Overview
Be prepared to get amazed, when you take the western safari circuit, especially at the spectacular scenery slowly unfolding before your eyes. It never fails to impress.
The flat lands and savannah gradually give way to cascade of rising hills that never seem to end. Some basics are necessary to explain all this.
About 25 million years ago, Eastern Africa was wrenched apart by tectonic plates, causing land masses to rise and others to sink. The result is this landscape of high altitude craters and towering mountains often covered by thick rainforests or snow.
A substantial part of western Uganda lies along the ridges and slopes of the Western Rift consequently, it can get very cold, so make sure you take warm clothing along with you.
The region is sometimes referred to as the Land of milk and honey, with good reason because of the long horned Ankole cattle which hold a cherished position amongst the people. These noble, slow moving animals were originally herded down from ancient Egypt 2000 years ago.
One particular breed is known as the Cattle of Kings, a reminder that for hundred years it was Kings who rule here. However the inhabitants of Western Uganda are descendants of both pastoralists and farmers. Those who till and grow crops along the steep ills today, do it in a manner that seems to defy gravity. In other areas, terrace gardens become artistic wonders.
To better understand the people in this region including Banyankole, Banyoro, Batooro, Bafumbira and Batwa, the best place to start from is the Igongo Cultural Center and Museum. Luckily it is conveniently located along the Kampala Mbarara highway just before town. There is also an annex that acts as a hotel for longer stay.
Every aspect of these cultures is displayed and explained under one roof. Other groups of people across Uganda are also featured, but it is the story of Western Uganda that gets the spotlight.
In a nutshell, after the mass migration of people from the direction of Egypt and Ethiopia, slowed to a halt, centralized kingdoms later emerged by the 15th century in Uganda. For Western Uganda, the most prominent were the Bunyoro-Kitara and Ankole Kingdoms.
This region is famous for exorbitant game drives, mountain climbing, scenic views and the popular lifetime gorilla tracking experience.