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12 Must-See Historical Sites in Uganda

Uganda is filled with mind-blowing natural and man-made historical sites and wonders that tell stories of creation, civilization, how our ancestors lived, and how they did things. These sites take us back into history as we try to reclaim our origins and who we are.

They teach us stories that maybe would have faded away into the thin air of human forgetfulness if not for their presence and daily reminders. Going across Uganda, there is a number of such historical sites and monuments that tell a part of their share of humanity. This list contains just some of the most famous and most recommended historical places in Uganda.

Independence Monument

This historical site in Uganda is a symbol of independence. The Monument depicts a woman unwrapping her child and raising it to the skies, which signified that the British had done their part and it was now up to Uganda, the new child, to do the rest.

Kabaka’s Palace

This historical place in Uganda is where the King of Buganda lived and ruled his subjects as the Kingdom was a centre of all Uganda’s early politics. It is where Agreements like putting Uganda under British protectorate, the 1900 Buganda Agreement, and the 1962 Independence Agreement were signed from. It is also a place where thousands of Ugandans lost their lives during Idi Amin’s and Obotte II’s reigns in the Torture Chambers constructed by Idi Amin on the palace grounds.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Uganda Martyrs Museum Namugongo

Located in Wakiso district, the Namugongo Martyrs shrine was built in honour of the men who were tortured and burnt to death for refusing to renounce the newly found religions in 1886 by the then King Mwanga II of Buganda. Each year, thousands of Christians congregate to commemorate the lives and strong faith of the martyrs on 3rd June at the Shrine premises.

Gadaffi Mosque

This mosque goes back in history, construction began during Idi Amin’s reign and was put to a halt after his overthrow. It was completed two decades later after a donation from Muammar Gaddafi, the then-president of Libya to become the home of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. It is best known for its admirable interior decor and sweeping views of Kampala city after a climb of the main minaret’s swirling staircase of 300 steps.

Nyero Rock Paintings

These are tiered rock shelters with primitive paintings on their inner surfaces, located in the Kumi district, Eastern Uganda. The historical site in Uganda contains some of the most important and famous rock art in the entire country. They are believed to have been in existence before 1250 AD and were first documented in 1913 by researchers. The rock art is part of a homogenous tradition that is often depicted in red pigment and is spread across Africa, matching the distribution of the late Stone Age hunter-gatherer culture.

Kasubi Tombs

Entrance of the Kasubi Tombs

Grass-thatched domes and structures made of organic materials outline and set the Kasubi tombs apart from other historical sites in Uganda. They were constructed in 1882 and converted into a royal burial ground in 1884. It is a burial ground for four consecutive Buganda Kings and houses a museum of the Baganda civilization that dates back to the 13th century. The tomb is a symbol of the spiritual, political, and social state of the Baganda.

Namirembe Cathedral

On Namirembe hill in Kampala sits Namirembe Cathedral, a church known as the centre of Christianity and the headquarters of the Anglican faith in Uganda. A visit here gives one an understanding of how the Anglican church started, how many churches were built before the magnificent building that currently sits on the hill, and how the church became a powerful influence in Uganda’s politics during the colonial days.

Amabeere ga’ Ninamwiru Caves

This mythical site in Uganda includes stalactites and stalagmites shrouded in legend. It is said that following a prophecy that her daughter’s son would kill him for the throne, King Bukuku cut off his daughter’s breasts to deny her a chance at motherhood but she later did give birth and fed her son with the milky salty water that drips in these caves.

Bahai Temple

Bahai Temple of Uganda surrounded by rich green vegetation

This temple sits on Kikayi hill in Kampala and is the mother Temple of the Bahai faith in Africa which began to take root in Uganda in 1951. A visit to the temple offers visitors wonderful views of the interior and the beautiful gardens are great for contemplation and meditation.

Walumbe Tanda Pits

Luganda legend has it that Walumbe (evil) accompanied his sister Nambi and her husband Kintu to earth and is said to be the cause of suffering and death. When his brother, Kaikuzi came to pick him up and take him back to heaven, he hid in the Tanda pits. This site contains over 240 pits and two shines and has spears, shields, calabashes as well as fireplaces named after different Buganda gods.

