Uganda is a country of extraordinary beauty, welcoming people and unforgettable travel experiences. Every year, its tourism industry comes together to celebrate these treasures through the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE)—Uganda’s leading tourism and travel trade event.
The Uganda Tourism Expo provides a meeting place for tour operators, safari lodges, airlines, conservation organisations, government agencies, travel agents, international buyers, media representatives and other tourism professionals. Together, they promote Uganda as one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations.
For travellers, POATE is more than a trade exhibition. It is a window into the many adventures waiting across the Pearl of Africa—from meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to cruising beneath Murchison Falls, tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and discovering Uganda’s diverse cultures.
What Is the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo?
The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is Uganda’s premier tourism showcase. Organised under the leadership of the Uganda Tourism Board, the event connects Uganda’s tourism businesses with regional and international markets.
POATE gives exhibitors an opportunity to present safari packages, accommodation, cultural experiences, conservation projects and new tourism products. It also creates valuable connections between Ugandan suppliers and international tour companies looking for reliable local partners.
The expo normally includes:
- Business-to-business meetings between tourism suppliers and hosted buyers
- Exhibitions by tour operators, hotels, lodges, airlines and destination organisations
- Destination presentations and tourism discussions
- Networking sessions for travel professionals
- Cultural performances, food and entertainment
- Familiarisation trips that introduce international buyers and media to Uganda
- Discussions about conservation, sustainability, investment and tourism development
In 2026, Uganda celebrated the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo. The event opened on 21 May at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. As part of the programme, the Uganda Tourism Board also hosted a cultural gala at Ndere Cultural Centre for more than 200 international buyers and media personalities.
Why the Uganda Tourism Expo Matters
Tourism is one of Uganda’s most important industries. It creates employment, supports local businesses, contributes to wildlife conservation and brings income to communities living near national parks and other attractions.
The Uganda Tourism Expo strengthens the industry by giving local businesses direct access to international markets. A Ugandan lodge owner, tour operator or community tourism project can meet travel specialists from different parts of the world, explain what makes their product unique and establish partnerships that may bring future visitors.
The expo also helps Uganda share a broader tourism story. Although the country is famous for mountain gorillas, Uganda offers much more: savannah wildlife, chimpanzees, the River Nile, tropical forests, mountains, crater lakes, wetlands, cultural heritage, birdwatching and warm hospitality.
Uganda: The Primate Capital of the World
One of the strongest attractions presented at the tourism expo is Uganda’s exceptional primate diversity.
Gorilla trekking
Uganda offers mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Walking through the forest and spending time near a habituated gorilla family is one of Africa’s most emotional wildlife encounters.
Bwindi also offers the gorilla habituation experience in selected areas, allowing visitors to spend more time observing gorillas alongside researchers and trackers.
Chimpanzee tracking
Kibale National Park is Uganda’s best-known chimpanzee destination. Visitors can join a standard tracking experience or, subject to availability, a longer chimpanzee habituation experience. Other chimpanzee destinations include Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest.
Golden monkey trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the colourful golden monkey. A golden monkey trek combines perfectly with gorilla trekking and introduces travellers to the beautiful bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
Wildlife Safaris Across Uganda
Uganda’s national parks offer varied landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing.
Murchison Falls National Park
At Murchison Falls, the Nile is forced through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging powerfully into the river below. Travellers can enjoy game drives, a Nile boat cruise, a visit to the Top of the Falls and wildlife sightings that may include elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for scenic crater lakes, open savannah, the Kazinga Channel and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. A safari may include morning and evening game drives, a boat cruise and visits to communities near the park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Remote and dramatic, Kidepo offers broad savannah landscapes surrounded by mountains. Its isolation makes it ideal for travellers seeking a wild and less-crowded safari experience.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is a convenient stop between Kampala or Entebbe and southwestern Uganda. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, boat trips, cycling and horse riding, with opportunities to see zebras, impalas, elands and other wildlife.
Birdwatching in the Pearl of Africa
Uganda is one of Africa’s finest birdwatching destinations. Its varied habitats—from papyrus wetlands and rainforests to savannah and mountain slopes—support a remarkable range of species.
The prehistoric-looking shoebill is among the most sought-after birds. Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe is a popular place to search for it by canoe. Other rewarding birding areas include Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Semuliki and the Albertine Rift.
The tourism expo helps specialised birding guides and operators connect with international birdwatching clubs, photographers and nature travellers.
Culture, Communities and Ugandan Hospitality
Uganda’s identity is shaped by many ethnic groups, languages, kingdoms, traditions and artistic expressions. Cultural tourism allows visitors to learn about local history, food, music, dance, crafts and ways of life.
