Nakayima Tree: Uganda’s Fantastic Tree
144 km west of Kampala, you find Mubende town, but on Boma hill, 4km from Mubende town you find the traditional worship site of the Nakayima tree- Pterigota Mildbreadii. This tree has been in existence for more than 500 years and was named after a priestess – Nakayima, who used to guard the Mubende Hill which was dedicated to Ndahura, the first Muchwezi ruler.
The bachwezi (plural of Muchwezi, for our non Ugandan readers) kings ruled Bunyoro-Kitara Empire from 1225 to 1500 A.D.
The surrounding people still believe that the spirit of Ndahura dwells here and many people flock to this site to consult Nakayima on various matters such as sickness, wealth and political. And of course the tourists come too the site.
People go to Boma hill to make sacrifices to this big and tall Nakayima Tree, which has 16 buttresses (walls) namely, Nakaima (3), Ndahura (4), Nabuzana, Nalongo ( with breasts and umbilical cord), Ssalongo, Kiwanuka, Musoke and Kaliisa. Permission to enter the walls is granted by one Nantale, who is believed to be possessed by the Nakaima spirit. She then hands you over to caretakers (who are Nakayima’s descendants) to lead you within the tree’s walls. If you intend to visit this historical shrine, I caution you to take enough money to offer! Each and every buttress you enter, you have to pay money and offer coffee berries and in return, it is alleged you receive luck and blessings. One of the caretakers, John Lubega who has been in this place for some 62 years, said that not only native people visit the site, but also foreigners enter the walls asking for fortunes.
Nakayima the priestess commanded a lot of respect and people revered her because of her magical powers. However, when Christianity and Islam came to Uganda, Nakayima was tortured by colonialists and eventually fled to Fort Portal with her cattle and migrated there. Nalubega Restetuta, another caretaker, said that these colonialists managed to take Nakaim’s photograph which now is on display in the Uganda Museum in Kampala. Nakayima died in Fort Portal and her body was brought back to Kapanda, Mubende on Buyaga/Karuguza road, where a monument was erected and still exists.
People flock there for worship and rituals. They take with them among other things fruits, beef and milk for offering. This therefore wipes away the belief that Nakayima never died but disappeared and her mausoleum is nowhere to be seen.
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7 Forests for Nature Walks in Uganda
Uganda is gifted with very many gorgeous forests where tourist activities such as forest/nature, walks chimp tracking can take place. Some of the forest include; Mabira Forest, Budongo Forest, Kibale Forest, Bwindi Forest, Mpanga Forest Reserves,
MABIRA FOREST
Mabira Forest is just about54km from Kampala Uganda’s capital and largest city and 20km from Buyikwe District between Lugazi and Jinja and trails the main from Jinja to Kampala road. It has been protected as Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932. It is covering an area of about 306 square kilometers and it’s regarded as one of the last remaining rain forest and biggest in central Uganda. It is home for many endangered species like the primate such as the black and white colobus monkey, the red tailed monkeys, Vertvets, grey-cheeked mangabeys not only primates but the forest is also a home to over 315 bird species including the Cassinis hawk eagle, Grey long bill the list is endless, different species of butterflies and tree species. The Mabira Forest offers several activities which are enjoyed by travelers who make it at the forest these; Forest/nature walks. This is regarded as one of the most fascinating activities carried out in the forest reserve, while at the forest walk you cant fail to site very many forest dwellers such as primates like the red tailed monkeys, vertvets, gre-cheeked mangabeys, bird species, butterflies, different tree species, all be spotted out.
birding, the forest houses over 315 species of birds some of which are rare to other forest reserves and national park to mention some of these birds include the Nathan’s francolin, paradise fly catcher, purple-throated cuckoo shrike, sooty boubou , different species of sun birds the list is endless. Other activities carried out the park include; cycle trails, mountain biking, or even relaxing and have a picnic lunch at the forest centre.
