Mark Your Calendars! May 21st – 23rd, 2026

The Kitara Foundation for Sustainable Tourism is thrilled to announce the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026! This year, we’re extending a profound invitation to the world: ‘Wanderlust.’

Wanderlust is more than just a visit—it’s an invitation to feel Uganda, to be moved by curiosity, emotion, and authentic discovery across the entire Pearl of Africa.

💖 The Uganda 360° Experience: Beyond the Wildlife 🐘

For years, POATE has grown into a vibrant marketplace for ideas and innovation. In 2026, we are seizing the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Uganda is a 360-degree experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

While our majestic gorillas and stunning landscapes remain vital, the true magnet for future tourists is the Ugandan people and their way of life.

This is a call not just to See the Gorillas, but to truly Understand the vibrant cultures that shape this incredible nation.

🌱 Traveling with Purpose: Championing Community-Based Tourism (CBT) 🤝

Join us as we redefine travel! We are passionately moving towards an era of “Traveling with Purpose,” where visitors don’t just see Uganda, but become a meaningful part of its history.

This year, we are bringing Community-Based Tourism (CBT) to the forefront of POATE!

• Redefine Experience: See Uganda through the eyes of its people.
• Maximize Impact: Ensure tourism revenue directly and sustainably impacts local communities.
• Empowerment: We aim to shift the narrative, championing local empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship—moving away from an industry largely controlled by external operators.

🗓️ Join the Journey!

The ‘Wanderlust’ invitation will be brought to life through:

• Immersive Exhibitions
• High-Value B2B Meetings
• Transformative Destination Showcases

Uganda’s diverse landscape is matched by its diverse cultural, agricultural, natural and social offerings; Kitara Foundation brings you authentic Community Tourism destinations in Uganda that you could experience this POATE season;

Kasenda Community Tourism Center: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kasenda Kabarole District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation; https://portal.equera.ai/customers/11/products

Karangura Eco- Campsite: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Karangura, Kabarole District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation,  https://portal.equera.ai/customers/29/products

Koogere Foundation Uganda: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Fort Portal City implementing Community Tourism Programs and a Cultural Museum https://portal.equera.ai/customers/22/products

House of Friends: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kapchorwa District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation: https://portal.equera.ai/customers/3/products

Centre for Integrated Community Development- Uganda (CICD-Uganda): A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Buhweju District implementing Community Tourism Programs https://portal.equera.ai/customers/10/products

Ruboni Community Camp: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Ruboni Village Kasese District; implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation  https://portal.equera.ai/customers/13/products

BICOWA: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Bigodi Kamwenge District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/7/products

Little Monkey Camp: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Bigodi Kamwenge District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/6/products

Franklyn Community Tours: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Jinja District implementing Community Tourism Programs https://portal.equera.ai/customers/14/products

Biiso Home for Travelers: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Biiso Bulisa District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/15/products

Rwenjeru Community Campsite: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Mbarara District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/9/products

Paradise Eco Hub: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Lake Bunyonyi Kabale District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/18/products

Kisoro Volcanic Coffee: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kisoro District implementing Community Tourism Programs https://portal.equera.ai/customers/19/products

Run Kapchorwa: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kapchorwa District implementing Community Tourism Programs; https://portal.equera.ai/customers/4/products

Community Independent Forum – Uganda: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kisoro District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/8/products

Wanderlust Nature Expeditions: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Rubirizi District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/17/products

Kikorongo Rest Camp:  A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Kikorongo Kasese District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/23/products

Rwentago Community Tourism Center: A Community Based Tourism Organization based in Isingiro District implementing Community Tourism Programs and Accommodation https://portal.equera.ai/customers/26/products

We invite tour operators, investors, conservationists, and the global travel trade to be part of this pivotal moment. Let’s work together to make tourism a powerful force for good in the Pearl of Africa.