Uganda is a country of diversity in spite of its size, we are blessed with a wide range of cultures and traditions, with over 30 different indigenous languages. Uganda’s cultural diversity can be seen through colorful traditions, dances, ceremonies, history and lifestyle of the people.
Uganda is a unique tourist destination to tourists interested in cultural tourism. If you are interested in any of Uganda’s cultural tours, please feel most welcome book with African Secrets Limited Safaris and we take note of your excursion leaving you free for a trouble free safari.

Cultural Tours
Typically Kampala has been used as a spring board for a plethora of natural attractions and visit to safari parks in the hinterland. However today it’s being recognized that Kampala itself has a lot to offer. A lot of which is founded in the Buganda kingdom which until 1993 had been banned by past governments.Nambia Safari tours

Kampala in the 1970s was alluded to as the city on seven hills; today Kampala is a sprawling city covering over 40 hills. Kampala has a vibrant night life and remains open 24 hours daily in suburbs like Kasanga, Ggaba, Ntinda, Wandegeya, Nakulabye and the city center.

Kampala Cultural sites - Kampala the historical capital of Uganda has some interesting cultural sites. These include the Kasubi tombs , a cultural burial site for the Kings of Buganda. The Uganda Museum has several ethnological exhibits which portray culture, traditions of Uganda, agriculture, war, religion, hunting, and archeology. It is rich with a collection of historical, cultural and unique materials describing the Ugandan people.

The Kabaka’s Lake, the Bulange & the Kabaka’s palace.
Kabaka’s Trail includes 6 sites namely; Naggalabi Buddo Coronation site where the Buganda Kings are crowned, Katareke Prison site where the king murdered his brothers and sisters for fear that they might dethrone him, Wamala King’s Tombs where the kind were buried and a place of culture and rituals, Nnamasole Kanyange Tombs the Burial place for the Queen, Nnamasole Baagalayaze Tombs and Cultural Centre for traditional performances, arts and crafts and Ssezibwa Falls a place of rituals and cultural beliefs with the Legend that the river was born of a woman. These falls attract many locals who seek blessings.To see more on this book a Uganda gorilla safari with any Uganda tour company or go for a Kampala city tour

The Bagisu Cultures
The Bagisu from the Mount Elgon region are known for their Imbalu ceremony that occurs during even years performed to initiate young boys into Manhood ; an interesting feature of this ethnic group of Ugandans. This ceremony is where people dance through out the festival in Mbale. (Create link with more…. here for the rest of these cultures) Another interesting group worth seeing is our strong community of African (Abayudaya) whose synagogue is 15 minutes drive from Mbale; however, ASL must obtain prior permission to visit this site.Book gorilla permits

Semei Kakungulu (a renowned agent of the colonial rulers in Uganda) Tombs are located about 5 square Kilometres off the Mbale-Soroti road while the Mutoto Circumcision site is located within Mbale Municipality. Semei Kakungulu Tombs and the Mutoto Circumcision sites are the most important cultural sites in Mbale District. Mbale also hosts the tombs of the former representative of the colonial government in charge of Eastern Uganda. The Mutoto site is a place where the bi-annual tribal circumcision ceremony is launch. Mountain gorillas Rwanda
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3 Days Rwanda gorilla trek

Hiking expeditions:
Uganda offers the best ultimate Mountain Climbing Adventures on East African Mountains. If you like mountaineering or rwenzori hiking as [part of your Uganda tour packages, then the (5,119 m) high, snow covered Rwenzori Mountains - also known as the ‘ mountains of the moon ‘ and protected as Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is also a World Heritage Centre - will offer you the unique experience you’ve been looking for. The mist-shrouded peaks provide stunning backdrops to this magnificent mountain. Ever since the Rwenzori became known to the World, its features have been changing. Today, the most visible and probably preventable, changes in the Rwenzori are the fragile vegetation along the trails.

