6 days Uganda Cultural tour
Overview
The 6-day Uganda Cultural tour takes you through the country's diverse cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and wildlife. Start the journey from Kampala and head to Kibale National Park for a cultural immersion at Isunga Cultural Community where you take part in crater lakes hikes, traditional music and dances, storytelling, and local craft making. The adventure proceeds to Rwenzori Mountain National Park for a nature walk and a Bakonzo cultural experience.
In Mbarara, visit the Igongo cultural center, and take a thrilling game drive in Lake Mburo National Park the safari will end by visiting some cultural sites in Kampala such as Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka's Palace, and the Uganda Museum. The tour includes scenic landscapes and remarkable stopovers such as the Uganda equator.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day1. Head to Kibale National Park from Kampala, enroute visit to Amabere Ga'Nyinamwiru caves
Your safari will begin with an early breakfast at the hotel and then depart from Kampala/Entebbe, heading west towards Kibale National Park known for its diverse primates including the chimpanzees. The scenic drive takes you through lush countryside, small villages with roadside markets and tea plantations. Have a stopover in Fort Portal City to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants while admiring the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Depending on your arrival time, visit Amabere Ga'Nyinamwiru caves and Nyakasura Falls to learn about the historical beliefs attached to these great features of stalactites and stalagmites. Head to the lodge booked for your dinner and night stay as you prepare for a full-day cultural day ahead.
Day2. Full-day Isunga Cultural experience
After breakfast, embark on a full-day cultural immersion with the Isunga Cultural Community, an initiative dedicated to preserving the Batooro and Bakiga cultures through traditional activities and also conserving wildlife in the Kibale forest. The day experience begins with a nature walk through Crater Lakes, where you explore some of the most scenic volcanic lakes while learning about their geographical and cultural significance.
The trail is through vanilla, coffee, and banana gardens with a chance to process Isunga homemade coffee using traditional tools and engage in traditional banana beer and gin brewing and distilling. Also, participate in traditional cooking classes where you taste the local delicacy, and take part in traditional music and dances. The day will end at sunset with great artisans who specialize in basket weaving, pottery, and wood carvings. After dinner, the king campfires with old men for folk tales.
Day3. Head to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and nature walk
After breakfast, head to Rwenzori Mountain National Park with a tour of the Tooro king's palace in Fort Portal. This park is home to Africa's third highest peak known as Margherita standing at 5895 meters also has unique plants like the giant lobelias, unique animals like the three-horned chameleon, and more.
Upon your arrival, head for a nature walk to one of the lower trails providing an opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of this great protected area. The walk will take you through dense forests, waterfalls, and rivers hence full of beauty and nature which offers a chance to spot various birds and primates. Visit a local Bakonzo community where you learn about their unique culture, traditional healing practices, and the way of life in the mountains. Head to the lodge or hotel after a great experience that combines nature and culture.
Day4. Head to Mbarara City and visit the Igongo Cultural Center
Depart Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Kasese and head to Mbarara city passing through Queen Elizabeth National Park with enroute game drive where you can spot animals like elephants, buffalos, Ruhanga kobs, vervet monkeys, and more. Arrive in Mbarara and head to Igongo Cultural Centre a museum and heritage site, dedicated to preserving the culture of Ankole and Bakiga in the Kigezi region. Have a delicious traditional meal, visit the museum, and participate in traditional drumming, music, and dancing. In the evening, visit one of the homes to learn bout cattle keeping since these people are pastoralists. Take part in milking, milk shaking to produce yogurt, and how milk is preserved. Return to the lodge for your dinner.
Day5. Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, drive back to Kampala
After breakfast, head to Lake Mburo National Park a small savannah national park but yet rich in wildlife known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant game. Take part in the morning game drive where you encounter zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, and various bird species. Have lunch in the park and then embark on a journey back to Kampala with a stopover at the Uganda equator in Kayabwe where you can take photos and participate in a water experiment that demonstrates the earth's hemisphere. Arrive in Kampala late have dinner with optional Kampala nightlife or visit the Ndere cultural center for the country's unique cultural experience.
Day6. Cultural tour in Kampala and departure flight
This will be the final day of your 6-day Uganda Cultural tour and it will begin with breakfast and later explore Kampala's rich cultural heritage. The tour begins with a visit to Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place for the Buganda kings. Proceed to Kabaka's palace and visit the historical underground torture chambers used during the past regimes. Lunch will be served at one of the local restaurants to taste the local cultural foods. Visit the Uganda Museum which displays Uganda's ancient artifacts and exhibits. Head to Entebbe International Airport in the evening for your flight back home and this will mark the end of the safari.