘breasts’ of a Beautiful Girl

The African Language and names are quite dramatic. Never shying away from saying it as is seen. So, if you are searching for historical attractions with legendary stories that are reminiscent of Roman mythology, narrow down your search to Mabere Ga Nyina Mwiru. It is a cultural and Eco-tourism

gem found at one of the most impressive waterfalls of Fort Portal. You can think of Fort Portal as one of Uganda’s most scenic town, lying in the shadows of Mountain Rwenzori.

In the thick of this tour, one must follow underground trails that lead into chambers of ancient caves made of solid lava ash. Created as a result of volcanic eruptions that rocked the Virunga region over 500 years ago, these natural caves are well preserved, with zero interference from humans. And as such, they still boast beautiful rock formations. This includes a thriving system of bristling stalactites hanging from the rocks overhead, and stalagmites surging up from the ground.

Scientists maintain that they were formed when calcium carbonate reacted with water from an adjacent waterfall that flows from Uganda’s highest Mountain, Rwenzori. The bi-product of this reaction is a milky substance that drips from the “tits” of rock formations that resemble breasts. “That is how locals came to call it: Amebere Ga Nyina Mwiru, meaning the breasts of Nyinamwiru,” one Ignatius, a guide at the site notes.

Interestingly though, historic stories beg to differ; legend passed on from generations among the Batooro insist that the “breasts” were cut off from the chest of a beautiful Mutooro girl called Nyinamwiru. This followed the orders of her father King Bukuku of Toro, a decision based on a prophecy that she would one day get married and have a son, Ndahura, who would kill the king and take over his throne.

A hike through Mabere Ga Nyina Mwiru will enable you to absorb the area’s extraordinary wildlife and the fascinating history of the Bachwezi dynasty. This heroic tribe of Bantu cattle keepers lived here prior to their mysterious disappearance prior to the 19th century. As you stand by the permanent waterfall, the fascinating steaming sound and cold breeze engulf all and sundry.

Throughout this family-friendly tour, the guide will help you safely navigate through a labyrinth of caves and appreciate all their unique features. You can crown your guided visit here with a hike to the neighboring Kalyango hills and Kyenganywa hill. From their summits, you will see some of the most scenic crater lakes of Africa.

Such a gentle hike; it often jokes that even patients recovering from a hip surgery could take it on. The beauty about this is that it is also easy on the little ones and can be explored as a family.

What to know

If traveling in peak and rainy months like, bring a pair of waterproof shoes like gumboots. The trail gets quite messy with a lot of water and mud during this time. If you get wet, they will give you a chance to shower and change afterward at the cottage here. The tour costs Shs7.500Ugx for locals and Shs10.000 for non-Ugandans.

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A Shoebill-affair in Uganda

To quote the urban youth: “It is not a looker”. Not one bit! How the shoebill stork, (often just called the shoebill), which should be nowhere near the list of the most sought after birds then becomes one of the most sought after birds become bedazzling! Oh yes, it really is. Not only does it feature in the list of beauties, it actually tops it.

It’s named clearly curved out of its massive bill, which is a replica of a shoe, the shoebill is an excellent fisher. Many will even argue that it is unmatched. Scientists maintain that thanks to the sharp edges of its mandibles, this bird can reduce prey to mince. Just like that; the shoebill becomes one of the most fascinating birds to behold.

Like the Ugandans, the Shoebill’s life expectancy is 50 years and has been around for over 11,000 years now. True. Imagine a bird that has been around since the times of King Pharaoh of Egypt! Awesome, right? But this, researchers, worry could easily come to a screeching halt as fishermen have taken to killing this bird. They associate it with a bad omen, a thing that attracts bad luck whilst fishing. As a matter of fact, researchers at Nature Uganda, noted that there is a little under 1,000 of them left in Uganda.

They mostly seek solace in the country’s swampy areas and shallow lakes. Specifically, they have been spotted at Mabamba swamp, Lugogo Swamp in Ziwa Rhino Reserve, Lake Albert, the lower Nile in Murchison Falls Park, and Lake Mburo. To go on bird-watching in these places, one would need clear guidance and the internet is awash with these. Because it is a rare sighting, it would be also good to know which times of the day it is most seen.

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Ugandan becomes first black woman to travel to every country

A Ugandan, Jessica Nabongo has officially become the first black woman to have visited every single country in the world. Nabongo, a Ugandan-American arrived in Seychelles on Sunday. This would be the last of her 195 country voyage. It is believed that over 50 friends and family members traveled with her to the East African archipelago to mark the historic event.

According to Okay Africa, Nabongo has been traveling since the age of 6. “Though she was born in the US, her parents are Ugandan and she’s used both passports to travel the world. What’s most remarkable is the frequency with which she’s done so,” they stated. It is further reported that Nabongo made the decision to attempt the global feat in 2017. At the time she had only traveled to 60 countries– meaning she’s traveled to 135 countries in just 2-and-a-half years, an average of just under 7 days per country.

Africa News tells of how Nabongo’s journey across the world has not been without awesome experiences on the African continent, from visiting her family in Uganda to experiencing unexpected kindness in South Africa, and a trip in Mali that started out as terrible and ended up being a fantastic experience.

Writing on her Instagram, Nabongo said: “So much to say but for now I will just say thank you to this entire community for all of your support. This was our journey and thanks to all of you who came along for the ride! I began my journey to every country in the world because I am a geography nerd, curious about other cultures, and want to show the world through a lens that we rarely view it from—that of a black woman.”

She raised money through fundraising and sponsorships and also used her accumulated miles to travel. Asked why she chose to travel, Nabongo said that she wanted to alter the global narrative and perception surrounding a lot of destinations–particularly in Africa–and highlight “that many countries are dangerous, that people are miserable, that you cannot have nice, luxury, vacations on the continent.”

Speaking to Forbes, Nabongo confirms how hard it is to travel with an African passport. Even in countries where Ugandans are meant to have visa-free travel, Nabongo ran into problems in immigration. “A lot of people don’t think of Africans as a consumer, they just think charity or baby,” says Nabongo. “I want immigration to see, ‘hey Ugandans are tourists [too].”

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