Get enriched with Ugandan Culture on your Safari

Forget about the other adventures that come with a Ugandan Safari like Mount Gorilla Tracking,Chimpanzee trekking,game drive,bird watching,hiking,the diverse collection of cultural settings in the country are magnificent and worth a visit.With the government's conservation of culture,there is more hope that a higher number of visitors will be recorded this year mainly on cultural safaris.

Uganda is estimated to have more than 61 tribes each with a unique language and cultural norms.Among these tribes,its only 42 tribes that have tried to preserve their historical objects with rich heritage for visitors to view.A tourists can easily access any of the tribes and get a chance of experiencing the true lifestyle of an African man/woman without necessarily going through hardships.Ugandans are kind to visitors and are always willing to host any stranger just like their ancestors.

In case you want to touch the true heart of Uganda,just get in touch with its people and have a thrilling experience of unbelievable history.The treasure missed while in your country of origin is best discovered in Africa on your Cultural Safari to Uganda.Blessed with unique norms,the local people in this "pearl of Africa" respect and preserve their heritages collectively so as to easily trace their origin.

Meet and greet the local people and even have a village stay in one of Uganda's tribes to dig deeper into the African lifestyle. Get to know how Ugandans survive without the sky scrappers that are identical wit the western world.Though some African practices are criticized to be backward,they bring out the unspoilt real men and women of Africa and what they are used to.

Our company can help you to enjoy a trip of your life time that you will live to tell on the black continent.It is as simple as making a booking with us and we formulate an itinerary depending on your wish.We are experienced in organizing cultural safaris in Uganda and other East African countries.We can pick you from the airport and take you to the hotel in Kampala where you will relax and enjoy a night city view of Kampala.Wake up the next morning and get briefed before embarking on a cultural trip through the whole country.The whole Safari can take one week at fair costs.

Climbing Kagulu Hill,believed to be haunted by over 46 spirits by Busoga People

The well of life on Kagulu hill has offered the people in Busoga hope as many climb the hill so as to get blessings from this supernatural small well.Kagulu hill is found in Buyende district where the founding fathers of Busoga’s royal clan rested as they moved from Bunyoro to Busoga via Lake Kyoga.Today Kagulu Hill has become a must visit tourist site and many visitors go their mainly to see this supernatural water that is said to cure people of their diseases. As a result,cultural safaris in this area have increased.This hill is estimated to have more than 1000 year and its huge rocks on the side are credited for an endless support to this holy site of Busoga.

Kagulu hill is subject of many mysterious tales many of them concerning its supernatural cultural background. Every king to-be of Busoga (Kyabazinga) has to climb this hill on his coronation day. In Busoga this is known as a ‘holy journey for the King’ and the main reason is that the king has to go up the hill and consult the gods of Busoga so as he is provided with Knowledge and wisdom to lead the Kingdom.

Climbing the hill

The journey to the top of the hill is interesting as you get a chance to see beautiful small shiny grey and black rocks which tradition says they were wives of the first king of Busoga.Around the hill there are also dark caves that are said to have been the hiding place for the king in times of war.

Up the hill is more attractive than the lower parts of this 10000 feet above sea level hill. This is simply because of the small attractive well that contains water that is said to be holy. This wall attracts people from all over Busoga who believe it gives good fortune. The residents claim that this well does not dry up even in drought times.Ngobi Fahad one of the residents of Kagulu said the water is a source of blessing but he added that it depends on what and how much you want from the gods. He also noted that dropping a coin into the water earns you a reward from the ancestors.

It is said that there is an oracle on this hill that is haunted by the 46 spirits that own and patrol the hill, and she is known as Mandwa Kagulu Nabiryo.She has a shrine at the top of the hill and always people enter it for blessings. Also on top of the hill there are multicolored snakes with two heads, two wells, and a dugout canoe that belongs to Nabiryo.

The spirits on the hill are harmless to the visitors and today many tourists climb the hill to have a glimpse on the wonders of African magic. Also a number of men and women climb the hill to ask the gods to strengthen their marriages and also bless them. Although the water of the well seems to be dirty, people still take it so as to show their seriousness in what they are seeking.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Kampala taxi park, its 86km to Kamuli town in the Eastern part of Uganda. From Kamuli town, you board to Buyende town 30km west of the town. While in Buyende town, you are already at the place since its just 2km from the town to Kagulu village. The whole journey takes 4-6 hours. 

