Tourists Attractions & Activities in Mbarara – Jewel Safaris : Have you been to the western and south-western Uganda to the districts of Mbarara, Bushenyi, Isingiro, Kiruhura, Sheema, and several others before?! Mbarara is the centre of operations and gateway to western Uganda while on Uganda Safaris Tours. Did you know that Mbarara is generally referred to by many as the land of milk and honey? I’m sure you also want to know why it is called so! The people here are called the Banyankole and speak Runyankole. These people are subdivided into two ethnic groups that are the Bahima and the Bairu. The Bahima are well known for cattle keeping and the Bairu as farmers, though they also rear sheep and goats. The strategic location of Mbarara town has made it a favourite stopover town for people going to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and other parts of deeper western and south-western Uganda as well as crossing over to Rwanda.
Tourists Attractions in Mbarara
Lake Mburo National Park
Formerly located in Mbarara district but with the emergence of new districts, apparently the park is mostly in Kiruhura district. While in Lake Mburo National Park, one can enjoy activities like game drives and expect to view animals like buffaloes, zebras, leopards, impalas, hippos among others. You can also go bird watching and game hunting, sport fishing or enjoy a launch cruise among several other activities.
Igongo Cultural Centre
Located along the Kampala– Mbarara highway is a dominant well known regional cultural museum that connects the future to the past about the people of south-western and western Uganda. This culturally enriched site/museum is found in the outskirts of Mbarara town and is filled with rich history about the western culture, wild animals found in this area like the impalas, Uganda kobs and several others. Igongo Cultural Centre also offers the best delicious dishes, accommodation facilities, and so many other activities and services.
Cultural Sites
Just like any other kingdom, Ankole was also led by the Omugabe. However, Ankole kingdom was not restored when kingdoms restoration was done. Some of the cultural sites include the burial place of the Abagabe (Kings) at Nkokonjeru.
Nkokonjeru tombs
Found in Kakiika in Mbarara district are tombs where the former two Omugabes (kings) of the Ankole kingdom were buried and outside these tombs are several graves of Ankole’s prominent personalities. However, the inhabitants of the current chiefdoms are not giving it much significance though it’s among the best venues to get detailed information about Ankole or Banyankole in particular. Other cultural sites include; the administration block at Kamukuzi among others.
Tourists Attractions & Activities in Mbarara : Ankole Long Horned Cattle
In Uganda, these cattle originated from this region though they are now spread to other regions as well. The value attached to these cattle is so dignified because someone’s wealth was measured by the heads of cattle he owned. There are several farms along the Kampala-Mbarara road where one can spot the long-horned cattle. Although these cows are now threatened due to cross-breeding, one can spot herds grazed by the Hima pastoral groups. There are no doubts whatsoever that Mbarara district is the leading milk producer and supplier in Uganda.
Tourists Attractions & Activities in Mbarara : Kinyankole Culture
The Banyankole are immensely known for their culture. The Bahima are cattle keepers while the Bairu are cultivators/farmers. The Banyankole exhibit their culture in all areas of their lives like; cattle keeping, marriage, dress code among others.
Dressing (clothing) for the Nkore
The women put on Lesu or Nshanana while men dress in kanzus and suits for the official cultural events. Looking stunningly smart, there are various other dressing codes for the Nkore people and to explore them, book a trip through www.jewelsafaris.com and explore the Nkore region in full depth.
Traditional music, dance, and Instruments
When it comes to the Nkore dances, music, and instruments, no words can put a thrill in them. It is a combination of unending memories. That’s why no details about them can’t be labelled here but see the photos attached.
Food
Being the home of milk and honey as referred by many, when you reach Nkore land, expect to find the milk in all kinds like Bongo, local yogurt, ghee, butter, and many others. Other foods include matooke.
Activities in Mbarara
- Milking cattle.
- Herding cattle,
- Game drives
- Visit cultural tombs
- Mbarara town tour
- Bird watching
- Boat launch and many others.
Uganda Safari Packages
3 Days Trekking Gorilla Safari Uganda
