Ebola kicked out of Uganda – January 2023 Uganda declares there is no Ebola

Today the 11th of January 2023, Uganda has been declared free from Ebola. For emphasis, THERE IS NO EBOLA IN UGANDA (January 2023). There could not have been better news to usher Ugandans into the new year than this declaration. What relief for the country!

Uganda has been a champion in fighting epidemics and this has been another war well won.

To declare Uganda free from Ebola it has taken the required two phases of 21 days of surveillance that should elapse without a new case since the last Ebola case. This is because, 21 days is the maximum incubation period of the virus that causes the Ebola disease. The last positive case of Ebola was recorded on November 29, 2022. That means no new Ebola case has been recorded in Uganda for the last 42 days.

The 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda

Uganda confirmed the outbreak of Ebola on 20th of September 2022, and the first affected districts were  Mubende, Kasanda and Kyegegwa.

The government declared the districts of Mubende and Kasanda the epicenter of the outbreak and promptly put the two districts under quarantine. There were breakthrough cases from these districts, spreading the outbreak to a few more districts including Kampala.

The rigorous contact tracing by a dedicated team from the Ministry of Health paid off. The breakthrough cases and their contacts were found and put under quarantine.

By the end of the 2022 Ebola outbreak, Uganda recorded 142 positive cases and 87 recovered while 55 died.

It is safe to visit Uganda, there is no Ebola (January 2023)

With Ebola now eliminated and the covid pandemic is almost no more, you can now go ahead with your plans of visit Uganda for your gorilla trekking trip or safari without any worry.

CNN Travel ranks Uganda among the destinations to visit in 2023

Uganda is on the CNN Travel’s list of the best destinations to visit in the year 2023. It is one of the only four African destinations on the list of 23 destinations in the world, which also includes Rwanda, that CNN Travel highly recommends as the ideal vacation places to go to as the world recovers from the trauma of the covid pandemic. Places to heal and enjoy.

Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa” is perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Africa, receiving so few travelers and yet has so much to see and do. With a unique location at the center of sub-Sahara Africa, Uganda is an intersection of Africa’s different landscapes, peoples, wildlife, weather, and scenery. Little wonder Uganda is at times referred to as “mini-Africa” because it has almost everything you will find in the different regions of Africa.

Here are a few of the many reasons why you should visit Uganda in 2023

More than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas

The gorilla trekking is one of the best wildlife adventures in the world, a unique experience that brings you face to face with real life “King Kong” deep in the African jungle. The mountain gorilla recently added to the new big five is found in just three countries in the world and Uganda is fortunate have more than half of the population.

How about combining the wildebeest migration safari in Kenya with the gorilla trek in Uganda for your next vacation?

All the African big five can be found in Uganda

Uganda does not have the fame of a big five destination like neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, and yet you stand a good chance to see all the famed big five in Uganda. The big five are; Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. The Big Five trip to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be done in just 3 days and you will tick off all the five animals.

Travelers that travel to Uganda exclusively to see the gorillas can plan to see the big five here as well without having to travel to the more popular and yet congested destinations.

Best year-round weather

Uganda by far has the best weather in the world with moderate temperatures averaging  23oC – 25oC (68oF – 77oF). Only in Uganda can you keep your shirt off and not feel cold or too hot. The country is located along the equator receiving direct sun, but has lots of water bodies, greenery and highlands that keep the weather warm/cool.

Surreal scenery

What Uganda may luck in having lots of animals makes up with scenery. Traveling across the country you witness different landscapes and scenery in almost every region of the country. From the northern rugged hills and semi-arid plains, to the western lush hills and crater lakes in the rift valley, to the southern dramatic highlands and volcanic mountains home to the gorillas, to the pristine jungles and wetlands along Lake Victoria. Your scenery will change dramatically every few hours of the drive.

Most diverse cultures and friendly people

Uganda has one of the most diverse people in the world, having cultural groups speaking more than thirty languages. Your travel in Uganda will take you through communities speaking different languages and having different cultures and traditions. If you want to see Africa up close and experience her people’s cultures Uganda is the best place to visit. Her unique location at the center allows her share many cultures of different African regions.

