20 days Uganda cultural tour is a 19 nights/20 days community cultural safari in Uganda with wildlife and beautiful scenery viewing that starts and ends in Kampala, taking you through the central, eastern, northern, western, and southern regions of Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
The unique 20 days Uganda cultural safari showcases all the major cultures of Uganda, the home of 56 different native tribes each with unique cultural practices – language, music, dance, art, food, rituals, customs, and traditions
You’ll have a rich and captivating cultural heritage encounter, experiencing Ugandans in their daily errands including the Baganda of the Buganda Kingdom in central Uganda; the Bagisu of Eastern Uganda with their rich heritage of Imbalu; the Karamajongo and Ik people of northeastern Uganda; the Acholi of northwestern Uganda; the Banyoro, Batooro, and Bakonzo of western Uganda; the Batwa (hunter-gatherer people) and the Banyankole of southwestern Uganda.
This 20-day Uganda cultural safari trip also offers plenty of wildlife and astonishing landscapes; the Ssezibwa Falls, Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park, the untouched wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Morungole- the sacred of the Ik tribal people, the historic Nile River – the world’s longest river, the thundering spectacle of Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park– the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Fort Portal Crater Lake field, the legendary snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kigezi Highlands, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with its dramatic Virunga Volcanoes National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and more.
You will enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River, game drives, hiking in Uganda, and game walking wildlife safari in Uganda that will offer you a great opportunity to see African lions, leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Crocodiles, Jackals, Kudus, Elands, Bushbucks, Waterbucks several bird species all thrown in to spice up this unforgettable 20 days cultural safari in Uganda.
Explore the Central, Eastern, Northern, Western & Southern regions of the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Baganda, Bagisu, Batwa, Karamajongo, Ik, Banyankole, and other great tribes of Uganda.
Marvel at Uganda’s picturesque landscapes including Mount Elgon, Kidepo Valley, Rwenzori Mountains, Kigezi Highlands, Virunga volcanoes, and more.
Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, and giraffes on game drives in Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Parks.
Cruise along the Nile River, the longest river on Earth with superb views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, and numerous waterbirds.
View the world’s most powerful waterfalls, the Murchison Falls
Walk amongst the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park
Visit a Karamajong community and learn about their unique traditional tribal customs.
Experience sacred Mbalu circumcision rituals of the Bagisu
Hike Mount Morungole to meet the endangered 1k tribal people.
Interact with the Batwa Pygmies, the indigenous people of the forest, and discover their ancient culture.
Hike to the dramatic Fort Portal Crater lake field
Learn about Uganda history at the Uganda National Museum
Traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre and Museum
Day 1: Kampala city in the Buganda Kingdom
Day 2: Naggalabi Coronation Site & Wamala Tombs in Wakiso, Buganda
Day 3: Sezibwa Falls in Mukono, Buganda & Kagulu hill in Busoga Kingdom
Day 4 & 5: Mbale in Mount Elgon area, the home of Bagisu people
Day 6, 7 & 8: Kidepo Valley National Park and the Karamojong & IK communities
Day 9, 10 & 11: Murchison Falls National Park & Acholi community
Day 12: Hoima in the Bunyoro Kingdom
Day 13 & 14: Fort Portal in the Tooro Kingdom
Day 15: Kasese on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains –the home of Bakonzo People
Day 16 & 17: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, former home of the Batwa pygmy people
Day 18 & 19: 1520 AD Biharwe Eclipse Monument, Igongo Cultural Centre Museum, Lake Mburo National Park & Banyankore community
Day 20: Kampala.
Day 1: Do a cultural tour in Kampala city. Explore Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, Kabaka’s Lake, Uganda National Museum & Craft centers.
Day 2: Tour Naggalabi Coronation Site & Wamala Tombs in Wakiso District.
Day 3: Tour Kagulu Hill in the Busoga Kingdom & make a stop at Sezibwa Falls in Mukono
Day 4: Transfer to Mbale & attend the Bagisu Mbalu ceremony preparations in the afternoon.