A trip into the Rwenzoris is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one, which must be planned with attention to detail. The key to an enjoyable visit is ‘be prepared!’ You can do the central circuit in just 7 sevens and our excellent guides will be there to add flavor to your experience. Those took up the challenge to climb this mountain have promised to come back, if you are an excellent hiker, looking for a lifetime adventure; please make your reservation now.Kenya hotels

It is not just the Rwenzoris alone that you hike in Uganda; there is the famous Mount Elgon National Park. At Mount Elgon National Park, mountaineering can be experienced on this volcanic mountain which is (4,321 m), the 4th highest mountain in East Africa, located in the eastern part of Uganda on the border with Kenya. Kenya masai mara safari

Others are: Mt. Sabyinyo (366m)’Old man’s teeth’ like an old man, time has eroded Mt. Sabyinyo’s crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up the mountain takes one up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to peak. If you are to continue, the climb to the peak 11 involves walking a ridge with breath-taking drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda, a dual experience you will achieve here.

Mt. Gahinga (3474m). On your way to the park, look out for small piles of stones in the garden fields. The local people call such a pile a ‘Gahinga’. Mountain gorillas

Mount Gahinga is quite bigger than the average ‘gahinga’ but sitting next to Mount Muhavura does make it look small. A hike, which takes you about, six hours round trip, goes through a good example of a pure Bamboo forest. Gahinga once had a Crater Lake on top but time has changed it into a Lush swamp. Distance to the swamp is 8km.

Mt. Muhavura (4127m)’The Guide’
Seen from all over Kisoro, this volcano acts as a guide. The typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country. Much of the climb passes a rocky surface covered by grasses and small shrubs. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the peaks of Rwenzori Mountain. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip covering 12km.You are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before the site has no facilities so you need a tent, water, food and sleeping gear. I

Gorilla Safaris
Gorilla safari is a challenging activity; therefore you must be physically fit. 8 people are permitted per group per day and a total of eighteen (24) people are taken in Bwindi, while six (8) people are allowed for Nkuringo group that can be accessed in Kisoro. So far, we have four groups for viewing. There are three groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) and one (Nkuringo) in Kisoro.

Gorilla trekking is possible in Rwanda as well. Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Northern Rwanda is a habitat for about 300 mountain gorillas. There are four habituated gorilla families - Amahoro, “Group 13″, Sabinyo and Susa - each of the groups allows up to 8 participants per day. You can track gorillas, climb the Visoke volcano, track the golden monkeys or visit the Karisoke Research Centre, which Dian Fossey the famous grammatologist set up, or visit local villages.

Gorilla Tracking Permits in Uganda
-Non residents pay USD 500.
-East African Residents pay USD 355
It’s advisable to book gorilla permits well in advance prior to your visit.
As your tour agent, ASL shall handle all your bookings for Gorilla permits both for Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Gorilla trekking rules should be adhered to. Read rules
Non Governmental Organizations involved in the conservation of Gorillas include:
The Dianney Fossey Foundation
International Gorilla Conservation Program.
Africa Wildlife Foundation: http://www.awf.org/

Information about the so called gorilla permit price have been on tight lips over these days in the week , when details finally were released by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the association of Uganda tour operators Kampala known as AUTO made an agreement between the two entities that at an undefined date during the low season in tourism.The price of the Gorilla trekking permits is due to be reduced from 500 US dollars to 350 US dollars.The cost of a permit for East African residents is down from 250,000 UGX to 100,000 UGX. To enable even the lay Ugandan to experience the wealth of tourism that is in our midst.

This measures were taken due to the downward trend of tourism in Uganda, the media had also played a role in presenting a negative image to the international community therefore leading to cancellations of Booked gorilla tour packages to Uganda’s top destinations.Gorilla trekking being one of the main and most popular tourist activities in the Pearl of Africa. This was a wanting measure ,that is justly taken.

Do you need to get a gorilla permit ?

How to get a gorilla permit

In Uganda it costs USD 500 per day per person for a gorilla permit. You can get the permits in Kampala (the capital of Uganda) at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters. However, Rwanda Tour operators in uganda or rwanda they may be so useful in matters of booking these permits for clients because they are given priority that they stand a chance of having permits already booked at UWA at the beginning of every month according to UWA’s booking policy. Permits can be booked up to two years in advance and all individuals above 15 years of age are eligible.
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How to get the right Uganda , Rwanda , Kenya tour packages

Conceivably the most vital thing to look for is reliability and safety. Ask to see the local tour operator’s brochures, licenses and equipment. Also ask for references. While it may be difficult to contact references if you are already in the destination, if you get references while you are still at home, you can call and ask about the tour operator or guide before you leave.

