Destination Uganda delights China

__________________

China’s Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, experienced a memorable moment during a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

While on a game drive with a group of 15 travel dealers, the convoy of five vehicles, led by a Uganda Police van under the command of a name-tagged officer Omoding, encountered a herd of elephants crossing the road. The convoy stopped to allow the majestic creatures to pass in single file.

Some of the elephants that were encountered during the safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)

As Lizhong watched the elephants gently trampling the earth, munching on vegetation and flapping their large ears, his driver eagerly hopped out of the vehicle to capture the memorable scene with his mobile phone. However, the ambassador, seeking a more dramatic shot from a different angle, decided to get closer and direct the recording.

In his attempt to navigate the rocky and thorny terrain, Lizhong slipped and landed on his backside with a loud thud, startling everyone around. His wife, a talented visual artist, was heard asking if he was okay while continuing to sketch the breathtaking landscape on a piece of white paper.

Earlier that day, in Kabarole, Lizhong had climbed Kyeganyi Hill to take in a panoramic view of three stunning crater lakes: Saka, Kigere, and Nyabikere.

In his opening remarks at the Uganda-China Expo at Sheraton Hotel, Lizhong expressed his admiration for Uganda’s many wonders, emphasising that the country's beauty is so vast, it couldn’t possibly be fully experienced in just three days.

“I visited Murchison Falls National Park, and I was captivated by the powerful, bulbous falls on the River Nile. The variety of bird species I saw there left a lasting impression on me. The Baker’s Trail offers views that will stay with you for a lifetime,” Lizhong shared. “In China, we’re seeking guidance from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on sustainable tourism practices to help manage and preserve our natural resources.”

He also spoke fondly of his experience tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, where he cherished every moment spent with a group among the 5,000 primates that call the park home.

The invited tour operators were confident that their maiden trip to Uganda would elevate the destination alongside more frequently visited spots like Malaysia, South Korea, the USA, Guatemala, and the UK.

“They’ll love snapping selfies with lions, elephants, or crocodiles,” said an impressed Chen Yu. “The organic fruits, meats, and rich cultural diversity will certainly pique the interest of my clients. The key is to share these experiences with them.”

Chloe Wang highlighted the curiosity of Chinese travellers, expressing their interest in learning about Ugandans' worship practices, herbal medicine, food, and traditional dress. The guests were also delighted to shop for mementoes at the Igongo Cultural Centre.

“Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal gave us such a warm reception. The BBQ featured a variety of meats prepared in Chinese style, alongside delicious Ugandan dishes,” Wang noted. “Igongo Cultural Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and lifestyle of the entire Great Lakes region.”

New tourism products in the works

A new glass bridge is set to be built through the mighty splash of Murchison Falls, adding to Uganda's growing list of thrilling tourism experiences, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, the Imbalu initiation ceremonies in Bugisu, and quad biking.

China’s Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, experienced a memorable moment during a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)

“We are constantly innovating to keep Uganda an attractive destination for all kinds of travellers. The private sector is playing a crucial role in providing services for various types of tourists, whether luxury seekers, backpackers, or those on a budget,” said Bradford Ochieng, deputy CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). “We’re also looking forward to welcoming China’s participation in the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in May 2025.”

Food is another major draw for Chinese visitors, with a wide range of options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Thanks to Uganda’s diverse cultural influences, local cuisines hold their own against Indian and continental offerings.

Music also plays a key role in the experience, helping to keep visitors relaxed and engaged. Live performances and traditional compositions often inspire travellers to snap their fingers or tap their feet along to the rhythm.

To bridge the communication gap, tour guides are now learning Cantonese, ensuring that language barriers will soon be a thing of the past for Chinese-speaking tourists.

When Chinese go places, they go in huge numbers of 50–700, and the service providers ought to start bracing to handle them.