Month: March 2020

Categories
Experiences

Experience the Royal Mile Inside Budongo Forest

Budongo Chimpanzees

Are you looking for an authentic place to visit within Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom? Then add the Royal Mile Trail inside Budongo Forest reserve on your itinerary, especially if you are planning to visit Murchison Falls National Park and the Budongo Forest Reserve. The Royal Mile trail is one of the most spectacular trails you shouldn’t miss to explore while on a cultural Safari in Uganda.

It was constructed by one of the Kings of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom for exhilarating nature walks and leisure activities and believe it or not, it is one of the most interesting trails for tourists who visit Budongo Forest Reserve near the Nyabyeya Forestry College found in Budongo sub-county of Masindi district.

This trail is the most perfect place for birding safaris within this large tropical rainforest. It is said that Omukama (King) Kabalega Chwa II-born in 1853 and died in 1923 of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom used to often visit Budongo Forest, together with his Queen for recreational activities or to supervise the Abarusuura (his army) that were undergoing training and to perform rituals within the tropical rainforest.  All the activities he used to do were within a place known as the “Royal Mile”-a paradise for numerous wild animals and bird species that capture the attention of tourists. It is undeniable that this trail was named after the unforgettable activities of the historic Omukama Kabalega.

The terrain of this site is flat which is perfect for nature walks, taking care of all the travelling conditions for tourists. The Royal Mile is a magnificent and long trail in Budongo Forest, on the Southern side of the Forest. Budongo Forest Reserve, covering over 739 square kilometers lies at the border of the Albertine Rift Valley and is part of the Southern side Murchison Falls National Park.

Next to the edge of Budongo Forest is the spectacular Lake Kanyege, a home to numerous aquatic bird species and several butterfly species. Not only that, chimpanzees within habituated communities can be tracked during a primate safari in Uganda and the best time is to track them as early as possible hence overnight within the Forest is recommended.

There are several bird species within the Royal Mile. And 2 species are endemic to the trail-the Illadopsis puveli and the yellow-footed flycatcher and other numerous species endemic to the Albertine Rift region. Some of the notable bird species you will encounter within the Royal Mile Trail include the Hairy-breasted Barbet, the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, the Nahan’s Francolin, the Cassin’s Spinetail, the Fire-crested Alethe, the Dwarf Kingfisher, the Black-capped Apalis, the Blue-throated Roller, the Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, the Ituri Batis, the Lemon-bellied Crombec, the Rufous-crowned Eremomela, the Western-black Headed Oriole, the Piping Hornbill, the Spotted Greenbul, the Yellow-browed Camaroptera, the Sabine’s Spinetail, the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, the Yellow-billed Barbet, the Grey-headed Sunbird, the Yellow-spotted Barbet, the Brown-eared Woodpecker, the Chestnut-caped Flycatcher, the Yellow-crested Woodpecker, the White-spotted Flufftail, the White-thighed Hornbill, the African Crowned Eagle and the Red-capped Robin-Chat, to mention but a few.

In conclusion, the Royal Mile Trail within Budongo Forest Reserve is one of the most interesting trails in western Uganda because it allows tourists walk through the same path used by the former King of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (Omukama Kabalega Chwa II) and explore numerous bird species including the Cassin’s Spinetail, the Fire-crested Alethe, the Dwarf Kingfisher, ituri batis and the Black-capped Apalis among others.

Categories
Places to Visit

Kasubi Tombs: Where Four Kings of Buganda Rest

Kssubi Tombs

Kampala is not only a visitors’ center for visitors to Uganda, it also has many historical, cultural, manmade and religious attractions. The Kampala’s most famous attraction is the Kasubi tombs. From Kampala, the Kasubi Tombs is located 5 kilometers away on Kasubi hill. The ground is a royal burial place for four kings of Buganda, anciently known as Kabakas. Now the burial ground of kings holds importance in the Ganda culture as it symbolizes the Ganda’s culture and history.

The tombs and palaces are great exemplary of ancient African architecture, hut made of reeds, different types of spears and their pet animals. The entire area shows their lifestyle. All year round, traditional customs, ceremonies are carried out in this place. On the new moon night, a ceremony and consultation medium is held between the tribal people and the kings. But the ceremonies are carried in very secretive manner, hidden from the outsiders, within the building.

