Gorilla Trekking

Uganda is well known all over the word as the country with most Mountain Gorillas. In fact Uganda is the best place for Gorilla trekking in Africa and in the entire the world since it has the largest number of gorilla families inBwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park is famous worldwide for gorilla trekking. There are other National parks each famous for different game species such as Kibaale National Park , Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park to mention but a few.

Kampala City This is the capital city of Uganda and the commercial heart of Uganda. Here one experiences the true life of Uganda as people live their daily lives. Ranging from using the numerous boda bodas to beat the traffic jam to visiting exciting places and markets within the city. Below are some of the attractions that are located within the heart of Kampala.

The Bahia temple Baha’i

House of Worship Quiet and serenity reflects the spiritual truths of the Baha’i Faith: The oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion. Like all Baha’i Houses of Worship, the temple in Uganda is circular in shape, has nine sides and is surrounded by exquisite gardens The building and the gardens form a single, sacred space where all people are invited to pray to God and meditate in an atmosphere of beauty and light. The Baha’i Faith recognizes the value of beauty. The word of God reveled in every age is both beautiful and practical-creating a vision of the renewal of civilization. Louis Bourgeois, architect of the temple, conceived of ornamental tracery as embodying and celebrating light-the light of a new revelation from God reveled through Baha’u’llah. Neither of the East nor of the West, the temple design transcends any specific culture, forming a unique structure where the worlds inhabitants can come and be united in prayer.

The Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs are located on Kasubi hill 5km away from Kampala city, Uganda, are a significant site where four Buganda kings and other royal family members are buried. This location holds great spiritual and political importance for the Ganda people and showcases traditional African architecture. It  was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and praised for its use of natural materials.

The tombs cover about 26 hectares on Kasubi Hill, featuring open agricultural land and a royal palace constructed in 1882. Traditionally, royal tombs were separate, but the Kasubi site houses the tombs of four Buganda kings: Muteesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Sir Edward Muteesa II. The main building, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is a remarkable circular structure originally built with wooden poles and thatch. In 1938, modern materials like steel and concrete were added during a renovation.

The courtyard is surrounded by traditional structures that serves as the final resting place for royal widows and relatives. The sacred forest within the site, called Kibira, hides the royal tombs from public view. Despite the destruction in 2010, the Buganda Kingdom and the Ugandan government remain committed to preserving this important cultural and historical site.

Unfortunately, in March 2010, a devastating fire destroyed major buildings at the site however the cause of the fire remains unknown and news was spread on the World Heritage Sites. 

The fire caused immense sorrow and led to riots during the visit of the Kabaka and President Museveni. Although the tombs’ inner sanctum protected the remains of the kings, the destruction prompted a vow from the Buganda Kingdom to rebuild, with assistance from the national government. The reconstruction began in 2014 with funding from the government of Japan.

The Kasubi Tombs were managed by the Buganda Kingdom until its abolition in 1966, and again after its reinstatement in 1993. They are protected by Ugandan law since 1972, the site is registered in the name of the Kabaka on behalf of the Kingdom. The tombs continue to be a significant spiritual and political center for the Baganda people.

The restoration plan, launched in December 2012 with foreign aid, emphasizes security measures during the reconstruction, limiting access to the tombs. The UNESCO Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Preservation of the World Cultural Heritage provided support for the reconstruction project, aiming to remove the Kasubi Tombs from the list of World Heritage in Danger and prevent future risks.

The Uganda National Mosque

New York has the Statue of Liberty, Paris has the Eifel Tower, London has the London Eye, India has the Taj Mahal and Kampala has the Gaddafi National Mosque.The Uganda National Mosque, originally named the Gaddafi National Mosque is located 2.5 km from Kampala city center, 47 km from Entebbe airport on Old Kampala Hill, one of the seven prominent hills that define the landscape of Kampala, Uganda’s largest urban center. This mosque, the largest in the East African region and second-largest on the continent, has a rich history that intertwines with the political landscape of Uganda and the generosity of the late Libyan President, Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

History of the Uganda National Mosque 

The idea of constructing the mosque was conceived in the 1970s by former Ugandan President Iddi Amin Dada. Amin recognized the absence and need for a significant emblem for the Muslim community, similar to the cathedrals representing the Catholic and Anglican communities on other hills in Kampala. The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, formed by the government in 1972, lacked a proper headquarters and a symbolic mosque.