BWINDI FOREST
Bwindi Forest is one of the richest forests in Africa. Home to nearly half of the total remaining population of the mountain gorillas in the wild, Bwindi is famous for its gorilla safaris; trips that involve walks and treks in search of the endangered mountain gorillas within the wild. It is a UNESCO heritage site located in south western Uganda. Many travelers visit this park for mountain gorilla trekking, one of the most rewarding treks you will ever take in the wid.
BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE
Budongo forest is located in North western part of Uganda in Masindi district approximately 3-4 hours drive on the way to Murchison falls National Park. It covers an area of about 825sqkms of which only 53% is forest and it has been a forest reserve since 1932.The remaining 479 is grassland forest. This forest type is classified as medium altitude semi deciduous moist forest. Budongo forest offers an extremely rich biodiversity including 24 species of small mammals, and 280 butterflies and over 9 species of primates. It is also the natural habitat of more than 600 chimpanzees, of which a small community has been habituated for eco-tourism purposes. This family consists of 80 individuals, allowing visitors the exceptional opportunity to view these amazing apes in their natural environment. Other primates that can be observed are the Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys.
KANIYO PABIDI
Here visitors can enjoy chimpanzee tracking, birding and wonderful accommodation in a beautiful natural setting while Busingiro offers birding and a bush comp .The royal mile is a popular birding sites also managed –by the Jane Goodall institute -Uganda which is accessible with a guide from Busingiro.
Several activities can be carried out at the reserve to mention some include
Chimp Tracking: this is the most sought after activity at the reserve during the guided walk in the green tropical forest. This is done with your guide who will be in position to give you detailed information about the animals and plants species that you meet on your way. Chimp tracking can be experienced daily with two viewing times per day, tracking can go between 2-4 hours depending on the movement of chimps, ounce they are found you strictly allowed spending one hour with them in the wild while enjoying their daily activities such as playing, taking photos and also observing their behaviors. Not only chimps can be seen during the chimp tracking but also other primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, and different type of birds, tracks of mammals and much more.
BUDONGO FOREST
Forest walks: Budongo forest has well developed forest trails give you the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of the tropical rainforest. While on a forest walk opportunities of seeing more bird species, butterflies species, and some primates in a close range is so high.
Birding: Budongo Forest is some times referred to as a heaven for birders with over 360 species of birds. While in the forest the guide will help you to look out for different types of birds some of are rare to other game reserves. Bird watching safaris are available for a half or full day and guided by keen birders. If you have more than one day in Budongo then a visit to the ‘Royal Mile’ is a must. It is located about 60 km from Budongo Eco Lodge and offers a spectacular wide forest avenue with a high density of birds, including the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and Paradise Flycatcher.
Other activities include Chimp Habituation Experience. With the Habituation Experience you will spend a full day with our ‘cousins’ and learn about their way of life
KATONGA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Katonga wildlife reserve is located western Uganda, along the banks of River Katonga in the districts of Ibanda and Kamwenge. The reserve was established in 1998 covering an area of about 211sq km. It is just about 4-5 hour’s drive from Kampala up to the reserve. There are over 40animal species such as bush buch, statunga, and reedbuck, warthogs, colobus monkey the list is endless and over 150 bird species found within the reserve. The reserve can best explored by canoe or by foot.
MPANGA FOREST RESERVE
This forest reserve is a beautiful forest which has been conserved as a scientific research site since 1953, It is located 37 Kms west from Kampala Uganda’s capital and largest city along the Masaka Rd. the forest has various trails form which visitors can view the plentiful bird life, butterflies, monkeys and so many other attractions. There is a drum making industry at Mpambire village near Mpanga forest. It is a home of the Royal drum makers. The trees for making these drums are got from Mpanga Forest reserve.
Read MoreBuganda Sacred Sites Offering Tourism Opportunities
Since ancient times, sacred sites have had a mysterious allure for billions of people around the world. Legends and contemporary reports tell of extraordinary experiences people have had while visiting these places. Different sacred sites have the power to heal diseases, enlighten the mind and inspire the heart.
According to Martin Gray an Anthropologist spent thirty years studying and photographing hundreds of sacred sites in more than one hundred and twenty-five countries. After his study he was able to discuss the mythology and history of sacred sites and presents a fascinating explanation of the miraculous phenomena that occur at them.
