Attractions in Mbarara

Attractions in Mbarara : Mbarara is one of the towns in Uganda that is most loved and respected by most of the people in the country due to its lovely attractions and great legends surrounding every single area of it.

The Banyankole are the main tribe in the district. Even though there are other tribes of people in the town but those are considered as the major one.

Mbarara town is the also well known as the home base of the one and only president of Uganda the pearl of Africa and that is non-other his excellency yoweri kaguta museveni, leaving that aside Mbarara is also the home to the famous long horned cattle  I the country.

Mbarara town has got most of the attraction that area s in the country well-known as the pearl of Africa and these are some of the major reason as to why it owned its self a name as the land of milk and honey and this is due to its beauty.

when entering Mbarara you are welcomed with a huge molded sculpture of a long horned catted and this is as a sigh to what it is best known for, cattle keeping thus giving you a great hint to its duties.

Mbarara town has got thousands of attraction and on a Uganda safari have the chance to have a quick move to the land of milk and honey and get to see and learn most about it in all also have a chance to a glass of fresh milk to yourself due to the fun gain and explained by most Uganda safari brings to you some of the attractions in Mbarara.

Attractions in Mbarara

Here are some of the attractions in Mbarara that attract so very many to have a venture in it and which as well makes it different from other areas in Uganda below are the ones that made it be given a unique name from all the others its mojar attraction is that the town is home to the famous Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Nile Breweries, Mbarara Century bottling company limited, steel plant, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Ntare School, Mbarara High School, Mayhill High School and many others such as;

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

Situated 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.

Gorilla Trekking

This is done outside Mbarara city but worth mentioning because it is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda. Uganda is lucky to be hosting half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the wild at Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National Park. The parks are only 4 hours away by road. If you are already in Mbarara, the journey to track the gorillas becomes easier and less tiresome.

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.

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.

Various water bodies

 Mbarara has got several water bodies passing through its boundaries. The most prominent ones are Lake Nakivale, River Ruizi and Lake Kachera. Lake Nakivale is located in the south eastern part of Mbarara City.  The distance from the City to the lake is about Things to see in Mbarara districtforty kilometers. The lake has large open fields around its shores with sandy beaches that are suitable for picnics. The lake is also close to Nakivale Refugee settlement.

River Ruizi on the hand gets its waters from the highlands in Bushenyi District. The river then flows all the way to Lake Kachera. River Ruizi is suitable for canoeing, fishing and spotting small primates.  Part of Lake Kachera is found in Lake Mburo National Park allowing it to receive many of the park animals. You can actually see some the animals from specific points without having to pay the park entrance fee required for a full safari in the park. If you find this article helpful, you should also read the one about the places to visit in Mombasa Kenya.

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.

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 and several traditional music, dance, and Instruments

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 and kalo as the staple food.