Kasenda Crater Lakes and Mahoma Falls Tour, Kabarole District: Day 5 Of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

With the Chimpanzee tracking done, bird watching, nature hiking and having had comfy accommodation, I hadn't had enough of the beauty of Kabarole District in Western Uganda.

Kibale National park and Bigodi wetland sanctuary were breathtaking, but more scenically stunning were the Kasenda crater lakes, near Fort Portal City.

Several guided hikes available offered the opportunity to observe the magnificent volcanic features.

Filled with steep slopes of fertile volcanic soils, covered with thick vegetation and some rocky patches, the hike was quite a challenge.

The view atop, though, was applaudable; a view of the clear crater lake waters and the aquatic life, the approximately 16,762 ft tall, snowcapped Rwenzori ranges; the 296 sq mile, evergreen Kibale forest; the 100 m deep chasm called Kichwamba escarpment, and Lake George.

Kasenda crater lakes, as the name suggested, situated in Kasenda county, Kabarole District, were as many as 12 lakes in the territory.

Gorgeous, surrounded by steep crater rims; Nyinambuga lake was the most popular one since its photograph adorns the Ugandan Twenty thousand shillings note. 

With the highlight of the tour, that commanded undivided attention, being the Mahoma Falls located in Kabata Village.

I walked to the cascading waters of the fall, threw down my travel backpack, and stood below for a light shower.

The tour guide, my group mates and I marveled at the wonder. This crater lakes tour was the perfect ending to the safari to Kabarole district.

The Afro foot-trail had to continue...

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Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (Fort Portal), Swamp Walk, Bird and Butterfly Watching: Day 4 Of My 11 Day Of Uganda

Most of the world knows Fort Portal City in Western Uganda, as home to the Kibale national park, a mecca for Chimpanzee tracking and nature hiking.

But it's also home to a community based Swamp project called "Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary." On any nature reserve that size, there's always lots of biodiversity and natural vegetation.

I had spent the previous day at Kibale national park, Chimpanzee tracking and nature hiking. Spotted several of the chimps and, some of the nearly extinct tree species.

The nature walk tour guide looked jovial and was good at imparting knowledge on the animals and vegetation at Kibale national park. 

"Away from the park, lies a beautiful, little place, not far, that would be amazing for bird and butterfly lovers." Said the guide.

The guide, named Ben, would go on to sell us on the idea of visiting the sanctuary; and made plans to take us the following day.

Early in the morning, I packed my travel backpack, bid farewell to some of my former group mates who had opted out, and set off for the sanctuary.

6 Kilometers later, I walked down the ramp of the park's minibus and into the sweltering, sticky heat of the wetland sanctuary.

Coming out of the parking area, Ben the guide, gave us a brief history of the sanctuary and the origin of the its name.

"Bigodi" a Rutooro word derived from "kugodya", loosely translated as 'to walk wearily.'

The locals came up with the name because different people who would walk to the wetland back then, would reach extremely tired, and therefore had to rest.

Bigodi Swamp was home to different wild animals that I easily spotted with the help of the expert, Ben the guide. Animals like; the medium sized antelope called " Sitatunga", with facial markings as well as several stripes and spots all over it body.

A dark brown bush pig, endowed with a blunt, muscular snouts; small eyes, pointed ears and buckled toes. 

The Blue monkey, though unnoticeably blue, with little hair on its face, a blackish cap, feet and front legs.

Some baboons, that had long, dog-like muzzles; heavy, powerful jaws, close-set eyes, and hairless bums.

I had never seen such a kaleidoscope of butterflies before a visit to Bigodi wetland sanctuary. There was indeed lots of butterflies, rendering the swamp a haven for lepidopterist (zoologists that study butterflies).

This was all heavily vegetated area and teemed with lots of water. A perfect habitat for aquatic like Otters.

When I arrived at the sanctuary, I received a pair of army green gumboots and binoculars, which helped in the nature walk and viewing.

I threw my travel backpack once again over my shoulder, and asked for directions to the bird zones in the area. 

Along the board walk trail and viewing platforms, Ben the guide, showed us some of the bird species in the area, explaining their unique characters.

Amongst a population of over 138 bird species, I laid gaze upon the brown chested alethe, black bee-eater, purple breasted sunbirds, weaver birds, e.t.c

So beautiful was the sanctuary, so impressive were the plant and animal life, and such a lucrative protectorate to the surrounding community it was.

A safari to Bigodi wetland sanctuary was more than just an adventure...

My Afro Travels continued...

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Chimpanzee Trekking On A Nature Hiking Trail in Kibale National Park: Day 3 of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

Over the years, there have been indeed a few great tales of Kibale national park, formally Kibale forest national park; perusing through most of them, I discovered, from their point of view, that there was much more to be explored in person.

I had made it to Fort Portal, located in western Uganda the previous day, just before dusk. I fell in love with gorgeous Kyaninga Lodge, where I spent the night.

A quarter to 7am, my alarm bell rang, waking me up for the day's itinerary which usually started around 7 O'clock in the morning.

I had hardly finished taking breakfast, when the nature walk guide called out to us to assemble. It was almost time to start. 

