WHERE TO GO FOR CULTURAL SAFARI IN UGANDA

Cultural safaris in Uganda are best conducted in any of the country’s diverse cultural heritage and sites. Uganda is endowed with distinct culture which is depicted from its strong cultural heritage and cultural sites in various parts of the country. What is amazing about cultural tours in Uganda is that enthusiastic cultural travelers have opportunity to explore and experience unique cultures or traditions of nearly every tribal group in this remarkable country. Each tribe is represented by kingdoms or chiefdoms and they represent over 40 distinct languages which make Uganda a multilingual nation. For starters, Uganda presents to you many avenues for you to experience its authentic cultures and traditions. 

Places to go for cultural safari in Uganda 

The Uganda Museum

The Uganda Museum is the biggest and oldest in East Africa. It was founded in 1908 and features a number of ethnographic collection right from hunting, war to natural history display as well as traditional musical instruments. It is located in Kamwokya along Kiira Road, Kampala capital city. You can also visit the Uganda Society Library while at the museum where there are many print out books and other published work related to Uganda. 

Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs are 6kms away from Kampala capital city. The tomb site is just within Kasubi after Mengo, Rubaga division and serves best as one major tourist site and the most explored areas by visitors on city tour in Kampala. Kasubi Tombs are where the 4 kings of Buganda were laid to rest. They are also believed to be place where ancient Baganda rituals have been performed. Kasubi Tombs are significant UNESCO Heritage Site in Uganda. 

Bigo Bya Muyenyi

This is situated in Ntusi, Mubende district. It holds several earthwork and cultural values of the ancient Chwezi who are believed to have lived in this place. They are known to be the abandoned treasures. Bigo Bya Mugyenyi can be translated as Fort of a Stranger and covers about 10sq.kms, comprising of archaeological earthworks.

Karambi Tombs

Karambi Tombs are significant sites in Tooro Kingdom. It is where the 3 kings of Tooro Kingdom were laid to rest including Abakama the renowned strongest king in the kingdom at the time. They include Omukama Kaboyo the second, Omukama Rukidi the third and Omukama Kyebambe. The tombs also hold the royal tools such as representative royal regalia, spears, drums and many other personal tools that are linked to each of the kings. If you have any plans to visit Kibale National Park or Fort Portal, Karambi Tombs should be a must to visit. 

Mparo tombs

Mparo Tombs serve as resting place for King Kabalega the second who went into exile in Seychelles. He was exiled by the British empire in 1899 plus others including Tito Winyi, many princes, princesses and royals of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom which was once a powerful kingdom. Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom is located in western Uganda and covers the districts of Masindi, Kiryandongo, Kibale, Buliisa and Hoima. The remains of the Kings were laid out in small mausoleums and they were not buried. Each of them has a bark cloth, a cultural cloth which is made from cultural trees.

Ssezibwa waterfalls

As you head to eastern Uganda, a stopover at Sezibwa falls is a must to do. These waterfalls lie within Mukono district between Kyagwe and Bugerere. Sezibwa falls feature unique cultural trait of Buganda Kingdom.  It is believed to be one of the places where King Mwanga and Kabaka Muteesa the second are believed to have tethered twins. This area also serves best as bird watching spot, rock climbing and ideal for spiritual healing. 

Nakayima tree

Nakayima tree is believed to have been planted by Nakayima-a wife to Ndahura; the local ruler of the Bachwezi at the time. Several of locals visit this tree for herbs and thanks giving to the gods or telling their problems. It is an ideal spot to make a stopover while you are on safari to Kibale National Park in western Uganda. It is situated in Mubende Hill.

Nkokonjeru tombs of Ankole

Nkokonjeru tombs serve as burial ground for the last 2 kings of Ankole kingdom; Omugabe Kahaya the second and Omugabe Rutahaba Gasyonga the second. There are also other graves of royals just outside.

Wamala tomb

Wamala tomb is not as popular as Kasubi but it features a unique cultural trait. It is here that Kabaka Mutesa the first’s father and Suuna his predecessor were laid to rest. The tomb is inside the domed building and just opposite it there is Namasole tomb-mother to king Suuna. This tomb site is within Nansana, Central Kampala.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While on gorilla trekking safari, do not stop at exploring the rare mountain gorillas but spare sometime and pay a visit to Batwa or Bakiga community. The Batwa pygmies and Bakiga live around Bwindi National Park and a visit to their community is a great opportunity for you to explore and experience unique culture and traditions, interact with locals and also enjoy the most thrilling dances, music performances among others. 

Other places to visit on cultural safari in Uganda include Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Naggalabi Buddo coronation site, different palaces (Teso, Busoga, Toro, Acholi, Alur, Bugisu, Buganda, Ankole, Bunyoro and others); Kabaka’s trail, Kabaka’s Lake, Katereke Prison Ditch, Musa Earthworks, Nyero rock paintings, Nnamasole Baagalayaze and Kanyange tombs, Igongo Cultural Center, Itaaba Kyabanyoro, Ndere Troupe Cultural Center; Baker’s Fort, Boomu Women’s Group at Murchison Falls National Park, and many others.