Day 5: Whole-day encounter of Mbalu circumcision ceremony among the Bagisu people.
Day 6: Drive to the scenic Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 7: Morning game drive in Kidepo & afternoon cultural tour to the Karamojong Community.
Day 8: Whole-day adventure hike to Mount Morungole to visit the indigenous 1k tribal people.
Day 9: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest of the 10 national parks in Uganda.
Day 10: Enjoy a morning game drive & an afternoon Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls. Day 11: Whole-day exploration of the Acholi culture.
Day 12: Transfer to Hoima in the Bunyoro Kingdom. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens en route & Bunyoro Royal Palace and the royal tomb of Omukama (King) Kabalega on arrival.
Day 13: Drive to the Fort Portal-Tooro Kingdom. Tour Amabere Caves & hike to the Fort Portal Crater Lake field.
Day 14: Visit Toro Royal Palace, Karambi Royal Tombs & attend Batooro name-giving ceremony.
Day 15: Transfer to Kasese. Visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation & the Ruboni community.
Day 16: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 17: Do Batwa Heritage Trail.
Day 18: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Visit the 1520 AD Eclipse monument & Igongo Cultural museum en route.
Day 19: Whole day interactive Banyankole cultural exploration at Enyemebwa Centre.
Day 20: Morning game walking safari in Lake Mburo Park & transfer to Kampala.
Kick off your adventure in Uganda’s capital, Kampala (or ‘hill of Impalas’) with breakfast at around 7.30. Then embark on a cultural tour of Kampala, a city that has grown out of the traditional capital of the Buganda kingdom, one of the last surviving intact Africa traditional monarchies, established about 700 years ago. It’s also one of the most active kingdoms led by a supreme King known as the Kabaka. His subjects, the 7.6 million-strong tribe of Buganda, are called the Baganda who speak the Luganda language, the most widely spoken language in Uganda.
Explore the cultural sites to learning about some of the hidden and forgotten history of the Kingdom in addition to experiencing an authentic traditional culture. Visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a magnificent dome-shaped grass-thatched hut that houses the tombs of 4 “Ssekabaka” (late Kings of Buganda). It is a place of belief, spirituality, and identity of the Baganda people.
Tour the Kabaka’s Palace which is the former home of the Buganda King established in 1922. The palace also served as army barracks during the Obote and Amin administrations. Though you cannot enter the building itself, the guide will give you a good overview of the recent history of the kingdom and the palace grounds including a visit to the armory which was allegedly used by Amin’s henchmen as a torture chamber. You can take a walk along the fascinating Royal Mile and connect to Bulange Parliament the traditional center for Lukiiko that demonstrates that Buganda already had an established Parliament even before the coming of Europeans.
Visit Kabaka’s lake, a manmade lake that was dug in 1880 by Baganda people under the orders of their King, Mwanga as an escape corridor during British armed conflicts to connect to Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake. Relax and have your lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Uganda National Museum one of the best museums in East Africa, exhibiting wonderful collections covering archeology, ethnography, geology, and natural history. There is also an interactive display of traditional musical instruments and even an old Model T Ford. A number of different tribal huts have been constructed in the back garden which can, of course, be toured as well. The day is crowned by the tour to the craft centers along Buganda road, the Nommo gallery, and the National Theater to explore various art crafts made or sold in Uganda. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The fascinating cultural heritage of Buganda Kingdom.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Speke Resort Munyonyo/Kampala Serena Hotel/Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Midrange/Standard: – Cassia Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Biyem Hotel/Nexus Resorts Nansana
Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Lunch
Begin the day with an early breakfast at 7.30 am. After breakfast, undertake a 40 minutes drive from Kampala to Naggalabi Coronation Site on Buddo Hill in Wakiso District. This breathtaking site is the place where Buganda Kabakas have been crowned for the past 700 years. Attend to a themed interpretation from a local guide on how Naggalabi became a coronation site.