Speke Monument- Source of the Nile

This historical monument in Uganda is situated on the western Bank of the River Nile in Njeru and was set up in remembrance of John Hanning Speke an Explorer and Adventurer who was the first white man to discover the source of the Nile. It is similar to the one located near the Junction of Lancaster walk and Budges walk in Kensington Gardens, one of London’s Royal Parks. Made from red granite, the monument was designed by Philip Hardwick.

The Uganda Railway

Construction of this iconic structure started in 1896 and was completed in 1926. It opened up Uganda to trade with other countries and also was a major form of transport back in the day. Also, the first bridge to be built across the Nile happened to be the first railway line. The history of the Uganda railway is marked by a Railway Museum in Jinja and the Uganda Railways building is one of the oldest buildings in Uganda.

These are only a glimpse into the multiple mystical, archaeological, religious, and historical sites in Uganda. There is more to it than just these in all regions of the country. Read more about travel and backpacking advice for Uganda before you visit, or enjoy our tips for traveling Uganda on a budget.

March 31, 2023

13 Must-See Historical Sites in Tanzania

Travel Advice

Do you wonder if there is more to see in Africa than its epic wildlife? Once you’ve seen the amazing historical sites in Tanzania, you’ll never wonder again.

From ancient kingdoms to modern monuments, this east coast nation is home to some of the most fascinating historical sites in Africa. These include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most noteworthy must-see historical sites in Tanzania and their significance.

From ancient rock art dating back thousands of years, to grand palaces built by 19th century German rulers, Tanzania’s historical attractions have something for everyone.

Historical Sites in Tanzania

Get to know Tanzania by visiting these fascinating historical sites:

1. Olduvai Gorge Museum

The Olduvai Gorge, one of the most historical sites in Tanzania

The Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania

This historical site in Northern Tanzania is home to some of the most important archaeological finds in the world. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it’s estimated that over 2 million years of human evolution took place here. This makes it an invaluable historical site for understanding our ancient past.

The museum is incredibly interesting, but the best part is the view out over the Gorge itself. Don’t miss it!

You’ll also find some beautiful African crafts available to buy here. I have to warn you, though, not all are made locally. Many of the items look truly authentic, until you get home and see the same things in a local shop with “Made in Taiwan” stickers on the back (true story!). Still great keepsakes, though!

The museum is wheelchair accessible. Allow approximately 1.5 hours here.

Hours of Operation:

Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm

2. Ngorongoro Crater

View of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, East Africa

This incredible natural wonder is one of the most spectacular historical sites in Tanzania. Formed some 2.5 million years ago, the crater’s also referred to as Africa’s Eden. It’s a stunning ecosystem, home to over 25,000 large mammals.

It’s also the home of some important historical sites in Tanzania, including the Olduvai Gorge.

Riding down into the caldera of this collapsed volcano feels a little bit like going back in time. Way back. You might expect to see dinosaurs, but the lions and elephants own the land, and the Maasai tribes people coexist with them.

This is one of the few places where the traditional lifestyle of the local people hasn’t been altered much by the modern world. It’s a fantastic place to see, but you’ll never feel like more than n outsider.

Accessible tours can be arranged to visit the crater. You can also enter, and remain in, your own vehicle. Allow a full day for your visit.

Hours of Operation:

Daily 6 am – 6 pm

**3. *Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani**

Gereza at Kilwa Kisiwani

This ancient city was once one of the most powerful trading ports in East Africa. Located on an island off the coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani was a bustling center of commerce during the Middle Ages.

A main attraction is the Great Mosque. Walking under the remaining domes of the enormous coral and wood structure is a surreal experience. You can almost hear the whispered prayers of past worshipers.

It’s hard to even imagine the wealth and manpower that would have been necessary to construct this muslim temple or the surrounding buildings.

