Culture, Cuisine & Chimpanzees in Uganda - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Kasenyi Fish Landing Site Tour & Entebbe Beach

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be welcomed by your private driver for your transfer to your hotel in Entebbe. After getting settled in, you'll go on a guided tour of Kasenyi Fish Landing Site, a bustling trading center. Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, you'll wander past stalls selling smoked fish, sweet potatoes, yams, and more. Watch the vendors cook up a storm and some freshly fried fish at a restaurant. Your local guide will share insights on local fishing practices and point out the best local cuisine to try. 

Next, you'll head to the tranquil shores of White Sands Beach in Entebbe. Soak up the sun, kick off your shoes, and enjoy a refreshing beverage as you relax and unwind.

Day 2: Transfer to Kampala, Entanda Initiative Tour

This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Entanda Initiative, a community-based tourism organization in the town of Mityana. You'll spend five hours here getting an insight into the local culture through a range of activities. Listen to the sekitulege, a musical instrument played only by adults, then meet a bark cloth maker to learn about traditional bark cloth clothing in Buganda (a Bantu kingdom within Uganda). Take a walk through the nearby bushland with the senior ssenga (aunt) and learn about local medicine and herbs. 

Afterward, it's time to eat. Enjoy fresh, authentic luwombo, a traditional Ugandan dish cooked in a banana leaf pouch, once served to royals centuries ago. Eat your meal the traditional way, with your hands, sitting on mats in a circle. You can also try the locally-processed medicinal wine made from herbs and tree bark. Next up, join a soccer match between the villagers and visitors, test your archery skills, or try roasting goat meat. Lastly, see some traditional wrestling, a sport played for centuries in Buganda. You can even wrestle the oldest villager, aged over 70. If you can win, you get a special prize.

At the end of the day, your driver will take you to the city of Kampala, around 1.5 hours away, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3: Cooking Class & City Tour in Kampala, Visit a Local School in Matuga

This morning, head out on a tour of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Set on the edge of Lake Victoria, Kampala is rich in history and culture. Your tour starts at the Uganda Museum, filled with exhibits on the cultural and natural heritage of the country. Next, head to Nakasero Market to browse the crafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Enjoy a cooking class with a local street food vendor and learn how to make tasty fast food dishes, such as the popular "rolex," a vegetable omelet rolled up in a chapati. Afterward, your guide will take you to see Kabaka's Palace in Mengo, then you'll visit the Ndere Cultural Center, where you'll be treated to a local meal, traditional music, and dance.

In the afternoon, visit a school, the Matuga Community School, located about an hour from Kampala. The school is known for its commitment to quality education and creating bright futures for its students. You'll be welcomed by the teachers and students, then your guide will take you on a tour of the school. You'll have the opportunity to interact with the teachers and students and learn about the education experience in Uganda. The students will also perform a cultural dance, showcasing their talent and passion. Afterward, your driver will take you back to your hotel for the evening. 

Day 4: Transfer to Entebbe, Meet the Chimpanzees of Ngamba Island

Today, your driver will pick you up and take you back to nearby Entebbe, where you'll board a boat and cruise across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island. Upon arrival, you'll continue to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to more than 50 orphaned and rescued chimps. Saved from poachers, wildlife traffickers, and circuses, the rehabilitated chimps live in a natural habitat across 100 acres (40 ha) of forest. 

Start at the sanctuary's visitor center to get an insight into its mission, history, and fascinating residents. Then head to a raised viewing platform, where you'll get to see the incredible chimps interacting with their caregivers at feeding time. You'll enjoy four hours at the sanctuary, getting to know the adorable chimps, before taking a boat back to Entebbe, where you'll spend the night.

Day 5: Art Galleries, Craft Markets & Painting Class, Depart Entebbe

Start your day by discovering the artistic side of Entebbe. Visit the local art galleries and craft markets where you'll find a range of crafts, including paintings, fabrics like the traditional kitenge, shoes, jewelry, home decor, and more. Take your time to walk through the market, barter with the vendors, and learn about the different crafts. Next, take part in a painting class where you'll learn how to create your own masterpiece, then have the chance to purchase your favorite paintings from local artists as souvenirs of your time in Uganda. Later, you'll enjoy a delicious local lunch. 

When it's time to depart, your private driver will take you to Entebbe International Airport for your next flight. Safe travels!

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