As people continued to learn and know more about the sacred sites, many sacred sites have been identified as places of tourism interest in different countries across the world. For example the Kasubi tombs in uganda, sezibwa falls, Roman Catholics in Uganda (St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga Cathedral), Bahai temple, Namugongo shrines,Ssese Island Sacred sites at both at Nanziri falls (Bukasa ) and Bubeke famouse for Wanema historical shirine plus many others.However,Roasted coffee beans wrapped in dry banana fibres, varying sizes of baskets, gourds and spears with unique shapes are the commonest features in the sacred shrines of Ssese islands.
The Nanziri falls
This is an hour’s twisty trek through grassland and thick forest to the first sacred site en-route to Nanziri falls and the Nanziri cave. Tourists have to keep quiet and remove shoes as they approach a rock shaped like a chair, which is believed to be the guard’s seat. It is here that the guide briefs visitors on dos and don’ts as well as the sacrifices including roasted coffee beans, coins or meat to appease the spirits and Nanziri, the god of the waterfalls. The remains of burnt firewood is evidence of sacrifices offered at this site.
Visitors also move down to the Nanziri cave with various chambers believed to be rooms from where more sacrifices are made and prayers for blessings and fortunes including fertility, wealth, protection, long life, safety while travelling on water and heavy catches of fish, are sought. The waterfalls cascade over a 40-feet high rock into a shallow pool in which people seeking blessings and healings from various ailments swim oblivious of anyone looking at them. The guide insists that there is no known river feeding the falls but a spring that never dries and is powered by Nanziri, the god of this site, Kibuuka the god of war and Mukasa, the god of the lake.
Wanema’s shrine
This is found on the same island about four kilometres away at Bubeke.The palace characterised by grass-thatched houses and a well-maintained reed fence which is maintained by elderly women, who are armed with a wealth of information about its history, cultural and importance to the islanders and Buganda kingdom. Taking photos is by luck on this site because even camera shutters might not open after all. Various rituals are performed, sacrifices made and prayers offered by hundreds of people who are seeking fortunes. The attendants explain that only prayers for healing are encouraged as long as one believes in what they are seeking. Those whose prayers are answered return voluntarily with gifts of appreciation like goats, money and chicken. On another island called Bugembe is a popularly visited site, which is treated with awe. A well-maintained compound with grass-thatched houses, where rituals are performed for fortunes. According to the custodians, it is famous for giving wealth, fertility to women and partners to the singles. For those looking for a unique cultural tour in Africa, Uganda is your place to be.
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Discover Uganda’s Crater Lakes
Have you ever thought of visiting Uganda? Uganda is one of the best outdoor places to visit on the African continent and a Uganda safari never disappoints. The erupted craters are simply breathtaking places to visit, offer a fantastic hiking experience near Fort Portal in Western Uganda which will most definitely take you for the renown “Top of the World Hike” that introduce you to several crater lakes, through villages and tea plantations – you have the beauty of the crater lakes before you and the tallest African Mountain range, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon in the distance, simply an incredible and beautiful combination to the beholder.
The historical hole lakes were framed rather later in the light of antiquated volcanic movement in Uganda – an insignificant 8 to 10,000 years prior – however you see them as quiet, beautiful lakes today – when they blasted they brought on colossal harm in their opportunity covering a region bigger than Mount Vesuvius did at Pompeii – in the instance of the Ugandan Explosion Craters – they decreased Lake Edward to a poisonous mess. Fire and brimstone still ejected from the aforementioned blast cavities as of late as 2000 Bc while the Pyramids in Egypt were being assembled.
Eruption Craters did not fabricate cones as Volcanoes do – they basically blew fiery debris and shake far and wide – today there are the aforementioned incredible delightful lakes-, some of which still have a certain sulphur smell in their water. Some offer incredible places for swimming, viewpoints and nature trails that one can climb encompassed by monkeys, tropical fledglings, and wonderful sights.
