Internship Report carried out at katwe Eco-tourism information center in Western Uganda

Abstract

The industrial training was carried at Katwe Ecotourism Information Centre in Katwe Kabatoro Town Council. It was a field based practical training experience. The main objective of this field attachemnet was “to enrich the student with knowledge and skills in the field of research and monitoring, Tour guiding, Environmental conservation and National Resource Management.The main activity carried during field attachment was cleaning the compound at first with the focus ensuring we don‟t litter when in the natural settings, then I proceeded to conducting field tours. In addition as tour guide I was to focus my guiding activities around Lake Munyanyange, Lake Edward shores, and Lake Katwe. The key major roles expected were that of being a nature interpreter, information source and identifying animal species. The most common fish species I was able to identify were Mud fish, Tilapia , hence I also had to explain behaviour aquatic mammals such as the Hippopotamus and reptiles ie crocodiles. The most common equipment that aided my learning was the use of binoculars, and the telescope. The telescope being new to me the first time came with challenges. In addition I also learnt to identify different medicinal plants such Occimum gratissimum which cures stomach ache in both animals and humans. Another key area I was able to improve my skills was in regards to birding, Lake Munyanyange has pink Flammingos, Pelicans and other migratory birds that spend time on the water. This greatly enabled me to identify the different features of the birds and also the behavioural patterns regarding breeding when they displayed.A key skill acquired was on how to effectively conduct tour guiding in the field. A key component that I improved on was confidence and public speaking, whereby I had to be informed and display the ability to manage many members in a group.The key challenge that was most evident was that of the climate which was humid, dry and hot. This was coupled with long work days, key lesson gained was on how to be patient yet persistent in the way I do the work. I recommend that for future students who undertake internship in nature tour guiding parks is that they must get familiar with the environment climate but also be ready to work with people from different backgrounds. In conclusion this internship was excellent and I recommend students in future to undertake this activity