These incredible ruins offer visitors a glimpse into all of its past glory. Find it about 5 hours from Dar es Salaam.

Kilwa Kisiwani is reached by chartered boat, and requires a guide from the Kilwa Island Tour Guides Association. Plan at least 4 hours for this.

This site is not wheelchair accessible

Hours of Operation:

There are no set hours, however boats run only during daylight.

4. Dar es Salaam

Tanzania was once a German colony, and there is still a great deal of traditional German architecture from this era scattered across the country. The capital city of Dar es Salaam, in particular, is teeming with memorials from this period.

The old German urban design still characterizes the city today. Sights like St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Old German Boma, as well as City Hall, give visitors some insight into what life was like in Tanzania during those colonial times.

Start at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Sokoine Drive. Nearby you’ll find Old Boma and other sites.

The stark contrast of buildings like the Old Boma, sitting in the shadow of much taller, more modern architecture, emphasizes the changed world like few things can.

Dar es Salaam is definitely a city that straddles the past and the present. Attending a service at the gothic-looking St. Joseph’s is a great way to slip into the past.

It can be wheelchair accessible, but watch for broken sidewalks. Curbs will also be difficult to maneuver.

Hours of Operation:

As this is simply a tour of the city, there are no set hours.

5. Ujiji

Located on the western side of Lake Tanganyika, Ujiji was a historical ivory trading post and one of the main markets for slaves in the East African slave trade.

The historical sites here offer visitors an insight into the abhorrent time when slavery was practiced in Africa. There is a small museum in Ujiji.

The town really is best seen with a guide – it’s their commentary that brings the site to life. Without it, the area doesn’t seem to have much to offer. A guide will tell you about the role the area played in the slave trade, and you can drive the road where the slaves began their journey.

This is also the place where explorer Henry Stanley discovered that missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone was alive and well. I think most of us have heard the famous words quoted, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”. These words were uttered in Ujiji. A monument was built here to commemorate their meeting.

Located in the Kigoma-Ujiji District of the Kigoma region of Tanzania, 95 km southwest of Kasulu. Plan to spend a half day looking around.

Accessibility is difficult on the rough ground, but possible.

Hours of Operation (museum):

Holidays and weekends 9 am – 6 pm
Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm

6. Lake Natron and Engaruka Ruins

This occasionally red-coloured lake is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in Africa. It was once a thriving center for trade and commerce.

The historical Tanzanian sites here include well-preserved human footprints, left on the shore of Lake Natron some 5000 – 19,000 years ago. As well, you’ll find the ruins of the mysterious ancient village of Engaruka.

Engaruka dates back about 500 years, and contains some of the most important Iron Age sites in the country. The village was once home to a farming community that developed an ingenious and advanced cultivation and irrigation system.

The site includes remnants of stone houses, terraced hillsides, and canals. You can explore the ruins of this unique site and learn about the history of the Engaruka people who once called this place home.

For reasons that no one has been able to discover, the village occupants abandoned their homes at the end of the 17th century. Therein lies the mystery.

Maasai tribes people will be at the Engaruka site during the day, and will offer tours. There is no set price, but don’t be afraid to bargain. It’s part of the fun, and you will still get a bargain.

Lake Natron is located 136 km northwest of Arusha, and the village is on the road to the lake. Plan to spend most of the day here.

Wheelchair accessible tours are available.

Hours of Operation:

None

7. *Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings

Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings

This stunning series of paintings is located in central Tanzania. Some paintings date back at least 19,000 years and are still used by local tribes in traditional ceremonies today.

The area consists of rock shelters with hundreds of multi-colored paintings depicting various animals such as lions, elephants and wildebeest. These ancient paintings provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in this area thousands of years ago.

The paintings themselves are fascinating, but my favourite part is looking out over the valley from the rocks. The views are amazing! Don’t forget to look up from the art work and check them out.

Located about 20 km north of Kondoa town. Be prepared to spend the day here.

Not wheelchair accessible

Hours of Operation:

None

8. *Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

This well-known peak is one of the most famous sites in Tanzania, and features prominently in local legends.