At the time you are looking down one of Uganda’s cavity lakes – encircled via fields, green woodland, ranches – one doesn’t acknowledge that the aforementioned wonderful lakes were places out of which the earth blasted forward in a most savage ways.
Where are the ancient Crater Lakes located?
- Katwe Crater Lakes – Queen Elizabeth Park:
This renown crater is centrally situated north of the Mweya Peninsula and is the highest point of the park. You will experience a fantastic scenic Crater Drive – 27 kilometer where you see the beautiful crater lakes on your journey. The wildlife along the route isn’t soo much, though Buffaloes and Elephants can be frequently seen. Be sure not to miss Lake Kitagata – the lake is fed by a salty hot springs – no appeal to wildlife but beautiful to behold. Along this route you have some beautiful panoramic views of the Western Rift Valley and its escarpments, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Lake George, Lake Edward and the natural Kazinga Channel. Along this route you have the opportunity to visit Lake Katwe and its ancient salt works where you can take a tour that will benefit as well as tour the local community.
- Bunyaraguru Craters near – Queen Elizabeth Park: Situated along the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift near Queen Elizabeth Park. Lake Nkugute is a beautiful crater lake that is visible from the Mbarara Kasese road, however there about 20 crater lakes found here and also many dry craters. There are also viewpoints where you can see the Kichwamba Rift valley and also Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Ndali – Kasenda Craters – Fort Portal and Kibale Forest: Unlike inside of Queen Elizabeth Park – the crater lakes here could be investigated by walking –there are numerous treks that you can take here – the “Top of the World” gives one incredible perspectives of the crater lakes here, the Rwenzori Mountains, Tea Plantations, Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Lake George and the Kichwamba ledge of the Western Rift Valley. There are numerous treks that you can bring with an aide from some hours to a throughout the very beginning. The Kasenda Craters are an ideal add onto a visit to Kibale Forest and its Primates – you can likewise stay at U-Market Lodging for example Ndali Lodge and plan hotel for example Cvk Lakeside Resort – both disregarding a crater lake inside straightforward arrive at of different treks along the Kasenda Crater Lakes.
- Fort Portal Craters near Fort Portal: The Fort Portal Crater Field is the most modest around those in Western Uganda yet there is a gem around them and that is Lake Kyaninga and provided that you have a couple of dollars to extra there is the selective up-business Kyaninga Lodge – log lodge structures on an edge neglecting the Lake Kyaninga Crater Lake and an amazing perspective of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Basically a delightful and tranquil place with more than enough treks of the adjacent territory.
- The Crater Lakes are places to put on your must do record for your visit to Uganda – the excellence of the aforementioned pit lakes are not something to be missed in Uganda – the are a pleasure to view, incredible landscape and yet furnish extraordinary swimming, sailing and some angling chances
Places to Go for Chimpanzee Habituation in Uganda
Uganda being a Wildlife & Apes Destination in Africa, Chimpanzee Tracking is among the top Safari activity to be enjoyed by travelers visiting Africa for a Uganda Safari. Primate Safaris Rwanda has designed the Complete destination guide for Chimpanzee Tracking adventures. Book a Uganda primate Safari with us to visit top Destinations in Uganda for Chimpanzee Habituation.
Habituation refers to the process of teaching and training the wild chimpanzees in the forests to be approachable by humans through various interactions like feeding, non verbal communication in which you will get to know about their ways and behavior etc. This takes place in various destinations around Africa especially in the East African countries of Uganda with many destinations i.e like Kibale Forest National Park, Ngamba Island, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth national Park etc. Visit any of these destinations for a very exciting habituation experience.