Other than reading about this adventurous place,a wonderful cultural safari  is the best idea.

Why you must visit Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is located about 12km from the capital city of Uganda (Kampala) just along Jinja Road and it is an established historical place of executive in pre-colonial Buganda. This historical place is mainly remembered for the massacre that took place in Uganda on 3^rd June 1886 on the order of Kabaka Mwanga .During the last days of May that year, many Baganda men and women who had been baptized by the hated Christians were forced to match naked in broad day light. At that time, the African Traditional religion was too strong in Buganda and the king highly respected it. Therefore, he expected all his people to follow the African beliefs and not the “white man’s religion”.

The transformation of Baganda men and women to Christianity angered the Kabaka and he was forced to detain these new Christians in Mengo. From Mengo, they were forced to match naked to Namugongo where they were imprisoned for several days. While in prison, the Kabaka ordered his men to prepare a large pyre which was t be used to punish the Baganda converts.

After some few days of pyre construction and several Baganda meetings that were organized to decide the fate for the “miss behaved” Baganda, the king finally made his decision on 3^rd June 1886.The king ordered the prisoners to renounce their new adopted religion or else face the rough side of him. Some of the prisoners accepted and the last opportunity was given on 3^rd June. Whenever a prisoner renounced Christianity, he/she would be released and about 26 individuals declined to the King’s orders. Among the 26 individuals were the Catholics and few Protestants.

Charles Lwanga, who was the leader of the Catholic contingent, was hacked apart and burnt alive on the spot. On that same day, the remaining Christians were bound in reed mats, thrown on the pyre and burnt alive. The 26 remembered Christians were baptized and they were known by each mission by name but some history state that more than 30 people were thrown on to the fire.

It was in 1920 when people Benedict XV paved way for the future canonization by declaring and blessing the 13 known Catholic martyrs at Namugongo, together with other 9 Catholic victims of separate killings in May 1886.Pope Paul VI later canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs on 18^th October 1964 and this was during the Vatican II conference.

In July 1969, Pope Paul VI visited Uganda and his main aim was to make a pilgrimage to Namugongo and he even instructed that a church and shrine be built on the spot where Lwanga had been killed. Many people from different parts of the world have made pilgrimages to Namugongo like Archbishop Robert Runcie of Canterbury in 1984 and Pope John Paul II in 1993.This has greatly induced other visitors to come to Uganda and have a live view of this memorial place.

Today, 3rd June is a public holiday in Uganda and it’s marked worldwide on the church calendar in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.

Cultural Safari tips that will enhance your time in Uganda

Below  is a code of conduct for cultural safari visitors that respect the norms and communities of Uganda,the environment and the wildlife;

What do before a cultural safari to Uganda?

• Plan your trip effectively by choosing eco-friendly lodges that suite your desires.Those lodges that use charcoal are not ideal for visitors and therefor a visitor should choose a lodge that uses gas for cooking.Lodges that are close to the local communities are more suitable because of the easiness to meet the local people.
• Take caution while packing for the cultural safari.Compared to the western standards,Uganda is mainly composed of needy people and where necessary, a visitor is compelled to give a few gifts to the children.Depending on your desires,a tour company might take you for a visit to any of the local schools and here,children will ask for some simple gifts.

How to deal with the local people and different communities?

• Avoid treating the local people in Uganda as if they are another species of wildlife.On a cultural safari,one is expected to meet people of different cultures and norms and learning their cultures is one of the great pleasures.
• Greeting in Uganda is highly recommended.In Uganda,a mere Hi or Hello is not enough to greet.According to the cultural norms of Ugandans,greeting is a way of showing mutual respect to another person and it is mainly done by shaking of hands.It is a cultural mistake in Uganda to say a quick greeting as is common in other countries.Time spent while greeting someone is more important than a tight schedule.A visitor can get to learn a few greeting in the various languages in Uganda.
• Taking photos.Before you take any photo of the local people,always ask for permission to avoid inconveniences.If no permission is asked,people might think that you are taking photos for financial gains.
• Dress appropriately.Though Europeans are most often forgiven for dressing in a manner that is not so common in Uganda,it is good to respect the local style and get dressed in a modest fashion.
• Bargaining in Uganda.Always respect Ugandans and pay a fair price because this indirectly improve their way of living.Some traders in Uganda are fond of overcharging visitors and one is advised to know the various prices charged for different commodities.In case a visitor cannot know the prices in time,he/she is advised to get a guide who will bargain on his behalf for fair prices.At our company,we provide skilled guides that are trust worthy for our clients.