Five young fellow travelers poured into the open space in front of the Kanyanchu visitor center. The commanding guide had the job of leading us through the moist evergreen rainforest and their diverse array of landscapes; lowlands and montane.

Where we came from, the purpose of visiting the national park, what our level of preparedness was, were all of glorious relevance.

The nature hike was a dreadful task, tiresome; and that would come later, for some.

I was more energized than most, and couldn't wait; the chow was unavoidable, but with it, would come great experiences.

Unlike my previous safari destinations, I felt a presence of natural fresh air and learnt about different flora and fauna species in Kibale forest.

Most captivating of all on the trail was the sight of the chimpanzee community. Unsurprisingly since the park was a home to approximately 13 species of the majestic primates.

Kanyanchu chimps had lived in the park since 1993, multiplied and raised their young ones under the watchful eye of the government of Uganda; tracked by tourists over the years making them accustomed to visitors, hence improving the odds of spotting them.

Coming from a fairly urban area, trees were sparsely scattered, and mainly new and exotic species. The nature hike at Kibale national park provided an opportunity to interface with a great number of tree species; some of them endangered like the  African cordia or drum tree (cordia millenii) and brown mahogany or Kilimanjaro mahogany (Lovoa swynnertonii).

Broad leaf ferns and grasses, shade tolerant shrubs and herbs like the marble berry (Pollia condensata) dominated the forest's under strong.

The benefit of starting the trail early was the rare opportunity it presented at sighting rare bird species. 

Boasting approximately 320 bird species, Kibale national park was a haven for bird watchers and enthusiasts. The Ground thrush, endemic to the park, were easily spotted while still in their nests.

The chirping of the western tinkerbirds echoed through the forest. The group and I had been promised sights of grey parrots but, unfortunately we didn't get a glimpse of any.

By the time the Chimpanzee tracking and nature hike came to an end, in 3 hours time, my group mates and I had spotted graciously habituated communities of chimps, some monkeys munching on leaves like the long limbed and tailed, adorned with white upper eyelids, Uganda Mangabey monkey, and the reddish brown coated Ugandan red colobus monkey.

I had no luck in spotting some elephants as we had earlier been told it was their migratory season and on route to the neighbouring Queen Elizabeth national park...

But more was in store as this afro foot-trail continued...

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Traveling To Kibale National Park, and Lodging at Kyaninga Lodge: Day Two of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

I enjoyed Kampala, the capital City of Uganda, a straggly metropolis steeped in faith and history. With a populous so entrepreneurial and many beautiful tourist attractions.

The sites I visited where breathtaking and majestic but my afro travels were far from done...

The following day, the plan was to head to Kibale National Park located  in the western region of Uganda.

The last Bus trip I made traveling to Kampala was far from perfect but what's one to do when traveling on a limited budget.

For the second time I sat in a 60 sitter Link Bus, the faces of my fellow passengers from the driver to the lady in the back corner, stared out, cheerful and expectant; most where heading out to see loved ones, and others, like me, where in search of new adventures.

Chafing a bit, having traveled for approximately 5 hours, a distance of 314 kilometers, I finally made it to Fort Portal City (The Tourism City) in the western region of Uganda.

Mwebaleyo (transition "Welcome") said one of the Bus Park attendants clad in a green, tagged Bus company uniform.

Fort Portal City had a different Vibe from Kampala. A home to the Batooro, a slow paced and welcoming people, and a booming economy mostly fueled by tourism. Some ladies and gentlemen offered snacks and refreshments for a small price in the Bus park to weary travelers.

A few meters away from bus park entrance, were special hire taxis. One of which I hired and off I was; for 32 minutes, a distance of approximately 26 kilometers, we drove to Kyaninga Lodge.

At the edge of an extinct Volcanic crater lake looking out to the Rwenzori mountains sat Kyaninga Lodge. The gem of a lodge offered accommodation with a cozy and intimate feel.

There were a lot of stairs being a mountainous vicinity, nevertheless, the lodge was a perfect spot.

Led by one of the staff, the main area led out to a large wooden veranda which had a gorgeous view of the crater lakes and the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains.

On the inside, the main area had a comfy lounge with roaring fire, that is set ablaze every evening; paving arrived in the evening hours, I had a pleasure of being welcomed by the golden flame view. A lot of books were available and, on the side, a small dining space.

The Rooms, located on one side of the main area, were very spacious with a gigantic bed made of bamboo like poles, a sitting area, and an en suite bathroom. And the highlight of my day, the Veranda overlooking the mountains.

These rooms spread along a tall wooden walkway...

This would go on to be my humble abode for the next couple of days as I trailed Kibale National Park on my Afro Travels.

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A Walk Through History At The Uganda National Museum, Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

Being Ugandan, born and bred, I am well versed with my homeland's history; but a visit to the Uganda Museum brought it all to life.

All through Primary and Secondary schools I was taught of the times of the past, how Governor George Wilson called for "All articles of Interest" on Uganda to be procured.

Several collections were made and a Museum established... With a few hours left to the end of my one day tour of Kampala, Uganda Museum was my last destination choice.

