Mbarara town is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions and activities, so here are the top 10 things to do in Mbarara.
There are many tourist attractions in Mbarara town, also referred to as the ‘land of milk and honey’ due to its cattle-rearing roots and the Banyankore tribe that lives there.
Popularly known as the land of milk and honey, Mbarara town together with its Banyankore tribe has historically been recognized as a cattle-rearing region, and with good cause.
This city is home to some of Uganda’s biggest livestock farms. The long-horned Ankole cattle are the most common breed of cattle reared.
Mbarara has advanced quickly and caught up with Jinja, Masaka, Gulu, Entebbe, and Mbale in terms of development. After Kampala city, Mbarara is currently the second-largest metropolitan area.
In terms of economy, infrastructure, and importance, Mbarara is just behind Kampala. Hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, plazas, and arcades are just a few of the contemporary structures that have sprung up throughout the city at an astounding rate.
In case this is your first time visiting Mbarara city and you’re wondering what to do and what things to see in Mbarara, you are in the right place.
The top 10 tourist attractions and things to do in Mbarara town are listed below for you to take a look at.
Visit Lake Mburo National Park
The drive from Mbarara to Lake Mburo National Park takes about 30 minutes. The park formerly belonged to Mbarara city, but with the introduction of new districts, it is currently a part of the Kiruhura district.
Even though Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smaller national parks, visitors may expect incredible experiences there.
While on a safari in Uganda, it is the finest location to watch zebras. In addition to zebras, other antelopes you might see include hyenas, leopards, mongooses, buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas, and other species.
The best chance to observe leopards is during night game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, which sets it apart from other national parks in Uganda.
Additionally, you can take a boat tour on Lake Mburo to witness crocodiles and hippos. The cultural centre in Lake Mburo National Park will be comparable to that in Igongo in the future.
Only in Lake Mburo can you embark on a safari on foot, atop a horse, with a quad bike, or in a traditional safari vehicle.
A tour of Mbarara city
You must have a thorough city tour before leaving Mbarara, a city that is rapidly developing. The local markets are the best spot to visit if one wants to get a feel for city life.
Experiencing local markets allows you to learn about people’s culture and the difficulties they encounter in daily life. You may listen to what’s happening around town and even watch how individuals go about their daily activities.
As the day closes, you can grab a refreshment at one of the most popular hangout spots in Mbarara city. A boda is the greatest vehicle to use when touring the city (motorcycle taxi).
However be warned that It’s unsafe to operate a boda boda, so make sure you get a helmet if you decide to use one. Yes, riding a boda boda might indeed be enjoyable, but you should also keep in mind that over 50% of traffic accidents in Uganda are brought on by boda boda riders.
To prevent the risks associated with taking a boda, we strongly advise that you rent a car.
Learn the Kinyankole Culture
The culture of the Mbarara people is well-known. As opposed to the Bairu, who are primarily farmers, the Bahima are cattle keepers. Their lifestyle, which includes things like marriage and clothing code, is the most well-liked cultural activity.
If you want to know more about the Kinyankole Culture, we recommend attending the okuhingira function, that’s if you’re invited to attend one.
Visit the Igongo Cultural centre
Along the Mbarara to Masaka route, seats this cultural centre was constructed in 2011. It was erected on the site where the Ankole King’s previous palace stood.
The Centre is a notable cultural destination in Uganda. It aids in promoting and showcasing the people of South Western Uganda’s cultural heritage.
The Eriijukiro museum is one of the Center’s main draws. A 30-minute tour of the Eriijukiro museum is required. On the other hand, the Eitaramiro Cultural Village depicts what a typical Kinyankore home might have looked like hundreds of years ago.
Traditional home furnishings such as animal hides, calabashes, milk gourds, grinding stones, and a stone fireplace can be seen. While visiting the Center, you can visit the traditional restaurant to sample Ankole cuisines such as matooke, ghee, and millet bread.
