Senegalese-American singer, Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, mononymously known as Akon together with his wife, Rozina Negusei toured the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and marveled at its extraordinary beauty during their four-day visit in the country. The couple specifically visited the touristy southwestern region of Uganda; visiting some of the country’s most remarkable national game parks – Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.
Akon, who was on a tour visit to Uganda on Friday visited the president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, at their country home in Rwakitura before embarking on visiting various parts of the country, starting with Queen Elizabeth and then Bwindi.
According to several photos and footage from his visit, the Senegalese-American singer, together with his wife were seen marvel at the beauty that the Pearl of Africa is as he took photos. The pop star’s highlight of his visit was to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and hunting for the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda.
However, according to Isaac Kigozi, the Trade and Investment Officer in the Office of the President, Akon has been designated as Uganda’s special envoy on tourism and culture and has been asked to organize the Uganda Cultural Festival which will be an annual event to celebrate Africa by the African-American communities around the world.
“Akon has also been tasked with setting up high-class luxurious lodges or accommodations within the tourism development areas of Uganda. He will also partner with Aya Group of Companies to set up Aya-Akon Tower, a 72 storeyed building within the Central Business District of Kampala,” Kigozi said in a statement.
During the meeting, on Friday, President Museveni applauded the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, for inviting Akon to Uganda and implored his office to encourage more historical African Diasporas to return and take up investments in different sectors.
About Mountain Gorillas in Uganda:
Mountain gorillas are palpably Uganda’s major drawcard as it lures a mammoth number of tourists specifically to marvel at them. Uganda resides over half the total population of mountain gorillas in the world, making the country the most ideal destination for mountain gorilla trekking safaris. The other countries residing mountain gorillas are Rwanda and DR Congo. Uganda has two mountain gorilla national parks in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks – the only country with two parks all protecting mountain gorillas.
Trekking mountain gorillas is perhaps one of the world’s top bucket list travel activities, and Uganda residing the larger population of these breathtaking giants make it one of the perfect destinations for safari holidays in the world. A mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$ 700 well as for those wishing to spend more hours with the gorillas can opt for the gorilla habituation experience that costs US$ 1500 for a permit.
Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda:
The tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth are also one of the most prominent unique attractions that the Pearl of Africa is made of. They are the highlight of any trip to Queen Elizabeth, and they annually attract so many tourists who go there mainly to spot these unique and amazing lion species. It is not a usual thing for lions to climb trees but these distinctive lion species are really breathtaking, and sure do make Queen Elizabeth a top tourist destination in Africa as it’s the best national park for spotting these unique lions.
