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Tour At-A-Glance;
Length: 17 days
Best time of year:All year round.
Key Sites:Kasubi tombs, Toro Kingdom, Murchison falls.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival.
Arrival and stay at Hotel Equatoria/ Red Chilli Hideaway/Backpackers.
Day 2: Buddo Naggalabi Coronation Site, Katereke Prison Ditch and Ndere Troupe.
After breakfast, we proceed to Buddo Naggalabi coronation site. This is where the kabakas of Buganda have been crowned for the past 700 years. It is said that Buganda accession ceremonies take place on Buddo Hill because it's believed that Buddo Hill is where Kintu, the first Kabaka of Buganda, killed his brother Bemba and declared himself king in the 13th century. This is the single-most important site in the Buganda culture and lies in the heart of Buganda kingdom. The coronation of Sabassajja Kabaka Ronald Kimera Mutebi II, which was attended by tens of thousands of people, took place at Naggalabi on 31st July, 1993.
Thereafter, we proceed to the Katereke Prison Ditch where we will enjoy a lunch break. It was dug by Kabaka (king) Kalema (1888-90) in the late 19th century. It is a unique relic from a particularly unstable and violent period in Buganda history. The king was a Muslim who reigned at a time of religious strife. He had succeeded his brother Kiwewa(1888), who had in turn succeeded his younger brother Kabaka Mwanga. Kabaka Kalema ruled the kingdom after exiling Kabaka Mwanga. Two months later after Mwanga had been exiled, Kalema ordered for the arrest of all princes and princesses who he suspected to be his rivals. They were imprisoned and later starved to death because they disobeyed his orders. The Baganda still go to the ditch for spiritual healing and prayers.
Later in the evening, we drive to the Ndere Cultural Center for a performance by the Ndere Troup. At Ndere Cultural center, it is not only the beautiful gardens and unique architectural designs that impress you; it is also the atmosphere of the Ugandan culture that makes you want to stay in this place. It is the home of the well-known Ndere Troupe, a group that brings you the magnificent performances from and around Uganda. The word "Endere" means flute, hence the Flute Troupe. The flute was chosen as a symbol of beauty and unity. Mr. Rwangyezi Stephen, who founded the Troupe in 1984, is convinced that art is one of the most powerful ways of transforming Ugandans into people who are proud of themselves. Ndere Cultural Center has a guest house, amphitheater, auditorium and a bar and restaurant that are open throughout the week.
Day 3: Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, Namugongo Shrine.
After breakfast, we drive to Kasubi Tombs. This is globally recognized as a major Heritage site. It is where four of the former Kings of Buganda were buried. It is a royal palace enclosure that was first built in 1881. Here there are huge traditional reed and bark cloth buildings of the kabakas (kings) of Buganda Kingdom. The Kasubi Tombs, also known as the Ssekabaka's Tombs, are the royal tombs where the four former kabakas of Buganda are buried. This site is a masterpiece of human creativity both in its conception and execution. It bears eloquent witness to the living cultural traditions of the Baganda. The spatial organization of the Kasubi Tombs represents the best example of a Buganda palace or architectural ensemble. Built in the finest traditions of the Ganda architecture and palace design, it reflects technical achievements developed over many centuries. The Kasubi Tombs constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main significance lies, however, in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.
Thereafter, we drive to the Uganda Museum. The Uganda Museum (founded in 1908) in Kampala has exhibits of traditional culture, archaeology, science, and natural history. It regularly presents performances of traditional music. It is a display of Uganda's cultural heritage where one can see ethnological and natural-historical exhibitions. It is a vivid reminder of the country's colorful past. One of its most interesting features is the collection of traditional musical instruments, which one is free to play. The museum contains rich materials from Uganda and is a must see. The Uganda Society's library is housed in one room of the Uganda National Museum. Started in the 1930's by a group of scholars, the collection is comprised of approximately 3,000 volumes, maps, periodicals and photographs, all pertaining to African history and culture. It also contains documents on the turbulent political history of Uganda. In the period of 1971-1979, the Republic of Uganda was under the leadership of "Field Marshal" President Idi Amin Dada who wrecked the Ugandan economy almost beyond recovery. He expelled the Asians who were the backbone of the Ugandan economy. This is the time when the Tourism industry in Uganda suffered a stroke. Accommodation establishments were plundered and Uganda was officially pronounced a "politically unsafe place" hence not an ideal place for tourists. Despite this, the Ugandan economy was able to regain stability when the National Resistance Movement took over power in 1986 and the Tourism infrastructure was put back in place hence Uganda becoming a safe destination for tourists.