The common dominator of all these groups is their friendly nature. Wherever you travel to in Uganda you shall be welcomed and treated well.

Amazing local cuisine – Fresh Food

Uganda’s fertile soils and great weather have made Uganda the food basket of the East African region. The fruits in Uganda such as pineapples, oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws have been hailed as the sweetest by many travelers that have tasted them. If cuisine travel is your thing and want to try out tasty organic food in Africa then Uganda is your next destination this year.

Africa’s biggest lake with sandy beaches

Uganda is landlocked, meaning she has no coastline, but she shares a big part of Lake Victoria – Africa’s biggest lake and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. The lake has several wetlands that are home to lots of birds including the pre-historic looking Shoebill. The lake’s shoreline and many islands have beautiful sandy beaches ideal for relaxation after a safari adventure in the country. After visiting the gorillas or hiking in the mountains you do not need to fly to the famous coastal beaches of East Africa, Lake Victoria has you sorted.

Source of the Nile and amazing adventures on the Nile

Uganda is the proud home to the source of the longest river in the world – the River Nile. The Nile starts its journey at Lake Victoria in Jinja where it creates a series of rapids that have given rise to thrilling adventure such as the white water rafting, kayaking, tubing, etc…

Adventure junkies need not look hard to find know where to go for their next adventure, Uganda is here for you.

The best night life in the region

Ugandans have gained a world reputation being some of the happiest people on the planet that love to party. This can be seen by the vibrant night light that cannot be compared to any in the region. The cities, especially the capital Kampala, never go to sleep at night as there are many clubs and bars and a festival taking place every weekend.

If you would like to have a good time then do not look any farther, Uganda is the place to go this year 2023.

No crowds!!

The icing on the cake is that there are no tourist crowds in Uganda. If you wish to go on safari and not having to compete for a sighting, then visit Uganda.

Is Rwanda the easiest country to visit in Africa?

Rwanda is setting the pace in Africa, doing things differently from most African countries.

While other African countries come up with new restrictions every other day for travelers, Rwanda is instead positioning herself as one of the easiest countries to visit and travel in.

Below are reasons why Rwanda may be the easiest country to visit

Open door policy

Rwanda has adopted an open door policy that allows all people in the world to visit Rwanda without getting a visa in advance. Every person from any country can travel to Rwanda and get his or her visa on arrival at the border or the airport.

The open door policy is perhaps one the strongest reasons that make Rwanda the easiest country to visit. If you decide to travel to Rwanda today, you just need to get onto the plane, arrive at the Kigali International Airport where your visa is promptly issued and you are in Kigali City – Rwanda’s capital.

Rwanda has built a reliable national airline (Rwanda Air)

Rwanda’s national airline, Rwanda Air is making traveling to Rwanda easier. Rwanda Air currently has direct flights outside Africa to/from four major world cities. The airline flies to/from London (UK), Dubai (UAE), Guangzhou (China), and Mumbai (India). Meanwhile, more routes to other cities and continents are in the offing.

If therefore you are traveling from any of these continents, you just have to visit the Rwanda Airline website and book your seat (https://www.rwandair.com/)

Safest (and most organized) country in Africa

Rwanda is an oasis of peace and security in the heart of a volatile central Africa. The country is located near the Congo, a hotbed of insurgencies, and given Rwanda’s tragic past the country has built one of the most formidable security and intelligence systems which has combated any threat to peace and safety in Rwanda.

Only in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, can you walk in any area at any time, while using your phone without constantly looking over your shoulder in fear of losing it to thieves.

Nothing makes traveling in country easier than the feeling of being safe wherever you go.

Superb transport system and organized country

Public transport is one of the biggest challenges to travel within the chaotic African cities. Taking a passenger bus in most African cities comes with a risk of getting lost, arriving late, getting an accident or being robbed.