The Baganda is a part of the tribe of Uganda who speak Bantu. The history of the king of the Baganda is said to be that first Kabaka (king) was Kintu who came here in Uganda with his wife Nambi. He did not die in battle or by something else, but he got lost in the forest of Magonga, and was never to be known.

The palace at the burial ground was first constructed by Kabaka Mutesa I in 1882. The traditional of the Baganda is very interesting like according to the tradition of Baganda, the if the king dies, he should be buried at different site, and his jawbone was to be removed and place in the a royal shrine which should be made at different site as it was said that jawbone carried the spirit. But when Kabaka Mutesa I died (1856-1884), he was buried in his previous palace with his jawbone.

Later his son, Mwanga II who happens as expected like his father Mutesa. But he was staying at the Seychelles Islands, and when he died (1910) his remaining were brought from there and buried beside his father. The Mwanga II also had a son, Daudi Chwa II; even he ruled and died in 1939. He got respectful burial, like his fathers, at the tombs too.

Daudi Chwa’s son, Edward Muteesa, took over his father position and with changing world; he became governor of the Uganda province. After achieving so much, he died in London in 1966. His body was brought here and united with his father and ancestors, in the tomb.
The reason why the tombs of the great kings hold so much significance is because old traditions was broken at the site when Four kings of Baganda were obscured simultaneously. Since then, every descendent of the 4 kabakas are buried behind the main shrine. It has become a royal cemetery of Buganda kingdom.

As soon as you reach the royal burial as well as the religious place of Buganda, the first thing you will notice is the magnificent gatehouse, known as Bujjabukula, which is an entrance to the site. The roof of the gatehouse is supported by the wooden poles and wall is built of interwoven reeds. The gate goes to small circular house, called as House of Royal drums. There are many small houses, which was dwelling place for the Kabakas widows, and for other rituals in the main courtyard.

Behind the Kasubi and other royal tombs has back door, which leads to the forest. Inside the forest, the royal kabakas tombs are kept and most of the ceremonies like new moon and other rituals are carried there only. The back door is cover with cloth curtain and only kabakas widows and their descendents are allowed to go in there.

However, the Kasubi Tombs is a great place to view royal insignia like drums, spears, photographs, shields and medals of the buried Kabakas. The structure is very impressive to see – the wooden poles structure draped in backcloth, the ground are swathe with palms leaves mats and grass. The thatching of the roof was done by the Ngeye Clan and the Leopard clan carried out the work of decorating the poles. The backcloths used to decorate the poles are made of soft back of a fig tree. The fig tree has a very important in the Uganda’s rituals.

There is a unique tradition or rule, cant say, but people at that time didn’t allowed the Thatchers to have intercourse until the thatching work doesn’t get completed and plus, ladies were not allowed to enter the house as believed that it would cause leakage in monsoon. The Ganda culture’s 52 clans are signifying in the 52 rings that support the roof of the structure.

The Kasubi Tombs are great exemplary of heritage as well as rich tradition of the Baganda people. Inhabitants consider that every person’s death has a sacred origin and there is communication linked between the dead and the living. The people of Uganda have great respect for this place as their fore fathers, rulers and tradition lie here even today.

Categories
Safari Guide

Best Safaris in Western Uganda

Uganda is a land locked country in East Africa located bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the north, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west and Sudan in the north. Uganda is blessed with geographical and cultural diversities including a number of lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, water falls, traditional customs among others. It is the reason for the name Uganda the pearl of Africa as named by Sir Winston Churchill in his book “My African Journey”.

However the western region of Uganda hosts majority of the National parks and tourist attractions that attract travelers over and over including Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park in south western Uganda known for gorilla trekking, Kibale National park known for chimpanzee trekking other primate walking, Queen Elizabeth National park the second largest National park after Murchison Falls National park with the highest concentration of wild life, Lake Mburo National park well known for game viewing, Semuliki National park with sempaya hot springs that attract travelers because their water is too hot to the extent of boiling eggs and make them ready, mountain Rwenzori National park the highest block mountain in Uganda and second highest in Africa after mountain Kilimanjaro. Each of these National parks offers different experiences on your safari to western Uganda. Western Uganda has the most breath taking and memorable safaris which include;

Mountain gorilla trekking safaris

Mountain gorillas are endangered species that are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo only in the Africa and the whole world. But mountain gorilla safaris in western Uganda are done in Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks situated in south western Uganda in the extreme end of Kanungu and Kisoro district respectively.

