15 Days Uganda Cultural Experience

5000$

per person

On this tour, you will see Nakayima tree shrine, Omukama’s Royal Palace in Tooro, the hotsprings and crater lakes in Fort Portal, staragmites and staractites in Kibale, game, birds and chimps in Queen Elizabeth park, Buhoma village walk and gorillas in Bwindi, game and launch cruise on Lake Mburo, the batwa pygmies, before returning to Kampala for the Kabaka’s Trail and a visit to the Source of the River Nile.

Travelers joining this trip have an opportunity to see various cultures in Uganda (Click here for the Rwanda experience). The Uganda safari starts with Kibale Forest National Park in the West. En route, see the Nakayima tree in Mubende, a local tree about 400 years old, venerated in local folklore as holding the spirit of an ancient king. See local projects and abundant game in Queen Elizabeth Parkincluding buffaloes, tree-climbing lions, leopards, warthogs and the ever present hippos.

The beautiful steeply forested Kyambura Gorge, is home not only to chimpanzees man’s closest relation – but also the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions which lounge nonchalantly on old fig trees. Further south in Bwindi see local communities and projects (gorilla tracking can be arranged as well) before continuing to Mgahinga. Visit the local Batwa animist communities. Return to Kampala via Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most striking parks rich in birds, hippo, buffalo, zebra and cultural communities.

Back in Kampala trail Kabaka’s Trail; see the cultures of Buganda and see the preserved lifestyle of their ancient kings. See Naggalabi Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs, Katereke Royal Prison, King Wamala’s tombs and other cultural visits organised by Heritage Trails Local Project. Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine, East of Kampala City where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century is also worth visiting.

Visit Bahai Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. In the East, at Jinja, look at Sezibwa local Falls and the Source of the Nile. Visitors stay in selected homes or lodges of local people who take care of your food, drink and accommodation.

For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamajong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details.

15 Days

12+ Age

Culture

Family Trips

Uganda

Wildlife Safaris

Departure

Tour startTour starts from: “Entebbe” at 10:00 a.m. every Saturdays from: Kampala, Entebbe, Uganda
Departure Time

Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 8:30 PM.
Dress Code

Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
Include

From Our Gallery

Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for overnight (BB)

Day 2: Kampala to Fort Portal

Start for Fort Portal via the pretty little town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Choice of a brief stop at Nakayima Shrine, a splendid tree known to be 400 years old, worshipped by local people and thought to be holding the spirit of an ancient king. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby Crater Lake. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Day 3: The Royal Palace in Fort Portal

Visit and enjoy the Omukama (king) of Toro’s palace, ancient building. Visit the locally worshipped hot springs and see ancient land form features and caves in For Portal.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Park

Drive for 4 hours to Queen Elizabeth Park, passing via the Rwenzoris, or Mountains of The Moon as they are sometimes called. Continue to QE. Evening game drive. [Approximate driving time:] O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Park

Visit Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees, man’s closest relation. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience. On day 6, you will visit Katwe salt lake to learn more about rudimentary ways of salt mining as well as cultural experience. O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Park

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth Park to Bwindi

Leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We may drive via Ishasha, weather conditions permitting where you may see tree-climbing lion – or drive through farmland to Buhoma. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours]

Day 8: Buhoma Village Tourist Walk

Enjoy the Buhoma Village Tourist Walk organised by the local community. Or Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits and payment of US$ 700 gorilla permit fee at time of booking)

Day 9: The dramatic virunga volcanoes

Leave for Kisoro, stopping at Kanaba Gap to view the spectacular Virunga volcanoes and stunning terraced hills. Visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores or continue directly to Mgahinga. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]

Day 10: The Batwa pigmies

Visit the local Batwa pygmies and see their cultures. Evening dance by the group can also be arranged.

Day 11: Mgahing to Lake Mburo Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Kabale. Boat trip and an evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Day 12: Kampala the Capital

Time permitting, an early morning game drive. Return to Kampala via Masaka: look at royal drum makers, stop at the Equator for photo opportunities, and the roadside markets to enjoy some fruit and vegetables; lunch en route. Visit Katereke Royal Prison, and King Wamala’s tombs, time permitting. Continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon.

Day 13: Kampala the Capital

Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a charming green city, spread over about 10 hills. Visit the Parliament, the museum and buildings of different religious faiths, the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, and the colourful markets. Trail the ancient Kabaka’s (kings); see the cultures of Buganda and see the lifestyle of their ancient kings; see Naggalabi ancient Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs, and other cultural visits organised by Heritage Trails Local Project. Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine, East of Kampala City where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century is also worth visiting. Visit Bahai Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants that prepare local foods.

Day 14: Jinja and Source of the River Nile

Start for Jinja, via Mukono. Detour to Sezzibwa Falls, thought in local folklore to have been produced by an ancient woman. Birding while there and continue to Mabira Forest. Proceed to Jinja past the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s largest dam. Visit the Source of the Mighty River Nile, see local merchant shops. Your trip ends with a cultural tour to Bujagali on the other end of the Nile. Return to Kampala late afternoon. Visit the theatre to enjoy a local play/dance.

Day 15: Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight

Tour Location

Uganda's history is marked by pre-colonial kingdoms, British colonial rule, and post-independence challenges. The country's borders were drawn arbitrarily in the late 19th century, encompassing diverse societies. In 1894, Uganda became a British protectorate, and it gained independence on October 9, 1962. Following independence, Uganda faced a period of political instability, including civil wars and military coups.

Pre-Colonial Period:

Uganda's early history is characterized by the movement of various groups of cultivators and herders, leading to diverse languages and cultures.

The region was home to a variety of centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, Bunyoro, and others, as well as more decentralized Nilotic and Sudanic peoples.

Evidence of human activity in Uganda dates back to at least 50,000 years ago, with Acheulean tools found along the Kagera River valley.

British Colonial Period (1894-1962):

In 1894, Uganda was declared a British protectorate.

The British administration extended control beyond Buganda by signing treaties with other kingdoms like Toro, Ankole, and Bunyoro.

Uganda was never fully colonized; instead, it developed a system of internal self-government through a Legislative and Executive Council.

The British influence was strong in the late 19th century, particularly with the arrival of missionaries from the British Missionary Society and the French Roman Catholic White Fathers.

Independence and Post-Colonial Period (1962-Present):

Uganda gained independence on October 9, 1962, with Milton Obote as the first Prime Minister.

The newly independent nation faced challenges, including civil wars and political instability, leading to a period of military coups and dictatorships.

In 1995, a new constitution was adopted, establishing a non-party all-inclusive Movement System of government.

In 2005, a referendum was held, resulting in a return to multi-party politics.

Uganda has since made significant strides in restoring peace and rebuilding infrastructure, while also engaging in peacekeeping operations through the Uganda People's Defence Force.

Key Events and Figures:

Milton Obote: The first Prime Minister of Uganda, who played a key role in the independence movement and later served as President.

Idi Amin: A military leader who seized power in 1971 and ruled Uganda for eight years, a period marked by human rights abuses and political instability.

Yoweri Museveni: The current President of Uganda, who has been in power since 1986.