CULTURAL TOUR TO UGANDA : CODE-UGT018
CULTURE IN UGANDA WITH GORILLAS - TO NAKAYIMA TREE, OMUKMA'S PALACE, QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK, BUHOMA VILLAGE WALK, BATWA PIGMIES, LAKE MBURO AND SOURCE OF THE NILE - WITH GORILLAS IN BWINDI - 15 DAYS
Travellers joining this trip have an opportunity to see various cultures in Uganda . The Uganda safari starts with Kibale Forest National Park in the West. Enroute, see the Nakaima 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 Park including buffalo, tree-climbing lion, leopard, warthog and the ever present hippo. 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.
CULTURAL TOUR TO UGANDA : CULTURE IN UGANDA WITH GORILLAS - 15 Days
ITINERARY FOR CULTURAL TOUR TO UGANDA
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to Entebbe or Kampala for overnight.
Day 1: 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 2: 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. O/N: Local home or CVK Lodge managed by the locals (FB).
Day 3: 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:].
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Park
Visit Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees, man's closest relation. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience.
Day 5: 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 6: 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$ 500 gorilla permit fee at time of booking) O/N: Buhoma locally managed Rest Camp (FB).
Day 7: 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 8: The Batwa pigmies
Visit the local Batwa pygmies and see their cultures. Evening dance by the group can also be arranged.
Day 9: 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 10: 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.
Days 11-13:
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 Falls on the other end of the Nile. Return to Kampala late afternoon. Visit the theatre to enjoy a local play/dance.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport in time for your flight.
For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamojong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details.
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.
Tour Ends.
