Why you need a Visa Card on your Cultural Safari

I know you must be wondering why some tourists get stuck on their safari to various destinations but one of the reason is lack of visa cards.Before you are allowed to enjoy a cultural safari to Uganda,you are required to obtain a visa card which acts as an authorizing document to visit this "pearl of Africa". Compared to other foreign countries,obtaining a visa in Uganda is quite easy and this is why tourists find it more convenient to visit this East African country.


Below are the ways through which a visitor can obtain visas

1. You can apply for the visa at your point of entry for example at Entebbe Airport  or at the border.This is more convenient and it is the cheapest way to obtain the visas because no mails and photos are required.All you need to do is to fill out an entrance form plus your passport dates and information.Currently a Tourism visa costs 50 USD upon entry and its valid for 90 days.However,this cost is due to change as a result of the proposed single tourism visa card for all East African countries.
2. Another way through which a tourist can obtain a visa while on a tour to Uganda is by applying and buying  from foreign countries like Canada, Belgium, China, France, Denmark, Italy, India, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom ,South Africa, USA and others.You can apply personally with 2 passport photos and an application form which is downloaded from the Embassy website in your country origin.

Visa Safari Tips
Before you accept a visa,make sure that it covers your full stay in Uganda to avoid inconveniences.You are advised to be polite when asking for a visa if you want to get your requests met.
It is a common practice in Uganda that the local people find it hard to acquire a visa elsewhere but once they get it,it covers their full stay in the country.For tourists entering the country  with an aim of staying for a long time,it is quite difficult when it comes to negotiations.Even if you have a more than 7 month visa in your passport issued by the Ugandan Embassy in your country of origin,you may get surprised to get a stamp for 3 months.

For tourists,the dates are most likely covered in full especially if its a short term safari (2 or 3 weeks).In situations where a visitor wants to re-enter Uganda and visit other countries,she/he can apply for a multiple entry visa.However,one visa card obtained in Uganda can be used to access other East African countries without obtaining another one.

Upon entry into Uganda, you must provide the following to obtain a Visa

• A valid passport issued by your country of origin
• International Health certificate
• Enough funds or ways to obtain the funds

If you have met all the above requirements,then you are free to obtain a visa card that will open the doors to an adventurous cultural experience on your safari.Get to know about the culture of Uganda and even meet the local people.Our company can help you to enjoy a wonderful trip to this East African country at fair prices.All you need to do is to visit adventureugandasafaris.com or contact us on info@adventureugandasafaris.com

Buganda Launches its Tourism and Heritage Board

Also known as the biggest and prominent ethnic tribe in Uganda,Buganda is one of the leading attractions when it comes to Cultural safaris.The kingdom has experienced numerous reforms that have seen it develop at a higher rate compared to other kingdoms.The loyalty that the people of this great Bantu-speaking people have for their Kabaka (King) has continuously bonded them together for a long time.

The king of Buiganda during a cultural ceremony

Located in the central Uganda,Buganda is enriched with cultural and historical attractions that have led to an increase in the number of visitors registered per year.Many tourists from different parts of the world come to Buganda simply to witness the true life style of an African.This ethnic group is blessed with cultured people who highly value their history to the extent that they keep all their valued objects which their ancestors used.

Last week,the kingdom through its board decided to revive the glory of the tourism sector in Buganda.This was suggested by Ssaabasajja Kabaka (the King of Buganda) who pointed out that there is need to use what they have to impress the tourists who are interested in exploring the cultural side of the kingdom.However,he reminded the board members not to forget their key values of protecting the image of Buganda as they execute their duties.

Some of the key roles that this board is meant to do include establishment of management policies on running the royal tombs of Buganda (commonly known as Amasiro ga Buganda).The main tombs suggested include Kasubi and Wamala royal tombs.The  secret behind these sites is that they are homes of the ancestral fathers of the Baganda people.Other policies to be included are;appointment of the technical staff to aid work of controlling both income and expenditure of the heritage sites.

Kasubi tombs of Buganda

On top of administering,the board is expected to promote tourism in Buganda by finding all the historical places in the kingdom,protect and preserve them for the future.They are to formulate policies of innovating and manning the Buganda museum and other cultural sites just like the royal palaces.

