Top 10 Tourist Historical and Natural sites in Uganda

 

These ten top must- see sites one of the tourist attractions in Uganda as being pearl of Africa. The Republic of Uganda is presently enjoying a time of peace after years of civil war and unrest. Since then, the country has been rebounding from many ordeals and is now becoming a thriving nation which can showcase its rich history and natural beauty. Below are some of the sites listed and a must- see when visiting the country due to its memorial contents, looks and the geographical locations.

• The Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda, is the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda) and other members of the Baganda royal family. The Kasubi Tombs that was first built in 1881 on the Kasubi hill in Kampala was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. As a result, the site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people as well as an important example of traditional architecture. To the people of the Buganda nation (the largest sub-national kingdom in present-day Uganda), the tombs are a symbol of a spiritual, political and social state of its people. Despite the unfortunate incident, the site still gets regular visits while the main palace is being rebuilt and structured. The World Heritage Site comprises around 26 hectares (64 acres) on the Kasubi hill in the city of Kampala about 5 kilometres northwest of the city centre. Most of the site is open agricultural land that is farmed using traditional techniques. One corner contains a royal palace built in 1882 by Muteesa 1 and the new palace became a royal burial ground on his death in 1884.

• Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Namugongo is found in Kyaliwajjala Ward in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, approximately 16 kilometres north-east of Uganda's capital Kampala. The beautiful shrine’s exterior is made of 22 copper pillars over 100 feet long. The shrine was built to honor 32 young men who were pages of king Mwanga II of Buganda. On June 3rd, 1886 the men were burnt to death for refusing to renounce Christianity. . Annually on 3 June, Christians from Uganda and other parts of the world congregate at Namugongo to commemorate the lives and religious beliefs of the Uganda Martyrs

• Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru

Amabere ga NyinaMwiru is an historical cultural site with remarkable history located in western Uganda in Fort portal town. It is located near Nyakasura School a few kilometers out of Fort portal town.The name historically means Breast of Nyinamiwiru his is home to a very rich cultural history attached to these rocks which form scenic caves with streams of water above them causing refreshing waterfalls for those who visit. The Batoro (the tribe located in this area) have a strong belief attached to these caves with an interesting myth told through the generations about them. The caves were named after King Bukuku’s daughter named Nyinamwiru, loosely translated ‘Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru’ would be ‘Breasts of Nyinamwiru’. King Bukuku was one of the ancient Kings of the Batembuzi Dynasty that ruled that time and were believed to be demi-gods by their subjects, often disappearing to the underground at given times. The princess was a beautiful young lady who had a strong personality. She refused to marry the man her father the King had chosen for her as was the custom in the day preferring to choose her own spouse. This greatly infuriated the King and his subjects who could not understand how anyone could disobey the King. The King then ordered that her breasts be cut off because of her disobedience, this would then ensure that she would never get married to whoever she would choose and never be able to nurse children. It is strongly believed that the scenic rocks in this location are her breasts oozing milk since that day. From this site one can take hike to Nyakasura hill which will give you views of 3 different crater lakes and a visit to the marking of a large foot in the area believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giants like humans.

• Nyero Rock Paintings

This is situated high on top of the hill and has a good view of the surrounding countryside. The Nyero rock paintings are located in eastern Uganda in Kumi district 8 km (5.0 mi) west of Kumi town, about 250 km (155.3 mi) from the capital city Kampala. The Nyero rock paintings are among the most important rock of Uganda. There are traces of red pigment forming two finger-painted outlines of small oval shapes and a slanting L-shape as well as an outlined cross with a small circle below. The painted surface is exfoliating and is open to the rain and morning sun. A little trek and a bit of climbing are involved, but it is all worth it to see rock art dated back to before 1250 AD. Nyero has three rock shelters that are a good distance apart from each other. They were first documented in 1913 and were a part of the tradition of illustrations in red pigment, common throughout Africa. When coming for the next trip, this is worth including in your bucket list visit in the next stay in Uganda. Entrance fee is reasonable and educative tour guides are available to help direct you this charming place.

• Source Of The Nile – Speke Monument

The authentic, original Source of the Nile Site, where the British Explorer John Hanning Speke was the first European to reach Lake Victoria and discovered the Source of the Nile. Today, the source of the Nile at Jinja is a prime tourist destination in Uganda. There are fantastic views of the lake. Not only that but you can also stand where he stood, take a picture with the monument, go for boat rides across the river Nile and into Lake Victoria, see monkeys, monitor lizards, do bird watching and see pythons (and maybe even an authentic African Witchdoctor). The site also allows for camping, nature walks, parties and occasions with a truly spectacular nature setting. Stop by one of the nearest restaurants around for a meal when you are hungry and anyone looking for 1 day tour in the Ugandan Countryside here is a great chance for you!