Bwindi impenetrable National park is home to over 450 mountain gorillas and almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable National park has 4 sectors where gorillas are found and gorilla trekking is carried out including Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the southern part of the park. These sectors have over 18 gorilla families that can be trekked by people who are 15 years and above. Mgahinga National park has only one gorilla family called Nyakagezi habituated for trekking bringing it to a total of 19 habituated gorilla families in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is done throughout the year but best advisable during the months of January, February, June, July, August and December when there is little or no rain fall and when the trails are less slippery.

Gorilla safaris in western Uganda makes your safari memorable as you encounter with the endangered species in their natural habitats very early in the morning guided by the ranger guides. Each gorilla family allows only 8 members per day for a maximum of 1 hour for observation and photography.

Gorilla trekking in western Uganda costs 600 US dollars per person currently but it will increase to 700 US dollars starting 1st July 2020 for foreign nonresidents, 600 for foreign residents and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents.

However, there is gorilla habituation as well in Bwindi impenetrable National park in Rushaga sector which allows travelers to spend 4 hours in the presence of the mountain gorillas compared to trekking which only allows only 1 hour, but the cost for gorilla habituation is 1500 US dollars for foreign nonresidents and 1000 US dollars for foreign residents.

However your gorilla safari can over chances to the Batwa community the ancient people of the forest, this can be done in the evening after gorilla trekking and learn about their ancient life style in the forest, traditional dances and other forms of entertain which makes your safari memorable.

Chimpanzee trekking safaris

Chimpanzees are also apes under the primate class which are close relatives of humans with 98% human DNA. Chimpanzees in western Uganda can be found in several destinations including Kibale National park the major destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and the whole world.

Kibale National park has over 1500 and highest number of chimpanzees and other 12 primate species, bird species, Kyambura gorge game reserve in Queen Elizabeth National park with variety of chimpanzees, Budongo forest reserve with quite a number chimpanzees after Kibale National park, Toro Semuliki forest reserve also chimpanzee trekking destination and Kalinzu forest in Bushenyi district close to Queen Elizabeth with over 50 habituated chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking is done early in the guided by the ranger guides to locate the chimpanzees, on encounter with the primates, travelers are allowed only 1 hour in the presence of the chimpanzees by people who are 15 years and above. Kibale National park and Budongo forest reserve also offers chimpanzee habituation experiences which allow travelers to spend the whole day in the presence of the chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National park costs 150 US dollars currently and will be 200 US dollars starting 1st July 2020 while habituation is also 200 US dollars, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura, Toro Semuliki and Kalinzu is 50 US dollars all managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is 80 US dollars but managed by Budongo Eco lodge.

Wildlife safaris

The western Uganda wildlife safari offers different wild animals which are found in the different National park destinations in western Uganda. There is a hug diversity of wild animals that can be seen on your wildlife safari including, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, warthogs, spotted hyenas, Uganda kobs, giraffes, zebras, oribis, Topis, duikers, water bucks, cheetahs, jackals among others.

Wild life safaris in western Uganda are done in Queen Elizabeth National park in western Uganda stunning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge and Rubirizi. Queen Elizabeth National park is the second biggest National park in Uganda with variety of wild animals like elephants, lions, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, Elands and so on which are normally sighted during game drives, primates like chimpanzees, monkey species like black and white colubus, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, L’hoest’s monkeys, civet monkeys among others.

There are several sectors in the different parts of Queen Elizabeth National park where wild animals can be sighted including Mweya peninsular, Kasenyi plains, Kazinga channel, Kyambura game reserve, Maramagambo forest, Kalinzu forest and Ishasha sector which is famous for tree climbing lions.