The initiative faced setbacks including reluctance from the council despite substantial donations from muslim nations. Amin, frustrated by embezzlement of funds however, ordered the construction of the mosque to commence in 1976. Architect M.A. Karim was tasked to draw up plans, and funding, both indirect and direct, started flowing from Col. Muammar Gaddafi in the 1970s and 2000s, respectively.

Amin’s overthrow in 1979 and a change in the political landscape momentarily hindered the mosque’s construction. However, in 2001, Gaddafi revisited the idea during his visit to Uganda at the invitation of President Museveni. He asked for a chance of  having a kampala night tour where he visited places like; Makerere University Hill where he was able to view the tower of the old kampala mosque. This trip was led by Kagimu who re-proposed the idea to Gaddafi, he further arranged between Gaddafi and some Muslim leaders which led to his agreement to fund the construction of a grand mosque at Old Kampala Hill.

Structure of the National Mosque

The mosque was completed in 2006 and became a symbol of religious architectural superiority, seating up to 15,000 worshippers in the main mosque and accommodating a total of 200,000. It has a two-storied structure with large domes covered in brown mosaic, a minaret, where one can view the city. After Gaddafi’s death, its name was changed to the ‘National Mosque’ to ensure maintenance funding continuity from Libya. Eventually, in 2013, it was renamed the ‘Uganda National Mosque.’

Visiting the Uganda National Mosque

The mosque currently serves as the headquarters of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, overseeing Islamic affairs in Uganda. Visitors can explore the mosque, situated just 2 kilometers from Kampala city center, during city tours. Modest dress is required, and coverings are provided for those in need. The mosque’s interior reveals intricate Islamic embroidery, architectural wonders, and a sense of awe that pays tribute to a higher power.

Visitors are encouraged to climb the minaret for a unique perspective, leaving their footwear at the entrance as a sign of respect. The mosque is open on special occasions like weddings and Eid days, while its offices on the ground floor are accessible at all times. The Gaddafi National Mosque stands as a religious site and a testament to the cultural, historical, and architectural of Uganda.

The Uganda Martyrs Shrine

This Uganda Martyrs Minor Basilica/Shrine is a Catholic church dedicated to the Martyrs of Uganda who shed their blood because of the Christian faith. The Shrine is well known for its beautiful and unique interior and exterior, but it is specially notable for its shape and architectural plan: the 22 copper pillars-over 100 feet long that support the shrine built in form of an African hut and its wooden doors that depict the history of the Martyrs. The Shrine has a capacity 1000 seats arranged in a circular form. The construction of the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine began in 1967. It was completed and formally opened by the special Papal envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli on 3rd June 1975.

The Uganda Museum

This museum portrays pre- colonial African History and of the historical items displayed includes the Nakayima tree, Ntusi, Bigo bya Mugyenyi, as well as collection of traditional musical instruments, which one is free to play plus other aspects of Ugandan history which are a good reminder of the country’s colourful past. The Uganda Society’s library is also housed in one rooms of the Uganda National Museum and the collection is comprised of approximately 3,000 volumes, maps, periodicals and photographs, all portraying African history, culture, sociology, travel and science. In addition to the already existing library, it also houses the books of East African wild life Society. Note that the books are currently available for reference only.

White Water Rafting

Uganda is the source of the longest river in the world – river Nile. This river has been a mystery from the time it was discovered by the first explorers – Grant and Speke way back in the 18th century. Adrift Uganda has been carrying out safe water rafting adventure trips for the last 28 years. It is worth the experience.

Lake Victoria

With the all the hustle and dust in the city, lake Victoria, which is the largest fresh water body in Africa offers Ugandans and all visitors to Uganda a place to unwind and relax. The beaches are developed with good service and have enough sand for games, chilling and large enough to offer quiet time for meditation and soul searching.

National Parks
There are three main categories of Uganda’s wildlife protected areas namely National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and Forest Reserves. The conservation and management of these areas is controlled by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the National Forest Authority both under the under the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities. Uganda has 10 established national parks allowing tourists to savor Uganda’s environment.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for most safaris in Uganda, has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. Queen Elizabeth covers 2,056 sq. km and includes ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. The park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley is the home of the Uganda Kob, the famous tree-climbing Ishasha lions as well as , other hippos, buffalo, antelope species, elephant, baboons and chimpanzees. There are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – The park with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs is home to the world famous mountain gorillas, of which they are less than 600 still left in the entire world. Gorilla permits are required for tracking the gorillas and it is, therefore, advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance. Bwindi is one of the richest areas for flora in Eastern Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for Columbus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types including some endangered species.