In his words,the Katikkiro of Buganda,Charles Peter Mayiga  comprehended the Board and said that its the first ever board to be established in the kingdom and board members have gone in the history of Buganda.He emphasized much about preserving,protecting and conserving the heritage sites.

The Kattikiro of Buganda- Right and the Kabaka - Left

However,he showed concern about the increasing vice of deforestation in the region which has greatly affected nature.He therefore


asked each person to at least plant 2 trees during an introduction ceremony  in order to protect the environment in future.

For Cultural Safaris to Uganda at low costs,inquire or contact us on info@adventureugandasafaris.com

A four days tour of Kagulu Rock and the Nile Adventure

Have you ever thought of a cultural safari to one of Uganda's historical sites? Then Kagulu rock found on Kagulu Hill in eastern Uganda is the answer.In addition of having many caves each with an attached story about its origin,the hill means a lot to the local people.
Below is a drafted itinerary that you can follow on your cultural trip;

Local people gathered around the healing waters on top of the hill

Day 1: Entebbe to Kampla
On your arrival at Entebbe international airport,you will be met by our trained guides and drivers wgo will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.Dinner and over night at this hotel as you prepare for the long-awaited trip.

Day 2:From Kampala to Kamuli
Wake up early in the morning and have breakfast before being briefed by our trained guides.These guides will give you all the necessary information about this cultural safari before experiencing it live.You will depart from Kampala at around 8:00 am to the east of Uganda passing through Mukono historical town.
Make a detour at Kayanja to enjoy breathtaking splendid views of the Ssezibwa falls.
Proceed to Uganda's second capital city full of ancient buildings that portray the true African architecture (Jinja).While in this town,you will step in the footsteps of the Eng-lish John Speke who discovered the source of the Nile.You will have lunch at one of the best spots on the Nile while enjoying scenic views of the nature.
After the sumptuous meal,head to Kamuli town.You will reach in the evening.Dinner and overnight at a newly Century Hotel.

Day 3:Kagulu Hill hike
Wake up in the morning and have your breakfast before leaving for Kagulu Rock at 8:00am.Experience a thrilling environment while at the site and enjoy cultural views for the whole day.A hike on this hill provides you with wonderful feelings as you spot historical things that you have never seen.Meet and greet the local people who stay around this cultural site.Listen to their stories that are full of African History.
Have an unforgettable meal of real fresh and delicious fish awaiting you as you descend from the rock by midday.Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4:Return to Kampala
Have breakfast in the morning before embarking on your journey back to Kampala.

This will mark the end of our cultural Safari.




To enjoy this trip,please contact us on info@adventureugandasafaris.com

Enjoying a Boda Boda ride in Kampala

Forget about the sky scrappers and ever-busy roads in your country,transport in Kampala,the capital city of Uganda is one of the easiest things to do on your cultural trip to Uganda.It doesn't matter which part of the city you are interested to go to but how to access the place in the least time possible.

All smiles on a boda-boda

Just like other cities in Africa,the common mean of transport is by use of taxis (vans) and boda-bodas.You might be wondering what the word boda-boda means but its simply a motorcycle used to carry passengers.These are ridden by highly skilled men who can weave in and out of traffic with ease.If its your first time cultural safari to Uganda,you might get shocked by this scary ride carrying a big suitcase and with no helmet.Don't thing that the word boda boda is a Ugandan word.In context,this word means "service every where" from Border to Border.

Trust me this experience is more adventurous and unique compared to just sitting in a car with all doors closed.While in Uganda,this is the quickest mean of transport which is not affected by traffic.
A boda boda carries a maximum of two people and tall passengers are advised to sit behind.Always ensure that you dont exceed the maximum number to avoid accidents.

Now you know what is compared to bungee jumping and skiing on a safari to Uganda.A ride on these boda bodas is scary and adventurous.

One of our clients enjoying a ride

But how will you experience it?Its easy.Just arrange a trip to Uganda with our company and we shall draft a city tour itinerary for you plus booking accommodation at fair costs.We can extend you tour to other villages in Uganda where you will get to see how the local people live and their rare lifestyles.

