By Jonathan Benaiah
From family-friendly trips to solo activities or escapades with friends, here are 5 cool travel ideas to save you from only taking food photos this Christmas.
The “most wonderful time of the year” is on us but it doesn’t have to be the same old “kuliisa maanyi” every other year, as we tend to say in Uganda.
How about we spiced things up a bit to make this year’s 25th December as well as the days leading to New Year’s, a season to remember. An escape to the lake with your tight group of friends, or a treat for the kids and their mom at a safari lodge, or perhaps just a solo trip to the mountains; it’s not too late to pack.
After the events of this and the bygone year (2020), the holiday celebrations have tended to look different, but we have also been taught to ‘eat our ka money’, especially during months like December when that phrase makes the most meaning.
Based on my many travels as well as my interactions with leading travel planners in the tourism space, I’ve handpicked a few experiences to ease you into the perfect mood; send you to a place where you’ll not only find festive decorations; but places where it’ll be most merry and cheerful and in some beautiful destinations around the country.
DISCLAIMER: As you plan, be sure to double-check openings, events, booking policies, and government travel guidelines before confirming anything; especially safety measures related to COVID-19.
1- Lounge On A Beach On An Island
Why: If you’re still that person “dreaming of a white Christmas”, well that could actually come with some warmth, if you chose to lounge on one of the sandy beaches in Kalangala. This one is a popular destination every holiday because of its ease of accessibility (now served by at least four different water vessels from Entebbe and two daily ferries from Bukakata along Masaka road); but also the fact that there is enough lodging for every budget. And the fact that the water levels have since reduced, I can’t imagine a better time than now to escape to the islands. Of course, there’ll be fish whenever you want it!
Travelers’ tip: There are some popular names like Brovad Sands Lodge and Victoria Forest Resort, but let your budget not be the reason you give up on your plans to visit Kalangala this Christmas. There are several other options still granting access to the huge lake and lovely beach line. Whether alone or with company, be sure to participate in at least one of the nature walks. There are also quad bikes should you want to add a bit of adrenaline to the mix.
2- Get Wet On The World’s Longest River
Why: Now as cocky as it might sound, the source of the Nile in Jinja is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world and for many visitors rafting this great river gives you both ‘boyhood and Pharaoh’ vibes. But this is not the only way to party on its waters this Christmas. You can enjoy a ‘tubing on the Nile adventure’ or ride the recently installed 20m water slide into a placid section of the legendary river. And for those that like to ride the wave, Kayaking is still on the menu. You can still ride a quad bike or horse along the river’s banks into the sunset, if that’s something you fancy; and spending Christmas night in Jinja or the night after is seldom a bad idea.
Travelers’ tip: You might not want a complete dip, I know. Well, the bungee jumping activity recently reopened, and here’s the cool thing. You could choose to take that ‘leap of faith’ and kiss the surface of the mighty Nile while at it. Oh, and if that’s still too dramatic, there is the option of one of the daily afternoon or sunset boat cruises. If you reach out from the side of the boat, you might be lucky to wet just your fingertips with the legendary waters of the Nile this Christmas. My favorite two cruises include the one that sets off from Jinja Sailing Club and another operated by Nile River Explorers.
3- Go On Safari, Stay At A Safari Lodge
Why: Imagine a Christmas intimate, relaxing, and far away from the kit and boodle of bright streetlights in Kampala or Dubai. There are 10 national parks in Uganda, with each offering a unique experience; some closer than others to the capital city. Whether you choose to visit Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park in the west; Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest or take the longer expedition to Kidepo Valley National Park up northeast, I bet you’d have the best chance of catching the Christmas sunrise in the sanctuary of Africa’s great wildlife. And with the variety of safari lodges now available, you will be sure to be pampered in the night, while during the day, share in meals in perhaps the most underrated ‘instagrammable locations’ on the African continent.
Travelers’ tip: It might be wise to book through a tour company and have less to worry about regarding planning things. Should you choose to self-drive, note that it is certainly clever to confirm your reservation before you travel. Also note that Uganda Wildlife Authority recently phased out all cash payments. So just make sure to have your monies on your Mobile Money account, but you can still swipe your bank card.
