15 years ago this month, I was packing up my life in the UK as I prepared to fly to Uganda for the very first time… Uganda was a blank page to me then. Queen Elizabeth National Park soon became my backyard. In the meantime, Diary of a Muzungu has been welcomed across East Africa. What a buzz it’s been. Thanks to everyone I’ve met along the way!
Being a developing country, things change quickly here in Uganda: I’ve never lived anywhere that evolves so fast. Uganda has mushrooming numbers of lodges and guides, new subjects such as adventure tourism and every other person I meet wants to join the industry, or so it feels. We’re living in exciting times – but not without their challenges – which is why in 2024, I’ll be focusing more on responsible tourism and sustainable tourism, my true passions. As I read last week: “The tourist sector has both a wondrous opportunity to lead in global climate awareness and action, and a heavy responsibility to ensure the sustainable development of the tourist sector itself.”
But enough of all that serious stuff… IT’S THE HOLIDAYS!
Venturing into unexplored corners of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Game Reserve
This cheeky photo was taken on a walking safari on the northern bank of the Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park, accompanied by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. Safari courtesy of Honey Bear Camp (the River Station Bush Camp), Wildplaces Africa’s new luxury concession (in Kyambura Game Reserve, a boat ride away).
“Communing with my inner warthog” photo and caption by Philip Briggs Bradt Guides author and SafariBookings writer.
Revisiting Queen Elizabeth National Park – the Kazinga Channel
HO HO HO. My view from the MV Kazinga boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga Channel ‘water safari’ in the heart of QE is one of the country’s best wildlife experiences. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve done it. Kazinga Channel is a mecca for birdlovers. Photo taken November 2023.
Did you hear that travelers and Africa travel experts voted Uganda “Africa’s best safari country?”
In 2023, 1000s of travelers and SafariBookings experts voted Uganda “Africa’s best safari country” and “Africa’s best birding safari country.” (No surprise at all, really!)
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Thanks for being a part of my 2023. Happy Christmas everyone!
With love from Charlotte Beauvoisin AKA Nagawa Diary of a Muzungu