It’s also home to some fascinating historical sites, including the large Maasai village of Olpopongi, where visitors can get an insight into traditional African culture and history. It has gotten a bit scrubbed and touristy, but is still an interesting experience that shouldn’t be missed.

If you will be climbing the mountain – not for your average weekend hiker – you’ll see Tanzania’s glaciers, or so I’m told!

But even if you’re not up for the full climb, a day hike part way up is an amazing adventure. It will take around 5-7 hours, and you’ll get to hike through the lush rainforest, and maybe see Colobus monkeys in the trees.

Not wheelchair accessible. This is a full day excursion. If you do the day hike, you might want to allow for a second day to come back and explore.

The park is located 44.5 km north of Moshi.

Hours of Operation:

Gates are open daylight hours

Historical Sites in Zanzibar, Tanzania

9. The Old Fort

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort has been a prison, railway terminal, ladies club, and amphitheatre. Built by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Omani, it’s now home to a restaurant, shops, and a cultural centre.

It might be tempting to just wander around the outside, but the magic is inside. I recommend taking one of the short tours inside the Fort. It’s a lot more interesting when you know its history. Or at least do a little research before you go!

Visitors can explore artifacts from centuries ago. The amphitheatre still exists, and is the headquarters of the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Wheelchair accessible. Plan 90 minutes here.

Located on Mizingani Rd, Stone Town.

Hours of Operation:

Daily 9 am – 10 pm

10. Kidichi Persian Baths

This intriguing site is located near the village of Kidichi, just outside Stone Town. Built in 1850 by the Sultan for his wife Scheherazade, it was the first public bathhouse in Zanzibar.

It is now a popular spot to see the early bathing pools and massage tables, and to imagine the days of the Sultan. It doesn’t take much effort to picture yourself on the set of Arabian Nights.

These baths are a historical site of Tanzania that are definitely worth the visit.

Not wheelchair accessible. You can spend 60 – 90 minutes at the baths. The Kidichi Persian Baths are often included as a part of spice tours from Stone Town. This is ideal, as it can be a bit tricky to find on your own.

Located 2 km east of Kidichi, near Stone Town.

Hours of Operation:

Sundays and holidays 8:20 am – 4:30 pm
Lunch (closed) 8 am – 2 pm
Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

11. The Slave Market Memorial

Slave Market Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar

The last legal slave market operating in the world, this market closed in 1873. This was thought to be one of the largest slave markets in the world.

A visit to the memorial of this horrific time in history, unveiled in 1998, will make you look at humankind a little differently.

It’s located near the Anglican church, and was built in the spot where enslaved people were disciplined. It’s a sobering site to visit, but I encourage you to stop and pay your respects.

Wheelchair accessible. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes.

Located on Tharia St, Stone Town at the Anglican Church

Hours of Operation:

Daily 8 am – 6 pm

12. The Palace Museum

Front view of the Palace in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Originally home to Sultan Seyyid Said, the palace was destroyed, rebuilt, and still houses a great deal of royal memorabilia. Portraits and water closets, for example, still exist here.

The building is an opulent example of the blending of the Omani, Portuguese, British, and native Swahili influences of the past few hundred years.

The Palace Museum is preserved today with an eye toward displaying the Omani influence, in particular, on Zanzibar. The remaining paintings and furniture are a walk through the past, to a time when money was plentiful and the occupants indulged themselves to an extravagant extent.

These days it is home to an impressive historical museum, where visitors can peruse the remaining artifacts, and gain an insight into the grandeur of historical Zanzibar. Check it out – it’s the Zanzibar of your dreams.

Wheelchair accessible. Set aside about an hour here.

Located on Mizingani Rd, Stone Town

Hours of Operation:

Weekends and holidays 9 am – 3 pm

Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm

13. Mercury House

While it may not make its way into a history textbook, Freddie Mercury’s childhood home is a site music fans won’t want to miss. Queen’s frontman spent his early years on the island, and memorabilia is on display outside the home to celebrate this fact.