POATE celebrates this heritage through performances, exhibitions and cultural experiences. For international visitors and travel professionals, these activities demonstrate that a Uganda safari can be much richer than wildlife viewing alone.
Responsible cultural experiences can also provide income to local families, craftspeople, performers and community guides. When organised respectfully, tourism encourages communities to preserve and share their heritage on their own terms.
Adventure Tourism in Uganda
Uganda is an exciting destination for active travellers. Popular adventures include:
- White-water rafting and kayaking on the River Nile near Jinja
- Hiking and mountaineering in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Nature walks and forest hikes
- Cycling tours and mountain biking
- Sport fishing on the Nile and Lake Victoria
- Boat cruises, canoeing and island excursions
- Rock climbing, zip-lining and bungee jumping
The Rwenzori Mountains are especially attractive to trekkers. Routes range from short foothill walks to challenging expeditions towards Margherita Peak, the highest point of Mount Stanley.
Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Uganda’s tourism future depends on protecting wildlife, forests, wetlands and cultural heritage. Tourism revenue supports protected areas and creates incentives for conservation, while community-based enterprises help local people receive direct benefits from visitors.
The Uganda Tourism Expo creates an important platform for discussing responsible travel, conservation financing, waste reduction, climate resilience, community participation and the development of sustainable tourism products.
Travellers also have a role to play. Choosing licensed operators, following park regulations, avoiding harmful wildlife interactions, reducing plastic waste and buying locally made products can make every safari more responsible.
Opportunities for International Travel Agents
POATE is particularly valuable for travel agents and tour operators searching for trusted partners in Uganda and East Africa. Through scheduled appointments and networking events, buyers can meet local destination experts, compare products and build tailor-made itineraries for their clients.
Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd works with travel agents and partners from around the world. We provide private and group safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, with optional Zanzibar extensions. Our team can assist with itinerary design, accommodation, professional guides, private safari vehicles, domestic flights and wildlife permits.
We understand that international agents need fast communication, transparent quotations and dependable services on the ground. Our goal is to make every partnership professional, flexible and beneficial to both the agent and the traveller.
Plan Your Uganda Safari with Ngoni Safaris
The Uganda Tourism Expo showcases the possibilities; Ngoni Safaris helps you experience them.
Whether you are planning a short gorilla trekking tour, a family holiday, a photography safari, a birding expedition, a luxury honeymoon or a complete East African journey, we can create an itinerary around your interests, budget and preferred pace.
Popular combinations include:
- Gorillas in Bwindi and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls, Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
- Uganda and Rwanda primate safari
- Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania wildlife circuit
- Safari and Zanzibar beach holiday
- Rwenzori trekking and gorilla trekking
Our safaris can include a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, carefully selected accommodation, park entrance fees, boat cruises and pre-arranged gorilla or chimpanzee permits.
The Future of Tourism in Uganda
The growth of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo reflects Uganda’s increasing confidence as an international destination. Improved tourism products, stronger partnerships and responsible investment can help the country welcome more visitors while preserving the natural and cultural treasures that make it special.
For travellers, Uganda offers authenticity, variety and genuine adventure. In one journey, it is possible to watch lions on the savannah, meet gorillas in a rainforest, cruise the Nile, search for shoebills in a wetland and enjoy music and dance with a local community.
That remarkable diversity is why Uganda continues to deserve its famous name: the Pearl of Africa.
Visit Uganda with Ngoni Safaris
Are you ready to discover the experiences celebrated at the Uganda Tourism Expo? Contact Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd and let our team design a personalised journey through Uganda and East Africa.
From your first enquiry to your final airport transfer, we are committed to professional service, memorable experiences and responsible travel.
Explore Uganda. Meet its people. Discover the Pearl of Africa with Ngoni Safaris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uganda Tourism Expo?
The Uganda Tourism Expo generally refers to the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, commonly known as POATE. It is Uganda’s leading tourism trade event, bringing together local suppliers, international buyers, media and other travel professionals.
Who organises the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo?
The expo is organised under the leadership of the Uganda Tourism Board in cooperation with tourism-sector partners.
Can ordinary travellers attend POATE?
Attendance arrangements may differ from one edition to another. Some programmes are designed for registered tourism professionals, hosted buyers and media, while selected exhibition or public activities may be open more widely. Visitors should check the official Uganda Tourism Board information for the relevant edition.
Why is POATE important for tourists?
POATE helps tourism businesses improve their products, build international partnerships and introduce new experiences. Travellers benefit from stronger service standards, more itinerary choices and better connections between overseas agents and Ugandan operators.
Can Ngoni Safaris arrange a trip around the expo?
Yes. Ngoni Safaris can arrange accommodation, airport transfers, Kampala excursions and pre- or post-expo safaris, subject to availability and the official event schedule.