Rwanda has one of the most organized public transport system in Africa. There are public buses in the city that are cashless and require just a tap-and-go card which is also easy to get. The buses are also fitted with speed governors to avoid over speeding that would leads to accidents. The roads are well paved and traffic is well managed, with everyone adhering to the traffic laws.

Those who do not want to travel cheaply in public buses, there are ride-hailing apps for both cars and motorcycles.

Excellent infrastructure

The organized transport is made possible by excellent roads that are well marked and have walkways for pedestrians, and pedestrian crossings are respected by motorists (unachievable in sub-Sahara Africa).

Certain streets in the city have been turned into car-free-zones accessible only by pedestrians.

Amazing people with Great hospitality

Rwandans are amazingly friendly people who will go out of their help strangers. Everyone is eager to help you if they realize you are a visitor, unlike in other countries where many people are eager to take advantage of visitors.

In places where one needs to queue up for a service, a stranger will taken to the front so that she or he is served immediately!! Where in the world do you find this??!!!

A small country that is easy to explore

Rwanda is a small country with a size of about twenty six thousand squre kilometers. The small size and excellent road network and safety make visiting and exploring easy.

Popular destinations such as Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking takes place is just about two hours drive from the capital Kigali. The country’s big five safari destination, Akagera National Park, is also just about 2 hour drive from Kigali.

English and French languages widely spoken

Two international languages, English and French, are widely spoken making Rwanda more accommodating to speakers of these two widely spoken languages.

Rwanda in CNN Travel top destinations for 2023, here is why it should be in your vacation plans too!

It is that time of the year, CNN Travel publishes the list of destinations to think about for those planning travels in the year, 2023.

And guess what! Rwanda is on the list of 23 destinations that CNN Travel ranks as the best destinations in the world to visit in this new year 2023.

This is beautiful news for Rwanda travel but it is well earned as the Land of Thousand Hills and Mountain Gorillas has done so much to create arguably the best environment on the continent for travelers coming to discover the amazing landscape of rolling hills and volcanic mountains, abundant wildlife, and a beautiful culture all in this tiny country found in the heart of Africa.

This is why you should consider adding Rwanda to your trip to Africa in 2023

Best covid response: Rwanda had one of the best covid responses to tame the covid spread, including instituting lockdowns. And when the vaccines became available, Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to access them and vaccinate her people. Most of the population is fully vaccinated and all those working in the hospitality and tourism sector were fully vaccinated. Your safety from covid infection is almost guaranteed in Rwanda

Relaxed covid restrictions: Covid restrictions such as mandatory testing on arrival and quarantine have been dropped in Rwanda. Only remaining restriction is the requirement to take a PCR test if visiting the primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees, and a rapid test for other activities in the parks. This is to protect the wildlife, especially the primates, that share DNA with humans from contracting the virus.

Visa on arrival for all countries: Rwanda has an open-door policy; everyone can get their visas on arrival. Wake up today and want to see the gorillas tomorrow, just book your flight to Rwanda already!!

An oasis of security and safety: Rwanda’s proximity to Eastern Congo and the volatile neighboring countries is often a concern for visitors from across the world. However, the country understands best its position and has beautiful a robust security and intelligence system that has made the Rwanda one of safest countries in the world. The city Kigali is almost an eutopia in Africa with almost no crime on the streets. You walk any time and anywhere without the worry of being mugged or assaulted by goons.

Cleanest and most organized country: Rwanda and the capital Kigali almost seems misplaced in sub-Saharan Africa. The city and country are so clean and organized you will be left speechless. No single person is above the law and every citizen knows his or her role in keeping order and cleanliness. This has been engrained in the soul of the common Rwandan as a tradition.

