Click to download Uganda Wildlife Investment Portfolio
Uganda is endowed with a unique Biodiversity. It has 10 national parks, with a variety of rare animals like the mountain gorillas, and tree climbing lions; shoebill birds and various plant species. Uganda’s snow-capped Renoir Mountains are suited for all year-round hiking and mountaineering. It also has the “Source of the Nile”, which has become a hub for adventure sports mainly white water rafting, bungee jumping, angling, kayaking and sightseeing.
The most distinctive of Uganda’s wildlife assets, are the endangered mountain gorillas, of which 360 out of the 600 total worldwide are in Uganda. Other distinctive tourism attractions include chimpanzees, zebras, giraffe, hot springs, and one of the richest African birding species in the world (having recorded over 1200 bird species, or one sixth of the world’s 8000 or so species).
A total of 1,151,356 tourists were registered in 2011 indicating a 21.6% increase from 945,899 in 2010.There was a 36.8% increase in the number of visitors from Europe and a 29% increase in number of visitors from Africa. The majority (52 %) were in the country to visit friends and relatives, followed by those for whom the purpose of visit was not stated (20 %), on businesses (14 %) and on holiday (7 %).
Demand Drivers And Resource Base Factors:
Demand Drivers
• Uganda is 6-7 hours away from major tourist sources in Western Europe by air
• Ugandans are friendly and welcoming to foreigners
• Uganda is enjoying an era of sustained social political and economic growth
• Uganda has a liberal economy with no currency restrictions.
• Tourists from the European Union can obtain Visas on arrival.
• Government has a proactive policy to promote tourism
Resource Base Factors
• Game reserves
• Forest reserves
• Bird sanctuaries
• Crater lakes with lots of birds
• Rivers with waterfalls
• Fresh water lakes
• Uganda’s cuisine
• Uganda’s rich and diverse cultures
• Unique Biodiversity
• 10 National Parks
• Snow capped mountains
• Uganda’s consistent good weather all year round
Investment Opportunities
There are opportunities to invest in all tourism related subsectors. These include:
• Partnerships and alliances with international tour operators with access and operation in international markets to expand the network for Uganda’s tourism sector and also bring best practices in this area.
• Setting up and operating franchised branded 3-4 star international tourist hotels.
• Budget 2-3 star tourist hotels
• Self Drive Car Hire services
• Construction of Time Share Holiday homes and Tourists Resorts
• Developing and running Golf Course and Beachside tourist holiday homes and apartments
• Setting up Eco Tourism sites such as hotels and camping sites.
• Tourist Services to provide travel and tour operator services
• Niche travel related websites and search engines focussed on Uganda and the East Africa regional tourist market.
• Setting up and operating franchised International fast food coffee shops and restaurants brands such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, McDonalds, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Nandos. Entertainment and leisure canters (theatres, cinemas and night life clubs)
• Boating, anglers and water sports on Uganda’s rivers and lakes
• High end themed restaurants in Kampala.
• Boat hire services.
• Community based tourism.
• Budget airline services for the tourist sector.
• Cultural Villages.
• Wildlife farms.
• Tourism and hospitality colleges.