Explore the mound where Kintu, the first Buganda Kabaka, killed his brother Bemba Musota and declared himself Kabaka in the 14th Century. See the Buganda house in which the King stays for 9 days after the date of his coronation and the Mbonelede tree which is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the Buganda Kingdom and the Country in general. The tree was used several years as a traditional court during the time of the pre-colonial Buganda Kingdom (Kintu’s time). During Court sessions, suspects pleaded for mercy by saying “Mbonelede” meaning “I have learned my lessons” hence the tree was named after the phrase.
Retreat from Naggalabi before lunch and embark on a 1-hour drive to Wamala tombs a sacred burial place of Ssekabaka Suuna II (1836-1856), who had 148 wives and 218 children. Suuna was the last King to be buried in his own palace and the last King of Buganda to have his jaw bone removed after death. Retreat from the tombs and drive back to Kampala for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The fascinating cultural heritage of Buganda Kingdom.
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Speke Resort Munyonyo/Kampala Serena Hotel/Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Midrange/Standard: – Cassia Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Biyem Hotel/Nexus Resorts Nansana
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Dinner & dinner
Wake very early today for breakfast at around 6.00 am. Embark on a 154km (about 3-4 hours) drive east of Kampala to Kagulu Hill in the Busoga Kingdom. Break your journey after driving about 45km (1½ hours) from Kampala at Ssezibwa Falls on Sezibwa River, a notable beauty spot and a significant cultural site of Buganda. Legend has it that, Sezibwa River is not a natural phenomenon, but the progeny of a pregnant woman called Nakkungu, who lived many centuries ago and belonged to the Kibe (fox) clan. She was expected to give birth to twin children, but instead what poured from her womb was a twin river.
Continue to Buyende district to hike the 3,048-meter high Kagulu hill past Jinja city (the source of the longest river in the world). Upon arrival, get briefed by the local guide about the safety precautions before embarking on a 1-hour hike to the top of the hill, which offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Busoga region. This spectacular hill marks the first settlement area for Basoga people who migrated from the Bunyoro Kingdom led by the then Prince Mukama Namutukula.
At the site, other smaller hills are believed to be wives of Kagulu including Mawaale, Kagwese, Mpanga, Nkyeere, Butadewo, and Bukolimo. In the north of the hill, there lies a traditional shrine of an aging oracle named Mandwa Kagulu Nabiryo who is noted to be haunted by 45 spirits who own and patrol the Kagulu hill. It is a magical site for culture and at the same time adventure and sightseeing. Retire to Jinja for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Sezibwa falls exploration and hike on Kagulu hill, the magical sites for culture and adventure.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Haven Lodge Jinja/Wild waters Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja
Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Dinner & dinner
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at 8.30 am. After breakfast, undertake a 145km (3 -4 hours) drive to Mbale city near Mount Elgon, Africa’s eighth highest mountain rising to 4,321m. Drive through the impressive countryside landscapes of eastern Uganda including the Rice and sugarcane plantations not forgetting a myriad of swamps and streams.
Arrive in Mbale for lunch. In the afternoon, undertake a cultural encounter with the Bagisu as they prepare for their colorful ceremony of Imbalu, during which Bagisu boys are publicly circumcised with a special knife without pain killers in order to be initiated into manhood a cultural encounter like no other in Uganda. Enjoy their Kadodi dance as they go all over the community ganging up young males and alerting other village members that the event is on. The Imbalu is held in August and December of even-numbered years and is the pivotal occasion in the society of Bagisu that involves the entire local community. After the encounter, retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Alternatively, you can opt to hike to the 99 meter-high Sipi Falls, the last in series of three pretty waterfalls formed by the Sipi River as it cascades downslope from Mount Elgon into the Kyoga basin. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful walking trails and lush green hills. A local guide can lead you on a 3-hour hike through the region to visit these falls. You can also undertake a tour of a small local coffee-producing farm. This is the perfect time to pick up some high-quality Ugandan coffee to take home to your friends and family.
