Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture captivated a visiting Mauritian delegation during a 10-day Mauritius Travel-Trade Familiarisation Mission. The visit concluded with glowing praise from tour operators and travel influencers, highlighting Uganda’s appeal as a premier tourism and investment destination. The mission, organised by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, aimed to strengthen Africa-to-Africa travel links while showcasing the country’s immense tourism potential.
Led by Claire Mugabi of the Uganda Tourism Board, the delegation explored iconic destinations, including rhino conservation sites, the majestic Murchison Falls, and an unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The immersive tour gave delegates an up-close experience of Uganda’s wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural richness.
At a press briefing held at Protea Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, emphasised the country’s welcoming environment and investment readiness. He assured the Mauritian delegation that they could travel to Uganda freely, highlighting the nation’s stability and opportunities for business and tourism partnerships.
Head of Delegation Ivan Stone described the visit as transformative, noting that Uganda had become a destination they could confidently promote to clients worldwide. He recounted an unforgettable wildlife moment at Murchison Falls when a hippo approached unusually close, leaving a lasting impression of Uganda’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Delegates consistently expressed admiration for Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi was widely regarded as the trip’s highlight, offering once-in-a-lifetime encounters with mountain gorillas. Visitors also praised Uganda as a genuine safari destination, noting its unique primates, lush scenery, and cultural richness absent in Mauritius.
The delegation engaged with the Batwa Indigenous Empowerment Organisation in Kisoro, learning about the Batwa people’s history, cultural preservation, and community initiatives. Visits to local schools, Batwa homes, and traditional dance performances provided delegates with deeper insight into Uganda’s heritage and empowerment programs.
During the gorilla tracking experience, park rangers guided the group through learning about gorilla species, diets, and lifespans. Each delegate received a gorilla tracking certificate, marking a pinnacle moment of the tour and reinforcing Uganda’s reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination.
The mission strengthened Mauritius–Uganda tourism ties, with delegates pledging to promote the country internationally. Arthur Nzeyi, representing the Honorary Consul for Mauritius, thanked organisers, encouraged future visits, and presented delegates with symbolic gifts as a “small taste of Uganda,” underscoring the nation’s potential as a strategic partner in regional tourism, trade, and connectivity.
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