We then stop for lunch and afterwards drive to the Namugongo Shrine. This is where 22 young men were burnt alive on the orders of King Mwanga for refusing to denounce their newly found faith in Christ. The impressive Namugongo martyrs shrine is the place where 22 Christian converts were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886. On the visit of Pope Paul VI to Uganda in 1969, the victims were canonized and since then the shrine has become an important site for Uganda Christians and tourists. The site has been host to two Popes (1969&1993), and thousands of other religious, political and civic celebrities. To this day, every 3rd of June, Catholics from both within and outside Uganda make a pilgrimage to Namugongo to remember these young heroes. There are two churches built at the site; one for the Anglicans and the other for the Catholics.
DAY 4: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park.
After breakfast, we drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park (3893sq.km) and it protects a chunk of untamed savannah bisected by the mighty River Nile. Today it is part of the even much larger Murchison falls Protected Area (5072 sq.km), which includes the adjoining Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves. It is named for the dramatic Murchison falls where by the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge in a frothing pool 43 m below. It is one of Uganda's oldest conservation areas; it was initially established as a game reserve in 1926 to protect a savannah that Winston Churchill described in 1907 as 'Kew Gardens and the Zoo combined on an unlimited scale. The park has 76 mammal species including the lion, elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, Rothschild giraffe, Cape buffalo, hartebeest, oribi, warthog, and the Uganda Kob. The park also hosts 360 bird species including the rare shoebill stork. On arrival, we will visit the Top of the Falls.
Stay at Sambiya River Lodge, Nile Safari Camp or Red Chilli Rest Camp.
DAY 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Launch Trip.
After breakfast, we have a game drive to the rolling plains where you will have a chance to view Hartebeest, Lions, Buffalo, Primates, Giraffe and Elephants. After lunch, we will have an afternoon launch cruise where you have chances to view huge Nile Crocodiles, big Pods of Hippos, and other wildlife. You will also be able to see a wide variety of water birds like the Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller and Ground Hornbill, Pied Kingfishers, Red-throated Bee-eaters, and Goliath Heron.
DAY 6: Game Drive and Transfer to Hoima for Cultural Entertainment.
After breakfast, we have another morning game drive where you will have chances of viewing mammals and other wildlife that you may have missed the previous day. Thereafter, we will drive to Hoima Town. On the way, you will enjoy scenic views of the beautiful green vegetation cover. We will have a Stopover at the Mparo Tombs, the royal burial grounds of the Kings of Bunyoro kingdom. In the evening, you will be entertained by the Banyoro Cultural Dancers.
Stay at accommodation of choice.
DAY 7: Visit to the Karuzika Palace and Transfer to Fort Portal Town.
After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Karuzika palace of Bunyoro kingdom. This is the official residence of the king of Bunyoro. The kingdom of Bunyoro is as a result of three dynasties; the Batembuzi dynasty, the Bachwezi dynasty and the Babiito dynasty. The first kings were of the Batembuzi dynasty. Batembuzi means harbingers or pioneers. The batembuzi and their reign are not well documented, and are surrounded by a lot of myth and oral legend. The second dynasty is that of the Bacwezi. They are credited with the founding of the ancient empire of Kitara; which included areas of present day central, western, and southern Uganda; northern Tanzania, western Kenya, and eastern Congo. Very little is documented about them. Their entire reign was shrouded in mystery, so much so that they were accorded the status of demi gods and worshipped by various clans. The bachwezi dynasty was followed by the babiito dynasty of the current Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara. Any attempt to pinpoint the dates of this, or any other dynasty before it, is pure conjecture; as there were no written records at the time. Modern day historians place the beginning of the Babiito dynasty at around the time of the invasion of Bunyoro by the Luo from the North. The first mubiito (singular) king was Isingoma Mpuga Rukidi I, whose reign is placed around the 14th century. To date, there have been a total of 27 Babiito kings of Bunyoro-Kitara. Thereafter, we will drive to Fort Portal Town.
