Many people have started to fear traveling to East Africa, particularly Uganda, because of the infection and death of the Dutch tourist earlier this month. However, since then only 1 fatality has been reported and it is interesting to note that the ranger guide who escorted the tourist to the cave is extremely normal.
This disease is caused by direct contact with bats, which are the main vectors. Also, the Bat Cave accounts for only 0.0001% of Uganda’s beauty. How about visiting prominent attractions such as the gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas, and a gorilla safari to this park is an unforgettable endeavor, the mesmerizing waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, The Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is gifted with countless rewarding bird adventures, not forgetting that a Uganda tour is complete without the beautiful sighting of game in this park, Lake Mburo National Park, which is the best place for the observation of zebras is almost incomplete. Kibale Forest National Park is known for a total of 13 primate species and most importantly, chimpanzee tracking is the most popular activity in the area. The source of the Nile in the eastern region offers an adventure worth a lifetime while the white water rafting is so interesting for the fit. How about tourists who would enjoy a night game drive that is not practiced anywhere else in the country except in Semliki National Park and the chimpanzees resident there?
The Ministry of Tourism, together with the Ministry of Health, have taken decisive measures to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. Measures taken include sanctioning the places where there is a susceptibility to the disease and no people are allowed in such places. Therefore, tourists are advised to take note of the instructions given by their tour guides during the trip. Bat Cave has been excluded from the package pending investigation into the disease and ensuring it has been fully treated. Therefore, tourism activities in the country continue as they always have and only part of the package has been spent.
Uganda is a nature gifted country and indeed the pearl of Africa, visit it once! It’s a guarantee to visit for the second time, or you may find it satisfying to be your absolute home for all your vacations.
Thanks to Denis Mugerwa
