‘That beautiful sea of Uganda’, Ivano Fossati would have sung. Of course, we are well aware that Uganda, as well as Rwanda and other neighbouring countries to Kenya that are part of the East African community, do not have landings on the sea. But if until a few years ago this was especially of interest to trade and the use of the port of Mombasa (with plans, still in the making, to parcel out the beautiful Lamu as well), today we look at the Ugandans' landing at the sea also in a touristic capacity.
Already last season we had publicised the Kenya-Uganda festival on the coast, with stops in Malindi, Kilifi, Mombasa and Diani. Certainly the medium-high tourism of Kampala and Entebbe can breathe new life into structures such as those in Malindi which, although historic and with important attractions such as service and good food, are a little dated for international tourism. If we add that even the sea, especially on the city beach without a coral reef, is not exactly unforgettable, then tourism such as that in Africa, which is not looking for crystal-clear water and white beaches, but above all for relaxation and swimming pools, may be the ideal way to revive itself. The well-to-do among the ‘neighbours’ are more and more and they also like to spend on typical textiles and souvenirs, as well as on good restaurants.
The Kenya-Uganda conference held last weekend noted that in 2023 more than 200,000 Ugandans visited Kenya, many of them for a holiday on the coast. In all, the influx of Ugandans and Kenyans between the two countries almost doubled in one year (600,000 compared to 320,000 in 2022).
This is also due to fewer restrictions on travellers from the East African community, but according to the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), it is also due to improved coastal facilities and the creation of dedicated tourism events and services that have improved the offer and attractiveness for tourism from Uganda, Rwanda and beyond. The increases in entries by (wealthy) Nigerian tourists is proof of this.
Alongside figures and announcements, there are already those who are on the move, tired of waiting for declining Italian and German tourism and hoping for some other western countries. The ‘blow’ from Ukraine and Russia, which had activated their best tour operators and charter companies before the war, is significant.
Thus dedicated packages were created for Africans, with sea and safaris and visits to places that might be of interest. For example, sea excursions were combined with swimming courses for young people and parents, considering that many Ugandans and Rwandans do not know how to swim because they do not have the sea.
Uganda's Consul General on the Kenyan coast, Paul Mukumbya, also confirmed that increased travel by Uganda Airlines and connections with the Nairobi-Mombasa railway and the transport sector (e.g. Entebbe-Nairobi by plane, Nairobi-Mariakani by SGR, Mariakani-Kilifi connection by shuttle bus) have led to an increase in the number of travellers.
At the same time, travel agencies ready to sell the Kenya-sea and Kenya-safari product for Ugandans are increasing in Nairobi, as well as in Kampala. Forecasts are for a further increase for the winter season. Good news, in short, for those who want or need to work and are not waiting for European manna from the increasingly expensive and difficult skies.