Uganda’s stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture won the hearts of a visiting Mauritian delegation during a 10-day Mauritius Travel-Trade Familiarisation Mission, concluding with high praise from tour operators and travel influencers. The mission, organised by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, showcased the country’s tourism and investment potential while strengthening Africa-to-Africa travel partnerships.
Led by Claire Mugabi of the Uganda Tourism Board, the delegation explored key destinations across the country, including rhino conservation sites, the breathtaking Murchison Falls, and an unforgettable mountain gorilla experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The immersive journey offered delegates a firsthand look at Uganda’s wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
Speaking at a press briefing at Protea Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, highlighted Uganda’s welcoming environment and investment readiness. “Mauritians are free to come to Uganda without any payment requirements. Uganda is stable, welcoming, and investment-ready,” he said, encouraging closer tourism and trade ties between the two nations.
Head of Delegation Ivan Stone described the experience as transformative. “We now have a destination we can confidently sell to clients from across the world—from South Africa, Mauritius, and beyond,” he said. Stone recalled a memorable wildlife encounter at Murchison Falls, where a hippo came unusually close, leaving an indelible impression of Uganda’s natural wonders.
Delegates were unanimous in their admiration for Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi emerged as the trip’s highlight, with delegates marveling at the intimate, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas. Other visitors praised the country as an authentic safari hub, noting its unique primates, lush panoramas, and cultural diversity not found in Mauritius.
The delegation also 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 offered delegates deeper insight into Uganda’s rich cultural fabric and community empowerment efforts.
During the gorilla tracking experience, the group received guidance from park rangers, learning about gorilla species, diets, and lifespans. Each delegate earned a gorilla tracking certificate, marking the pinnacle of their Ugandan adventure and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination.
The mission strengthened Mauritius–Uganda tourism diplomacy, with delegates pledging to promote Uganda internationally. Representing the Honorary Consul for Mauritius, Arthur Nzeyi thanked organisers and encouraged return visits, presenting delegates with a symbolic gift “as a small taste of Uganda.” The initiative underscored the country’s potential as a strategic partner for regional connectivity, tourism, and trade across Africa.
