For long, most tourists have been left to think that Uganda is only for wildlife but the latter isn’t true. The fact is that this spectacular country holds more than what you have ever imagined. Leave alone its abundant wildlife, it still holds a lot more unique things that can excite you and at the end of it all, leaves you in total satisfaction. As everyone still depends on usual experiences, perhaps you need something a little unique and if that is your dream, then Uganda has got it all for you. Think about a memorable safari in the pearl of Africa and think of including a cultural tour in your travel plan. It is true that nearly everyone who travels to Africa comes to see wildlife and Uganda like many African countries, its culture still remains untapped and hence guaranteeing you an authentic travel experiences. Culturally, Uganda is a diverse nation with over 65 different tribal groups all confined in this small country, each of which holds its unique customs, traditions, norms and other cultural practices that are worth exploring while you are on safari in Africa. Besides, there are several spectacular waterfalls and caves that equally hold valuable cultural meanings.
In a move to diverse the country’s tourism industry, government has sighted culture as one of the major key player to help achieve its target goals. This strategy however won’t only help to attract more visitors but also to increase the sectors competitiveness regionally and across Africa. The move was unveiled during the launch of the culture and conservation of the Great Apes research report that was conducted at Fairway Hotel. This is due to a strong relationship that exists between culture and conservation. One of the Uganda’s major tourist attractions include cultural sites besides, the most sought after mountain gorillas and national parks where most of the country’s wildlife species are found. Tourism is one of the major contributors in Uganda’s economy and also offers more employment opportunities, investment and foreign exchange. In 2013 alone, it contributed over 4.9 trillion shillings to Uganda’s GDP. Other untapped areas include sport tourism which still needs to be fully developed plus other new tourism products. A fact that this sector is ever increasing, more is expected especially with introduction of the regional single tourist visa which Uganda stands to benefit too.
Uganda features both the centralized monarchical kingdoms and chiefdoms in the pre colonial era and they were disorganized during this era but later, revived in some places especially Bunyoro, Buganda and Tooro that regained their established monarchs and several other chiefdoms such as the Acholi in the northern part of the country. Other powerful kingdoms like Ankole and Mpororo have faced a delay in restoration but have amazing cultural sites and heritage of great value that are worth exploring while on cultural tour. The Basoga and Baganda equally have well established monarchy and kingdom respectively with several heritage sites for you to pay a visit in Buganda including the Kasubi tombs a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uganda.
Currently, the popularly visited tribes by most tourists on cultural tour in Uganda include the Batwa pygmies whom you can interact with while on Batwa trail in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park. This group lived in the forest for more than 5000 centuries but they left at a time when the forest reserve was gazetted into a park in 1991. The Batwa have a unique and amazing culture with incredible cultural practices that include among others their way of life, performances, ancient hunting and gathering techniques and many more that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on Uganda safari. Interesting, you can even combine both Batwa cultural encounter and gorilla tours in your travel plan and you will have the most unforgettable experiences. If you are heading to Kidepo Valley National Park for wildlife tours, don’t miss to interact with the IK people of Mount Morungole-the smallest tribe in Uganda with not more than 10000 people and Karamojong-the renowned pastoralists who live in the wilderness of Karamoja region just at Uganda border with South Sudan and Kenya. While here, don’t miss to visit the Karamojong manyatta and explore more about their cultures and traditions. For those of you who are heading to Mount Elgon National Park in the east, the Bamasaba Imbalu ceremonies are such remarkable cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss to explore while on Uganda cultural experience. Other include the Bakonzo of the Ruboni cultural village just within the Mount Rwenzori foothills; the sacred Nakayima witch tree in Mubende just along your way to Kibale Forest National Park, Nyero Rock paintings in Kumi-eastern Uganda, Mubako cultural performances, Ndere dance and music troupe, Amabere ga Nyina caves a mention but a few.
In conclusion, if you are interested in cultural safaris and you are planning for your vacation to Africa, Uganda is that one special country you need not to miss to visit for authentic cultural experiences. You can also incorporate cultural encounters with wildlife safaris while you are on Uganda safari to make your experience complete.