Some local tour operators and guides will show you letters of praise from foreigners who have used their services. While these may be impressive, be your own judge and listen to your instincts. Ask questions about the route, safety measures, accommodations, etc. If you are concerned, ask your hotel managers and the local tourism office for their assessment or recommendation of a company or guide. Masai mara tour

Generally, local tour operators and guides are trustworthy, sincere and hardworking. It’s not in their best interest to cheat or harm travelers: word gets around fast and they will be out of work. Don’t be distrustful, just cautious: you wouldn’t book a tour at home without checking things out first, either. And, if you are particularly pleased with a guide’s or rwanda tour operator’s services, a tip is appreciated, and so is a positive recommendation for other travelers.

Even independent travelers find that sometimes there are activities they cannot or don’t want to do by themselves–hiking, rafting, or other outdoor activities that require equipment, guides or access to remote locations. tours in Rwanda

Finding and choosing reliable local tour operators is not difficult in most cases
Kenya Masai mara

Every body seems to be talking about the wedding between the Royal Prince of England. Well apart from the main question on every ladies’ mouth being , “What will Kate be wearing ?” another top question one should be asking themselves is ,where will the royal honeymoon be held.
A safari to East Africa would probably top the list of honeymoon spots.One would be the Luxury Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Kenya, which is a country that is probably rated as Africa’s top most Kenya tourist destination after South Africa and Egypt.In the Fairmont Mount Kenya safari Club , there is nothing but top comfort to welcome the newly wedded couple.For thos who wish to sit back in a Kenya holiday vacation and probably relax by the pool or may be walk with the two beautiful Labradoe retreivers , Ducia and Volga , these are the resort’s “canine ambassadors”.
Well Following an interesting relaxing safari in Kenya one could optionally add a flying safari to Uganda’s Bwindi National Park .Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s rainforest is Uganda’s top most popular selling tourist destination. One can experience up to an hour with these endangered animals.It is not everyday that you get to trek through a mountainous region in search of the Uganda gorillas in their natural habitat.There are great Lodges in Bwindi national park that are now running , with the top most luxury and meals to cover classes of clientelle.There are interesting acvtivities to do as you are in the gorilla park area.Some of these activities include the Batwa trail , Community walks , the nature walk , Birdwatching , the Bicycle rides (an ongoing program called the ride for a woman ride, that benefits the women in the Bwindi).
Definately with that said , we surely recommend East Africa as a top choice for the honeymoon vacation for any couple , With Kenya there is also an option for the Kenya budget camping safaris , however it is not ideal for the lovebirds but for adventure seekers..

Most of the tourist and travel lovers will know that gorilla trekking in Uganda is the country’s prime primate tourist attraction and only a few consider to visit one of our closest relatives in the Primate family, the Chimps .Chimpanzee trekking can be only done in a handful of places in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda costs 90 Dollars , or even as low as 30 dollars for East African residents . Among other expenses to concider when going on safari are park entrance fees which usually range from twenty dollars for foreign nationals and two dollars for East African nationals.So for many people who cannot afford to go gorilla trekking , it is usually a good substitute to do a Chimpanzee safari instead.
Most people do they Chimp treck in Kibale national park , which is actually referred to as the home of the Chimpanzees. It is a great and prime spot to look out for these primates. Other hot tourist destinations that you can also look out for can be the Queen Elizabeth national park and the Murchison falls national park which sometimes used to be referred to as Kabalega national park. It may be little difficult getting there without a professional tour guide while in the country , however the advantage is that you get detailed and professional service , not to mention your safety, seeing it is not totally safe to be without a reliable service provider while in the country. Other tourists however chose to use car rentals in Uganda and hire a driver guide instead to eventually cut costs.This may work for some, but for some , it may lead to one having the true Joy of a professional service.

Once you get to the park and pay your fees you’ll be given a briefing including such valuable information as what to do when a chimp charges you. This takes about 10 minutes and then the group will be divided up and sent with individual guides. There were 13 people total and were divided into three groups and off we went.

