Tour of Kampala and On To Ngamba Island – Uganda

The Boma served breakfast from very early in the morning…a necessity since most international flights arrive in the wee hours. After a semi-leisurely breakfast…View image…, the group was off to start our trip….View image…

First up was a tour of Kampala, only 33 miles away from Entebbe but with horrendous traffic jams getting into, and through, the center of the city. Kampala is built on seven hills (like Rome), 10% of the country’s population lives there (over 2 million) and English is the main language.

The main attraction in Kampala was the Kisubi Tombs, a World Heritage Site. Kabaka Mutesa, King of what was then Buganda, relocated his palace in 1882 to a hilltop and proceeded to enlarge it. He died in 1884 and his tomb (as well as tombs of later Kings) is housed in the original structure made of poles, reeds, thatch and bark from the Fig Tree. Inside were royal artifacts, musical instruments, weapons, shields and gifts.

outside of Kisubi Tombs

Buganda Kingdom

Before entering, everyone had to take off their shoes and the women were given colorful sarongs to wear inside the palace. …View image…

Blanche and Sheila, chic in Kisubi style

Past the guards, an inherited position passed on to sons and grandsons and retained for their lifetime, …View image…

…inside the Palace (consisting of one, huge room) with a guide who explained the history of the Palace, spears, photos and medals…View image…View image…

…and the significance of each reed ring in the circular roof. The rings represents the 52 clans in the Buganda kingdom.

clan representation

Joseph and Robert, our drivers

A fast power-shopping visit to the craft market before lunch with many stalls selling trinkets and primarily Congo-made crafts. Of course, ex-Marine and I came away with an interesting water jug used by the Congo-Baluba tribe, and new bench? stool? headrest?…View image…both made out of mahogany.

Congo water jug

Kampala crafts market

Driving through the center of town on the way to the Ngamba Visitors Center, we had our first “game” sighting…a tree filled with these very ugly Marabou Storks, just sitting there, with traffic swirling around them (possibly waiting for a good accident to feast on)….

Marabou Storks in Kampala

…and even more Marabous in a garbage dump outside of town…

Marabou Storks in the dump

At the Ngamba visitors center, Jan. Lisa and Josh (planning to walk with the chimpanzees) had to show their medical documentation and sign in before a 45-minute boat ride to Ngamba….View image…

A little about Ngamba Island…..

Save over 50% on Alaska cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line. Book today for savings.

Get free nights, upgrades and more on Hawaii vacations when you book now with Vacation Outlet.