Uganda has once again won a prestigious award with the source of the Nile voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
This came at the heels of Uganda being voted a Birding Destination in 2013 among other accolades last year that included; Bwindi and Murchison falls national park voted best birding destination; Virunga Massive-must see in a life time; Tree Climbing Lions-picture of the week; Kidepo Natural Park-Pristine Destination; Canada and New York Times, named Uganda top best destinations.Event
The function was held at mount Meru Hotel Arusha on 11th Feb 2013. It was presided over by the Prime Minister of Tanzania Rt. Hon. Mizengo Pinda and was attended by the Tanzanian’s minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Amb. K. Kagasheki. Uganda was represented by Hon. Agnes Akiror Egunyu, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Mr. Baguma Cuthbert Balinda – Executive Director UTB, Mr. Edwin Muzahura the Marketing and PR Manager – UTB and Mr. Bonifence Byamukama, the Chairman Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). The event was sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines.
Identification Criteria
The voting process was conducted by specialists based on uniqueness and splendor with the Seven Wonders focusing on nature. In this regard, the seven Wildlife Wonders of Africa have been identified as: The leopard; Crocodile; Elephant; Hippo; Rhino; Mountain Gorilla and the the Lion
Uganda is endowed with all the above mentioned, as the Rhinoceros is being re-introduced into the wild, which enhances Uganda’s strength as a wildlife destination.
Award Winners for the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa are;
* Mt Kilimanjaro the Tallest Mountain in Africa and the tallest standing Mountain in the world.
* The Red Sea
* The Nile – The longest river in the world with its source in Uganda
* Ngorongoro Crater – The largest caldera in the World
* Sahara Desert – covering 11 countries in the North of Africa up to Sudan
* Okavango Delta in Botswana – The largest inland Delta in the world
* Serengeti Migration – famed for animal migration of over 6 million covering over 3000km
Hon. Agnes Egunyu, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda received the Crystal Award and the Certificate of recognition of the River Nile as one of the 7 Wonders of Africa from the Prime Minister of Tanzania Rt. Hon. Mizengo Pinda.
Uganda had a Booth, where promotional materials like magazines, DVDs and posters depicting the different tourist attractions on Uganda were displayed and circulated. The delegation also interacted with press at the booth.
The Media at the event attracted renowned international Media houses like CNN, BBC and other East African and Tanzanian Press.
Seven Natural Wonders Project
Seven Natural Wonders of Africa is a concept that was initiated by Dr. Philp Imler. He is the President of the Seven Natural Wonders, based in Texas, USA.
The Seven Natural Wonders of Africa initiative began 5 years ago, with the aim of identifying seven Natural Wonders specific to Africa. Its Purpose is to protect the 7 Natural Wonders.
Dr. Imler has an on-going project for Africa and Europe. The aim of the initiative is to protect Natural Wonders of the world through conservation.
Africa Gorilla Treks 