Art Festival to be held in Uganda - cultural safaris

In August 2014,Uganda is expected to hold an annual Art festival which will help to exhibit the various artistic objects the country has.This is one of the special events the country boosts of and there is a lot of wonders expected to be witnessed.As you plan your safari to Uganda in August,make it a point to attend this adventurous event and stand a chance of having a visual experience of some of the rare objects only found in Uganda.

African bag

Blessed with over 40 cultural settings, Uganda is the leading cultural destination in Africa and this is the reason why the number of visitors to this East African country has rapidly increased.The cultural fraternities in the country comprise of a unique artistic talent which the country wants to show to the rest of the world during the Art Festival slated to take place from 1st August to 31st of the same year.

Artistic Baskets

Different delegates from different countries are expected to attend the event and they will be availed with all the necessary tourism information which they will use to spread when they get back to their home countries.They will also visit other tourism sites in the country like the nationals parks,historical sites and many more.

An Art piece

Therefore as you plan for your safari to Uganda this year,extend your trip and attend the Art festival and stand a chance of viewing the beauty of Ugandan art.

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

Ways you can have a successful cultural safari experience

Many tourists visit Uganda repeatedly but experiencing the same way they did on their last tour.They lack the basics of how to make their cultural safari tours a success without even the help of a tour company.Some tourists just pay their money with a company and wait fro fun to come their way without even doing something to provide the fun for them selves.Below are some of the things one can do to make a safari tour more colourful and enjoyable;-

Plan your safari well: Before you jump on the plane to Uganda,first draft a plan of how you want you tour to be.Off course you will need do this by the help of a tour company that you plan to use.Choose the various places you want to visit and attach a price to each.If you are planning a cultural tour,point out the various villages,sites,people and cultural centers you will visit while in Uganda.

Carry enough money: You all realize that all things work better if you have the money especially if in a foreign country.This is the reason why you are advised to carry enough money so as to meet the various bills which you may be required to clear while on a safari.Never carry inadequate money while on a safari because you may fail to enjoy safari to the maximum.The money will enable you buy some art crafts,visit extra places,buy African clothes and many more.

Research about the cultural norms in the host country: Before you visit Uganda,there is need that you get to know some things allowed and those that are not allowed culturally.Some of the things you are used to may be unwanted according to African context and this is the reason why you need to research to avoid disappointments.Get to know the cord of dressing,how to great,how to respond to different circumstances and others.

Carry enough clothes: Though some tourist prefer buying clothes from their respective destinations,its is wise to carry enough clothes for the days you will spend on a safari.Choosing the right kind of clothes to carry depends on the culture of you destination.

Make a good choice of places to visit: Do not just pick a place because a tour company has told you that is is the best place to visit but choose a place that you think will be satisfactory to you.Choose wisely depending on your desires.

Choose a credible tour company: The success of any safari largely depends on the tour company used and this is the reason why you need to choose a company that is credible and experienced like Maranatha Tours Uganda (www.adventureugandasafaris.com).

4 days cultural safaris Uganda

In these 4 days safari,you will visit one of the leading cultural sites in Uganda like Namugongo Pilgrimage site, Kabaka's Lake and Tororo Rock painting site.

Brief itinerary

Day 1:Namugongo and Kabaka's Lake

Day 2:Transfer to Tororo and village tours

Day 3:cultural walk and Tororo rock painting

Day 4:Transfer back to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:Namugongo and Kabaka's Lake

 Wake up early and have a cup of tea before meeting our qualified guide who will brief you about the tour.Our experienced driver will drive you to Kabaka's Lake where you will have great views and you will be told the various stories behind this treasured lake.It is found in central Uganda in Buganda Kingdom and it is the only place where you can have a real view of Uganda's history.

You will be transferred to a restaurant for lunch where you will enjoy different African dishes before proceeding to Namugongo Pilgrimage site. At this place,you will have a real feel of what the Uganda martyrs went through as they were burnt alive by the then king of Buganda.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day 2:Transfer to Tororo and village tours

 Wake up in the morning and have breakfast before you are transferred to Tororo town in Eastern Uganda.It is quite a long journey which takes about 5hours by road.Reach in the afternoon and have lunch and relaxation before going for an evening cultural tour through the different villages in the region.Meet and interact with the local people ho will tell you some amazing stories.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3:cultural walk and Tororo rock painting

This is the most exciting day on your safari as you visit the Tororo rock painting site where cement is manufactured from.This is a cultural site which involved hiking on the mountain past various caves that are believed to have been homes for the ancestors.Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before going for another cultural walk through villages.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4:Transfer back to Kampala

Wake up in the morning and have breakfast before being transfered back to Kampala or Airport.

This will be the end of our 4 days cultural safaris Uganda.