Kibale Forest National Park
Travel to the beautiful Kibale Forest National Park to experience full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experiences (CHEX) where you will be provided with an opportunity to spot these primates embrace their habitat/ forest through feeding, playing, hunting as well as resting in the branches. However, those that track the chimpanzee early in the morning will see the primates leave their nests from 6:00 to 6:30 am before hunting, conjugating, feeding, resting, breastfeeding, leading etc. These are always in groups with the dominant males leading the group called Alpha males followed by females who take care of the young ones. They are herbivores for they feed on leaves, roots, shoots, ants etc. Don’t miss out on this exciting unique experience and encounter for it is worthwhile for all that take part during holiday safari vacation in Uganda.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is found in the western part of Uganda near the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tracking the rare species of Chimpanzee is availed through the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth National Park and only requires one 2 hours to drive to this place. Children of 12 and above years old are accepted to track these primates. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest is better than that of the Kyambura Gorge due to the fact that spotting chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is a 50-50 chance and requires being extremely fit to track them. One can take on a full day tracking these primates in the forest through hiking/ following various trails from one point to another in search for the primates. In order for one to track successfully with out any inconveniences, they should pack and carry their food for lunch especially those engaging in the whole day package.
Ngamba Island
Being one of the Koome group of Islands i.e Nsazi, Kiimi, Koome, Bulago & Damba islands in the magnificent Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is situated in about 23 km south east of Entebbe occupying an area of about 100 acres of which 95% is forested and detached from the human camp with an electric fence. There biggest portion of the island is forested with gaps of grassland occupying about 10% of the island and there is an acre reserved as camp quarters for staff and researchers maintaining the space between the forest and the out looking podium for feeding the chimpanzees during day. The Island also inhabits other wildlife species like the fish eagles, otters, spiders, fruit bats as well as monitor lizards. The Island and chimpanzee sanctuary are managed by the Chimpanzee trust which is a non-profit organization ready to manage its activities without necessarily depending on donations from individuals/ sponsors worldwide. Today, the number of chimpanzees has increased from 42-49 which has increased management and development costs. Most of the chimpanzees were victims poaching for bush meat and illegal trade on the black market to countries abroad. However, due to the existence of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary, many have got refuge and a home to survive till 60 years of age.
How to Get to Ngamba
When traveling to Ngamba Island, one should consider their budget so as to get appropriate transportation from the shores into the lake. There are various transportation means that can be booked according to your specific budget for example, if you travel by air, you will take about 20 minutes to reach, customary motorized canoe about 90 minutes and a speed boat 45-50 minutes. Reservations and bookings are done through Ngamba Island Reservations Office or an authorized tour operator agency that will ensure you travel safely. However, one can prepare their own transport to travel.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest occupies an area of 793 sq kms and is found in the tremendous Murchison Falls National Park. 53% of the reserve is covered with forests and the rest grassland. The forest is filled with mahogany trees that inhabit extraordinary biodiversity including 24 different species of candid animals of which 9 are primates, 130 are species of moths, 289 species of butterflies and 359 bird species. Due to the exceptional features it has, two eco tourism sites have been established and reserved for tourism activities and these include Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro sites. These include habituated chimpanzees that are nurtured on how to interact with humans and whoever gets to see them should expect an encounter that is exceptional. Seeing these primates is not 100% due to the constantly changing seasons of the year i.e there is a 90% to spot them in the months of May, June, July & August where as in the months of February, March, April & September the % decreases to 70 and in October, November, December and January it is only 50% that lead to their continuous movement from one place to another. About 6 chimpanzee groups that are habituated in the Kaniyo Pabidi site although tracking them is more appropriate in the Busingiro site due to existence of a grid trail in which a 200m grid system enhances easy navigation through the thick forest. The tracking process starts at 7:00 am in groups of 6 people and children of 7 years and above are accepted to track the primates.
Kyambura Gorge Queen Elizabeth
Kyambura (or Chambura) Gorge alternatively referred to as the “Valley of Apes” is filled by River Kayambura and is about 1 km diagonal at its expansive point and 100 meters deep. The Gorge is situated in the remote corner of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park in the south western part of Uganda with very exceptional wildlife biodiversity consisting of primates, wildlife as well as birds of the air. According to the records, about 16 chimpanzees are found in the valley today. Hiking or searching for these primates is quite challenging due to the fact that it requires some physical fitness so as to spot the chimpanzees. It is no guarantee that one will spot the rare species in their habitat but in case they meet them, the experience and encounter is very exciting. While searching for the chimps, you will have opportunities to spot some other wildlife species like the monkeys, olive baboons as well as the birds of the air.
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