Cultural Tour of Kampala: Journey Through the Rich Heritage of Uganda's Oldest Kingdom, Buganda

Enjoy a unique and informative experience through Buganda Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage giving you a chance to know more about the hidden history of the Buganda kingdom the oldest Kingdom in Uganda dating back to the 13th Century and headed by traditional kings, called \

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kasubi Tombs - We will pick you up and drive to the Kasubi Tombs, located on Kasubi Hill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1880, serves as the burial ground for the four kings (‘Kabakas’) of the Buganda kingdom. It is a significant site for the royal family, where the Kabaka and his representatives perform important cultural rituals.
  • Uganda Museum - Next, we will visit the Uganda Museum, the oldest museum in East Africa, founded in 1908. Initially located in Lugard’s fort on Old Kampala Hill, it was later moved to Makerere University at the School of Industrial and Fine Arts, and finally to its current location on Kitante Hill. The museum was established when Governor George Wilson called for the collection of all items of interest in Uganda. It houses a diverse collection of traditional culture, Ugandan music, musical instruments, archaeology, history, science, and natural history. The museum is a must-visit on your Kampala city tour, offering a comprehensive view of Uganda and its people.
  • Kabaka’s Palace - Enjoy a traditional Ugandan lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the king’s palace at Lubiri. The drive will take you through the Nantaweta Royal Mile Junction, marked by a split drum monument, and along a stretch displaying Buganda’s cultural totems and norms. Built in 1922, the King’s Palace of Buganda is an ancient and powerful kingdom in eastern and central Africa. Here, you will learn about the late President Idi Amin’s prison and torture chambers. The palace gate features a traditional fire that has burned continuously since the inception of the Buganda monarchy, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the kingdom’s clans and their roles.
  • Kampala - We will then visit the Kabaka’s Lake, excavated by the 52 Clans of Buganda under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1888. The king intended to create a channel wide enough for him to travel by boat to Lake Victoria for fishing and swimming. This is the largest man-made lake in Africa. Finally, we will proceed to the Craft Market, concluding your full-day cultural tour of Kampala.
  • Walk and tour inside Kampala - We will walk through downtown Kampala to explore local markets, the transport system, and the organization of businesses. After completing the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel or home.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees
Location
Kasubi Tombs
Kasubi Hill,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Joelkv7693qj
May 18, 2024
What a friendly guide Med - In May 2024, I had the opportunity to embark on a captivating Buganda cultural tour with my family. Our knowledgeable and friendly guide, Med, led us through the impressive Buganda Palace, where we learned about the rich history and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom. We then visited the fascinating Buganda Museum, which showcased an array of artifacts and exhibits that provided deep insights into the cultural heritage of the region. One of the highlights was our visit to the sacred Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we gained a profound appreciation for the spiritual and architectural significance of this revered site. The Buganda cultural tour was an immersive and enlightening experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the vibrant culture and history of this captivating part of Uganda.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
297mugishaa
May 17, 2024
A day to remember - The Buganda cultural tour was a fascinating and immersive experience that allowed us to deeply connect with the rich history and traditions of this region. We were captivated by the grandeur of the Buganda royal palace and the serene beauty of the Kasubi Tombs, which serve as the final resting place for the Buganda kings. I highly recommend this cultural tour to anyone interested in exploring Uganda's vibrant heritage and gaining a deeper appreciation for the Buganda people and their enduring legacy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aineby0naj
May 16, 2024
What a memory in Uganda museum - The Buganda cultural tour with my friends was a truly enlightening experience. At the Uganda Museum, I was immediately captivated by the stunning architecture of the grassthatched "akasisila" buildings, which I had never seen before. The museum's impressive collection of musical instruments, ceramics, and "ebyanzi" artifacts provided a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Uganda, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in exploring the country's vibrant traditions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
40kisakyea
May 14, 2024
A captivating cultural immersion - Our family's recent trip to the Buganda region was a truly enriching experience, especially for our kids. During the cultural tour, they had the opportunity to learn about their heritage firsthand, engaging in hands-on activities that brought their ancestral traditions to life. From learning traditional cooking methods to serving authentic Bugandan cuisine, our children gained a deeper appreciation for their cultural roots. We highly recommend this educational and enjoyable trip for families looking to expose their kids to the vibrant heritage of the Buganda people during the school holidays.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ntirandekurae2024
May 13, 2024
A thrilling journey with cherished friends - The Buganda cultural tour with my friends was an absolute delight, marked by the warm hospitality of the local community and the fascinating insights provided by our knowledgeable guide, Yusuf. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Royal Mile Gat, a testament to the rich history and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom. I would highly recommend this cultural immersion experience to anyone seeking to dive deep into the vibrant heritage of Uganda.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L8123pcceciliag
May 12, 2024
Moments in kampala - The Buganda cultural tour was a truly immersive and enlightening experience that allowed me to deeply connect with the rich history, traditions, and way of life of the Buganda people. From visiting the magnificent Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site that honors the Buganda royal family, to participating in a lively drum-making workshop and learning about the significance of these instruments in Buganda culture, every aspect of the tour was fascinating and well-organized. I would highly recommend this cultural tour to anyone seeking to gain a genuine understanding and appreciation of the vibrant Buganda heritage.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wakabij2024
May 10, 2024
The clothing in Buganda - The traditional clothing of the Baganda people in Kampala was a delightful discovery during my recent solo trip. Guided by a knowledgeable guide Med, I was captivated by the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich cultural significance of the Buganda attire. From the elegant kanzu robes worn by men to the beautifully draped gomesi dresses of the women, the traditional Buganda fashion exuded a timeless elegance and pride in cultural heritage. I would highly recommend experiencing the beauty and cultural immersion of Buganda traditional clothing to any visitor exploring Kampala.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mwebazekabulub
May 9, 2024
What a meal in kampala - I recently embarked on a fascinating cultural tour of Kampala, which not only introduced me to the rich heritage and traditions of the city but also treated my taste buds to an unforgettable experience. The tour offered me a chance to savor local delicacies like Karo and Eshabwe which were truly delectable and left me craving for more. I highly recommend trying these dishes to anyone visiting Kampala, as they are a true reflection of the city's culinary identity and will leave you with a lasting impression of the city's warmth and hospitality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad51665648128
May 8, 2024
Diving deep into cultural riches of Kampala - I recently had the opportunity to participate in a cultural tour of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, and it was a truly enriching experience. As someone who is always eager to learn about new cultures and traditions, I was excited to immerse myself in the vibrant and welcoming Ugandan way of life. I learnt about the local greetings and customs. My guide patiently taught me the proper way to greet elders, which involves kneeling down and using specific phrases. I found this to be a beautiful and respectful tradition, and it was a humbling experience to practice it myself. It really emphasized the importance of showing deference and respect to one's elders, which is a core value in Ugandan tour . Throughout the tour, I was constantly in awe of the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people. They welcomed us with open arms and were eager to share their cultural traditions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
499elvinb
May 6, 2024
A cultural tour to remember - The Kasubi Tombs, World Heritage Site in Kampala, Uganda, offered a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Buganda Kingdom. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, my friends and I explored the intricate architectural wonders of the royal burial grounds, learnt about the traditions and customs that have been preserved for generations, and gained a deeper appreciation for the vibrant history and resilience of the Ugandan people. This cultural tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, allowing us to connect with the past while appreciating the present-day significance of this remarkable site.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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