Mgahinga Gorilla – This is yet another haven for the persecuted mountain gorilla. Located on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda, the park has been set aside to provide a secure habitat for the gorillas. However, besides the gorillas, other wildlife may also be viewed including the leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, and golden monkey. The summit of Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) has a small crater lake.

Kibale Forest National Park – The rainforest is situated to the north-east of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition to forest, there are also areas of grassland and swamp. The park is noted for its primate population – 13 different species inhabit the park including many families of chimpanzees and several types of Columbus monkeys. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may also be seen. The forests and the grasslands support abundant bird life – almost 300 species have been identified and 144 types of butterfly.

Kidepo National Park – Kidepo Valley National park is located in Kaabong District, in the northeastern corner of Uganda. The park is located approximately 220 kilometres (140 mi), by road northwest of Moroto, the largest town in the sub-region. Its location is approximately 520 kilometres (320 mi), by road, northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.

The northwestern boundary of the park runs along the international frontier with South Sudan and abuts against the Kidepo Game Reserve.. It is inhabited by various wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, various antelope species, baboon, bushbaby and over 200 species of bird. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near the Winwing River and the rock escarpment to the southwest. On the park’s northern borders are the Kananorok Hot Springs. In 2013, it was nominated as Africa’s leading National Park by travel wards

Mount Elgon – This is an extinct volcano located on Uganda’s eastern border. The mountain boasts numerous interesting features including gorges, ancient caves, water falls and hot springs. Birdlife is abundant on the mountain although various wildlife may also be encountered.

Semuliki National Park – This is the only park in Uganda to be composed primarily of tropical lowland forest. The forest is very dense and quite flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The Semliki River attracts many animals. The park is home to eight species of primate, 400 birds and 300 butterfly species. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet, bushbaby and flying squirrels are also found.

Lake Mburo National Park – Situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, this comparatively small park (371 sq. km) is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland. At the centre lies the Lake Mburo, which together with 14 other lakes, forms part of an extensive wetland area. Animals to be found in the park include the impala, eland, rock hyrax, zebra, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, leopard, civet, hyena, hippo, and crocodile. There are also over 357 species of birds including the marabou stock and the crowned crane.

Rwenzori Mountains –The mist-shrouded peaks of the Mountains of the Moon provide a stunning backdrop to this magnificent park, located on Uganda’s western border. In the centre of the range, some of the peaks are permanently covered in snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forests.

Here is the third highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Magherita, which rises to 5,100 metres above sea level. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature, although only the experienced and fit should attempt an ascent on the peaks, which rival the Alps in difficulty.

Some of the wildlife to be found in the mountains include the chimpanzees, along with the blue monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and many unique bird species such as the Rwenzori touraco, the francolin and the olive pigeon.
The Rwenzoris are the legendary “Mountains of the moon”, a reflection of the mist-shrouded mountains of this rugged massif that tower almost 4,000 m above the Albertine Rift Valley, making them visible from great distances. These mountains offer a unique and pristine landscape of alpine vegetation studded with charismatic giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers which have been called “Africa’s botanical big game”.

The combination of spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, V-shaped valleys, fast flowing rivers with magnificent waterfalls, clear blue lakes and unique flora contributes to the area’s exceptional natural beauty.

Significant species include the giant heathers, groundsels, lobelias and other endemics. In terms of fauna, the Rwenzoris have been recognised as an Important Bird Area with 217 bird species recorded to date, a number expected to increase as the park becomes better surveyed. The montane forests are also a home to threatened species such as the African forest elephant, eastern chimpanzee and l’Hoest’s monkey. The endangered Rwenzori black-fronted or red duiker, believed to be a very localized subspecies or possibly a separate species, appears to be restricted to the Park.

Kampala is the largest city and capital of the republic of Uganda divided into five municipal division. These include; Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division.

The city is run jointly by the Executive Director who is appointed by the president and oversees the administrative activities of the city and the Lord Mayor who chairs the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) The history of Kampala Mutesa I, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, had chosen the area that was to become Kampala as one of his favorite hunting grounds. The area was made up of hills and wetlands. It was an ideal breeding ground for various wild animls, particularly a species of antelope, the impala , in whose name the city was named Kampala (the area of Impalas).

