East Africa’s Entertainment Capital!

When you want to get a better understanding of Uganda, do not bypass Kampala – it all starts here. It would take days to explore Kampala and get full appreciation for its vibrancy, but when you do not have days, a day’s trip is a must.

CATEGORY: N/A | DURATION: 1 | NO. OF PEOPLE: 2 | |COST P/P: From USD. 210 (Basic) 334 (Detailed)

Cost disclaimer: The cost of the package is per two people sharing (the Palace experience is a minimum of 4 persons or the equivalent in cost) . Prices may change due to inflation and other factors, and will vary according to number of people, season and preferences, among other reasons. Please contact us for an up-to-date costing.

Like Rome, Kampala was originally built on 7 hills, each with a unique history. Today, the city sprawls over 21 hills. On the trip, you will view historical landmarks, and learn about the intricacies of Uganda’s cultural, colonial, religious and political histories. You will enjoy panoramic views of the city, shop for local souvenirs, art and crafts, and enjoy a great meal.

You will start with a historical overview of the country en toute to the city. Then, you will visit the King’s Palace, Lubiri, at Mmengo. Kampala is found in Buganda, the largest Kingdom in Uganda. It spans over 800 years and played a center role in the formation of Uganda. Buganda has a rich history, not only in regard to its rich customs, but also in influencing black governance and rights beyond its borders. There, you will view the Palace from the outside and learn about Buganda’s as well as Uganda’s histories. The tour will include a visit to the Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers, where it is believed, close to 25,000 Ugandans lost their lives at the hands of both Idi Amin and Milton Obote.

After the tour, you will engage in a hands-on experience harvesting and preparing Buganda food the way it has been done for generations. While at it, we will learn about Buganda’s farming methods, the variety of food we have and the many significances of the banana (matooke) plant.

Following that, you will experience and engage in local alcohol brewing. In Buganda, local alcohol is mainly made from a species of plantain called mbidde. A mixture of ripe mbidde and green grass are stomped upon for hours to produce banana juice. The juice can be taken as is and is very refreshing. Ground sorghum is then added to the juice, hence starting a fermentation process. At the height of fermentation, it is distilled into a gin, locally known as waragi.

Serving as Buganda’s clothing before modern cotton clothes, bark cloth has many uses today both in

homes, traditional ceremonies and art. You will experience how the bark is harvested from the tree,

and how the same tree is not lost, but is protected and cared for to produce more bark year after year,

and why it is a job reserved for men.

While lunch gets cooked and the alcohol brews, you will drive via the Royal Mile and learn about Buganda Kingdom’s clan and totem system, a system that continues to preserve lineage, conserve nature and guard against incest.

Next, you will visit the Uganda National Mosque also known as the Gadaffi Mosque or the Old Kampala Mosque. Like Rome, Kampala was originally built on 7 hills, each with a unique history. You will visit Mosque then view the 7 Hills and other historical landmarks from a 360⁰ vantage point atop the minaret. This will be followed by visit to the Kasubi Royal Tombs, where the previous four Buganda kings are buried, and learn about the customs of royal death and burials in Buganda. The structure is a testament to the ingenuity of traditional African architecture.

After the Tombs tour, you will return to the king’s palace for a traditional Buganda meal that will include matooke, pumpkin, yams, rice, greens, ground nut sauce and luwombo. You will conclude the  Buganda experience of a traditional dress session of kanzu and gomesi/busuuti.

Time and energy allowing, you take a drive through the city centre and do some shopping.

Other possible experiences not part of this itinerary:

• A buffet dinner and a traditional music, storytelling and dance performance that explores the immense diversity of Uganda’s people at the Ndere Cultural Centre
• A visit to a local herbalist. With modern scientific research, our herbalists have taken that knowledge and are providing safe and permanent solutions to many ailments, including some that are puzzling modern, pharmaceutical entities. We will have a one-on-one meeting with an herbalist in his garden and workshop to learn about how we have treated our sick for centuries as well as the interesting questions/intricacies surrounding this field today.

INCLUSIONS:

Basic: 1-day vehicle hire with diver, fuel,  day’s guide, entrance fees, activity fees, lunch, soft drinks and light snacks in vehicle.

Detailed: All of the above plus Bakumpe Director for in-depth historical, social, economic, and religious perspectives.

EXCLUSIONS:

Flights in and out of Uganda, visa fees, travel insurance, meals and drinks not included in the itinerary, tips (gratuity) and items of a personal nature.