Sights and Activities
Below are the places we saw and activities completed while visiting Uganda:
Kabale
We spent a few days in this dusty town to arrange our time in Lake Bunyonyi and our visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: we had an amazing long day experience gorilla trekking in this national park. The restless day and long hours of trekking was well worth the short time spent viewing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The gorilla family we were in search for was called Rushegura and you could read more about this thrilling adventure in our article.
Lake Bunyonyi
Translating to a ‘place of many little birds,’ really lives up to its name. Our days were filled with the sounds of music coming from these wonderful creatures and adding the magnificent views of the lake, we can see why the BBC claimed it to be “the most beautiful lake in the world.” The lake, with many bent peninsulas, contains 29 islands and is surrounded by steep hillsides that are terraced, a truly magical place! Our time was spent in the crescent-shaped island of Itambira in an eco-friendly backpacker’s that featured solar energy and geodomes built of natural materials. We were able to camp on the property and were awaken by the beautiful sounds of the lake. Our days consisted of relaxing in the restaurant enjoying the views, enjoying the gorgeous sunsets from different locations each day, walking around the island viewing the different type of birds, and swimming in the lake.
Kampala
Uganda Museum: this small museum featured exhibits on the stone age period, local music, science and industry, ethno history, ethnography, natural history, replicas of traditional Ugandan homes, and a special exhibit titled: “Brazil in Africa, Africa in Brazil.”
Kasubi Tombs: the main tomb was under construction due to a deliberate fire that destroyed it in 2010. The complex is of great significance to the Buganda kingdom and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1882 as the palace of the King Mutesa I, it was converted into his tomb following his death two years later. Subsequently, the next three kings broke with tradition and chose to be buried here instead of in their own palaces. Royal family members are also buried in the surrounding area.
Mengo Palace: the palace was built in 1922 and is the former home of the Buganda king. It has remained empty since 1966 when the then prime minister Milton Obote ordered an attack to oust King Mutesa II, then president of Uganda. The building was converted to army barracks, while an adjacent site became a notorious underground prison and torture-execution chamber built by Idi Amin. We learned a lot about the Buganda people, their Luganda language, and while talking to one of the guides, he also explained to us their wedding traditions, negotiations, and dowry.