The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi Tombs (built in 1881), the Lubiri Palace, the Buganda Parliament and the Buganda Court of Justice. Severely damaged in the Uganda-Tanzania War, the city has since then been rebuilt with constructions of new buildings including hotels, banks, shopping malls, educational institutions, hospitals and improvement of war torn buildings and infrastructure. Traditionally, Kampala was a city of seven hills, but over time it has come to have a lot more. Kampala was initially built on seven hills, although this is now the city has spread over several hills and villages beyond Kampala boundaries.
The earliest hills included;

The city spread to Nakasero Hill where the administrative centre and the wealthiest residential area is. Nakasero is also the location of the most upscale hotels in the city including:

• The Grand Imperial Hotel
• The Kampala Speke Hotel
• The Kampala Sheraton Hotel
• The Kampala Hilton Hotel
• The Kampala Serena Hotel
• The Imperial Royale Hotel
• The Kampala Intercontinental
There is also Tank Hill, where the water storage tanks that supply water to the entire city are located. Mulago Hill is the site for Mulago Hospital, the largest, referral hospital in Uganda.

Makindye Division incorporating Kibuli, Tank Hill and Makindye now has over 300,000 residents. Medical provision in this part of town, being more recently developed, is limited. Hospitals include Kibuli Hospital, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya and the International Hospital Kampala (IHK).

Philanthropic health services are provided by Hope Clinic Lukuli situated between Tank Hill, Makindye and Konge.Kololo Hill to the east of Nakasero, is the highest hill in the city, at 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) above sea level.

The Uganda Museum is located at the foot of Kololo Hill in the neighborhood called Kamwokya. Other features of the city include the Uganda Museum, Ugandan National Theatre, Nakasero Market and St. Balikuddembe Market (formerly Owino Market). Kampala is also known for its nightlife, which includes several casinos, notably Casino Simba in the Garden City shopping center, Kampala Casino and Mayfair Casino.

Entebbe International Airport is located at Entebbe, 35 miles (56 km) away, while Port Bell on the shores of Lake Victoria is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away. Climate Kampala features a tropical wet and dry climate, however due to city’s higher altitudes, average temperatures are noticeably cooler than what is typically seen in other cities with this type of climate. Kampala seldom gets very hot during the course of the year; the warmest month is January.

Another facet of Kampala’s weather is that it features two distinct wet seasons. There is a lengthy rainy season from August through December and another shorter rainy season that begins in February and lasts through June. However, the shorter rainy season sees substantially heavier rainfall per month, with the month of April typically seeing the heaviest amount of precipitation at an average of around 175 mm of rain.

Annual population growth rate (2009 estimation): 3.3%. Ethnic groups: Baganda, Banyankole, Bahima, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, and others. Religions: Christian 85%, Muslim 12%, other 3%. Languages: English (official), Swahili, Luganda, Lunyankore and numerous other local languages. Education: Attendance (2008; primary school completion rate)–56%. Literacy (2003-2008)–74%. Health (2009 estimation.): Infant mortality rate–79.4/1,000. Life expectancy–52.7 yrs.

The Baganda are the largest ethnic group in Uganda and comprise approximately 17% of the population. Individual ethnic groups in the southwest include the Banyankole and Bahima (10%), the Bakiga (7%), the Banyarwanda (6%), the Bunyoro (3%), and the Batoro (3%). Residents of the north include the Langi (6%) and the Acholi (5%). In the northwest are the Lugbara (4%). The Karimajong (2%) live in the considerably drier, largely pastoral territory in the northeast. Ethnic groups in the east include the Basoga (8%) and the Bagisu (5%).

Uganda’s population is predominately rural, and its population density is highest in the southern regions. Asians constituted the largest non-indigenous ethnic group in Uganda until 1972, when the Idi Amin regime expelled 50,000 Asians who had been engaged in trade, industry, and various professions. After Amin’s overthrow in 1979, Asians slowly began returning, but Uganda’s Asian population has never reached its pre-1972 numbers.

Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform as the altitude modifies the climate. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from March to June and the November/December period.

Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges; at Gulu about 120 km from the South Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year. The northeastern region has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Rwenzori in the southwest on the border with DR Congo receives heavy rain all year round. The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world’s biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands.

It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall.