The highlight of the day: – The Kadodi dance during the Mbalu ceremony predations.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Sipi River Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Mbale Resort Hotel
Budget/Basic: – Kapkwai Forest Cottages/ Sipi River Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Dinner & dinner
Start the day with an early breakfast at around 7.00 am. Join the community as they gather for Imbalu. The experience is authentic as the candidates undergo all the rituals and get aligned to be transformed into men. It usually takes place in the morning, before 10:00, and involves all initiates from a given clan – anything from one to several dozens of young men being matched by a whistling, cheering crowd to the circumcision ground. The initiates have their faces plastered in ash, and they are stripped below the waist on the way to the circumcision site, where they must line up in front of a crowd of family and friends of both sexes and all ages.
The operation lasts for about a minute. The initiate holds both his arm rigidly in front of him, clasping a stick in his hands, and staring forward expressionlessly. The circumciser then makes three bold cuts around the foreskin to remove it from the penis. Amazingly, they have never been to school to study surgery but are gifted naturally. When the operation is complete, a whistle is blown and the initiate rises his hands triumphantly in the air, then starts dancing, proudly displaying bloodied members to an ululating crowd. Any initiate who cries out during the painful procedure is branded a coward.
Once the crowd is satisfied with his bravery, the initiate is led away to a quiet place by a few friends, and sealed on a stool, and wrapped in a cloth while he waits for the breeding to stop. He is then taken to his father’s home where his relatives would hand-feed him for three days. Finally, the initiate’s hands are ritually cleaned, after which he is allowed to eat with his own hands and his rite to manhood is completed.
While it is acceptable for a Mugisu man to delay circumcision into his late 20s, he will not be considered a ‘true man until he has undergone the rite and will be forbidden from marrying or attending an important clan meeting. A man who declines to be circumcised past the agreed age parameters may be hunted down by his peers, and cut by force. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Experiencing the sacred Imbalu ritual of the Bagisu.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Sipi River Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Mbale Resort Hotel
Budget/Basic: – Kapkwai Forest Cottages/ Sipi River Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Dinner & dinner
Today, have an early breakfast at around 6.00 am and embark on a drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. It’s a long drive (about 7-8) but the dramatic views of the countryside landscapes of northeastern Uganda including the savannah protected areas of Pian Upe, Matheniko, and Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserves, and the protruding views of Mount Moroto, make it an exceptionally scenic one too. On arrival in Kidepo, marvel at the alluring scenery of the uniquely formed valleys; the rolling-shortgrass savannah, ringed by mountains and cut by rocky ridges; the untampered wilderness, and the freely roaming animals. Check-in your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The 1,442km2 Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Africa’s most prized safari parks because of its dramatic scenery. Also, about 77 mammal species and over 470 species of birds find shelter amidst this pristine savannah landscape. Except for a lack of rhino, the park has a healthy population of the Big 5 (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffalos) and a variety of species that cannot be seen in any other national park in Uganda, such as Cheetah, Common ostrich, Greater kudu, lesser kudu, Black-backed jackal, Caracals, Aardwolf, Bat-eared fox, Guenther’s dik-dik and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck.
Other fantastic wildlife in Kidepo includes Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, spotted hyenas, Common elands, Side-striped jackals, Klipspringer, Jackson’s hartebeest, Oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bushbuck, Common warthog, Patas monkeys, and Bohor reedbucks.
The highlight of the day: – The very scenic drive from Mbale to Kidepo through Uganda’s impressive country landscape.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge/Adele lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Nga’moru Wilderness Camp/Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – 505km or 7-8 hours
Drive from Mbale to Kidepo Valley National Park
Have your breakfast at 6.30 am and embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in the scenic landscape of Kidepo. Explore the Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley as you look for Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Zebras, Giraffes, Hartebeest, Reedbucks, Bat-eared foxes, Side-striped jackals, Black-backed jackals, Elands, Cheetahs, Aardwolves, and Caracals. Retreat from the activity for relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon, you undertake a cultural tour in the Karamajong community for an insight into the cultural heritage of the Karamonjo, one of Uganda’s most distinctive tribes. These nomadic pastoralists are well known for their love for cattle and cattle rustling and their resistance to the trappings of the modern world. Communities still commonly inhabit manyattas; traditional homesteads in which concentric defensive rings of thorny brushwood surround a central compound containing huts, granaries, and cattle pens. Visiting a manyatta will give you an interesting insight into the customs and traditions of the Karamajong.
