Culture means shared values, beliefs, behaviors, norms, and material objects that characterize a group of landlocked in the society. Uganda is a country surrounded by DR Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan in the heart of East Africa. Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa and this is not only because of the diverse wildlife and beauty but also a central heart for most African cultures.
Over 50 distinct cultures can be located here in Uganda, different in their way of language, customs, traditions, art music and dances, cuisines, beliefs, and many more others.
What to do on a cultural safari in Uganda
Visit the historical sites and monuments such as the palaces like Kabaka Palace in Buganda, Toro Palace in Fort Portal, and more. Other historical sites are Nyero rock paintings in eastern Uganda, and Amabere Ga’Nyinamwiru caves in Fort Portal all known to be ancient places for the Bachwezi.
Additionally, the burial grounds for the kings like Kasubi Tombs the world UNESCO heritage site in Kampala, and Katambi Tombs in Fort Portal. The monuments are mostly located on the road to the king’s palace in Buganda as they represent different clans such as the Ngabi clan, Ekima clan, Mpologoma clan, Ngonge clan, and more.
Attend cultural festivals and ceremonies since they are vibrant celebrations that offer tourists a chance to experience the nation’s traditions and culture. One of the most famous festivals is the Imbalu circumcision among the Bagishu in eastern Uganda. This ceremony is made as an initiation of boys into manhood. Kampala City Festival is another great festival to showcase urban music, dance and drama, food and fashion, and many more.
There is also the Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja celebrated near the source of the Nile, and this is a celebration of music, food, and arts that brings people from all over the world. There are other ceremonies like the naming ceremony among the Batooro people, empango celebrations, Empaako festival, and more in Fort Portal.
Take part in traditional music and dances as each culture has its own music and dancing style and these are normally organized at festivals, ceremonies, safari lodges, community and cultural centers, and more.
The Bakiga have the ekizino dance which is a traditional dance known for using a lot of energy as they stamp on the ground, the Batooro with enyamuziga the dance to bribe the girl in a relationship, the Banyankole dance, and many more others. Each dance has a different drumming or beat giving participants the best experiences on their cultural tour.
Handmade crafts and art usually are displayed in gift and craft shops which include wood curving, baskets, paintings, mats, and many more. Visiting a group of women weaving baskets or men curving wood to create different animals and birds is expressive. Isunga Cultural Community Association at the edge of Kibale National Park is good at organizing such tours in the community. Each culture has its art and craft with a hidden meaning and is unique in its own way.
Engage in Culinary experiences of food and drinks. This includes tasting the native/traditional or local cuisines of a visited area. The famous foods are the Luwombo for Baganda, Eshabwe for Banyankole, Malewa for Bagishu, Firinda for Batooro, Sombe for Bakonzo and more.
These foods are comprised of matoke, millet bread, cow ghee, green vegetables, fish, chicken, and more. The foods are normally supplemented with local drinks like banana juice locally called eshande, gin, and beer locally known as tonto, milk, or any other local drink depending on the area or region visited.
Engage in community tours where you get a chance to learn about the way of life of the visited community. Community tours are normally conducted near national parks of Uganda such as the Karamajong tour in Kidepo Valley National Park, Isunga community, and Bigodi for Batooro and Bakiga at the edge of Kibale National Park. These give an insight into music and dances, arts and crafts, traditional meals and customs, brewing areas, and more.
Dressing code is another way to enjoy the culture since each tribe has a unique way of dressing for example the Karamajongs put on shuka, the Baganda and Batooro put on orubugo a back cloth, the Banyankole put on omushanana, and more. Most of the time, the dress code can be used during ceremonies and functions.
Uganda cultural tours offer a rich and immersive experience that goes beyond renowned natural attractions. With diverse ethnic groups, visit cultural sites, take part in music, dance, and drama, participate in cultural festivals, enjoy traditional foods and drinks, and more.
With this, visitors in Uganda can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural types of the country. Our cultural safari in Uganda can be combined with a wildlife safari to get a connection between wildlife and culture. All you need is to book a cultural tour with us and we are ready to create memories together.