PEARL OF AFRICA EXPO 2025 _UGANDA 

My Uganda Tourism Experience at POATE 2025 _ Bridging Gaps & Building Africa Through Travel

In May 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Lesotho at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), held in Kampala, Uganda. Hosted by the Uganda Tourism Board, POATE 2025 brought together Africa’s tourism leaders, content creators, tour operators, DMCs, and tourism boards from across the continent and beyond.

While the expo was a vibrant showcase of Uganda’s natural beauty and tourism potential, my mission went beyond just attending — I was there to seek out new business opportunities, build partnerships, and promote intra-Africa travel, especially between Southern and East Africa.

What the Expo Delivered

The expo floor buzzed with B2B meetings, cultural showcases, panel discussions, and exhibitions. I engaged with tourism stakeholders from:

• Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan

• Buyers and media from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

• Tour operators interested in cross-regional travel packages

I saw real potential to bridge the gap between Lesotho and East Africa, opening pathways for travelers to explore multiple African countries through curated experiences.

The Fam Tour: Immersed in Uganda’s Magic 🇺🇬

After POATE, I joined a fam (familiarisation) tour — and what an unforgettable adventure it was! Uganda revealed itself through its wild landscapes, welcoming people, rich culture, and sustainable tourism efforts.

🌊 Murchison Falls National Park

We began with the raw power of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and crashes down with incredible force. Game drives in the park introduced us to elephants, giraffes, lions, and Uganda’s scenic savannas.

🦏 Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Ranch

Walking through the bush tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Ranch was both thrilling and humbling — a conservation success that proves Africa can protect its wildlife.

🐵 Kibale National Park: Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale’s rainforests brought us face to face with chimpanzees — observing their playful, curious nature was one of the highlights of my journey.

🚤 Boat Cruise on the Nile

Gliding along the Nile offered breathtaking views, with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife creating a truly African river safari.

☕ Coffee Tour in Fort Portal

At a local coffee farm in Fort Portal, we learned the journey of coffee from bean to cup. It’s more than a drink here — it’s a way of life.

👣 Community Walks & Cultural Immersion

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was the community walks, where we interacted directly with locals. We were welcomed into homes and invited to experience everyday Ugandan life.

🍲 Cooking at Tinka’s Homestead

At Tinka’s homestead, we cooked traditional Ugandan dishes alongside local women — learning recipes, stories, and the meaning behind each meal. Sitting together to eat what we prepared was a beautiful moment of connection. This wasn’t just tourism; it was cultural exchange, heart to heart.

🌃 Kampala by Night

Our final night was spent exploring Kampala after dark — a city that pulses with life, rhythm, and flavor. From local food spots to live music, it was a celebration of urban Ugandan culture.