6-Day Uganda Culture & Heritage Trail
Tour Overview
Royal tombs, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, drum makers, the Equator, the Source of the Nile and village life on Lake Bunyonyi: Uganda's story told by the people who live it. This 6-day private safari visits Jinja & the Source of the Nile, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi.
Highlights: Kasubi Royal Tombs (UNESCO) entry; Uganda Museum entry; Ndere Centre cultural dance evening; Source of the Nile boat trip; Igongo Cultural Centre museum; Culture on the Crest, Lake Bunyonyi; Photo stop on the Equator.
Best time to go: Year-round. 3 June (Uganda Martyrs Day) brings very large crowds to Namugongo.
Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):
Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $1,365 · Midrange $2,033 · Luxury $3,219.
- Kampala (1 night): Budget – Kampala budget hotel; Midrange – Kampala mid-range hotel; Luxury – Kampala Serena or Sheraton
- Jinja (1 night): Budget – Riverside backpacker camp; Midrange – Jinja Nile Resort; Luxury – Wildwaters Lodge
- Lake Mburo NP (1 night): Budget – Eagle's Nest; Midrange – Rwakobo Rock; Luxury – Mihingo Lodge
- Lake Bunyonyi (2 nights): Budget – Simple lakeside lodge or camp; Midrange – Mid-range lakeside lodge (e.g. BirdNest or Arcadia); Luxury – Best available luxury lakeside lodge
Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala heritage day
Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum and the Kabaka's Lake; evening Ndere Centre dance show. Overnight: Kampala mid-range hotel (midrange) or similar.
Day 2: Namugongo to Jinja
Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, then Jinja and the Source of the Nile. Overnight: Jinja Nile Resort (midrange) or similar.
Day 3: Drums, Equator & Igongo
Mpambire drum makers, the Equator, and Igongo Cultural Centre; on to Lake Mburo. Overnight: Rwakobo Rock (midrange) or similar.
Day 4: To Lake Bunyonyi
Drive through Ankole long-horn cattle country to Kabale. Overnight: Mid-range lakeside lodge (e.g. BirdNest or Arcadia) (midrange) or similar.
Day 5: Culture on the Crest
Dugout canoe to a ridge village: craft maker, traditional healer and nursery school. Overnight: Mid-range lakeside lodge (e.g. BirdNest or Arcadia) (midrange) or similar.
Day 6: Bunyonyi to Entebbe
Drive back to Entebbe.
Inclusions:
- Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide and fuel
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
- Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
- Kasubi Royal Tombs (UNESCO) entry
- Uganda Museum entry
- Ndere Centre cultural dance evening
- Source of the Nile boat trip
- Igongo Cultural Centre museum
- Lake Mburo park entry (1 day)
- Culture on the Crest, Lake Bunyonyi
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- All government taxes
Exclusions:
- International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
- Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
- Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
- Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
- Optional activities and anything not listed
- Single room supplement (on request)
How to Get There:
Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala.