CULTURAL TOURS TO RWANDA AND UGANDA
Be part of a Merit Safaris Cultural Tour and get a grass roots experience of Uganda and Rwanda.
Cultural Tour – Rwanda (10 Days)
Cultural Tour – Uganda (15 Days)
In Rwanda, the main cultural interests include; the genocide memorial sites, Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, local crafts and the Batwa animist communities who have been recently resettled in the north, in Ruhengeri. In Gisenyi, where Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans is found. genocide memorials are found in Butare and Ruhengeri and in Kigali the Capital. Back in Kigali is an attractive city spread over many hills for which Rwanda is prominent; enjoy local dances and see local cultures. The City has a pleasant, buoyant air and its peoples are some of the friendliest in the world. Local crafts can be bought.
Uganda has a rich cultural heritage exhibited by the various tribes in Uganda.
Kampala will offer you the Baganda sites including the palace, the Ancient Kingdom Tombs, and other cultural sites. In the north on your trip to Kidepo National Park, the uniqueness of the Karamojong cattle keepers is exciting.
The Uganda safari combines a visit to the Nakaima tree in Mubende, a local tree about 400 years old, venerated in local folklore as holding the spirit of an ancient king. See local projects and abundant game in Queen Elizabeth Park including buffalo, tree-climbing lion, leopard, warthog and the ever present hippo. Further south in Bwindi see local communities and projects (gorilla tracking can be arranged as well) before continuing to Mgahinga. Visit the local Batwa animist communities. Back in Kampala “trail” Kabaka’s Trail – see the cultures of Buganda and see the preserved lifestyle of their ancient kings. See Naggalabi Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs, Katereke Royal Prison, King Wamala’s tombs and other cultural visits organised by Heritage Trails Local Project. Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine, East of Kampala City where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century is also worth visiting. Visit Bahai Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. In the East, at Jinja, look at Sezibwa local Falls and the Source of the Nile. Our guests stay in selected homes or lodges of local people who also provide food, and drink.
Departures Dates for the trips: Daily
Itineraries that include a visit to the gorillas are subject to availability of permits at time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, only one gorilla permit is included in the safari cost; the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.
Click for the Trekking Tours to Uganda and Rwanda
Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document.
Flights
Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Uganda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your tour operator or travel agent.
Safaris start and end either in either Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda; or Kigali in Rwanda.
Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.
Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.
Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.
Key to Itineraries:
| O/N: | Overnight |
| FB | Accommodation on Full Board basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are included in the safari cost. |
| HB | Accommodation on Half Board basis. One meal (either lunch or dinner) as well as breakfast are included in the safari cost. |
| BB | Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis. Only breakfast is included in the safari cost at the stated property. |
| B | Accommodation on Bed Only basis. All meals at the stated property are not included in the safari cost. To be paid for directly by the client. |
Socialise with us on Twitter and Facebook 