Four cultural experiences to include in your next Uganda Safari.
Uganda, a country of over 50 tribes is as diverse as diversity can get. Living here in her capital Kampala alone exposes you to multiple languages you’ve never heard anywhere in the world. The high point of this is that by merely going through the capital as a tourist, you have a slight foretaste of what traveling the entire country could like, over 53 languages and peoples, and tribes and cultural experiences in one go. Here are some you can explore as you think about coming to Uganda.
1. Buganda cultures in Central and South.
Buganda is the central district of Uganda; it holds a lot of founding history related to the history that is nearly derived from its name – Uganda. Baganda tribe cultural experiences include the UNESCO Heritage designated “Kasubi” tombs in downtown Kampala. The massive grass thatched tombs are a sight to behold for those looking to learn ancient Uganda history. Baganda have also historically been the most influential tribe, with their language spoken in almost 50 percent of the urban areas in the country.
2. Busoga and Bamasaba, Itesot cultures in the East
The Bamasaba and Basoga in Eastern Uganda offer a variety of experiences too. The districts of Mbale, Sironko (which are in vicinity to the magnificent Sipi Falls) host the Bamasaba communities. The Bamasaba also surround mountain Elgon, one of the highest mountain peaks in Uganda. Bamasaba are known for “Kadodi,” for example, a cultural circumcision initiation event that introduces teenage boys of the tribe into adulthood. Likewise, Basoga are known for their rich cultural vocal expressions too often shown in ululation sounds and traditional dances. The Itesot’s have also been identified in the eastern districts like Kapchorwa and Soroti with similarly rich traditional experiences to explore.
3. Karamojong, Luo and Acholi in the north
Northern Eastern Uganda, for example, is home to the Karamojong, one of the smallest tribes that inhabits part of areas surrounding Kidepo national park. The Luo, Acholi, Lugbara and others occupy districts of Pader, Gulu, Amudat among others. There is so much to learn from these cultures characterized by sorghum planting, and traditional justice ceremonies like “Mato put” among others.
4. Banyoro, Banyankole, Bakiga, Batooro in the west.
These cultures dominate western Uganda and host the biggest tourism destinations Uganda has, namely, Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo, Kibaale Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Bwind impenetrable forest, Lakes Albert, Edward, George, Bunyonyi, among others. The cultures in western Uganda have long histories connected to neighboring Rwanda tribes and ancient Ankole and Bacwezi kingdoms. Attractions there include the Toro kingdom palace among others.
No doubt Uganda is a country of cultural variety, and to maximize your Safari here is to consider adding at least two of these to your itinerary. What you therefore need is a Safari planner with an understanding of the specific cultural enjoyments to include and what benefits or education they add to your trip. We are happy to be that kind of planner. Talk to us today.