Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, th

Uganda...the Heart of Africa

These are two of the many names given to this small and incredible country in the middle of Africa that we are now going to explore with the words of Ivan D’Ambrosio.

Uganda is a country unbelievably green, unspoiled, friendly and magic. Uganda contains half of Africa's bird species, thousand of butterflies’ varieties with a multitude of colour and shape. There are lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, chimpanzees and the most marvellous of all animals: the Mountain Gorilla.

Everywhere one looks there is a panoramic scene: Rwenzori mountains, are not called by chance ”the mountains of the moon” for their beauty is truly ethereal , Murchison Falls, is a true natural wonder, Bujagali, where the Nile starts its 6 months journey to the Mediterranean sea. Uganda is covered by amazing lakes; lake Bunyonyi, an enchanted place out of time, where traditional canoes are the only transport and secluded islands have boundless nature and small rural communities.

The cultural diversity here is impressive. Over 30 ethnic groups with 30 languages are commonly spoken all with there own culture and traditions. A journey in Uganda is an emotional exploration into the heart of Africa, a magical experience, where everything from the smallest animal to each person is entwined together, part of the rhythm of Nature with her cycles, her harmony and balance.

Imagine now that you are the explorer of this adventure. Your flight has just landed. After a long queue at the custom desk, your guide is waiting for you. In the dust and chaos of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Most of the roads, even in the town centre, are un-surfaced. People are at every corner, either selling something or just standing there, appearing to do nothing understandably logical. But after only 10 kilometres from Kampala, here it is: Africa’s kingdom.

The vegetation is gorgeous, everything is almost unreal. There are hundreds of small markets on the road, mini local communities, banana plantations, birds….

The variety of landscape in Uganda is impressive. In just a few kilometres, you can move from savannah, mountain forest to rain forest. And it is exactly in this rain forest, that Semuliki National Park unfolds an incredible display of vegetation and where very unexpected hot springs are found with their unique colours forming a display in the mist of boiling water.

Uganda is the land of the rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as 30% of its landmass is covered by fresh water Among the many lakes, lake Mutanda provides the most stunning views of water, mountains and nature. Lake Buyonyi gives the chance for an exploration in a traditional canoe to meet the locals who will dance and show happily their simple daily life. Lake Bunyonui is also the centre for a project of production of Artemesia, a natural remedy to cure malaria, which remains the major cause of death in Africa. Lake Bisina is a remote and unknown lake, covered in algae and water lilies, a truly magical place. Lake Albert will offer the chance to see the rare and fascinating shoebill, a bird that only exists here. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, with over 80 islands forming the complex of the Ssese Islands, which offers a way to relax on a white sandy beach away from the noise of crowded tourist places.

Lake Victoria, is also the place of the source of the Nile, Bujagali falls and the world famous and most exciting water rafting experience anyone can have. It does not matter if it is your first time or your hundredth. One big wave down the grade 5 rapids (the highest you can do!) and you will be off the boat, a bigger wave and the boat will be up-side-down. There is no escape! On a boat to the source of the Nile people can mentally review the steps of the explorers of the past. “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” “Yes”, said he, with a kind smile, lifting his cap slightly. This is the very same conversation which took place in 1871 between Dr. Livingstone and Henry Stanley, two of the great explorers of East Africa during the second half of the 19th century.

The source of Nile is also the place for quad bike tours inside remote local villages to meet the locals and of course thousands of children that will greet your passage with a constant sound of “Jambo muzumgu” (Hello white person, in Swahili). The modern activities of rafting and quad bike, mix perfectly with the oldest traditions. A local traditional doctor will tell about the origin of the universe and the causes of disease and show his rituals and sacred places. Mere superstition?

Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, the

Imagine now that you are the explorer of this adventure. Your flight has just landed. After a long queue at the custom desk, your guide is waiting for you. In the dust and chaos of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Most of the roads, even in the town centre, are un-surfaced. People are at every corner, either selling something or just standing there, appearing to do nothing understandably logical. But after only 10 kilometres from Kampala, here it is: Africa’s kingdom.

The vegetation is gorgeous, everything is almost unreal. There are hundreds of small markets on the road, mini local communities, banana plantations, birds….

The variety of landscape in Uganda is impressive. In just a few kilometres, you can move from savannah, mountain forest to rain forest. And it is exactly in this rain forest, that Semuliki National Park unfolds an incredible display of vegetation and where very unexpected hot springs are found with their unique colours forming a display in the mist of boiling water.

