UGANDA CULTURAL TOUR
Ugandan cultural tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the diverse heritage and natural beauty of the country. This cultural tour offers a blend of historical exploration, wildlife adventures, and immersive cultural experiences, making it a comprehensive way to experience Uganda’s rich heritage and natural wonders.
Day 1: Kampala City Tour and Transfer to Fort Portal
To start your cultural Uganda safari, have an early breakfast at your hotel and embark on the Kampala city tour. You will mainly visit the Kasubi tombs and Kabaka’s Palace.
Kasubi Tombs: Start your tour with a visit to the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Buganda kings. Explore the historical and cultural significance of this site.
Kabaka's Palace (Lubiri Palace): Explore the Lubiri Palace, the official residence of the King (Kabaka) of Buganda. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and cultural significance of the palace.
Thereafter, you will embark on a 300km (5 hours) drive to Fort Portal, passing through impressive Uganda landscape, en-route towns and rural settlements before branching off at Mubende to visit the Nakayima tree.
Named after Nakayima the wife of Ndahura founder of Bachwezi dynasty, the Nakayima tree is estimated by scientists to be around 600 years old. Dinner and overnight stay in Fort Portal
Day 2: Fort Portal City Tour and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth N.P.
Visit to Amabeere Cave:
After morning breakfast, you will proceed to Amabeere Cave, named after the live stalactite formation, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru – literally, Breasts of Nyinamwiru, the daughter of King Bukuku. When you get to Amabeere Caves, a local guide will take you down to the jungle of Amabere and he or she will narrate the whole history about these caves. You will need proper walking boots because sometimes the area can be quite slippery and wet.
Visit to Toro Royal Palace:
Thereafter, embark on the tour of the Toro Royal Palace know as Karuzika. It is the official residence of the Omukama/King of the Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Iguru who is the world’s youngest King. The Palace sits at the top of Kabarole hill that overlooks Fort Portal City and the suburbs. The Kingdom of Tooro has been in existence for over 180 years. Starting as a chiefdom under the Empire of Kitara: a Rutooro phrase to mean ‘The Empire of Light’, the Kingdom has evolved over time through 3 dynasties: Batembuzi, Bachwezi and Babiito.
Visit to Semuliki National Park:
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The Park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12- 18,000 years ago.
The park is renowned for the Sempaya Hot Springs, which include two main springs: the female (Nyansimbi) and the male (Bintente). Visitors can witness boiling geysers and bubbling pools, often used by locals for cooking.
Thereafter, you will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Transfer to Nshenyi Cultural Village
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular savanna park in Uganda and the best place to see lions including the Tree Climbing lions making it the perfect destination for a Uganda Wildlife Safari.
After an early morning breakfast, you will go for an early morning Game Drive within the park. Expect to see a number of wildlife including Buffaloes, Uganda Kob, Lions, Leopards and white Colubus monkeys. After the game drive, you will transfer to your lodge to rest as you wait to have your lunch.
Visit to Katwe Salt Lake:
After lunch, drive to Katwe Salt Lake which lies southeast of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and on the western side of the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This unusual lake is far too salty to support much wildlife – though since the 16th Century it has ensured the survival of the Katwe villagers, who spend their days under the equatorial sun, walking the network of paths that crisscross the lake and harvesting salt from its milky waters.
The tour will give you a unique insight into the fascinating yet tough process of traditional salt mining. See villagers at work on the lake, cross the mud walkways and enter a traditional grass hut.
After Katwe Salt Lake tour, embark on a journey to Nshenyi Cultural Village, on arrival you will receive a warm welcome from the village community with traditional songs and dances.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nshenyi Cultural Village
Day 4: Nshenyi Cultural Village
Nshenyi Cultural Village, located in southwestern Uganda near the Rwanda and Tanzania borders, offers an immersive experience into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Banyankole and Bahima people.
Wake up early for breakfast at around 6.00 am. After breakfast, embark on a cultural encounter, exploring the traditions of the Banyankole people.
You participate in traditional hand milking of the long-horned Ankole cattle, explore the traditional cattle treatment process, the naming of cows and how the calves know the name of their mothers and themselves, brushing the cow to remove dirt using the local brush called Enkuyo, set out to grazing eld along with the herdsmen learning how to play instruments like ute and traditional songs.
You do the cattle watering at the locally made soil trough and then retreat to the cultural village. You settle for traditional lunch which you can also participate in its preparation process.
Thereafter embark on a journey to Kabale.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kabale.
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi Tour in Kabale and Batwa Experience
Kabale, located in southwestern Uganda, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and proximity to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.
Lake Bunyonyi, is renowned for its stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, and numerous islands. The lake’s name means "Place of Many Little Birds," reflecting its rich birdlife.
Experience a relaxed breakfast today at 8.30 am by the lake as you enjoy the best scenery in the whole world and after embark on a boat tour on Lake Bunyonyi that offers a serene and scenic experience, exploring one of Africa's deepest and most picturesque lakes.
Explore the various islands including Punishment Island (Akampene) : Learn about the historical significance of this small island, where unmarried pregnant women were once abandoned.
After boat cruise, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Check-in at accommodation and relax.
In the evening, embark on the Batwa Experience. A Batwa experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Batwa pygmy people, one of Africa's oldest indigenous communities.
The Batwa are indigenous hunter-gatherers who once lived in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, many Batwa communities have been displaced from their ancestral lands and face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage.
What to expect:
Guided Tour of Batwa Community
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Visit a Batwa community where you'll be warmly welcomed by the villagers. A local guide from the Batwa community will accompany you and provide insights into their way of life.
