Cultural Tour Uganda, Visit Cultural Sites, Ecotourism Uganda

13 Days Cultural Tour
We are not known as the friendliest African country for nothing.
Ugandans are not known as “the most hospitable people” in the Africa for nothing! It’s definitely for the culture. Uganda has a very strong culture heritage. Many regions in Uganda still have kingdoms with kings; Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, Ankole, Toro, yet under a president. Each of the tribes have there own cultures and life styles each tribe has it’s own traditional dance.
For example visit Kabarole and enjoy this delightful scenic area called “The Best in the West”. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”. You’ll trek in the Kibale Forest National Park – an outstanding tropical rainforest environment, you’ll see sensationally beautiful crater lakes, you marvel at the magnificent kindness and hospitality that you’ll be offered – everywhere, the Ankole.

Day 1
On arrival at the Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Viva Safaris who will then transfer you to at either Serena Kampala for up market accommodation or Hotel Africana for Medium class accommodation or Namirembe Guest House for budget accommodation. B/B.

Day 2
Proceed to Fort portal via Mubende. Have a stop over 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. You arrive late afternoon so you spend the night at either Ndali lodge up market accommodation, Toro Resort/Rwenzori View Guest house Medium class accommodation or Primate Lodge Kibale Bandas for budget accommodation. F/B

Day 3
Visit the Omukama (King) of Toro palace. Visit the locally worshipped hot spring and see ancient land features and caves in Fort Portal. Overnight at same hotel.

Day 4
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park, passing via the Rwenzoris “Mountains of The Moon” for most the journey. A game drive en- route may be re warded by seeing a lot of wild animals such as Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas and variety of Antelope species. After lunch, enjoy the unique 2 hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. You will see lots of Hippos and many other animals. With over 550 species, you can’t miss bird watching. Overnight stay at Mweya Safari lodge or Jacana safari lodge.

Day 5 Kibale chimp tracking.
After a good breakfast, you are off to Kibale Forest National Park with its families of habituated Chimpanzees – its home to an astonishing 12 species of Primate which provides one of the highest Primates densities in the world! Here on a guided walk, you may find families of Chimps and Red Colobus monkeys.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity of a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental organisation formed in 1992 with the aim of achieving social and economic development for local communities. You will be taken on a guided walk around the swamp, which is home to approximately 137 bird species including the Snowy Headed Robin Cat, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo and a variety of Weavers, Warblers, Greenbuls and Sunbirds. There’s also an abundance of Butterflies. It’s also rich in vegetation, such as wild palms, polita figs and the dominant papyrus. Dinner and overnight at either Ndali lodge up market accommodation, Toro Resort/Rwenzori View Guest house for Medium class accommodation or Primate Lodge Kibale Bandas for budget accommodation. (F/B).

Day 6
Go for Gorilla tracking walking up steeply in the dense rain Forest through different animals’ trails allowing an inspiring and wonderful adventure which one can’t miss. The Gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal full love. It is unforgettable experience to watch and interact with them. Enjoy the Buhoma Village walk organized by local community. Overnight at Buhoma locally managed Rest Camp.

Day 7
Set off from Kisoro early morning and have a stop 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. Over night at travels rest camp.

Day 8
Visit the local Batwa pygmies and see their cultures. You can have an evening dance organized if you are interested.  Overnight at travelers rest camp

Day 9
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch proceed for an exciting boat trip or and evening game drive where you will see beautiful striped zebras, impalas and other animals. Dinner and over night at either Mantana Tented Camp/ Muhingo Lodge for up market accommodation, or UWA Park Bandas for budget accommodation. F/B.

Day 10
Drive to Kampala with a stop over for lunch en-route. Stop at the mpigi royal drum makers. The amazing talent of these people is unbelievable, watch the locals make drums using methods passed down through the generations. Have another stop at the equator.  Overnight either Serena Kampala for up market accommodation or Hotel Africana for Medium class accommodation or Namirembe Guest House for budget accommodation. B/B.

Day 11
Have tour of Kampala city. This will include a visit to the Uganda museum, Namugongo Marty’s shrines where 22 Christians converts were burnt in the 19th century, Bahai Temple the only one in Africa, the Buganda cultures like; the life style of the ancient kings, Naggalabi crown grounds, Kasubi tombs. Have a traditional Ugandan local food for lunch then go shopping for crafts and trinkets.

Day 12
Drive east wards to Jinja. Have a quick visit to Ssezzibwa falls which are believed to have been produced by an ancient woman. You can visit some of the traditional healers too. Proceed to jinja via Owen falls dam Uganda’s largest dam. Visit the source of the Nile, bujagali falls. Return to Kampala late after. Visit the theater to enjoy a local music (subject to availability)
If time allows go shopping for trinkets or drive through Uganda’s capital city Kampala, to Nakawuka a small village in Mpigi District. This is a unique journey in to the history of Uganda.
You will meet local people and experience a rich and authentic culture, learn about the forgotten times and come face to face with the ancient traditions. Much more than just sight seeing, the local people will entertain you with cultural dancing, music, craft making and story telling. Have lunch and thereafter continue to another village to see a different lifestyle of the Ugandan community. In your visit to the villages, you may also be able to tour the Katereke Prison, which tells the story of a violent and brutal episode in the Buganda history, Nagalabbi Colonial site, and many others.
In the afternoon, you will drive to Kasubi tombs, the king’s palace, the museum, the kings man made lake. Returning at the hotel in the evening.
Dinner and over night at either Serena Kampala Hotel/, Hotel Africana/Namirembe. B/B.

Day 13
Transfer to the airport