The Uganda cultural tour entails visiting historical, cultural and religious sites. These include, among others, Bulange Buganda Traditional Headquarters, Lubiri Palace, Kasubi Tombs – a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bahai Temple, Old Kampala Mosque, Namirembe Anglican Cathedral, Lubaga Catholic Cathedral, Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrines, the Uganda Museum, Sezibwa Falls and Katereke Prison Ditch.
The tour starts and ends in Uganda guided by Africa Adventure Safaris guides.
Trip Highlights
Day 1: Bulange and Lubiri Palace
Day 2: Kasubi Tombs
Day 3: uganda Museum
Day 4: Katereke Prison
Day 5: Lake Mburo
Day 6: Salt Lick – Kampala
Day 1: Bulange and Lubiri Palace
After breakfast and pick up, drive towards Mengo trading centre, a small modernized area within Rubaga division having a hospital, church, market, schools and good hotels. Bulange serves as the traditional seat of Buganda Parliament; also recently closed CBS radio was located. It’s well known for its colonial architecture and enclosed wall as well as its strategic location on Mengo hill. Buganda elders and the King meet here to discuss vital issues concerning the kingdom’s status. The Lubiri once served as Mwanga’s palace. Learn and discover the history of this great kingdom. Get to also visit the Rubaga catholic cathedral and Kabaka’s lake which is opposite the newly constructed Pentecostal Cathedral church. Dine and lodge at Tal Cottages/ Namirembe Guesthouse.
Day 2: Kasubi Tombs
Kasubi hill was once the palace of Kabaka Suuna II and Mutesa and is the tradition in Buganda after a king dies; the place is abandoned, so Kasubi was named a tomb serving as burial grounds for the kingdom rulers. The tombs are designed with poles, reeds and thatch and contain royal artifacts such as weapons, gifts, and musical instruments among others. Continue to Wamala tombs off the same road in Nansana, another once deserted palace. In the evening be treated to cultural music and dancing by the Ndere troupe who will entertain you with various cultural dances from different tribes all over the country. Dine and lodge at Tal Cottages/ Namirembe Guesthouse.
Day 3: Uganda Musuem
After a warm cup of tea head to the National Museum in Kamwokya. It is the best and oldest museum in East Africa having deeply rooted ethnographic collection all contributing to the background of Uganda as a nation. There are exhibits of different traditional Ugandan lifestyles, musical instruments from most parts of the continent among other things. We continue to Ssezibwa Falls east of Kampala, which was once a favorite spot for the Kabaka Mwanga and Mutesa., where they planted trees themselves. This mysterious falls are believed to have been birthed by a woman who instead of giving birth to children came out with “Twin Rivers”. Ssezibwa and Mobeya, still believed to inhibit the river. The falls is attached to supernatural significance of the birth of twins up to today. Besides culture, the falls is a beautiful place with pretty waters, associated with fringing trees and a prolific bird list. Dine and lodge at Tal Cottages/ Namirembe Guesthouse.
Day 4: Katereke Prison
Katereke Prison ditch was constructed by Kabaka Kalema in the late 1880’s for those who opposed him. These were mainly his brothers and family members and he went further and massacred them in order to get rid of future succession. Instead this worsened his reign and later led to his fall. After lunch continue to Mbarara town. Mbarara was the heart of the defunct Ankole kingdom founded in the early 1500’s by the Bacwezi dynasty. The king was termed as “omugabe” and came from the Bahima clan. The Bahima depended on pastoralism and agriculture as a livelihood though few Bahima today are pastoralists but they are highly associated with owning huge herds of cattle. The Ankole cattle are quite different from other cattle elsewhere as its horns are longer and curved. Dine and lodge at Lake View Resort Hotel/ Classic Hotel.
Day 5: Departure
You will have morning breakfast and then transfer to the airport for a turn flight.
End of the Safari
Included in this tour package;
- Cultural entertainment
- Park Ranger Fees
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Full Board Accommodation (2 nights) and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
- Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.