Voluntourism (Volunteerism) 

• A visitor can combine his/her safari with volunteering.This activity can easily be arranged for your safari stay in Uganda.Get a chance to move around the various schools,medical facilities,orphanages,community work and experiencing an authentic African lifestyle.
• You can also make donations to these local schools ,orphanage,project and our company will ensure that the money donated reach the intended recipients.

Respect and conserve the environment

• Avoid littering anytime in African Wild.Use the placed garbage bags in the vehicles and avoid throwing litter through the windows.
• Conserve Resources: You may stay in a lodge that uses solar energy which uses a battery system at night.I t is therefore recommended to switch off the lights when not in use .At some lodges,fresh water might be on a short supply so keep showers short and this applies for hot water users too. 

Experience the real Africa with a village stay - Cultural Safaris to Uganda

Though the number of tourists who make cultural safaris to Uganda is rapidly increasing,some of them live the country without enjoying the true lifestyle of   the local people.Some visitors opt to stay in 4 star or 5 star safari lodges where the only Ugandans they interact with are the waiters and waitresses.This denies them an opportunity to experience the original feeling of Africa that is experienced while in the villages.

Local people singing and dancing for peace

Spending a night or 2 in a real African village is one of those experiences that a visitor can never forget in his/her life time.In the villages,a visitor can start a cultural safari by going with the women to the garden where you can gather numerous vegetables,get a chance to cut down the matoke bananas,pick the beans,fresh potatoes,dig out the cassava,maize (corn-not yellow like in USA) tomatoes,some papaya,onions,and get some mangoes.
If a visitor is comfortable,he/she can learn how to butcher the chicken.In Uganda,butchering chicken is normal and children as young as 6 know how to go about it.

Life in a real African village is simple and a visitor can easily cope up with the unique experience,especially for those who think everything comes prepackaged from the store.Today,some visitors instead of staying in up-market lodging facilities,they opt to stay at villages and enjoy their time while in Uganda.Unlike game viewing,cultural safaris in Uganda that extend to villages create memories of the early men of Africa.

A village stay in Uganda enables a visitor to meet the authentic Uganda up close and personal,meet the blacksmith,village story tellers,traditional healers,families,children and many more.Get to learn how to drum,how to drum,how to speak the local languages,how to fish with your hands,prepare traditional foods,cook over open fires and generally experience a typical Ugandan village.

The majority of Ugandans live in Villages and this is the reason why a visitor must make a village stay in order to experience the real Uganda.Lasting memories are instilled into visitor on a cultural Safari to Uganda due to authentic Africa experience provided.

Depending on the village visited and culture,in Uganda,different cultures have different way of life.Each tribe has its own unique practices and norms.Therefore,a visitor is expected to select a village that he/she is comfortable with its practices and norms.However,most Ugandan villages consist a diverse cultural experience that interests any visitor.The people are kind to visitors and give a remarkable company to visitors.

Igongo Cultural Centre - Cultural Safaris in Uganda

 What is Igongo Cultural Center?
Igongo Cultural Centre is a cultural site (place) in southwestern Uganda where the future meets the past.This cultural centre has a  well equipped museum which contains the history about the first people in Uganda.This presentation of history is well elaborated in pictures,documents,cultural music,drama,music,sculptures,art and many others.The cultural center is an ideal stop over while on a Safari to Uganda (traveling from the west of Uganda).
This cultural centre hosts one of the leading museum in Uganda with an avid representation of the Ankole culture.The gorgeous scenery of the gardens and the historical buildings that hose a museum are so interesting to look at. 
Igongo Cultural Centre was officially opened by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,the president of Uganda on 23rd December.From then,the number of visitors to the site have greatly increased as many come to find out how the early people used to survive.

Where is Igongo Cultural Centre located?
Igongo Cultural Centre is found in  the south western Uganda in Biharwe (about 12kms from Mbarara town). It's along Masaka - Mbarara high way.

When is the best time to visit?
A visitor can visit Igongo Cultural Centre at any time of the year.

What are the features at Igongo Cultural Centre?
There are numerous features at this cultural center and these include;the beautiful gardens,museum,historical buildings,a restaurant with traditional dishes,craft shops,historical sculptures of both people and animals and many more.Mainly,this place portrays the Kigezi and Banyankole culture.