Uganda is a home to many tribes that speak different languages. Uganda has 56 tribes and about nine indigenous communities that formally came to be recognized in the 1995 constitution amendment of 2005. English is the official language of Uganda. Luganda and Swahili also widely spoken in most parts of the country. With the increasing Asian population, most Asian languages are spoken, there is also French, Arabic and Germany mainly in institutions where they are taught and at embassies. The following were the indigenous communities in Uganda as at 1st February, 1926 and how they appear in the 1995 constitution:

1. Acholi
2. Alur
3. Baamba
4. Babukusu
5. Babwisi
6. Bafumbira
7. Baganda
8. Bagisu
9. Bagungu
10. Bagwe
11. Bagwere
12. Bahehe
13. Bahororo
14. Bakenyi
15. Bakiga
16. Bakonzo
17. Banyabindi
18. Banyankore
19. Banyara
20. Banyarwanda
21. Banyole
22. Banyoro
23. Baruli
24. Basamia
25. Basoga
26. Basongora
27. Batagwenda
28. Batoro
29. Batuku
30. Batwa
31. Chope
32. Dodoth
33. Ethur
34. Ik (Teuso)
35. Iteso
36. Jie
37. Jonam
38. Jopadhola
39. Kakwa
40. Karimojong
41. Kebu (Okebu)
42. Kuku
43. Kumam
44. Langi
45. Lendu
46. Lugbara
47. Madi
48. Mening
49. Mvuba
50. Napore
51. Nubi
52. Nyangia
53. Pokot
54. Sabiny
55. So (Tepeth)
56. Vonoma
The Constitution (amendment) Act 2005 added Aliba, Aringa, Banyabutumbi, Banyaruguru, Barundi, Gimara, Ngikutio, Reli and Shana as indigenous communities of Uganda.

The Ik Culture – Beehives for Bride Price

The Ik is an endangered ethnic group in Africa believed to have originated from the Nile delta region during the decline of the Egyptian empire. Today there are about 11.217(Population survey 2011) Ik people living next to Kalimajong and Turkana people in the north eastern Uganda Mountains near the Kenyan boarder. The Ik people are substance farmers whose language belongs to the highly divergent Kuliak sub-group of Nilo-Saharan languages. They kept cattle and they were regularly raided by its neighbors. Due to constant raids, Ik left cattle keeping with the idea of staying in peace with the surrounding communities.

They stay in some twenty small villages along the escarpment between Timu forest in the north and Kidepo valley national park. Surrounded by outer walls, Ik are divided into small families “neighborhoods”. The main activity of the Ik people were hunting and gathering fruits not until 1960s when their land was declared a national park. They went to the mountains and started cultivation, hunting and beekeeping. Ik are said to have been the first people to migrate to the north eastern part of Uganda and they say that the word Ik means “the first one to migrate”. Children are expelled from households at the age of three to form their own groups and to have their own resources like food however this is done in order to survive as they were struck by two strong droughts that caused severe famine and other epidemics. These groups are formed to protect themselves from older children who would take their food.

This cultural heritage is very rich and waiting to be explored so spending a day with the Ik people together with its magnificent scenery of Morungole Mountain Kaabong district is simply dazzling. Surprisingly, the Ik people pay 5 to 10 bee hives as bride price instead of cattle. Other cultural habits like marriage and everyday life of these people are really resourceful. Depending on the number of beehives a man can marry as many wives as he wants. A respectable man owns as many as 50 beehives. Their honey is thick and natural and five liters cost around 20.000/=. The first wife is the most respected among other wives and inheritance is done after divorce.

The access to this place was not easy at all but thanks to US forest service that marked a trail to the Ik villages that has made access much easier however you have to be physically fit due to the ragged nature of mount Murongole which is at 2,749metres above the sea level. Ik are not all that educated apart from one lady at Kampala University who is to be the first graduate of the Ik. Apart from education, Tourism adds a little more income and value to the Ik community.

Hiking up to the Ik villages would be one of the supreme opportunities and experience that is very interesting and a great opportunity if added to your Uganda tour itinerary. As you are guided within the Ik villages, ask these people questions about their lifestyle, leadership and how they raise their children.

Enjoy their way of living, discover from them and you can as well enjoy their local beer with them to experience the flavor. This is a one-day Uganda safari trip that requires advance preparation and incorporation into the safari itinerary such that you can have a separate day off your Kidepo trip to visit the marginalized and endangered people.