4- Climb A Mountain Or Hike A Cultural Trail
Why: They say some of “the best views come after the toughest hikes”, and as tired as that statement might sound, it still holds truth this Christmas. Living in Uganda has many exciting contrasts especially the country’s many single-day hikes. You are free to choose from a lazy walk around a new cultural trail in the territory of Moroto’s warrior nomads, trek to the bottom of a waterfall in Sipi – Kapchorwa or to the top of Kagulu Rock in Buyende district. You could still decide to hike to a charmed waterfall in Ruhija deep within a tropical rainforest like Bwindi, or summit one of three volcanos in Kisoro. Or if you are an experienced hiker, a trek to the top of the Rwenzoris with a possibility of summiting before New Year’s sounds like a cool idea. I am not sure the mountaineers’ clubs are running any trips this Christmas but if you are up for a challenge the trails are definitely open and calling. Hikes are great moments for bonding with friends and family; and a nice way to switch things up a bit this Christmas.
Traveller’s tip: The tougher hikes call for better preparation and greater fitness; you will want to choose your festive challenges wisely, if the mood is to indeed remain merry.
5- A Roadtrip To The New Tourism City
Why: This is no longer a stranger to bucketlists, as many of the people I know already booked their cottages for a few nights in the Fort Portal area, the newly famed “Tourism City”. You have a lot to choose from including the option of waking up to a beautiful birdsong in a brand new and spacious cottage at the edge of a chimpanzee forest or in a secluded ‘cultural-farm setting’; ride a mountain bike around the brim of an ancient crater lake in the mid-morning, drive to the famous hot springs at Sempaya after lunch or play with the family at perhaps Uganda’s newest addition to adventure parks, a facility run by Akira Alira. And if you don’t mind “digging a bit deeper” in the pocket, you could enjoy views of the sun gliding over Africa’s spectacular Great Rift Valley in the morning from your private pod, and in the evening from a chic swimming pool. You could still book one of the town hotels for a cheaper rate and spend more of your money on the experiences including Tooro Kingdom’s many cultural and religious sites. Also be sure to take some sort of camera-device with you. There are just too many opportunities ‘to slay’ so you may want to pack that portable power bank as well.
Traveller’s tip: It is a policy for most eco-lodge-style accommodations in this and many parts of the country to book in advance. So be sure to reserve before you travel as the rooms are only a few and the meals and drinks are many a time procured based on the numbers expected.
We all love a bonus this Christmas, don’t we? Well, here’s a good one.
Bonus: Zip-line & Picnic in Murchison Falls National Park
Why: Yes I was equally stunned by the news. There is a new Zipline in one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations. If you’ve ridden the Zip-lines in Mabira Forest, Lake Bunyonyi and the one at Busiika Adventure Park, then I guess you’ve got a bit more work to do. One of the lodges (Sambiya River Lodge) close to the top of the Murchison Waterfalls recently put up a zip-line on their premises. Now I’ve got mixed feelings about this one, but I’d still check it out if I could this Christmas. Sounds like a brilliant way to send food down into the legs after a hearty Christmas meal at the lodge. And there’s the possibility of enjoying a picnic close to the top of the falls.
In case you are interested in knowing where I’ll be on 25th December; I ‘might’ be heading back to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the third time this year with colleagues to film some Mountain Gorillas. Typical bushman right here, haha!
This Christmas, make it different; enjoy the festivities away from home and if possible, bring the people you love along with you. Wherever you go, there will be plenty of opportunities to also meet some less-privileged folks and communities, so fit in a little extra to put a smile on a few other people’s faces too this Christmas.
Merry Christmas everybody and Happy responsible travels!
Jonathan Benaiah (alias The Ugandan Tourist) is a responsible traveler, travel publicist, and does nature films & photography.
Email: ahabenathan@pm.me | jonathan@ugandantourist.com
Twitter: @AhaJonathan
Instagram: @AhaJonathan