Pilrgimages to Namugongo Increase - cultural Safaris Uganda

I know you must have heard about this cultural and Holy site in Uganda (Namugongo Pilgrimage site). What you probably don't know is the true history attached to this place and what Ugandans think about it.It is one of the most adored sites in Uganda which is highly respected by cultural leaders,government and religious leaders.

Some of the people walking past the site

Namugongo Pilgrimage site is where the the early believers Christianity where brutally murdered from by the then king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga.They were burn alive for their faith at this place after refusing to denounce the religion which according to the Kabaka was a whiteman's religion.To him,he wanted his people to only follow the true African religion (African Tradition) and he never welcomed Christianity in his land.It was on 3rd June when the king ordered his soldiers to burn all those that had converted to this "threatening" religion.

Today,Ugandans keep on remembering these people who died because of their faith by making annual pilgrimages to the place where they were burnt from.Many people from different parts of the country walk of foot regardless of the long distance as a sign of hilliness and respect for the martyrs.

Some of the attractions at the site

Initially,the Pope had pro promised to grace the function slated to take place on 3rd June at Namugongo Pilgrimage site in remembrance of the Uganda martyrs but later communicated that he wouldn't be able to make it this year and promised to put it into considerations next year.Many tourist had planned to travel with the Pope on his visit but Uganda missed out this great opportunity.However, there are other tourists from different parts of the world who have already jetted into this East African country to grace the ceremony.
From this place,they will extend their safari to other destinations in the country where they will get a chance of exploring some of the great adventurous sites which are had to find.

A cultural safari to Uganda this year is one of the "must" experiences that you should not miss because of the guaranteed lifetime experiences that will help you discover why Uganda is ranked the best tourism destination in Africa.

Peter Mayiga,Buganda's Prime Minister praised by Kabaka - Cultural Safari News Uganda

If you are a Ugandan especially from Buganda kingdom,then you know this gentle man and what he has been doing for the last one year.In case you don't know him,he is the prime minister of Buganda and he was assigned to do this job by the Kabaka(king) of Buganda.For the past years,prime ministers of thie largest cultural kingdom of Buganda were old and many Baganda men and women were surprised by the kabaka's choice of a youthful Katikiro.Some thought that he can not do well and they related him to failure but after sometime,they started believing in his success.

Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga sitting down at one of the cultural ceremonies

One of the kings that have made Peter Mayinga standout to an extent that every Ugandan knows him is his move to revamp Kasubi Tombs,a royal site which was burnt down in 2011.This is the site where kings from this great kingdom are buried and many tourist from  different parts of the world on their cultural safari to Uganda endeavor to visit the place.In his movement known as "tafaali",he has gained momentum and love from the local people of Buganda and also some from other kingdoms.Tafaali means a brick used for building and it was chosen as a slogan for his campaign because he moves around collecting money for reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs(Amasiro). Though little was known about him,it didn't stop him from even crossing the borders of Buganda and going to other tribes collecting money for thr reconstruction of this cultural site.

He has collected a lot of money in that he also can't believe that his campaign has turned out to be a success.Today, he is one of the most prominent person in Uganda and he has achieved this in just one year.Since his appointment as Katikiro,Buganda has experienced  rapid development and this has won him trust and love among the Baganda people.He has promoted unity among the people especially the youths which had started deteriorating.

In recognition of his achievements,the Kabaka,King came out and thanked him and he also praised him for being an achiever who has helped in restoring Buganda's pride.He further on urged him to continue with his campaign of bringing back the lost glory to the kingdom.

On your cultural safari to Uganda,you can visit this largest kingdom in Uganda and also tour some of the historical cultural sites that will leave you wondering how a true African came into existence.

Hidden facts about a true Ugandan - Cultural Safari tours

Many people (tourists) visit Uganda and they get amazed with what they find in this beautiful country.Some of them get shocked with the calm people of Uganda who welcome them with a lot of love and peace.To many,they just take this for granted not knowing that there is a strong cultural training that these people went through.

Unlike other societies in the world,a typical Ugandan home is headed by the parents (father and mother) and these people are responsible for grooming their children into responsible citizens.In fact if a child does something shameful,according to the Ugandan context,its the parents who are first to blame because of their negligence to train their child.In every home,children take their parents as their role models who are expected to act in a way that they want their children to act when they grow up.

On a cultural safari tour to Uganda,you will; be welcomed by a Ugandan at the airport and you will be over whelmed by the way he/she will treat you.According to the cultural beliefs of Uganda,maximum respect must be given to the visitor and then others follow.

In a cultured home,once a visitor visits, he/she is warmly welcomed, offered the best seat in the home,greeted with maximum respect,kept active by telling stories,served with a magnificent meal and must be served first before others and must be escorted back.This according to elders encourages the visitor to visit next time and it keeps a good image between the two parties.

However,there is a specific code of conduct a visitor is expected to portray on a visit to any cultured home.He/she is not expected to command respect at any one point and must follow the host's programme.But when it comes to meals,unless if revealed, the host is supposed to ask the visitor what he/she wants to eat or drink.This helps to avoid incidences of serving unwanted food to the visitor.