Please consult us on info@adventureugandasafaris.com or www.adventureugandasafaris.com

Cultural Safaris in Uganda affected by Pope's extention of his visit - Cultural Safari News

It may sound false to many people but the fact is that the planned jubilee celebration of the canonization of Uganda Martyrs that was scheduled to take place on 18th October,2014 was postponed.Ugandans has started to prepare for the visit which was expected to promote more cultural safaris in the country but were shocked by the news.
In 2013,through Dr.Cyprian Lwanga (the Arcbishop of Kampala Archdiocese),the Pope was sent a letter inviting him to grace the event which is meant to respect and remember the Uganda martyrs who died for their faith.The pope confirmed his visit until last week when he sent a message to Uganda citing that he was greatful for the invite but won't be able to come.

Whenever it comes to 3rd June of every year in Uganda,Holy pilgrimages to Namugongo shrine are made by people as a way of remembering the people who were murdered by the Kabaka of Buganda because of their faith.This event is known for its great impact on the tourism sector as cultural safaris in Uganda increase.
However,tour operators were expecting the pope's visit to act as a tool of marketing Uganda tourism potentials.This is because after visiting Namugongo Shrine,many would be attracted to extend to the various National parks plus enjoying cultural
tours in this great nation.

While at Namugongo,there are very many tourism potentials that portray the history of the late Martyrs including paintings,back clothes,spears and many more.This is why this Holy place also acts as cultural safari destination and many people tour this place.
Among the Uganda martyrs who were killed include;

1. Achileo Kiwanuka
2. Adolphus Ludigo Mukasa
3. Anatoli Kiriggwajjo
4. Ambrosius Kibuuka
5. Ponsiano Ngondwe
6. Nowa Mawaggali
7. Mukasa Kiriwawanvu
8. Mugagga Lubowa
9. Mbaga Tuzinde
10. Matiya Mulumba
11. Lukka Baanabakintu
12. Kizito
13. Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe
14. John Maria Muzeeyi
15. James Buuzaabalyaawo
16. Gyavira Muoke
17. Gonzaga Gonza
18. Denis Ssuggwawo Wasswa
19. Charles Lwanga
20. Bruno Sserunkuuma
21. Antanansio Bazzekuketta
22. Andrew Kaggwa

These Martyrs were burnt alive by the king of Buganda because of their faith.Today,these people are remembered by the Church community worldwide and many tourists visit the Namugongo shrine. This leads to an increase in cultural safaris every year as people visit the shrine to enjoy great views of the ancient objects.

7 days cultural safari to Uganda

Have a thrilling experience while on a cultural safari to Uganda at fair costs with our company.This trip is well arranged to suite your desires of exploring the rich culture of "the pearl of Africa". Get close to the things that you have been reading about this black continent and witness how a true Ugandan spends hi/her day.Get a chance of experiencing the village and urban life of Uganda with city tours.

Day 1:Arrival at Entebbe
From Entebbe international Airport,our trained guides together with our skilled drivers will pick you and take you to the hotel.You will dinner and overnight at this hotel and at the same time enjoying the great views of Kampala night light.

Day 2:Kampala cultural sites
Wake up in the morning and have breakfast before you are briefed by our trained guides.They will tell you what to do while on this cultural safari and what to carry.You will then be driven to Kasubi tombs in Kampala and here,you will see where the royal Kings of Buganda are buried.You stay at this place is unforgettable as you get to see various cultural attributes including the royal drums,back clothes,and many more.
While at this cite,you will get a chance of touring the Kabaka's Lake,kabaka's palace,Nagalabi coronation site and others.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day3: Ndere Cultural center visit
After a cup of coffee in the morning,you will be driven to Ndere Cultural center where you will be entertained with various African dances,plays and dances.Have you ever witnessed how an African twists the waste to the tune of the drums?,then this is the only place where it is guaranteed.Spend the whole day here while being entertained.
 Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight

Day4:Kampala city tour 
After breakfast,you will be driven for your city tour.On this cultural trip,you will visit the Uganda Museum where you will see some rare-objects that portray the past life style of Ugandans.Other place you will visit this day include;Makerere University,Namirembe Cathedral,Namirembe hill Cathedral and an evening shopping at Garden city.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5:Move to Eastern Uganda
After breakfast,drive to eastern Uganda and en route  at the source of the Nile in Jinja.You will have a lunch break at Sunset Hotel before continuing to Tororo town.Relax at the hotel before going for a cultural walk to meet and greet the local people in the evening.Spend a night and dinner at one of the finest hotels in this cultured town.