What are the activities visitors should expect while at Igongo Cultural Centre?
Among the activities are;

• Craft viewing
• Donkey rides
• Medicinal plants tour
• Museum tour
• Traditional music and dance performances
• Performing traditional Uganda chores
• Cultural walks to the near by villages
• Climbing the near by hills

What are fees charged at the site?
Adults - Ush 5,000
Children - Ush 3,000
Foreigners - Ush 20,000

There are well trained guides to take the visitors through the museum and also explain the various happenings related to the history.

What to wear while on a cultural Safari to Uganda

Composed of people with different backgrounds,Uganda has a diverse collection of cultural destinations that can spice up a visitor's cultural safari.By looking at a Ugandan,one can tell which tribe he/she comes from.This is because different tribes in Uganda dress differently.

Gomesi and Kanzu

Ugandans generally like to dress smart and this is common with those in Kampala (Uganda's capital city).People in the city try to copy the western style of dressing and ignore their cultural dressing making it hard for  visitor to differentiate their origin.Most of these clothes won by people in towns are second-hand clothes (already used clothes).In Kampala,these clothes are mainly bought from Owino market where you might even find tags with US prices from places such as value village,salvation Army and others.Though Ugandans like to dress smartly,they are always conservative when it comes to dressing.

When it comes to women in Uganda,they are always careful while dressing in that they try to avoid diplaying their thighs in public.Even if a woman wears a short skirt,she will put on leggings ,jeans or other slacks(unless going to a bar or night club).
In Uganda,it is uncultured to wear to wear clothes that are not neatly pressed,clean and in need of mending.In Kampala,its a common practice to be smart,even though one wears a leisure clothes.Culturally,women are not expected to wear mini-skirts,tight shorts,in actuality men and women are more respected not wearing shorts.

While on a cultural Safari,it is ideal to avoid wearing shorts for better protection from from insects.Modesty,this applies to both equally to men and women.While in Kampala,you will see many Ugandan men in suits.However,you certainly do not have to wear a suit but just keep clean,neat and wear pressing clothes.

Many Ugandan women both in towns and villages are fond of wearing traditional dress called Busuuti also known as "Gomesi" while men wear "Kanzu".Both Kanzu and Busuti  are won at special events including introductions and weddings.

Tourists in Uganda should take caution of the dressing discipline that is required of them.In Uganda,once a visitor dresses improperly,he/she is looked at as an irresponsible person and less attention is given.But there are some occassions where one an wear casually like during weekend,in the club,on a game drive,in a bar,in the evening and other occasions.

The untold story of the Karamojong people - Cultural Safaris Uganda

Located in the northeast of Uganda, Karamojong ethnic group is blessed with a rich culture that attracts tourists from various places of the world.They are the most singular ethnic group and are mainly normadic pastoralists.Their love for cattle is so strong that some even reach an extent of staying with them.They greatly depend on these animals for survival.


The Karamojongs are divided into 6 groups each with a unique dialect of the Nile Karamojong language.Among the 6 groups,there are Nyangia and Napore,who have largely forsaken their traditional ways of cattle keeping to agriculture.The other group (Tueso) are hunter-gatherers who moved from the dry plains to the mountains.

Though Karamojongs are referred to as backward people by some Ugandans,the preserved culture is so original for a tourist who is interested in the original African Lifestyle.The way of life and dressing of the Karamojong people reflects the true African lifestyle.The people have tried to keep the original dress code.However,this culture is not easily noticed when in Karimojong towns like Moroto as people tend to copy the western culture.


One of the major problem that is faced by these people is cattle rustling.They are always attacked by their neignbours including the Kenyan Massai for their cattle.This has led to instability in the region and many Ugandans dont want to visit the place.The region also experienced a war that led to depopulation and a retardation of the cultural norms.These problems affected both trade and culture as many Karimojongs migrated in search for freedom.

Today,peace has been restored in the Karamojong area by the government and people have returned to their original homes.Karimojongs mainly stay in huts and it is hard to find a modern house in the area.Families are fond of constructing huts next to each other and one family can have various huts of relatives.The people are used to the ancient lifestyle which their ancestors cherished.

Returning of peace in the Karamoja region has greatly increased cultural safaris in the area.Many people visit the region to see the original African culture that is hard to find elsewhere in Africa.