Abundance of reputed hotels: Several international brands have set up shop in the capital Kigali and across the country. Some of these include Serena, Mariott, Sheraton, Radisson, etc…

Gorillas and other top things to see and do in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking: Gorilla trekking is the most popular tour in Rwanda. The country is home to a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population found in Volcanoes National Park, a part of the Virunga Mountain chain share with Uganda and Congo. The gorilla tracking permit costs $1500

Chimpanzee tracking: If you can, do not miss the chimpanzee trekking, an exciting adventure in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest that will bring you into a community of chimps in their natural habitat. Getting up-close with our closest relatives is one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters. The chimpanzee trek is also much cheaper than the gorilla trek, a chimp tracking ticket costs no more than $150.

See the Big five in Akagera National Park: Rwanda is slowly building a reputation beyond the gorillas to become a big game country too. Lions and Rhinos, the only missing member of the “big five”, were introduced in Akagera National Park, the only savanna park in the mountainous country. You can therefore enjoy a wildlife safari with all the big five in addition to seeing the gorillas, all this in as few as 3 days in Rwanda!

Lake Kivu: Riding in canoe and fishing on the most scenic lake in central Africa will complete your vacation in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s biggest lake located along the Rwanda – Congo border and is set in one of the most idyllic of places in the rolling hills of the Albertine rift valley and the sprawling Virunga Mountain ranges. Active travelers can take on the multi-day hiking and biking trail – the Congo-Nile trail along the Lake Kivu.

Ticking off endemic birds in the Albertine Rift valley: Rwanda is a heaven for birdwatchers, with more than 700 bird species in a such a small territory but mostly the endemic birds of the Albertine rift valley found in montane forests in the west of the country make birding in Rwanda a matter of when and not if.

Kigali City tour: Kigali is eutopia in Africa or an experiment to prove that black Africans are capable of building modern safe cities devoid chaos that is characterized by most cities in Africa. A day tour of Kigali City will include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where you learn about the horrors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, as well as other genocides that have happened around the world. It is a place to reflect about the consequences of blind hate leaving you different.

Amazing people with a vibrant culture: The genocide cast a dark shadow on what Rwandans truly are, they are friendly and beautiful people with strong cultures and traditions including the iconic intore dance. You can visit an organized cultural village where Rwanda cultures and traditions are showcased. Once such is the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village near the mountain gorillas.

Night walks introduced in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Finally, our prayers have been answered! In addition to the amazing day experiences in Nyungwe National Park such as the chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk and nature walks, tourists can now do a night walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park to look for the nocturnal life and experience the hair-raising and adrenaline inducing night atmosphere of this rich mountain jungle – a 2021 candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, protecting an ancient and diverse mountain forest in the Albertine rift region that keeps a lot of unique wildlife & amazing sights is the best place in Rwanda for one to experience the African forest and discover several species of monkeys and primates, track chimpanzees, see birds and rare plants, reptiles, insects, etc…

Nyungwe has many walking trails available for nature enthusiast to explore this amazing forest, however all of these had been limited to the day, leaving many nature lovers wondering what life comes alive in this jungle when the night falls and how it feels being there at night. In fact, a lot is left unseen when night falls and this night walk will provide a beautiful opportunity to see creatures such as the bush baby and potto.

The night walk has been a big answered prayer for the birdwatchers who have always wanted to tick off the nocturnal birds of this forest. Therefore, birders planning a birding tour in Rwanda, it is now possible to do night birding in Nyungwe and should not miss it on the itinerary for a chance to tick off especially the Albertine rift endemic nocturnal birds; the Ruwenzori Nightjar and Albertine Owlet.

When do the night walks start in Nyungwe national park

The night walk in Nyungwe is scheduled to start at 5.30pm, which is sunset and darkness is falling over the forest. The night walk ends around 8pm – 9m.

The park guide/s shall have torchlight/spotlight so you may not need to carry one, however I do advise you carry one that you believe will provide the best illumination for you not to miss sightings (birdwatchers especially should carry a spotlight).

All the night walks are guided by the park.

How long are the night walks in Nyungwe national park

The night walk is about 3 hours long. One can decide to return at any time they feel like within this time.

Book this 3 day Nyungwe forest tour and request for the night walk as part of the activities