Day 6:Climb the Tororo Rock hill
Wake up in the morning and have breakfast before going for an adventurous hike at Tororo Rock hill.While climbing,you will get a chance of seeing the various caves and rock paintings.Return to the hotel for lunch and in the afternoon get entertained by the local community.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Transfer back to Kampala
After breakfast,you will be driven back to Kampala arriving in the late evening.

This will mark the end of our 7 days cultural safari  in Uganda

The truth behind Ugandans' love for the crunchy Critters (Nsenene) - Cultural Safaris

When a visitor makes a cultural Safari to Uganda in December,he/she may get shocked to find a group of local people feeding on grasshoppers known as Nsenene in the local language (Luganda). These delicious critters are common during the end of the year and Ugandans impatiently wait for that season to enjoy the long awaited pleasure of eating the insects.

A safari to Uganda comes with a wide variety of experiences that a visitor has never seen in his/her home country and its good to know some of these rare practices.A typical Ugandan believes in many things that are attached to the cultural background and some of these are regarded as immoral practices to many visitors.This is why tourists should be briefed before embarking on their cultural safari to Uganda so as to get used and adjust to the practices.
A visitor is advised not to criticize some of the Uganda practices like eating of the Nsenene because it is their tradition and culture.While in the central Uganda,it is not by coincidence that you will find the young ones assisting their parents in the plunking of the grasshoppers'' wings and legs off.

To many local people,grasshoppers (Nsenene) are a daily snack which everyone enjoys including both the young and the old.A kilogram of nsenene costs around Ush15000 a price that is fair compared to the work and efforts used to catch the insects.People wake up as early as midnight and strategically locate their lamps to attract the insects.As soon as the insects gather around the light,a long cloth is used to swap and catch them.After the hunt,the insects are then washed before frying to make them clean enough for consumption.

While on a cultural safari to this great nation (Uganda),you can have a taste of these African snacks because they are extremely delicious.They are sold in different points in the country and don't get surprised to see a man in a taxi park carrying a bucket full of grasshoppers for sale.

However,a tourist is advised to obtain the African snack from a trusted clean place for safety reasons.After buying the snack,make sure that you take some water before and after eating to ease the digestion.Avoid rushing while eating to avoid chocking and always chew properly.

You cant wait to have a taste of this African-snack while on your cultural safari to Uganda  this December.Just book with our company and we shall organize the trip for you at fair prices.We shall ensure a safe and classic movement

through Uganda and also book accommodation for you relaxation.

Get to learn some of the Cultural Languages of Uganda - Cultural Safaris

As the number of cultural Safaris increase in Uganda,many of the tourists start their trip from Kampala,the capital city of Uganda.This city is found in the central part of the country and it is in Buganda kingdom.
Buganda is the leading cultural setting in Uganda with a diverse collection of unique features that can spice up your Uganda Safari.The kingdom comprises of calm people who are inviting to all visitors regardless of the origin.The way of living in this historically rich tribe is interesting and this explains why tourists on a Uganda Safari end up spending more time in the kingdom than the actual planned time.

With all the many cultural attractions that are found in Buganda,there is no doubt that it is one of the leading tourists destination in Africa. Baganda speak a language known as Luganda and it is the commonest language used in this East African country.Therefore,a visitor is advised to learn the local language that these "Bantu-speaking " people use so as to ease their communication.Ugandans feel more comfortable when greeted in their mother tongue than when a foreign language is used.In case you cant speak the language to the require level,at least learn a few words that you can use while in the "pearl of Africa".
Some of the Luganda words that you can use while on you tour to Uganda (especially when in Buganda) include:-

Greeting:
Wasuze otya nno - Good morning
Osiibye otya nno - Good evening/Good afternoon
Ki kati - Hi
Oli otya - How are you?
Gyendi- is the answer meaning "I am ok"
Siiba bulungi - Have a nice day
Sula bulungi - Goodnight
Weeraba - Goodbye
Tukusanyukidde - Welcome(to one person)
Tuanalabagana - See you later