Stay at accommodation of choice.
DAY 8: Visit the King's Palace and Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru.
After breakfast, we visit the palace of the Omukama of Toro located on Fort Portal's highest hill. The Omukama of Toro is so far the youngest King in Uganda and the whole world. He succeeded his father's throne when he was only four years old following the premature death of his father. At 17 years of age, he is the world's youngest ruling monarch. Toro is one of the four traditional kingdoms located within the borders of Uganda. It was founded in 1830 when the Omukama Kaboyo Olimi I, the eldest son of Omukama Nyamutukura Kyebambe III, rebelled and established his own independent kingdom. Incorporated back into Bunyoro-Kitara in 1876, it reasserted its independence in 1891. Like Buganda, Bunyoro and Busoga, Toro's monarchy was abolished in 1967 by the government of Uganda, but was re-instated in 1993. Toro has had 15 kings ever since it became an independent monarchy.
Thereafter, we will visit the Nyakasura historical cave locally known as Amabeere ga nyinamwiru (Breast Caves). It is locally believed that these were formerly breasts of the ancient princess of Chwezi Kingdom and that they were cut off and grew into a good scenic rock "dripping with milk". According to this legend, the beautiful girl, called Nyinamwiru, misbehaved and she was punished by cutting off her breasts. Later in the evening, you will be entertained by the Batooro Cultural Dancers.
DAY 9: Transfer to Kibale forest for Chimpanzee Tracking.
After an early breakfast we drive to Kibale Forest National Park visitor center for briefing and chimp tracking. The forest is home to a remarkable 13 primate species of Uganda including the much localized Red Colobus and L'Hoest's Monkey. Tracking the chimpanzee is a thrilling experience. The way they feed, climb trees, respond to humans, and care for their young ones is just phenomenal to say the least. Chimpanzee tracking may last for a few hours or almost a day. You may also have chances of viewing other wildlife like the elusive forest Elephant, Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, and a half dozen antelope species.
Stay at Ndali Lodge/Chimpanzee Guesthouse/Nature Lodges.
DAY 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
After breakfast, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Park, which is named after the Queen of England who visited it in 1954, is the second largest national park in Uganda and boasts the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world. This is evidenced by the presence of open savannah, rainforest, dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes, and the vast Lake Edward. The Park has almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 612 bird species, hence making it a superb safari territory, with Elephant, a profusion of Hippos, the elusive Giant forest hog and handsome Uganda kob all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvelous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains.
In the afternoon, after lunch, you have an exciting launch trip on the Kazinga Channel. The launch is one of the most exciting water activities in Uganda. The Kazinga channel is a narrow neck of water that connects Lakes George and Edward, with excellent photographic opportunities for waterside birds and abundant Hippopotamus, huge families of Buffalos, and Elephants. Amongst the birds you are likely to encounter include African Skimmer, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, and the Water Thick-knee.
Stay at Mweya Safari Lodge or Mweya Hostels.
DAY 11: Morning game Drive and Cultural Entertainment.
After breakfast, we go for a game drive where you will have chances to view Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards, Cheetahs, Uganda Kobs, Bush Pigs, and much more. Later in the evening, you relax with some cultural entertainment.
DAY 12: Travel to Bwindi Forest national park.
You start early after breakfast, and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world's endangered population of Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 23 of Uganda's 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and therefore of big conservation importance.