In spite of Freddie’s lifestyle – an extremely controversial issue on an island that is 99% Muslim – the house has become a monument to the singer and the band. In fact, his lifestyle is never publicly acknowledged in Zanzibar.

Wheelchair accessible. Spend about 20 minutes checking out the memorabilia.

Located on Kenyatta Rd

Hours of Operation:

*UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A few tips for visiting historical sites in Tanzania

Always behave respectfully at historical sites
Tanzania is a very conservative nation. Men and women should keep knees and shoulders covered when visiting these sites.
If you get the chance, speak with the locals! They are very friendly, and can be full of information. Be sure to greet each person, not just the person you’re speaking to.
Ask permission before taking a photograph of local people.
Do NOT engage in any form of PDA while in Tanzania.
Always take your reusable water bottle with you. One with a filter is best, as you won’t find potable tap water.

In Conclusion: Historical Sites in Tanzania

So there you have it – a list of 13 must-see historical sites in Tanzania that will make your trip unforgettable! From ancient ruins to historical artifacts and traditional villages, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

These are just a few of the historical sites in Tanzania that you won’t want to miss. There are so many more worth exploring, from ancient mosques to modern museums. Get ready to explore the historical wonders of East Africa, and don’t forget your camera. Happy Travels!

January 11, 2023

Backpacking Uganda on Budget

Budget Tips

Uganda, the famed Pearl of Africa, is a destination many travellers ought to have on their bucket list. There’s a lot to see in this small yet mysterious country and if you are not careful enough, you will end up spending your blife’s savings just to explore its beauty.

You might think that traveling Uganda on budget would be easy, given the foreign exchange rate and how literally almost everything seems cheap; accommodation, fruits, food, drinks, transportation and even some tours.

But with everything sounding cheap, it could hurt your bank account in the long run if you don’t find ways to tame your expenses while out here in Uganda. Plus, some of the most famous activities in Uganda can be very pricey, like gorilla trekking, or safari. To help you backpack on a budget in Uganda, follow these insider tips.

Meals

When it comes to meals, there are various ways you can stick to your budget when backpacking Uganda. Food is generally cheap in Uganda, but of course it depends on your choice of restaurant. The most popular Ugandan dishes include matooke/ green bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, beans, peas, peanuts, chicken, beef, cabbage, and pumpkin.

Usually, the best place to find affordable prices is to eat at a local restaurant, since they mostly serve local food and cuisines. If you are the kind that loves to integrate variety, there are plenty of midrange restaurants that serve delicious treats. Usually, their prices range on location and cuisines offered.

Cooking for yourself can also help you save some money; it is very much possible in big cities and towns where they have supermarkets that offer a wide range of spices, vegetables and tinned foods. Vegetables are readily available around Uganda, though vegetarians are less catered for in restaurants.

Accommodation

This is one of the areas that most travelers fail to stick to a budget. The accommodation in Uganda comes in all ranges, and you can find options ranging from 1 star to 5 stars depending on where you are. Usually in towns, accommodation rates are quite high, but if you travel a few kilometers outside of the city center, you might find a budget-friendly, comfortable and quiet option.

A budget option for backpackers in Uganda is to stay at a hostel, which is a great budget option for most travellers to Uganda both local and international. There are a wide range of hostels that you can check out like Kyampisi Backpackers Home, Nile River Camp, and Red Chilli among others.

Camping is greatly increasing in popularity in Uganda, there is also an increase in the number of organized campsites. The fees for these tend to differ depending on whether you have your own tent or not.

Another budget accommodation option is to find a home stay, though these are quite hard to arrange in Uganda. Most homestays are arranged through word of mouth, so if you have a friend who has travelled here before, they can recommend places they have been to.

Budget Safaris and Tours in Uganda

Stick to budget tours and safaris in Uganda

It is always good to visit a country and carry back as many memories of it as possible because we never know when we will visit again. Carrying a camera is very important on such trips and knowing how to get the best deals is another way.