In one such experience of a Uganda safari , it was after a short drive to the start of the path we entered the thick forest with our guide who as sporting an AK-47 in just in case of any dangerous encounters from Elephants or a buffalo which are animals that may be dangerous – both of which are very rare . The Chimpanzee tracking guide let us know that Chimps are tracked by listening to their calls and, and if not following their calls , one would have to keep looking at the trees on the look out.. I asked what she looked for when looking at the trees and she laughed and looked puzzled. It turns out she had actually said they ‘look in the trees’. So I guess when they weren’t talking, the best way to find chimps is simply to look up and hope for the best. Who knew?
After about an hour of walking in the woods, a sound of somewhat calls from the chimps could be heard from a distance, they seemed to be moving fast towards us.Though after several incidents there were ant in my pants , which also reminds me to caution all of you , Please tuck in your pants in your sock if you are out in the forest!! , so we finally caught up with the much expected chimpanzees , some of whom were drinking from a small stream in the forest!!

I hadn’t expected to see the chimps on the ground at all. For some reason I thought most of our time would be spent craning our necks to see black, fuzzy blobs way up in the trees. As it turns out, they spent most of the time (groups get to spend a maximum of an hour with them) on the ground grooming each other, wandering around, snoozing and just basically chilling out. At one point they let out some squeals and the chimps stormed off to investigate a baboon sighting so off we went after them. Eventually it was time to feed and they all shot up into the trees and fruit seeds and pee started to rain from the skies. Mountain gorilla safari

Add chimp tracking to your list of things to do in Uganda. The forest is beautiful and the encounter is one that you’ll remember for a long time. Especially if one of them pees on your head. hotels in Kenya

Gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda gorilla safaris , either of the countries is possible all year round.In either of these two countries during the rainy seasons it is usually greener and wetter. During which in Safari destination that involve Rwanda and Uganda destinations its is also an added advantage to track the chimpanzees. In Rwanda , tracking chimpanzees , is done in Nyungwe forest.This is because in dry seasons the chimpanzees travel all over in search of edibles.

In the VNP Rwanda iits advisable to go within periods between the main dry season lasts from June to September and referred to as the best time to track these Giant apes. However it is still possible to track the mountain gorillas all year round as there are rangers available and gorilla trekking permits for sale.

In BNP Uganda it is a rain forest at considerable elevation and can be wet and cool at any time of year. So it is favorable to track any time of year, though it peaks from June to September as well. The Mountain gorilla safari permits are always on high demand and they are usually served on a first come first serve basis.

The comparison of both Uganda and Rwanda on which is better for your mountain gorilla trekking expeditions., well it differs with teh type of tourist. The the mountain gorilla parks is closer if the starting point for your mountain gorilla tours in rwanda , however the drive to the gorilla park in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park in Uganda is actually longer and more rewarding with the breath taking scenrey and educational trip about Ugandan culture.

On earth there are slightly above 700 Mountain gorillas left. If you are interested in finding where you can indulge yourself in a gorilla safari your may first of all choose the country of destination , between Uganda , Rwanda and Congo. For some of the best mountain gorilla tours This Area is also refered to as the home of Mountain gorillas in Africa.
So many people are passionate about these gentle giants that are critically endangered that there are conservation programs set in place to make sure they study what makes these great apes click. Gorilla conservation projects are all running with a great mentor in the history of fighing for these great animals existence , Dian Fossey.

On January 22, almost 700 people donned gorilla costumes to take active part in the first annual Austin Gorilla Run, a charity that is focused on benefiting the mountain gorillas Conservation projects that are active in the East African region. Participants ran through downtown Austin on a scenic route near the river.

Awards for the race included First to Finish, “Senior Gorilla,” “Furthest Traveled Gorilla,” and other creative categories. The oldest runner was 76, and one participant traveled over 3,000 miles to do the run. There was also a special award for a contestant who finished the five kilometer race in a wheel chair. The highest individual fundraiser generated $868 and one couple made $1,500 for the gorilla charity.

The finances that were raised by the Austin Gorilla Run all proceeds to the animal clinic in Africa that focuses on caring for wild gorillas injured by human activities or that have respiratory illnesses. the population of these great giants is rapidly decreasing because of the snares and traps set up to capture or kill them for various reasons. This mainly goes on in area that have not been sensitized enough or organized to generate income through tourism.

The gorilla clinic idea came from Dr. Dian Fossey, because she witnessed how many gorilla injuries were happening. Tragically, she was not alive to see it built and providing care for the gorillas she cared for so much. The clinic not only provides care, it conducts research into gorilla diseases in order to both treat and attempt to prevent them.Note that the best times to view gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda is between June to September, however they are available for viewing all year round.

If you are interested in attending next year’s gorilla run, visit the Austin Gorilla Run for details.