You can also sample powerful native beverages produced from corn and sorghum. If alcohol is not your thing, you can visit a bookstore or craft store to view antiquated sculptures of animals and humans from Ankole.
Sanga Cultural Village
This is the next best spot to visit in Mbarara if you’re still looking for additional cultural encounters. This centre highlights the Bahima people’s cultural history (a subset of the Ankole tribe).
It is constructed not far from the intersection leading to Lake Mburo National Park. Many of the Bahima tribesmen’s traditional attire and utensils can be seen in this area.
You will come across Hima ladies who are extremely knowledgeable about the tribe, the position of women in the home, and other venerable customs.
Admire the Ankole Long-horned Cattle
Uganda, and more specifically the western region of the country, is the greatest spot to go if you ever want to meet the cattle kings together with their Ankole Long-horned Cattle.
One or two livestock keepers can be seen walking around with long sticks to ward off danger while the long-horned cattle move about the huge pasturelands.
These Ankole cattle make good livestock because they can endure tough environments and do so while consuming less food and water.
Specifically, in the districts of Isingiro, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Mbarara, and Kiruhura in Western Uganda, Ankole cattle are graded. The cattle mostly eat the grass that grows on the broad fields, though occasionally farmers will give them vitamins to add to their diet.
The cows are most famous for their long horns, which may reach a height of eight feet from tip to tip. The horns, according to folklore, are there to protect cattle from harm.
Lakes and rivers in Mbarara
Several water bodies are located within the confines of Mbarara. Lake Nakivale, River Ruizi, and Lake Kachera are the three most well-known. The southeastern region of Mbarara City is where Lake Nakivale is situated.
Bushenyi which is Mabararas neighbouring district gets its water from the River Ruizi. After that, the river continues to Lake Kachera. Canoeing, fishing, and primate spotting are all enjoyable tourist activities to do along the River Ruizi.
And, since Lake Mburo National Park contains a portion of Lake Kachera, it can accommodate numerous park animals there. Even without paying the park admission price required for a full safari in the park, you can see some of the animals from specific areas.
The Nkokonjeru Tombs
The Nkokonjeru Tombs contain the graves of the last two Abagabe (kings) of the Ankole kingdom, Edward Solomon Kahaya II and Charles Godfrey Rutahaba Gasyonga II.
These were buried in 1944 and 1982, respectively. These tombs are very significant in the history of the Ankole people (Banyankole). The royals are the owners of the exterior tombs.
The Nkokonjeru Tombs are inside an abandoned colonial-style home in Kakiika, 3 kilometres from the heart of Mbarara, and are identified by two slabs of concrete.
The Nkokonjeru tombs are still in use and have great cultural significance to the Ankole people. The only question is how long it will last because, at any time, the tombs might be sold to private business owners unless the Ankole Kingdom officials make a strong push in that direction.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Uganda’s Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), sometimes referred to as Mbarara University, is a state institution of higher learning.
The first classes at Mbarara University were held in 1989. It is one of the 10 public colleges and institutions in Uganda that grants degrees. Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education has granted MUST accreditation.
Hotels and lodges in Mbarara
At the time of the survey, the district’s hotels and lodges included 28 businesses unrelated to accommodation and 59 lodging establishments. 815 persons were employed in the sector.
A total of 2732 beds could be accommodated.
The Lake View Hotel, Agip Motel, and New Hotel Classic were the main lodging options in the area.
Conclusion
If you thought Kampala was the most beautiful city in Uganda, we challenge you to visit Mbarara town. This town will give you a taste of the countryside and the city all in one slice.
Other places to visit in Mbarara town include the Nile Breweries plant, Coca Cola plant, central market, and Crafts and Souvenirs Industry, among many others
[…] Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located on the Kasese-Mbarara highway. It’s also located in the Bushenyi district west of Ishaha within the Queen […]
Comments are closed.