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Explore the village, interact with community members, and observe traditional activities such as basket weaving, pottery making, or storytelling.
Traditional Dance and Music
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Enjoy traditional Batwa music and dance performances, which are an integral part of their cultural identity. Experience the rhythmic drumming, chanting, and energetic dances that have been passed down through generations.
Medicinal Plant Walk
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Take a guided walk through the forest with Batwa elders, who will share their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs. Learn about the traditional healing practices of the Batwa and the medicinal properties of various plants.
Hunting and Gathering Demonstrations
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Participate in demonstrations of traditional hunting and gathering techniques used by the Batwa for survival in the forest. Gain insights into their hunting tools, trapping methods, and knowledge of the natural environment.
Following the experience, return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following an early breakfast at the lodge, travel to National Park Headquarters to meet your ranger guide for the day where you receive a briefing about the rules and expectations for gorilla trekking and begin your Gorilla Tracking experience.
As you venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you'll be instantly struck by the lush, misty beauty of the ancient rainforest. The trek can vary in duration, from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.
As you approach the gorilla family, the rangers will ensure a safe distance, and you will be able witness the gorillas playing, grooming, or even resting. The family dynamics and interactions are fascinating to observe, and your ranger guide provides valuable information about the gorillas' behavior and social structure. Mountain Gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 1,000 remaining in the wild. This is an experience of a lifetime!
Thereafter, catch an afternoon flight to Kidepo National Park
Day 7: Kidepo Valley National Park
Tucked away in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem of Africa. This extraordinary park is a blend of rugged landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity, offering travelers an unparalleled and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Enjoy an early lunch and set out for rewarding game drive through the open savannah, rocky outcrops, forests and rings of mountains. Continue your game drive up to Kanangorok Hot Springs where you obtain stunning views in all directions enjoy panoramic views of the Narus River Valley and photographic opportunities of wildlife from all corners. A variety of animals can be seen roaming around including the Ostrich and you may also see lions sitting on the rocks as they scan the park for possible prey.
Drive back to lodge to relax and later have dinner.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 8: Karimojong Cultural Tour in Moroto
The Karamojong culture is still pure and totally unique from most other tribes in Uganda mainly because they have rejected civilization.
The Karamojong people are guardians of a vibrant and resilient culture. Their traditions, dating back centuries, reflect a harmonious blend of pastoral life, spirituality, and unwavering determination. You will have an experiential visit with them, see their homesteads and kraals where their cattle are kept.
Expectations: The Learn how to prepare traditional meals, how to sing and dance to traditional folklore, how to make traditional Karimojong beads accessories, experience the ancient traditions of foreseers, listen to the stories of elders and play traditional Karimojong games.
Depart for Mbale the next morning after breakfast.
Dinner and overnight stay in Moroto
Day 9: Sebei Culture Experience, Sipi Falls & Coffee Plantation
The Sabiny tribe belongs to the Kalenjin community and resides mostly in the eastern part of Africa. The Sebei people belong to the larger Nilotic group called the highland Nilotes. They live on the slopes of Mount Elgon in the district of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo.
Their culture ranges from Economic, social, and political in their administration and as well and it is believed they are originating from Ethiopian Highlands.
After interacting with the Sabiny tribe, return to your lodge for lunch and relax. Later in the afternoon, you will go for a coffee plantation tour and Sipi Falls hike.
Coffee Tour Experience:
Coffee Tour Experience which gives you a great opportunity to trace the study of coffee from the seed to the cup. A trained coffee farmer will show you all stages of coffee processing.
The coffee grown on Mount Elgon is one of the best Arabica coffee in the world. It’s the strongest coffee with its exceptional aroma. This coffee is grown at high altitudes and is sweeter than Robusta coffee, which is grown in the lowlands.
Arabica coffee is organically grown on the slopes of Mount Elgon at an elevation of 2500 meters above sea level.
Sipi Falls Hiking:
This involves hiking to the three waterfalls. The hikes include the Chebokoch Waterfalls, which is 85 meters, Chepkui Waterfall, which is 65 meters, and Kaptogolo Falls, which is 100 meters high, being the tallest waterfall of the Sipi river, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in Uganda.
Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight stay at Sipi Falls
Day 10: Source of the Nile & King’s Palace of Busoga
After late breakfast, embark 2 hour journey to Jinja to experience the source of the Nile and visit to the King’s Palace of Busoga.
Jinja is Uganda’s second-largest and busiest commercial town after Kampala, the Capital of Uganda. Jinja was established in 1907, it is located in the East about 85 kilometres away from Kampala, on the shores of Lake Victoria; its where you will also find the source of the Nile River.
The Source of the Nile is historically significant as the point where the White Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River, originates from Lake Victoria.
You will take a boat cruise to the exact point where the Nile begins. Thereafter, return to your lodge to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing, while viewing sunset on the River Nile.
Dinner and overnight stay in Jinja
Day 11: Transfer back to Kampala
After breakfast, proceed to Kampala with lunch en-route arriving late in the afternoon then transfer to Entebbe Airport for your onward flight or be dropped at your Hotel.
This is the end of the safari.
Tour Inclusions
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Park fees (For non-residents)
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All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
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All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
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A professional driver/guide
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All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
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All Taxes/VAT
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Roundtrip airport transfer
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Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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Drinking water (On all days)
Tour Exclusions
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International flights(From/to home)
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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Tips
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Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
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Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Terms & Conditions
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Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
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This tour must be paid in US Dollars (USD).