• Baháʼí Temple

A Baháʼí House of Worship is the designation of a place of worship or Temple of the Baháʼí faith. The teachings of the religion envisage Houses of Worship being surrounded by a number of dependencies dedicated to social, humanitarian, educational, and scientific pursuits, although none has yet been built to such an extent. The Bahá’í faith began to take root in Uganda in 1951. Today, the Baha’I Temple in Kampala is the only temple that remains in Africa for the Bahá’í faith. Since its completion in 1961, it has received hundreds of visitors from across the world. The beautiful grounds attract many photographers of all calibers. However, visitors are forbidden to take pictures of the interior. Visit the Bahá’í Temple in Uganda for a truly memorable excursion. If you want to learn more from their religious customs, join the locals for service Sunday mornings at around 10am.

• Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a Uganda National park that was established in 1991 and designated UNESCO Heritage Site because of its extraordinary natural beauty. It is located in south-western Uganda on the east side of the western (Albertine) African rift valley.  It lies along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and borders the DRC's Virunga National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for 50 km it is situated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Kasese districts 25 km from the small town of Kasese. It is almost 1,000 km² in size. The mystical has a home to Africa’s third highest mountain peak. It boasts breath-taking waterfalls, high glaciers, the valley of nine lakes, a rich variety of flora and fauna, many endangered species and captivating scenery. In other words, the park is known for its beautiful plant life. Rwenzori Mountains National Park promises one of the most attractive and fulfilling treks the world has to offer. Be sure to get sorted in an appointment of seeing one of nature’s most beautiful gifts when visiting Uganda.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is in southwestern Uganda. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. And it is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift. ocated in south-western Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Virunga mountain range. The park is home to over 200 different tree species, 120 species of mammals, 27 species of frogs, geckos and chameleons, 220 species of butterflies, 348 bird species and the endangered species like the Gorillas. The majority of the world’s mountain gorillas can be found here, as well as elephants, chimpanzees, and several other animals. This wonderful natural site is definitely worth the visit.

• Sempaya Hot Springs

Sempaya hot springs is the most activity within Semuliki National park, and is a must-do for all tourists to this National Park. There are two Hot springs-Male hot spring called Bitende that measures about 12 meters in diameter and the Female hot spring named Nyasimbi and is a boiling geyser that ejects out hot water and steam at about 2 meters into the air and the male spring is a pool of hot water. Attracting hordes of tourists each year, these hot springs have a geyser that shoots up from a hole at really hot temperatures. In fact, the water is so hot you can boil an egg and eat it in ten minutes. Sempaya Hot Springs’ The temperature of the water in both springs reaches 100 degrees Celsius and it is well known in history that you can cook food like fresh vegetables in the springs. You have this opportunity to boil eggs in the water within 5-10 minutes. If you love a good nature tour, the park does not only offer the hot springs but also hosts primate creatures like grey-checked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkeys and pygmy antelopes. It’s a great pleasure to visit these hot springs when you come to Uganda.

• Walumbe Tanda Pits

In tradition with Gandan culture, Walumbe, as a brother of the bride, claimed one of Kintu's children as his own. Kintu refuses Walumbe's claims and continues to do so throughout the years. Frustrated, Walumbe then begins to kill a single child every day. After conversing with Ggulu, Kaikuzi is sent to aid Kintu in sending Walumbe back to heaven. After refusing to accompany Kaikuzi back to heaven, Walumbe retreats by hiding in craters in the ground that he creates by stomping his foot. This is said to have created the 240 Walumbe Tanda Pits and two shrines with one entrance having spears, shields, calabashes and fireplaces named after different gods.that are still in Uganda today. Kaikuzi soon tires of pursuing Walumbe and asks all of mankind to be silent for two days to lure Walumbe out. When Walumbe finally emerges, Kintu's children cry out at the sight of him and he again retreats into the earth. Upon Kintu's dismissal, Kaikuzi then returns to Ggulu and explains the situation. Upon hearing of this, Ggulu allows Walumbe to remain on Earth. Walumbe is therefore blamed as the reason for death on Earth. Though every descendant of Kintu is eventually claimed by Walumbe, Kintu continues to fight Walumbe by constantly having more descendants than Walumbe can steal.