TOURISM- We are in the last bend of the year and usually this is a perfect time for holidays, family gatherings, getaways, corporate retreats, team building sessions, weddings and honey moon romance outings, giving back, celebrating Christmas and most importantly thanks giving to the Almighty for keeping us alive as we usher in the new year.
This toast to life requires one to be intentional and choose a destination that is serene, natural, beautiful, peaceful and relaxing as they reflect and meditate, ponder about their goals, plans and strategies away from the common pool of crowd around them.
With consideration of many things depending on what an individual, family or group intends to achieve from this get away, this will guide you on their next course of action.
The Tourism lenses have settled for ARRA Fishing Lodge in Ma’di Land because it breaks away the monotony of going to the common places people are used to for instance ; in Jinja, Kalangala Fort Portal, Kasese, Kigezi, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, visiting national parks and many others.
This East Madi Haven is about 7- 8 hours from Kampala on the peninsula of the Albert Nile bordering Moyo district, near the Nimule Border of South Sudan and just about 1:30 hrs from Gulu city.
The uniqueness is that it offers that 360 degrees experience that can keep one engaged for at least a fortnight with activities for either small or big groups because it is big enough to have all kinds of gathering which limits other places.
Besides the size, the proprietors took their time and the eco- modern architecture and recycling concept is vividly sound and visible which caters for all the tastes of its clients at the same time promoting environment conservation.
Those willing to step away from the ordinary mix, this far- flung site is worth that consideration for those intending to have a blast.
– HONEY MOON.
Love and romance for the newly wedded couples, those dating, celebrating their affairs or rekindling a relationship is better felt in a serene place far away from the haters with their diabolic statements that ” it will end in tears” and others. The well built cottages overlooking the Albert Nile with natural green flowers and trees, neatly designed furniture with an eco- modern touch together with a traditional style make it awesome for saying “forever I do”.
The windows are wide enough with glass slides making its aeration superb and one wakes up with the rays of the sunrise piercing through the rooms and the sunset silhouette is visible in the evening. The birds chirping from the trees is a validation of a complete natural eco system with one complimenting each other for harmonious living.
– CORPORATE GET AWAY
As the last quarter of the year checks in, various companies are in search of places where they can have those strategic, bonding, refreshing and team building session for their staff. This is all aimed at creating a new environment for a particular purpose the getaway was intended for.
The facility is well spread with a board room having a capacity of over 100 persons, spacious grounds for all the bonding games that may include; Volley ball, board games, swimming and others that can be easily created. ARRA is strategically located slightly off the Adjumani – Moyo road that is being worked upon making travelling very comfortable and desirable.
– CAMPING & BACK PARKING
This is one of the most budget friendly ways of accommodation and has usually big numbers. The facility has sorted this out with quality and nice camping tents that are readily available and there is also an option for those who come with theirs. It is very suitable for very outgoing people that really enjoy the whole outdoor experience especially the campusers, post tertiary and other people that are enjoy group accommodation over some banter.
The Camp fire is also inline creating that warmth, storytelling vibes with some barbeque or Nyama choma that can either be prepared by the in-house chef or self catering arrangements.
BIRDING
With the presence of the natural habitat for the birds especially the swamps and the lagoon that is part of Albert Nile. One is capable is seeing the famous Shoebill, swimming birds and other ones that prey on fish as their food.
This is a perfect activity for the birders and researchers out there and all those who enjoy these creatures. This is usually done while on the boat with the binoculars, sometimes on the main land or small islands on the lagoon.
FISHING
This is one of the sporting activities that are picking up steadily and it is being embraced by the local tourists by the look of things. Most of them think that usually fish comes from Lake Victoria which is not the case thus making it more fun and captivating for both the youth and mature ones. It is done on the Albert Nile in calm water with the guidance of the local fishermen who do that for a living.
These are also seen using nets that are cast in the water and are supported with floating plastic bottles which then are pulled out when the fish has been netted. They normally use the ancient traditional long dug out wooden boats.
For the modern people a fishing rod with a loer and bait is handy for use and it will give you that experience to recall.
OTCE MOUNTAIN HIKING.
This is one of the most dos while enjoying the holiday at the lodge.
First and for most, one should have the right attire and apparel for the hike starting from the shoes in order to have the real experience without a lot of hitches and off course water for rehydration.
To many of us, this is the first time we get to hear or know about this feature since in primary the focus was on the four mountains such as ; Moroto, Rwenzori, Mufumbiro and Elgon.
At our school, it was so deep to the extent our sports uniforms had the names of the above mountains. Otce is 1,563 metres above sea level and offers that scenic view of Albert Nile as it crosses to South Sudan to form the White Nile.
At the peak of the Mountain, one will enjoy the mountain ranges of Erende and other mountains such as IIo and Buce as they straddle to South Sudan our neighbors not forgetting the beautiful sweeping vegetation and the view Nile.
The hike takes about a day to and fro and this can take about 7 hours for a journey of about 23kms.
THE NILE
When one talks about the Nile, most people brains rush quick to Jinja and forget that it is just the source and biggest part of it passes through Kyoga as Victoria Nile to Karuma and Murchision falls to Packwach then through Lake Albert as Albert Nile flows through Ajai Wildlife Reserve, proceeds to Adjumani and Moyo districts in East Madi until it enters South Sudan where its referred to as the White Nile.
The beauty is that the water is calm and less volatile compared to the one in Jinja that is fast flowing with with rapids making it hard for those whose adrenaline levels are below the bar for wild water. It is one of the reasons one should come and enjoy the boat cruise because even the little kids may not understand that they are travelling on water.
EMIN PASHA (DUFILE FORT)
This name rings a bell to very many of us while in Primary especially when it came to Social Studies (SST). It has a great inclination to the history of Uganda especially during the early days of the colonialists and explorers.
While on this adventure at ARRA Fishing lodge, you get to understand how the Emin Pasha fort (DUFILE) in 1888 was very crucial and good base for German – Jewish Explorer whose was a governor of the Equatorial Province. This site in Moyo district along the Albert Nile is just a few kilometers from your place of domicile.
It will help you to get up to speed with our history at the same time appreciate how far we have come from and know the value of these spaces in tourism from the right community.
ZOKA FOREST
This gained talk in town and beyond after very many engagements from environmental activists (Friends of Zoka ) making alarm and concerns about its fear of being depleted by timber loggers and encroachers . It one of the few natural forests in West Nile and particularly in Adjumani district. Here one should come for the birding expedition and seeing of many types of insects that enjoy this habitat. Besides that, it is one of the few forests endowed with all the three types of vegetation ranging from Tropical, Savannah and the Wood land giving it that unique experience from the rest.
The forest covers 1,259 hectares and lies on the swath of Albert Nile and it is about 40 minutes drive from the lodge
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
Here in West Nile, the real traditions of communal living are still valid and this is the uniqueness one enjoys whole having their stay. The dances and the hospitality is another beauty that is worth the vacation and this is not the same with other regions in the country.