The language of the Karamojongo people (Ngakarimojong) is also an interesting and seemingly ancient curiosity. Scotsman John Wilson, who lived in and around Karamoja for 30 years, has identified numerous words and phrases of similar meaning in Ngakarimojong and Gaelic. Subsequent investigation has identified further similarities with other widely spaced languages including Hebrew, Spanish, Sumerian, Akkadian, and Tibetan among others.
The Spanish word corral, for a circular stock enclosure, is uncannily close to the Ngakarimojong synonym ekorr, and the Spanish ajorar for ‘theft of cattle’ is not dissimilar to the Ngakarimojong ajore meaning ‘cattle raid’. You retire in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The morning game drive in Kidepo and visit to the Karamajongo Manyatta (homestead).
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge/Adele lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Nga’moru Wilderness Camp/Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
Wake up for breakfast at around 7.30 am after which embark on a wonderful full-day adventure hike to Ik villages high on the slopes of Mount Morungole. This cultural adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to make friends among these people who were portrayed as the world’s nastiest people in the 1972 best-seller “The Mountain People” by the British-American anthropologist Colin Turnbull. Your visit to the Ik village will disapprove that, they are loving, welcoming and Turnbull simply got it wrong.
The Ik is a small tribe of fewer than 10,000 people and is seen as endangered for its future existence. They are believed to have migrated from Ethiopia and first settled in Kenya and migrated to what is now Kidepo Valley National Park. They were cattle herders however due to cattle raids from Karamojong they gave up cattle herding for subsistence farming, goat keeping, and honey production. After the encounter with these charming people, transfer back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The adventurous hike to Mount Morungole to meet the welcoming Ik tribal people.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge/Adele lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Nga’moru Wilderness Camp/Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at 9.00 am, embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park passing through impressive landscapes of northern Uganda former dwelling place for the Lord’s Resistance Army headed by Joseph Kony. You are taken back to imagine the horror that happened in this part of the country by viewing the war ruins and the people themselves some with no lips and others with no ears. You drive past Kitgum, Gulu, and eventually arrive in Murchison Falls National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The 3,840km2 Murchison Falls NP is the largest of Uganda’s 10 national parks, blessed with a variety of habitats, a rolling savannah landscape, the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Nile River, 451 bird species, and 76 species of mammals including the world’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes.
The highlight of the day: – The scenic drive from Kidepo through the impressive landscapes of Northern Uganda to Murchison Falls Park.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Pakuba Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Red Chilli Rest Camp/Hornbill Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 347km or 7-8 hours
Start your day with an early breakfast at around 6.30 am. Embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in the northern sector of Murchison, a very scenic section of the park with rolling savanna grassland dotted with impressive stands of Borassus palms, acacia trees, riverine woodland, a variety of mammals, and unique birds. Look for Lions Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Rothschild’s Giraffes, Hyenas, Patas Monkeys, Oribi, Warthogs, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Hippos, Uganda Kobs and much more. Also look out for special bird species including Abyssinian ground hornbills, Secretary birds Grey-crowned cranes, Denham’s bustard to name just a few.
Retreat from the activity for relaxation and lunch. After your meal transfer to Paraa Jetty for what will surely be one of the highlights of the entire trip: an afternoon 3-hour boat cruise along the legendary Nile River to the bottom of the Murchison Falls!
The boat trip departs at 2 pm. You slowly cruise eastward along an archetypically African stretch of the Nile, fringed by Borassus palms, acacia woodland, and mahogany stands. Look out for hundreds of giant Nile crocodiles gliding along the surface, with pods of submerged hippos breaking the surface of the still water as they peep up to catch a glimpse of you. See the Elephants and buffalos quenching their thirst at the river banks along with a variety of waterbirds including the incredible, pre-historic like Shoebill, the well-named Goliath heron, Saddle-billed stork, African jacana, Squacco heron, African fish eagles, and much, much more.