When it comes to tourists,they are given maximum respect while on their Safari to this great nation.It is this reason that many tourists prefer visiting this country to others.The way Ugandans treat visitors is different from the way other nationals do and this is because of the strong cultural training which every Ugandan must go through.

With the maximum respect guaranteed,a tourists feels more secure in Uganda than other African countries and they keep on making repeated safaris to this East African country.

What food for what tribe? - Cultural Safaris Uganda

Blessed with over 50 ethnic tribe,Uganda is the leading cultural safari destination because of the adventures one is guaranteed while visiting the various cultural settings.For a true lifestyle of an African,Uganda is the best country to tour and trust me,you will have a lifetime experience.

However,you need to know about the foods which are treasured by the different tribes of Uganda and why these foods instead of what you are used to.


Matooke (Bananas)
This is one of the widely consumed food in Uganda and it is the stable food for Uganda's largest tribe,Buganda.On your cultural safari to Uganda,you will see many people mainly in the central part where Baganda people are found eating this yellowish delicious food.
According to Buganda custom, Matooke food was the most treasured food by the ancestors and this is the reason why it is hard to find a Muganda homestead without a banana plantation.
Other tribes which take this as a stable food include the Ankole found in western Uganda.


Sweet Potatoes
As you hear the word sweet,Sweet potatoes are consumed by almost all the tribes in Uganda because of their delicacy.On you Uganda Safari,you will have a chance of tasting these potatoes which are sweeter than sugar.
However,its the Busoga ethnic group of Uganda which takes this food as a stable food and a Musoga farmer cannot complete a year without growing this cultural food.Other tribes that highly feed on thi sfood include the Itesotes, Baganda, Gagisu,Luos and Bagisu.


Millet Flour (Kalo)
Kalo is believed to be a brain booster according to many cultural members of Uganda.This true African food is made from Millet and many parents in Uganda feed their children on this special dish so as to make them more brighter and intelligent.
Though its consumed by most ethnic tribes of Uganda,it is taken as a stable food by the Itesotes,Acholi,Bakiga,Banyoro,Bagisu,the Luos,the Japhadoras,Toro,Ankole and others.




Irish Potatoes
I know you are well conversant with this food.In Uganda most modern homes feed on this delicious food because its cheap and easy to cook.However,it is taken as a stable food by the western tribes of Uganda including the Bakiga,Banyankore,Toro and Banyoro.






Posho (Maize floor)
This is one of the widely consumed food in Uganda.It is made from maize a food crop widely grown in this country.To many Ugandans,this food is taken as an energy giving food and it is mainly consumed by people involved in jobs requiring a lot of energy.There is no specific tribe in Uganda which takes this food as a cultural food because it is consumed by almost all the ethnic tribes.





On your cultural safari to Uganda,you may find people consuming other foods like Rice,macrones,pumpkins and others.Don't miss out on a village tour which will enable you to interact directly with the local people and ask them any question.Take a lifetime drive through the villages of Uganda and witness how these black people live.
Incase you are interested,just live your comment here and we shall respond immediately or visit www.adventureugandasafaris.com for more safari packages.

Cultural safaris to Uganda made easy

This is one of the best news for US tourists interested in visiting Uganda,Kenya and Rwanda.Last week,a single tourism visa was launched in Washington DC at Rwanda embassy.Now,a visitor should worry about obtaining multi-visa cards to enable him/her cross to any of the three countries since one visa obtained is acceptable at all borders.

Initially,a tourists was expected to obtain different visa cards for different East African countries but this has been improved .

It was early this year when the presidents from the 3 countries met in Uganda and launched this single visa which was intended to promote tourism and the economy of the region.This made the region a single tourism destination and it is one of the best in the world.The new innovation put an end to the struggles involved in obtain a tourism visa for each country before you could be allowed to cross any border.

Many tourists on their cultural safari to East Africa want to visit the various cultural settings in the 3 three countries and by the introduction of a single visa card,this will be improved.One can meet the local people of Uganda and have a wider view of culture before crossing to Rwanda and Kenya using the same visa card.

Visa card are obtained at the point of entry in any of the 3 countries each costing $100 and valid for 90 days.The bureaucracy that was initially involved in the process of obtaining these visa cards is now reduced making it more convenient for tourists to visit the region.

Now you can travel to Uganda blessed with over 40 ethnic tribes each with its own beliefs and customs.This makes the country a favorite cultural site for your safari in Africa because of the magnificent adventures attached to it.You can meet the local people of this "pearl of Africa" and they will tell you many stories pertaining the African history.Have a chance of enjoying the different cultural dances and songs done on African original beats from drums,xylophones,flutes and others.

Attending a cultural ceremony in Uganda is one of those things that you will live to tell.This can include wedding ceremonies, Imbalu (initiation of boys into men),celebrations and many more.

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