Tribal clashes in Kasese affect cultural safaris in Uganda

At first,the impact was not felt but after sometime,it has been noticed that the recent tribal conflicts in Kasese,Uganda have affected cultural safaris in this country.It was last week when gun men attacked the palace of the recently installed Bamba king,the omundingya.It is said that the attackers were not satisfied with the installation of this kingdom saying that theirs was left out yet its the origin of the Bamba.

These clashes left many people killed and many injures still nursing wounds in hospitals fighting for their lives.It is not yet clear why the attackers tried to kill the omundingya of Bamba but the Ugandan government is still investigating the matter.

Though it sounds like a movie,its a fact and many people have lost their loved ones in the attacks.This has not only affected the local people but also foreigners who were planning to tour the area on a cultural safari since they will have to postpone the trip till peace is reinstalled in the area.

The government has lost a lot especially in terms of revenue as tourists are discouraged to visit the area fearing that they may loose their lives in the clashes which are feared to be associated with tribalism.In the longrun,its the government that is loosing out on revenue as the 'would have collected revenue' is lost.

Different tour operators in the country have vowed to the government to act as quick as possible in making sure that Kasese is safe again to avoid discouraging tourists who had planned to visit the area specifically for culture tour.

The Uganda budget makes cultural safaris more costly

Many people especially tour operators expected the minister of Finance this time to read a budget that favors the tourism sector but on their surprise,more taxes were introduced in the sector.This according to the operators will affect the tourism industry as visitors will be discouraged by the increase in the cost of a Uganda safari including cultural safaris.

Lat week a budget for the next financial year was read to the public and 18% VAT on accommodation facilities where visitors stay was a newly introduced tax.Another tax which will affect the sector is the tax on the various sites including the cultural sites.These two taxes will affect the industry negatively because visitors intending to visit this East African country will be discouraged due to the increased costs.In fact a cultural visit to some of the major sites in Uganda is going to become more expensive to the visitors.The old itineraries you are used to are now going to be modified to include some element of tax.

Uganda is one of the leading tourism destinations in Africa and culture is one of the special attributes that have been attracting people from different parts of the word.However,there is fear that the number of visitors who visit this "pearl of Africa" annually will reduce as a result of the increased taxes.This is the reason why different tour operators have come out to ask the government to reduce these taxes.The government argues that its finding ways of raising more revenue forgetting that discouraging tourists from visiting the country will in a long run lead to a reduction in the revenue. Tourism industry in Uganda is the leading revenue-generating sector and by increasing taxes on the various sites and accommodation,income received from the visitors will reduce.

Apart from culture,visitors come to this country to participate in other adventurous activities like gorilla trekking,nature walks,game drives,hiking,bird watching,kayaking,chimpanzee tracking
,boat rides and many more

Make a low priced cultural Safari to Uganda

It is no all about having a lot of money that you should think about touring the “pearl of Africa” but with the help of our company, we can arrange for you a budgeted cultural safari. When we talk about culture, there are many things that are compared and these include; the true lifestyle of an African, cultural behaviors, norms, beliefs, historical objects and many more.

Make a lifetime visit to Uganda and get a chance of spending a night in one of the villages which will expose you to an adventurous experience. Trust me, there are many things you are guaranteed on your cultural safari to Uganda and these include;

Cultural Safari walk: Enjoy a thrilling tour through some of the villages of Uganda which still have a pure African display. With the help of our trained guides, you will be well guided in these villages and you will get a chance of interacting with the local people. This tour can take a full day because of the long distances walked past the cultural sites in different villages.

Historical sites tour: Visit some of the historical sites in Uganda which clearly display the true culture of Ugandans. These include; Namugongo Pilgrimage site, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Lake, Kagulu Cultural Hill, Ghandi’s shrine, Rock Art of Teso, Nsongezi Rock Shelter, Ntusi and Bigo Bya Mugenyi Earthworks, Munsa Earthworks, Nakiyima Tree and many more.

City Tours: Enjoy a thrilling drive through some of the historical cities of Uganda like Kampala, Jinja, Soroti, Mbale and others. A Kampala city tour is the best of all the city tours because of the diversity of tourism potentials harbored. When it comes to culture, a Kampala city tour offers you a chance of exploring the largest ethnic group of Uganda (Buganda). Visit the largest Palace of Buganda and stand a chance of seeing the cultural objects which portray the lifestyle of the early Baganda people. Also on the city tour, you will visit the following; Kasubi tombs, Namirembe Cathedral, Namugongo Pilgrimage site, the Uganda Museum and others. You will also pay a visit to Ndere Troups Group and get a chance of being entertained by the cultural dances and songs.

The Uganda Museum: Located in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb, this cultural site is the only place in Uganda where all objects including the spears, knives, drums, and other culture-related things. They are well displayed in glasses for easy view and clear photo taking. A tour to the Uganda museum will enable you get a true story of how man came into existence and how Uganda came into existence.

Ajono,a margical-uniting drink in Uganda - Cultural safaris

When it comes to Uganda culture,there are amazing things that a tourist has never imagined.The lifestyle of a true Uganda is so interesting that if explored about,one may wonder how these black people came into existence.The diversity of cultural experience guaranteed to visitor on his/her safari to Uganda is one of the unique features of this East African country.

Local people enjoying Ajono

Forget about the distilled alcohol in your home country,Ugandans have their own way of making local brew and if you are not keen enough,you may mistake it to be manufactured.The African chemistry involved in the process of making this local brew (Ajono) is so interesting and many tourists on their cultural safari to Uganda have appreciated the art of Ugandans.

Ajono is one of the leading consumed alcohol in Uganda because of its strong attachment to African culture.There are some tribes in Uganda which take this brew as a cultural drink which everyone must take.Some even believe that by taking this drink,the gods or ancestors are pleased and the community gets blessings.It mostly consumed by eastern tribes of Uganda with Itesotes leading the trend.

What is Ajono
Ajono is simply a local  alcoholic brew made from millet  and sorghum.It is also known as "Malwa" in the local language it is a common drink among Ugandans.To many people,this drink is termed as a uniting drink simply because people gather in big numbers and discus various issues about their society.They make friends at the drinking point who they couldn't have met without this special drink.

About Ajono
The history about this drink drifts straight from the ancient times.History has it that the first people used this drink to create friendship amongst them They could our the drink in a big pot and all men from different corners of the village sit around this pot to have a sip.Meanwhile as they are drinking,many issues concerning the community are discussed and solutions are reached at.

The same history is reflected today in some of the ethnic tribes of Uganda and in the evening,local people meet at a designated point and enjoy the drink.They usually play music while drinking and some even sing-along.

However,not everyone is allowed to take this uniting drink.Children below the age of 18 are strictly not allowed to take Ajono and if found,its a serious crime.Women are also exempted from sharing a pot of Ajono with the men.

On your cultural tour to Uganda,don't miss to see a group of people converging around a pot full of Ajono.It is a common practice (mainly in villages of Uganda ) to drink this uniting drink and therefore,you should make a village tour inorder to see how this brew is consumed.

Ajono is cheaper compared to other alcoholic drinks and a pot full costs around shs.1000.It is of late that some distilling companies have started packaging this local brew each pack going for UGX 2000.

Make a cultural safari to Uganda and enjoy this magnificent drink.

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.

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.

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.