When it comes to budget safari options, group tours are the best; you don’t only get to mingle with people from other nations and walks of life, you also get to kick away the boredom of traveling alone, and it even gives you the courage to try out some adventures that you wouldn’t have tried if you were alone.

For solo travelers, the best time to travel in Uganda is during the low season; that is the rainy season and there are pools in the parks, that’s if you are not afraid of getting stuck while there. The most unique thing during this time though, it is the period when the country is most beautiful, the savannah plains and everywhere else is covered in green and photography is at its best. There a different glow too when the sun shines over in the afternoons and evenings.

Another unique and better way is to go off the beaten paths and explore places that most tourists rarely visit and discover these raw and untouched wild places. Among these are rarely visited waterfalls like Kisizi, Itanda, almost deserted islands in the Victoria Lake, dense forests like maramagambo, tea, sugarcanes and coffee plantations that adorn Uganda’s nature. Such places keep you immersed in nature’s own ambiance and make you part of it.

Transportation on a Budget

If your plan is backpack Uganda extensively, then you will most likely use public means or walk. There are private means of transport like hiring a cab or hiring a car to drive yourself but the charges on these make them expensive in the long run especially if you are staying longer in the country. There are a lot of options in regards to the public means for you to choose from as well.

Mini buses/ taxis or matatus are also used to get from city to city. These do not run on a set schedule but rather leave when full; they are the most affordable means when going from town to town or city to city though one has to be certain of their destination/ drop off when considering these.

And the boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) found almost every in Uganda; one of the most popular and exciting way of getting around though they should be approached with caution, and don’t do it unless you feel comfortable.

Hop on a boda-boda to travel in Uganda on a budget

The buses that go across regions and the most comfortable and more organized in regards to payments and staging. There are plenty of bus and coach service providers in Uganda that link nearly all towns and cities. Most tickets provided within Uganda are one way, so you can spend as much or less time in a region as you desire.

Private taxis/special hires are also helpful in some cases. These are comfortable and can be relied on when getting around as they drop/ pick up to/from your specified location. They usually charge per kilometer or route and depending on the deal you give them.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to travel Uganda on a budget

One other way of backpacking Uganda on budget is through volunteering. Volunteering gives you a touch to a country’s culture than anything else; you get to move deep down to the grassroots, get immersed in particular culture, learn and share ideas, something an itinerary limits. There are number of organizations that provide volunteering services to students, professionals and seniors in different communities across the country and some of these have extra activities over the weekends that help you to discover and travel around. Ssamba Foundation provides free volunteering to Uganda.

Affordable Travel Insurance

It is always good to travel with Travel insurance, especially to a country like Uganda where you will have new experiences on almost everything. Insurance will help protect yourself from a lot of would-be hustles, when you run out of money, or when things are not going your way. Travel insurance will get you covered if you face the unexpected, like if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, or when you fall seriously ill and need to fly back. One of the most commonly used travel insurance company is World Nomads and the reviews about it are very good.

There are many other ways a person can travel to Uganda on budget, it could be through consulting a friend who has been here before, or having to stick to a budget to get you going. Everyone traveling on budget has a special way of doing it apart from the basics, like having a local guide friend to help you juggle day to day life or get attached to an organization that offers country coordinators.

May 19, 2022

Tips for Solo Travel in Uganda

Travel Advice

There are so many reasons why someone would choose to travel solo, it could be work, it could be a need for some “alone time,” or just desire to experience different cities on your own. Traveling solo gives a different vibe from group traveling, one of life’s most inspiring adventures that bring in a renewed passion to understand the world around you.

Traveling solo is an act of self-indulgence, a feeling of complete freedom to go just anywhere and do what you would love to. It empowers a traveler, helps build confidence, and helps you get more connected with the traveler within you.

Traveling solo in Uganda near the Rift Valley Escarpment from Bwera, Kasese

Uganda is one of the best destinations for solo travelers, from hiking to volunteering to safaris, the country boasts of some of the most spectacular wildlife and natural landscapes in Africa and the world at large. Traveling alone in Africa can be daunting, especially with the number of misconceptions about this great continent, but in recent years many have done it, so why don’t you try it too?

