Footprint Guides are fast gaining a reputation for accurate and in‐depth descriptions of some of the more unusual destinations sought out by the seasoned traveller. This new guide to Uganda is no exception – it is the latest in the series covering the African Continent. The guide describes a fascinating and lesser‐known East African country, which is now marketing itself as the ultimate eco‐destination. Two of the main reasons for visits to Uganda are to track the gorillas and chimpanzees and to go white‐water rafting.
However, there is more to Uganda than chimps and rapids – the country has a fantastic climate, an ever‐changing landscape and an indigenous population who are honest and pleased to help. Above all, Uganda is organized and efficient – for instance many of the roads are well maintained and the verges immaculate, so it becomes a pleasure to travel on them. The vegetation is lush and the soil rich – a delight to the eye. Given the wonderful sunsets and the vast array of stars in the night sky, one could spend an evening or two just taking these in, and listening to the amazing array of squawks, grunts and shrill whistles emanating from the bush!
The guide has an opening section on the highlights of the country, then deals with essentials such as specialist tour operators, getting there, what to take and local customs and laws. There is a good range of hotels and eating places, which should please most budgets. Local travel is also covered, followed by a section on sporting activities, the wildlife and safaris, together with sensible health precautions. Some of the health risks sound alarming, but a sensible vaccination programme and use of anti‐malarial drugs should see most people safely through all but the most prolonged stay.
The guide breaks the country down into five regional areas, commencing with the capital Kampala and the nearby town of Entebbe, where the main airport for Uganda is situated. Kampala is green and pleasant and very busy; Entebbe is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and is quieter than the capital, though very attractive. The next region featured includes the Jinja, Mt Elgon and the eastern part of the country. This area is best known for the source of the Nile, the Bujagali Waterfalls, the coffee plantations and white water rafting. The guide then deals with Kidepa, Murchison and the North of the country. This area contains two of the “must‐see” attractions – the Kidepo National Park and the Murchison Falls National Park. Unfortunately, there is still a certain amount of local unrest here, but the area is still worth a visit and there are some wonderful spots to stay. Fort Portal, the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the West form the fourth region of the country – this area is famous for its tea plantations, chimps, elephants and the other varied wildlife. Especially worth a visit are the Rwenzoris or Mountains of the Moon, which are now open again to tourists after problems with neighbouring Congo. The last regional section deals with the south and south‐west of Uganda, including the Sseses – tropical islands in Lake Victoria and the Bwindi area, famous for its gorilla population. The guide suggests that if the visitors’ time is limited in Uganda, this is the area to visit first, after Kampala. Here one can stand with a foot either side of the Equator, visit the gorillas and chimps, or lie on a tropical beach on one of the Ssese Islands.
Inserted between sections four and five are a number of pages of splendid colour photographs of African wildlife – commencing with the “big nine” and moving on to the primates, smaller mammals and birds and reptiles. The guide concludes with the history of the country, a section on modern day Uganda, information on the peoples, economy and environment and a useful list of further reading. As usual, the guide has a large number of separate “boxes” that deal with topics in a more in‐depth way. These include sections on tree species, the rare shoebill stork, the vast array of tropical butterflies, salt and tea production, exploration of the Rwenzori Mountains, dwarf elephants, chameleons and the local board game called Mweso or Mankala. There is an index and a list of maps plus a complete listing of the “boxes”.
This is altogether a comprehensive and well‐written guide to Uganda, the authors being old hands in Africa. They give sensible and unbiased advice and encourage the would‐be traveller to visit, enjoy and be amazed!