Wildlife safaris can also be done in Lake Mburo National park located in Kiruhura district which approximately 244 km from Kampala. Lake Mburo is the smallest savannah park in Uganda famous for wildlife viewing. Lake Mburo is home to over 68 animals including zebras, impalas, Topis, Elands, giraffes, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, bush bucks, leopards, hyenas, jackals among others. However it is important to note that there are no elephants and lions in Lake Mburo National park.

Wildlife safaris are done in Semuliki National situated in Bundibugyo district at the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. Semuliki National park also is home to over 60 mammal species including African elephants, leopard, Mona monkeys, buffalos, hippos, African civet among others that are seen during game drives in the park.

Murchison falls is another destination for wildlife safaris and game viewing. It is the largest National park located in north western Uganda covering an area of 3840 square kilometers. The vegetation of Murchison falls National Park is made up savannah, riverine forest, woodland which shelter several animal species like elephants, lions, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, chimpanzees, kobs, hartebeests, hippos, oribis among others that are viewed the game drives.

Boat safaris

Western Uganda is one of the best places for boat safaris and there is popular destination for boat cruise including boat cruise on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Boat cruise on Kazinga channel. Kazinga channel is the longest and widest natural channel in Africa with the highest concentration of wild animals and bird species. There are over 400 bird species, elephants, buffaloes, hippos among others. The boat cruise on kazinga channel is done in the morning and afternoon for 2 hours, it is one of the activities that you cannot miss when you come to Queen Elizabeth National park.

Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika with 29 islands. It is also known as a bird paradise because it hosts very many bird species where it derives its name Bunyonyi meaning “small birds” in the native language. There is boat cruise on lake Bunyonyi which offers memorable experiences especially cruising to the different island with different historical back ground like the punishment island where the bakiga girls who got pregnant before marriage were taken in isolation to die, then the Akacuraniko which means upside down and many others with their own history that also shelter many wild animals, birds and primate species.

Boat safari on Lake Mutanda. A visit to Lake Mutanda is an interesting adventure that cannot be missed on your safari to western Uganda. The lake has many interesting activities that can be engaged in on your visit for a boat cruise especially after gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park. The activities include nature walks, birding, game viewing among others.

Cultural safaris

Cultural safaris in western Uganda are a component because Uganda is a culturally diverse country with over 54 tribes. When it comes to cultural safaris in western Uganda Queen Elizabeth National park is the best place to visit with several cultural groups like Nyanzibiri community cave which means 2 lake in the native language, Leopard village located close to muhokya village managed by the socio economical management that promotes culture and wildlife conservation. Those who tour the leopard village have a chance to visit the traditional huts of Basongora, Bakonzo and Nyabindi ethnic groups then kikorongo women community where you enjoy songs, dances, fire making, visit the Kikorongo African art and craft workshop and learn about weaving baskets among others.

A visit to the Batwa community deep in Bwindi and Mgahinga forests. The batwa trail and batwa experience are one of the major cultural activities that cannot be missed on your cultural safari to western Uganda. Learn about the batwa people also referred to as the people of the forests that co-existed with the wild animals before they were evicted after gazetting their areas as national parks. Learn about their way of life as hunters and gathers, enjoy their traditional dances, hand craft making and so on. You can go for the batwa trail in Mgahinga National park of batwa experience in Bwindi impenetrable National park

Visit and encounter the fascinating cultures of Toro on western Uganda cultural tour. Learn about the “Empaako ceremony” which involves giving pet names to the children at birth. The pet names include Akiiki, Amooti, Adyeeri, Ateenyi, Abwooli, Acaali among others, visit the King’s palace overlooking Fort Portal town where the king resides. There is the Karambi tombs where the Toro kings are buried that is visited during your cultural safari in western Uganda.

Mountain hiking safaris

Hiking mountain Rwenzori in western Uganda is the best experience you can have on your safari in western Uganda. Mountain Rwenzori is the highest block mountain Uganda and third highest in Africa after mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5895 meters above sea level, mountain Kenya in Kenya at 5199 meters above sea level then mountain Rwenzori at 5109 meters above sea level with the highest peak known as margherita.

Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is done in seasons, which are from January to March and June to October. Usually January to March is too cold compared to June to October where there are higher chances of encountering snow at the peak.

Western Uganda is a great destination in Uganda where you can go for your different fascinating safaris like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, cultural safari among other which offer you great experiences on your safari.