Uganda is safe; the people here are friendly and ready to help but still, precaution needs to be taken when traveling solo around Uganda, below are some tips.

Speak the Language

The majority of Ugandans are literate and can understand the Queen’s language, English, which is the official language. If you’re not a native English speaker, it would be great to brush up and learn some common phrases to help you out when the need arises.

Managing your Cash

Always carry just enough cash with you when moving around, a lot of cash attracts thieves easily. Be mindful that ATMs and forex shops are not always available everywhere, so it would be a great move if you keep yourself loaded with some local currency all the time.

Don’t Carry Valuables with You

While traveling solo in Uganda is generally safe, it might turn into a nightmare if you had your lovely watch or necklace stolen amidst traffic. Always keep a copy of your passport and visa backed up on email, leave valuables and jewelry at home if possible, and keep your valuables in a safe place. A travel waist bag could be of help.

Dress Appropriately

Pack light loose clothes in fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen that are easily washed and worn again, it is always good to have an easy-to-carry backpack. Ladies should try not to wear clothes that are too revealing, especially in rural areas, as most people are conservative.

Bring the Essentials With You

The big cities may have stuff available but if you’re looking forward to experiencing the rural bit of Uganda; then having enough sunscreen, insect repellant with deet, any essential medicines, a travel first aid kit among others. This is because you never know how far you will have to travel to buy any of these.

Plan your Accommodation

Always plan your accommodation in advance. Depending on where you will be staying or visiting, the most disappointing thing is arriving in the locality, and you don’t even know where you will lay your head. It would be good if your first-stop accommodation is booked in advance such that you base from there to plan your next move. Also, always have the location of the hotel you are staying at on your phone. You can find accommodation from guest houses, hostels, or hotels on booking.com, where you can also filter by guest reviews and budget.

Understand How to Travel Around

Local means of transport are cheap to travel solo in Uganda, especially for those on budget. Before you travel using either taxi or boda-boda, make research about the charges to the destination. If you are to use a bus, make sure you make payments in the bookings office of the recommended or preferred bus company, also first get the receipt before handing over your money as it’s common practice to be ripped off by another company. Also, never leave your luggage unattended.

Go with the Flow

Enjoying some solitude in Uganda near the Sezibwa Falls in Mukono

To have the best experiences comes with flexibility and going with the flow. Uganda is the same too, the more flexible and spontaneity you are, the more you enjoy the country, and also it’s an opportunity for you to try those out of the box/guidebook ideas that locals may recommend because, at the end of the trip, it’s the experiences and memories that matter.

Usually, solo travelers in Uganda are never alone for the entire trip/ tour, they always meet like-minded people, locals or not to join them at one point in time in their pursuit of adventure. As a solo traveler, Uganda should not miss out on your travel bucket list.

March 3, 2022

Your Ultimate Guide to Yas Island Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi

Uncategorized

When it comes to recreation and entertainment, The Yas Island Theme Parks are a destination that’s hard to beat. They encapsulate so many things to do in Abu Dhabi.

What are the Different Yas Island Theme Parks

Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a world-class experience hub. One of the things Yas Island is most known for is having three world-class theme parks.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi lets you experience the magical worlds you see only on television. Here, you’ll meet your favorite characters from Metropolis, Gotham City, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, and Cartoon Junction all in one place — in the state-of-the-art rides, themed attractions and restaurants, and everywhere else in The Park.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park is world-renowned for officially having the fastest rollercoaster in the world. The Park’s lead attraction is Formula Rossa, a Ferrari supercar-themed rollercoaster that goes from 0 to 149.1 mph in a mere 4.9 seconds.

That’s not all that’s in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It also has the world’s tallest non-inverted roller coaster loop in the Flying Aces, a biplane-themed wing coaster, which scales 206.7 feet at a 51-degree incline and reaches speeds of up to 74.6 mph.