The boat docks in a small bay a few hundred meters away from the crashing Murchison Falls. These falls are arguably the world’s most powerful! They’re not very big or wide like some you may have seen before but think of the world’s longest river which is 50 meters wide squeezing through a narrow cleft of up to 7 meters and fall 45 meters down. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The afternoon boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls and the hike to the top of the falls.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Have a relaxed breakfast at around 8.30 am and then embark on a whole day exploration of the Acholi Culture that the districts that Neighbor Murchison Falls National Park to the northeast including Nwoya. These are part of the Luo ethnicity and the tour to their culture offers you an insight into the Luo culture in general. You explore their unique building architecture where they do step thatch for their local cottages living together in groups.
You explore their way of life and explore how they are recovering from the LRA insurgency that disorganized their area. Their abducted sons and daughters are still coming back and welcomed back to the society after being subjected to Nyono tong gweno which is like a cleansing ritual. You retreat for relaxation dinner and overnight.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at breakfast around 8.00 am, cross with the ferry to the southern section and drive to Hoima. You make a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens to encounter the heritage of this historic site. The Kibiro Salt Gardens has supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago far before the coming of Europeans.
The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items. The work of salt extraction at this site has for long been a dominant of females. The process of extracting is rather long and technical than the ordinary but it is amazing to see how the indigenous knowledge is put into use to have a product out well made. Accessing the site exposes you to walking on steep and challenging landscapes with narrow paths that can only be accessed by foot.
Retreat from the encounter and transfer to Hoima. Upon arrival, you connect to the Bunyoro Kingdom to explore the ancient heritage of the Banyoro. You undertake a heritage tour to the palace and the Mparo Tombs, the tombs of Omukama (King) Kabalega who is known for having resisted British rule and died in exile. He is a famous worrier who had restored the fame of Bunyoro and expanded its borders to greater heights. You will learn different rituals, beliefs, history, and practices associated with the tombs. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Midrange: – Lake Albert Lodge/Hoima Cultural Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 120km or 4 hours
Have breakfast at 7.00 am and drive to Fort Portal Area passing through the impressive countryside landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjojo that are dotted with lush green, rural homesteads, and farmlands. You arrive in Fort Portal, a very beautiful town, situated amid the rolling hills of Tooro in the shadow of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. It is Tooro’s main city named after Sir Gerald Portal who was British Special Commissioner to Uganda. It is an important commercial area too, as it is in the heartland of the tea-growing area of Uganda. Enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in town.
After lunch, connect to Amabeere Cave, named after the live stalactite formation, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru – literally, Breasts of Nyinamwiru. The breast-like features in the caves are believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru, the daughter of King Bukuku who is said to have been so beautiful that no man could leave her alone. When the King became weary of receiving marital requests from unsuitable suitors, he took the extreme measure of cutting off his daughter’s breasts to make her less attractive.
But even this proved to be insufficient to deter Nyinamwiru’s many admirers, so the king hid her away in the cave now known as Amabere. Here, she was discovered by the Batembuzi King Isaza, who impregnated her with a son. Because Nyinamwiru lacked breasts, she stayed on in the cave with her baby, feeding him on the cloudy limestone ‘milk’ that drips from its stalactites. The child nurtured by the stalactite formation grew up and became king Ndahura of the legendary Bachwezi dynasty.
From the caves, proceed to hike the dramatic Fort Portal Crater field and summit the famous Kyeganywa hill which offers impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below and the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. Retreat from this activity and transfer back to Fort Portal town for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The heritage tour to Amabere Cave and the scenic hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Kyaninga Lodge/Crater Safari Lodge/Ndali Lodge
Midrange/Standard: –Mountains of the Moon Hotel/Isunga Lodge Kibale/Kibale Guest Cottages
Budget/Basic: – Ruwenzori View Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at around 8.00 am, embark on the tour of the Toro Royal Palace known as Karuzika. It is the official residence of the Omukama/King of the Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Iguru who is the world’s youngest King. The Palace sits at the top of Kabarole hill that overlooks Fort Portal City and the suburbs.
