Uganda is located in East Africa, geographically situated at the equator. The weather of Uganda lies in the tropical climate and is pleasantly warm all year round.
With more than 56 local tribes, Uganda is one of the cultural diverse countries in the word. English is the official language due to British colonial influence. In addition, there are several indigenous languages; Luganda is the second widely spoken of Baganda the largest tribe in the country’s central region around Lake Victoria.
Uganda is divided into 4 regions; the central region around Lake Victoria includes Buganda, the largest traditional kingdom, the capital Kampala and the main gateway; Entebbe international airport.
The western region contains the most wildlife national parks. The dominant tribes are the Banyankole, Batoro of Toro Kingdom who are majorly cattle keepers and farmers. Further southwestern, are the Bakiga and Bafumbira in Kigezi highlands, beautiful landscapes nicknamed the Switzerland of Africa. There are also the minority BaTwa and Bambuti pygmies the ancient hunter gathers who once inhabited the rainforests of East and central Africa with evidence such as rock art sites such as Nyero in eastern Uganda.
The eastern region is dominated by the Gisu people well known for their old tradition cultural circumcision ceremony dubbed imbalu. Coffee is largely grown in this region as one of Uganda’s major exports. The main city in East is Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa where the source of world’s longest river the Nile is found. In addition to Mount Elgon, the world’s largest caldera, Eastern region offer adrenaline adventures such as water rafting at the Nile.
The Northern region includes various tribes of Luo speaking origin such as the Acholi, Langi and the Karamajong. The former are related to the Masai of Kenya.
These are just a few of the 56 indigenous tribes which all contribute to the pearl of Africa’s cultural diversity. Each of the regions is a fascinating a fascinating safari destination offering cultural and wildlife tours. Most visitors on Uganda safari are surprised to visit one region for instance the west and discover rich and varied traditions.
While many tourists visit Uganda for wildlife safari especially mountain gorilla trekking, a cultural experience is worthwhile.
Depending on the region you are traveling to, tourists can explore local villages, take walks and hikes, enjoy Ugandan hospitality with locals at campfire cultural dance performance, visit markets, cultural sites in the capital Kampala, or spend a night or two at a home stay to experience life in a traditional way with the locals.
Tourists on safari can engage in various cultural activities that are authentically Ugandan. They include harvesting and preparation of food using traditional methods, milking Ankole long horn cattle spend a day on the farm grazing. Learning to make fire naturally and shooting bow and arrows with BaTwa. Spending time with children and indulge in traditional games such as omweso, kite flying.
Tour operators can customize any cultural activity to provide visitors with the traditional experience of life in Uganda. For instance village home stay enables visitors to live with local families, explore local life traditions such as weaving, hand craft making, cooking, and storytelling and ultimately eat home cooked delicious food and sleep comfortably.
Visitors can go hiking with local guides pointing out flora and fauna. The best cultural hikes include hiking with Ik and Karamojong tribes in kidepo valley national park, the Batwa trail in Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Alternatively, visitors who may not like to go hiking can join a cultural performance in the evening at the lodge.
Tribes of Ugandan People
Uganda is made up up various tribes that give Uganda its unique identity as a land of so many languages, but with one people. Tribes of Uganda are classified in five major language groups; Bantu, Nilotics, Madi – Muro, Highland Nilotics and Nilo – Hermits.
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Bantu |
Nilotics |
Madi-Muro |
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Baganda |
The Luo |
Lugbara |
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Banyoro |
Acholi |
Madi |
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Bakonjo/Bamba |
Alur |
Metu |
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Batooro |
Japadhola |
Okebu |
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Banyankore |
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Bafumbira |
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Basoga |
Highland-Nilotics |
Nilo-Hamites |
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Basamia/Bagwe |
Sebei |
Langi |
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Banyole |
Karimojong |
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Bagwere |
Iteso |
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Bachwezi |
Kumam |
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Bagisu |
Kakwa |
Location of the various tribes