Uganda is the land of the rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as 30% of its landmass is covered by fresh water Among the many lakes, lake Mutanda provides the most stunning views of water, mountains and nature. Lake Buyonyi gives the chance for an exploration in a traditional canoe to meet the locals who will dance and show happily their simple daily life. Lake Bunyonui is also the centre for a project of production of Artemesia, a natural remedy to cure malaria, which remains the major cause of death in Africa. Lake Bisina is a remote and unknown lake, covered in algae and water lilies, a truly magical place. Lake Albert will offer the chance to see the rare and fascinating shoebill, a bird that only exists here. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, with over 80 islands forming the complex of the Ssese Islands, which offers a way to relax on a white sandy beach away from the noise of crowded tourist places.

Lake Victoria, is also the place of the source of the Nile, Bujagali falls and the world famous and most exciting water rafting experience anyone can have. It does not matter if it is your first time or your hundredth. One big wave down the grade 5 rapids (the highest you can do!) and you will be off the boat, a bigger wave and the boat will be up-side-down. There is no escape! On a boat to the source of the Nile people can mentally review the steps of the explorers of the past. “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” “Yes”, said he, with a kind smile, lifting his cap slightly. This is the very same conversation which took place in 1871 between Dr. Livingstone and Henry Stanley, two of the great explorers of East Africa during the second half of the 19th century.

The source of Nile is also the place for quad bike tours inside remote local villages to meet the locals and of course thousands of children that will greet your passage with a constant sound of “Jambo muzumgu” (Hello white person, in Swahili). The modern activities of rafting and quad bike, mix perfectly with the oldest traditions. A local traditional doctor will tell about the origin of the universe and the causes of disease and show his rituals and sacred places. Mere superstition?

Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, th

Uganda is the land of the rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as 30% of its landmass is covered by fresh water Among the many lakes, lake Mutanda provides the most stunning views of water, mountains and nature. Lake Buyonyi gives the chance for an exploration in a traditional canoe to meet the locals who will dance and show happily their simple daily life. Lake Bunyonui is also the centre for a project of production of Artemesia, a natural remedy to cure malaria, which remains the major cause of death in Africa. Lake Bisina is a remote and unknown lake, covered in algae and water lilies, a truly magical place. Lake Albert will offer the chance to see the rare and fascinating shoebill, a bird that only exists here. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, with over 80 islands forming the complex of the Ssese Islands, which offers a way to relax on a white sandy beach away from the noise of crowded tourist places.

Lake Victoria, is also the place of the source of the Nile, Bujagali falls and the world famous and most exciting water rafting experience anyone can have. It does not matter if it is your first time or your hundredth. One big wave down the grade 5 rapids (the highest you can do!) and you will be off the boat, a bigger wave and the boat will be up-side-down. There is no escape! On a boat to the source of the Nile people can mentally review the steps of the explorers of the past. “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” “Yes”, said he, with a kind smile, lifting his cap slightly. This is the very same conversation which took place in 1871 between Dr. Livingstone and Henry Stanley, two of the great explorers of East Africa during the second half of the 19th century.

The source of Nile is also the place for quad bike tours inside remote local villages to meet the locals and of course thousands of children that will greet your passage with a constant sound of “Jambo muzumgu” (Hello white person, in Swahili). The modern activities of rafting and quad bike, mix perfectly with the oldest traditions. A local traditional doctor will tell about the origin of the universe and the causes of disease and show his rituals and sacred places. Mere superstition?

Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, th

Lake Victoria, is also the place of the source of the Nile, Bujagali falls and the world famous and most exciting water rafting experience anyone can have. It does not matter if it is your first time or your hundredth. One big wave down the grade 5 rapids (the highest you can do!) and you will be off the boat, a bigger wave and the boat will be up-side-down. There is no escape! On a boat to the source of the Nile people can mentally review the steps of the explorers of the past. “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?” “Yes”, said he, with a kind smile, lifting his cap slightly. This is the very same conversation which took place in 1871 between Dr. Livingstone and Henry Stanley, two of the great explorers of East Africa during the second half of the 19th century.

The source of Nile is also the place for quad bike tours inside remote local villages to meet the locals and of course thousands of children that will greet your passage with a constant sound of “Jambo muzumgu” (Hello white person, in Swahili). The modern activities of rafting and quad bike, mix perfectly with the oldest traditions. A local traditional doctor will tell about the origin of the universe and the causes of disease and show his rituals and sacred places. Mere superstition?

Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, th

Traditional African Medicine is not just pure magic and certainly is not dying. About two thirds of the African population commonly use these remedies and they are now at the centre of international attention to recognise their therapeutic effect Traditional African Medicine is at the very base of our roots and it is a vibrant mixture of real medical knowledge, great understanding of the human nature, and thousands of years of culture with its complex spirituality.

Among the many populations, the predominant are Bantu speaking groups, who are also the most modernised. But your attention will go to more traditional groups, like the Karamajong and the Batwa Forest people. Towards the North-East you will encounter the Karamajong, they are a group of Nilotic origin whom are directly connected to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the few people in Africa who still use traditional clothes, still build their houses and villages as they were doing probably 5 century ago, they still retain the real African spirit with a very strong tribal identification. Entering one of their villages, which is extremely poor but full of pride and spending time with these people gives a profound sense of respect for their culture and heritage. Moving west, towards the borders with Congo and Rwanda, you will encounter the Batwa Forest People, they are part of the ethnic group commonly called pygmies, but this is not a name they like. They like to be called just forest people. Into the forest they will show you a little of their incredible culture, probably the oldest culture in our world still in existence, possibly 10,000 years old. This way of life is quickly disappearing from progressive deforestation mismanaged conservation projects and politics, where the Batwa are not part of.

Other populations and other activities. In the Toro kingdom, one of the 4 kingdoms of the republic of Uganda, it is possible to meet representatives of the royal family and discover how they make perfumes and tools for the kings. At the same time you will meet the simple people who will show you how they make pans out of used parts of bicycles, how they brew local banana beer and how they perform their traditional dances. Everywhere you can watch people performing their daily activities: the farmer and his cows with huge horns; people making bricks from simple soil; people at night who capture grasshoppers, that will be fried and sold; people cutting trees with tools that you cannot believe; people extracting oil from palm seeds, the old lady making marvellous terracotta pots with nothing but soil and her hands; the family who invites you for dinner… everything is a unique experience forgotten by us, the Muzungu, hundred years ago.

The Present and past in Uganda are all mixed together. Close to the very tiny Kumi town, an old guide will show you Nyero Rock Paintings. Old, mysterious paintings that clearly resemble European Neolithic forms of art. You cannot avoid thinking how modern and old still coexist here, with your guide, wearing old trousers, showing you the ancient paintings, and with his mobile phone in his pocket. There is no contrast or contradiction, all looks normal.

In the land of the fresh water, water falls contribute to the grandeur of nature in Uganda . Sipi falls are a series of three falls one above the other, in the middle of a thick mountain forest, densely inhabited by friendly local communities. It is impossible not to stop and stare at the rainbows forming regularly with the sunshine at the bottom of the falls. Murchison Fall shows the magnificence and power of water. The beauty and strength of this unstoppable mass of water makes people hold their breath and contemplate. And the majestic sound of the water falling, will give you a sense of inner silence

Murchison Falls National Park is also the land where typical African animals can be seen in there natural environment . Buffaloes, elephants, giraffes roam all around this vast park. Many species of antelopes, smaller animals too shy to pose for a picture, hyenas, warthogs... It is an explosion of life. Plants, trees and animals, all there, all in perfect balance with Nature.

Even the terrible crocodiles here, at the meeting point of the Victoria and Albert Nile, seem in complete harmony with the stunning green and lively rivers and the complex ecosystem made up of hippos, birds of any kind, antelope and elephants.

There are no rhinos left in Uganda, one of the many consequences of the Amin’s dictatorships that ended at the beginning of the 80. The times of Amin are one of the very unfortunate chapters of African recent history. Uganda, only now is recovering from the profound destruction caused in those years.

Clearly, the damage caused by Amin is not the only problem Uganda faces today: in certain areas, towards the border with Sudan, there are still situations of atrocity and violence, like the child-soldiers and the attacks of rebels at times even against humanitarian missions.

But the biggest problem of Uganda today, is not war or poverty, but corruption that does not allow the nation to progress and makes it increasingly dependent on international support.

Anyway, there are signals of hope that, if not too soon, at least sometime in the future, will help this country to shine. Among the many small and large initiatives, the Rhino Fund is reintroducing both black and white rhinos in Uganda. Paying a visit to the centre will allow you to understand