Addressing someone:
Ssebo - Sir
Nyabo - Madam

Expressing your feelings:
Ndi munyiivu- I am angry
Mpulira empewo- am feeling cold
Ndi musanyufu- am happy
Ndi mukkufu- am satisified
Mpulira ebbugumu-am hot
Ntide-am scared
Ndi mulwade- am sick
Ennyonta ennuma-am thirsty
Ndi munakuwavu-am sad
Nkooye-am tired
Enjala ennuma - am hungry
Ndi mweraliikirivu - am worried

Other words:
Weebale - Thank you
Mwattu - Please
Mwattu yingira - Please come in
Owange - Excuse me
Wangi - Pardon me
Kale - ok
Nedda - No thanks
Simanye - I don't know
Sawa mmeka - What is the time?
Nze - I am
Nkwagala - I love you
Mmmeka Ssente? - How much is it?

The Uganda museum - Cultural Safaris

Really if seeing is believing then please don’t miss to make a cultural Travel to Uganda museum. Founded in 1908 is Uganda’s oldest and fascinating museum that exhibits traditional culture, science, archeology, natural history. Located in Kampala the country’s capital along kiira road to kamwokya off bombo road which is 4 kilometre drive from the city Centre, the place contains all about Uganda’s past and is a must visit when you happen to reach in the pearl of Africa.

At the very entrance, enticing and nice looking pictures await you of photos and posters with images of various Uganda geographical features, animals, birds and insects that are displayed behind the reception desk to reflect the true cultural history. The entry fee are pocket friendly where by each Ugandan adult pays1000 Uganda shillings, while Ugandan children pay 500 shillings each. Non-Ugandan adults part with 3000 shillings to access the museum while non-Uganda children pay 1,500 shillings. For those tourists carrying  still cameras, they pay an additional 5,000 shillings carrying a video camera will see you pay an extra 20,000 Uganda shillings, unless if you are lucky and you happen to be a journalist then you may be allowed to enter free of charge.

After the reception, you will find different directions directing you towards the different sections of the beautiful museum, walking straight through the lobby, you will enter the pavilion of independence of science and technology, when you turn left then you will see the different musical instruments that you are allowed to play if you wish as well as the stone age gallery. While you are still in the lobby, what will catch your eyes are the photographs of human interest of Uganda and other countries, they include fossilized old foot prints that are said to have been found in Lactoli that are about 3.7 million year, the history and evolution of the Rift valley, the Lake Baringo basin in Kenya and many more others with their historical significance.

Another amazing section is the stone age section where you will be able to see the physical tools that were used by the stone age people, they include wood that was used for scrapping, stones and how they even evolved into the modern tools that Ugandans use today, you will also be able to see and appreciate how we evolved from our ancestors the apes and how they also evolved into humans. The whole story is told and classified by the pictures, real bones, skulls that are displayed.

Uganda's multicultural and colorful past just becomes alive as you tour the History and Iron Age displays that depict the traditional ways of life in different kingdoms, tribes and communities of Uganda. Here you find striking displays of traditional clothing especially the bark cloth and animal skin, headdress, hair dressing, as well as hunting, Uganda’s transport history, fishing, agriculture, war, religion, and how our ancestors spent their free time (traditional recreation). The displays explain that all Ugandan communities enjoyed music and dancing, as well as drinking beer and playing various games like the “omweso”. Gathered all over Uganda from the Madi in northern Uganda, to the Bahima in the southern part of Uganda. These have made the museum a fantastic and a must visit place.

Another interesting feature here is the display that shows how justice was held in Uganda in many years ago where there was no penal code, police force and criminal investigations, how did people in the past see that someone had committed a crime and deserved a punishment for example you will be able to see how the madi and lugbara tribes used divine posts to assess the innocence of the accused while other tribes used leathers to identify who had committed a crime. Since most tribes and communities couldn’t avoid war in the past, you will be able to see a lot of different war tools, hunting tools that were also used for self-defense, Uganda’s history of livestock and the migration routes of many communities like the Nilo-Hamites, Luo, highland Nilotics, Sudanic bantu and the bushmanoid.

So whenever you are in Uganda, and you want to embrace the historical taste of Uganda, the only place is the Uganda museum, the custodian of Uganda’s heritage.