All in all, there are around 40 rides and attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

The Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is a colossal water playground that provides mild to extreme thrills with more than 40 attractions. It has an enormous wave pool, a crazy river, the world’s largest six-person tornado water coaster, and a multitude of slides, some dropping you from ten stories high. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is indeed the ultimate water park in the UAE.

But your options are not limited to theme parks on Yas Island.

At Yas Island Abu Dhabi, you can also do the following:

Take in a show or two at Etihad Park and Etihad Arena
Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving and wall climbing at CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Watch a Formula One race from the sidelines or drive, drag, drift, ride, or kart at Yas Marina Circuit
Go clubbing at MAD Yas Island
Shop at Abu Dhabi’s biggest mall, Yas Mall
Dine by The Fountains
Sunbathe at Yas Beach
Play golf at Yas Links

Indeed, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is the ultimate travel destination, as it has something to suit all tastes and preferences. A week at this island hub should let you tick off a slew of must-dos on your travel bucket list. That being said, the three world-class Yas Island theme parks here remain the island’s main draw.

Tips on Getting Great Value From Yas Island Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi

The cost of visiting three Yas Island theme parks adds up, of course. Follow these tips to save and get greater value for your money when you go on a theme-park-hopping tour on Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

1. Bundled Offers

If you buy tickets individually for all three Yas Island theme parks, at current prices, you will spend a total of AED 860 or USD 234. A single-day ticket for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi costs AED 295 or approximately USD 80. It’s the same for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, while it costs AED 270 or around USD 74 for Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Thus, it’s much more economical to take advantage of the bundled theme park offers if you’re visiting more than one theme park anyway.

You may get either a two-in-one or a three-in-one theme park bundle.

One Day, Two Parks

For AED 395 or approximately USD 108, you can visit two Yas Island theme parks in one day. Specifically, you can choose to visit two of these three theme parks: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. However, you do need to complete your visit in one day.

Note that these parks may have different operating hours. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is closed on Sundays and Mondays, while Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is closed on Sundays.

Additionally, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi normally open at 12:00 pm and close at 8:00 pm. In contrast, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi usually opens at 10:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm.

There are also days, especially during the holidays when park operating hours change. Therefore, if you’re getting this bundled offer and planning to visit two Yas Island theme parks in a day, make sure to check park operating hours first on your target visit date before purchasing your tickets.

Three Days, Three Parks

This offers the better value among the theme park bundles. Instead of paying AED 860, you’ll pay only AED 545 or approximately USD 148 for access to all three Yas Island theme parks if you get the Three Days, Three Parks bundle.

Unlike the One Day, Two Parks bundle, this allows you to devote one whole day to each park, so you won’t have to feel pressured about maximizing your time on each park visit. You also get thirteen days after your first park visit to visit the remaining two parks in the bundle.

2. Stay at a Yas Island Abu Dhabi Hotel

Certain hotels on the Island come with complimentary theme park access. As such, staying at one of the Yas Island Abu Dhabi hotels could offer excellent value.

For instance, if you stay at WB Hotel Abu Dhabi, you will get complimentary access to a theme park of your choice for every night’s stay at the hotel. If you stay three nights at WB Hotel Abu Dhabi, you will get access to all three Yas Island theme parks.

Moreover, the benefits of staying at a Yas Island Abu Dhabi hotel are not limited to complimentary theme park vouchers.

To illustrate, WB Hotel Abu Dhabi is very conveniently located for theme park visitors. It’s right across Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, a short walk away from Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and a few minutes drive away from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Getting around should also be a breeze when you stay in a Yas Island Abu Dhabi hotel because of the shuttle service that picks up and drops off passengers at key Island destinations.

Theme Park Vacation

You can cross out three theme parks off your amusement park UAE bucket list with a trip to Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

Lose yourself in the enchanting, make-believe worlds of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, experience extreme thrills and speeds at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and splash around in the mega water playground of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. And with a bit of research and planning, you can save money and get greater value from your theme park vacation.

January 6, 2022