Stay at Gorilla Resort/Bwindi Community Camp/Gorilla Forest Camp.
DAY 13: Gorilla Tracking.
After breakfast, we shall assemble at the park offices for the briefing prior to this historic event. Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. Gorilla tracking can be a challenging activity, therefore you must be physically fit and wear appropriate footwear. Eight people are permitted per group per day. On occasions the Gorillas prove elusive but often can be found within an hour by the tracker guides. It is a wonderful experience to stare in to the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. Gorilla Tracking is indeed a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience that is not to miss. Each encounter with the gorillas is different and has its own rewards, but you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display.
DAY 14: Village Walk.
After breakfast, we have a village walk around the Buhoma Community. We visit the Batwa and you observe their ways of living. The Batwa were given land upon relocation from the forest and most of their basic needs are taken care of. The money they receive out of the village walk is, therefore, used to buy clothes and food. They also use the money from sale of crafts for recreational purposes, reading and buying of alcohol. You will also observe how they go about the process of juice making. We will then visit the traditional healer and you will observe how he treats ailments using tree bark, leaves, and some animal material. He dresses in goat and cow skin to preserve the way traditional healers used to dress. You will also be taken through tea plantations and 10 sites that describe the way of life of the Buhoma Community.
DAY 15: Exploration of the remains of Ankole Kingdom and transfer to Lake Mburo.
After breakfast, we explore the remains of the Ankole kingdom. It is one of the four traditional kingdoms of Uganda. It was ruled by a monarch known as The Omugabe (king). The Ankole Kingdom was formerly abolished by the government of President Milton Obote (RIP) in 1967, and is still not officially restored. On October 25th 1901, the kingdom of Ankole was incorporated into the British Protectorate of Uganda by the signing of the Ankole Agreement. Due to the rearranging of the country by Idi Amin, Ankole does no longer exist as an administrative unit. It is divided into six districts namely, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Ibanda, Kiruhura and Isingiro. Thereafter, we transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is a gem of a park. Though it is just 370 sq km in size, its landscapes are varied and even a short drive is alive with interest and color. You will pass gallery forests, open savannah and acacia woodland, rocky kopjes, seasonal and permanent swamps, and open water as you search for the wealth of wildlife they support.
A variety of vegetative habitats surround the open water of Lake Mburo. The lake's western side is dominated by a grassy escarpment rising above a shoreline fringed with acacia forest and the closed canopy Rubanga forest. To the north and east, grassy valley floors, made seasonally lush and soggy by rain, drain between undulating hills. These seep through expanses of wetland into the lake. Rock kopjes are found along the eastern margins of the park.
These varied habitats support an impressive variety of wildlife including 68 mammal species. These include some rarities. Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda to contain Impala and the only one in the Rift region to host Burchell's Zebra and Eland. In Uganda, Topi are only found in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth national parks. Common wildlife species include Warthog, Buffalo, Oribi, Deffassa Water Buck and Reedbuck. Leopard and Hyena are also present while Hippo and Crocodile are found in the lake.
Stay in Park Bandas/Mantana Tented Camp/Arcadia Cottages.
DAY 16: Morning Game Drive and transfer to Kampala
After breakfast, we have a morning game drive around the park where you have chances of viewing several species of mammals including Zebras, Impalas, Elands, Topi and Buffaloes. The bird population is also rich, including Green backed woodpecker, African Finfoot, Brown-chested Plover, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spot-flanked, Red-faced and Black-collared Barbets; White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Carruthers Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Northern Brown-throated Weaver. Later we will drive to Kampala.
Stay at Katatumba Suites/Metropole Hotel/Golf Course Hotel.
DAY 17: Visit the Cultural Village and Departure.
Today, after breakfast, we visit the Cultural Village. You will have an opportunity to shop for souvenirs for loved ones back home. Later, you will be driven to the airport arriving in time for your departure flight.
End of Uganda Culture and Wildlife Trip.
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Bird Uganda Safaris Ltd