The Kingdom of Tooro has been in existence for over 180 years. Starting as a chiefdom under the Empire of Kitara: a Rutooro phrase to mean ‘The Empire of Light’, the Kingdom has evolved over time through 3 dynasties: Batembuzi, Bachwezi, and Babiito. The Batembuzi are believed to have been the first emperors of the Kitara Empire. It is believed that the Batembuzi kings were gods and their reign is referred to as the reign of the gods.
Batembuzi dynasty was followed by the mighty and glorious reign of demigods called the Bachwezi. They continue to be worshiped in Uganda. The Bachwezi expanded the empire to include most areas of present-day Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania. The ancestral home of the former President of USA Barrack Obama belonged to the Bachwezi Empire. The Bachwezi dynasty was followed by the Babiito to which the current Toro King belongs.
You tour the palace; explore the royal regalia and the interpretation of the king’s coronation process. Retreat encounter and transfer to Karambi Royal Tombs, situated about 5km from the Palace. You’ll find the resting place of 3 of Tooro’s famous Kings including the founding father, King Kaboyo. The caretaker will let you into some of the mausoleums where you’ll find personal effects of the kings such as royal drums and spears. You listen to their great stories and then return to Fort Portal town for lunch.
In the afternoon, you participate in the Batooro name-giving ceremony which is a central practice among the Batooro as they give the pet names to their sons and daughters including Apuuli, Acaali, Akiiki, and Araali among others. It is an exciting cultural adventure that will see you get a pet name.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Kyaninga Lodge/Crater Safari Lodge/Ndali Lodge
Midrange/Standard: –Mountains of the Moon Hotel/Isunga Lodge Kibale/Kibale Guest Cottages
Budget/Basic: – Ruwenzori View Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at around 8.00 am, embark on a 75km (2 hours) drive to Kasese on the foothills of the legendary mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori range. You’ll drive through impressive landscapes with impressive scenic views of the area before making a stop at Bunyangabu beekeepers to have an encounter with the local people demonstrating the bee king business and the products that get from it.
You’ll continue to visit the Ruboni Community craft village where a group of village women has dedicated themselves to demonstrate considerable dexterity and skill in the craft-making industry. You will also visit the Rwenzori Art foundation which is apparently the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa. There is a range of sculptures at the site and you can buy a souvenir. It also presents a participatory experience where you can engage yourself in the casting process. Retire for relaxation dinner and overnight.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Sandton Hotel Kasese
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at around on the whole day drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park passing through impressive savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park dotted with a myriad of wildlife including Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, tree-climbing and savannah lions, Waterbucks Bushbucks, Uganda kobs, topis, Chimpanzees, Hippos, Nile crocodiles, Giant Forest hogs and over 610 bird species.
You enjoy the scenic views of Kigezi Highlands and Virunga massif as you approach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The savannah mammals of the scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park and the impressive views of the Kigezi Highlands.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Chahafi Resort/Traveler’s Rest Kisoro
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After your breakfast at around 7.30, transfer to the Ntebeko visitor center for a briefing about the Batwa Trail experience which starts at 8.30 am. The trail introduces you to the Batwa/Twa (pygmy) people – a hunter-gatherer tribe who for generations depended on the forest for shelter, food, and medicine. The trail is led by a local Twa guide, who explains how they used to live in the forest before being ousted when it became a national park.
You follow the trail along the lower slopes of Virunga as Twa guide demonstrates several traditional practical skills such as: – lighting fire by rubbing sticks together, bivouac building that they lived in, hunting and trapping techniques, target practice with a bow and arrow, and how to fetch water in a bamboo cup.
Learn about food gathering; nutritious leaves, plants, berries that are found in the forest that you might not even notice. Also, learn about the plants, roots, herbs, bark from trees that the Batwa have used as medicine for centuries. (You see plants. The Batwa people see a pharmacy).
The trail ends inside 342m long Garama Cave where a group of women in the darkness sing and acts out a song of sadness about the loss of their beloved forest and their desire to return to what is now a national park.
The trail also includes a discussion of the current plight of the Batwa. It is a journey back to the authentic culture that now facing the risk of extinction. The Batwa Trail Experience takes about 7 hours, after which you return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Hiking through the forest and learning about the ancient culture of the Batwa, hunter-gatherer people.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Chahafi Resort/Traveler’s Rest Kisoro
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up for breakfast at around 7.00 am. After breakfast embark on a 281km (5 hours) drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park home with 68 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 5 lakes. Make a stop at the 1520AD Eclipse Monument on Biharwe hill overlooking the Igongo Cultural Center. You can opt to climb the hill than driving there which is a magical experience to encounter.
The 3-pillar monument reminds local people of the time when the Omukama (King) of Bunyoro had confiscated the entire cows of the Ankole Kingdom leaving people in complete starvation. The tide of events turned when one day as he was from raiding those of Rwanda and reached Biharwe; the eclipse took place and the sky fell ominously dark during daylight hours. This prompted the terrified Omukama to flee back to Bunyoro leaving behind several stolen cattle at the site and when the eclipse was over, the Banyankole found cows all over. They thought that they had come from heaven, sent by God for their rescue from starvation. They were able to repossess the cows again.
Your retreat from the activity and continue to Igongo Cultural Museum to tour the Erijukiro Museum which features collections of all tribes of southwestern Uganda dating back to their traditional era and settle for traditional lunch as well. You proceed on the drive and arrive in Lake Mburo National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The fascinating history of the 1520 eclipse at Biharwe and the Igongo Cultural Centre Museum visit.
Luxury: – Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid-range:- Rwakobo Rock/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari Lodge
Budget: – Eagles Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Wake up for breakfast at around 6.00 am and then connect to Enyemebwa Centre to catch up with the herdsmen getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. Arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the world-famous Ankole long-horned cattle.
From milking, participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush known as Enkuyo, and then set out to graze in the wilderness. Enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herdsmen as they get out to the grazing field. Be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have the special character of leading others. Retreat from the encounter and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd. From here, you can explore the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use. You can participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch.
Take a break from that and rush to the well with red soil that is used for smearing the soil made water trough. Smear the trough, fill it with water and then wait for the cattle to come and water them accordingly. You can also opt to have a bull slaughtered and grilled traditionally for you where you can also have it alongside the delicious local sauce that is made without fire called Eshabwe. Join the women as they clean milk pots and smoking them with the help of handmade ceramic and specially chosen tree and grass Species, making crafts and calf pen arrangements.
In the evening after the cows have settled in their Kraal, you attend to the traditional performances including citations, dancing, and singing. It is a fascinating encounter that allows you to gain a deep immersion of the local culture. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The captivating interactive Banyankole community tour.
Luxury: – Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid-range:- Rwakobo Rock/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari Lodge
Budget: – Eagles Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Have an early breakfast at around 6.30 am and embark on 3-4 hours the thrilling experience of exploring Lake Mburo National Park on foot on a unique game-walking safari through an impressive savannah ecosystem with lots of acacia. Search for wild games including Burchell’s zebras, Impalas (on found here in Uganda), Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, Bushbucks, Topis, Common elands (the world’s second-largest antelope), and Warthogs.
Of course, you’ll also see a variety of birds! Over 350 species have been recorded in the park, ranging from the unique acacia-associated birds, waterbirds to rare and range-restricted species. Some of the top birds to look for are the Red-faced Barbet, Grey-crowned cranes, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, and Brown Parrot, to name just a few. Retreat from the activity and embark on a 240km (3-4 hours) drive back to Kampala and then proceed for 40km to Entebbe International Airport for flight departure.
The highlight of the day: – Exploring Lake Mburo National Park on foot.
Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Lunch
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 280km or 4 – 5 hours
End of the 20 Days Uganda Cultural Tour
Cate
Samuel
Robert
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