Located in the Northern part of Kampala, on Kitante Hill, Kira road, a few kilometres away from the City center, the Uganda Museum housed some of the most informative and interesting exhibitions.

I discovered displays of ethnological,  natural/historical and traditional life collections of Uganda's cultural heritage.

On my way into the Museum, through the hall, three pathways led to different exhibits:

The Ethnological Gallery: that comprised more than 90,000 objects of historical value. Backcloth showcase, traditional wooden stools,  Gomesi and Kanzu traditional outfits of Uganda and many more.

Palaeontology Section: This section showcased fossils that are related to human evolution. The Uganda Pithecus, a fossil ape's skull aged between 19-20 million years that was discovered in Napak, was on display among others.

The Music Gallery: displayed a comprehensive collection of musical instruments from all parts of Uganda. Drums, Percussions, wind and string instruments and many more from differing locales.

The Information from the tour guide, on all exhibitions, was aphoristic and easy to digest. The highlight of my evening, however, was the "Cultural Village."

At the back of the Museum building was a collection of Huts depicting traditional lifestyles of the Ugandan.

Stuff of tales my granddad narrated to me about their earlier days... The cultural Village at the Museum provided an experience of the indigenous ways of Ugandans back in the days.

An array of cultural materials, the likes of wooden Milk pots, ceramics, leather work, basketry and many more were displayed.

Some of those huts that left an impression were:

Batooro hut: that had a wooden bed, backcloth blanket and Royal drums.

Bugisu hut: that housed circumcision tools of knives, the operator's headgear, e.t.c

Teso hut: with calabashes for brewing Malwa( a fermentated brew from Millet), mingling stones for grinding millet to Kalo( Millet bread) e.t.c

The Cultural Village was a much appreciated view into the history of Uganda, the life of my people before colonisation and modernisation; and was my favourite piece.

I took away so much, and a lot came into perspective on my life's trajectory from that visit to the Uganda Museum. 

A very informative and educative evening it was! A perfect ending to a day's tour of Kampala, the Capital city of Uganda.

The Foot-trail continued...

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Inspiration from Africa's Only Baha'i Temple (House of Worship), Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

"Heaven and Hell aren't places but states of being reached when someone does something good or bad respectively..." 

- Abdul-Baha: founder of the Baha'i faith.

'Mashriqu-I-Adhkar' or "The dawning place of the praise of God," in Persian, is the Baha'i Temple (House of Worship).

The Baha'i House of Worship in Uganda was named the mother temple of Africa, and sat atop Kikaya Hill on the outskirts of Kampala.

A few minutes from Namugongo, Kikaya Hill on Gayaza road was my next destination on this Afro foot-trail.

A brief background on the Baha'i faith:

Abdul-Baha wrote a series of letters to the followers of religion in the United States, in 1916-1917.

Compiled into a book, these letters became the "tablets of divine plan." To be the divine guide for all the followers of the faith.

Africa was mentioned in the eighth and twelfth of the tablets which were written on 19th April 1916 and 15th February 1917, respectively.

On 3rd August, 1951 Mr. and Mrs. Mùsà Banàni and, their colleagues arrived in Kampala; Banàni was an adult convert to the religion during world war I from a Jewish background.

69 years later, spread over 1951 - 2020, the Baha'i faith managed to rack up more than 200,000 Baha'is in Uganda. Even though it went through some tough times during Idi Amin's reign, when the faith was banned.

In 1958, Joseph Mbogo, Erisha Kiwanuka, and Max Kanyerezi, Ugandan Baha'is had their names inscribed on the deed to the land for the Temple.

Built over 54 years ago, the Baha'i Temple wasn't only a marvel, it's sublime architectural design was based on a spiritual vision.

Like thousands in Uganda, I was enticed to check out its scenic view. Based on the fact that each continent has got only one Baha'i Temple, a visit was a must to Africa's spiritual heart for the Baha'i.

Gorgeous flower beds, perfectly located trees and, neatly kept lawns in columns of gardens surrounded the Temple; narrowing on your ascension from the foothill to the top. 

Atop the hill, sat the majestic Temple; open to all but only in accordance to Baha'i principles of NO loud music, flower picking, intoxication, e.t.c beckoning thousands, me inclused, to travel to Africa's only Baha'i temple.

It's 124.6 feet height and 44.2 feet width with a conical dome took into consideration the harmonic Baha'i principles, the kind of harmony I needed in my life so as to attain the Baha'i heavenly state of being on my Afro foot-trail.

9 Major pillars and 28 Minor ones keep the Temple upright; and It has 9 doors that are always open during prayers.

The Temple, in my opinion, was a unification symbol of God's divine uniting force; for it's comprised of parts from differing locales, Timber used to make furniture was from Ugandan trees, the coloured glass was brought from Germany.

Steel, window frames and fittings were Briton. The walls are of Ugandan quarried precast stone; and the green dome is made of tiny Italian glazed mosaic tiles, while the lower roof tiles are from Belgium.

January 1962, after four years of construction, the Temple was successfully open to the public, inspiring piety and at most respect to the almighty in all...

The trail continued...

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A Visit to Uganda Martyrs' Shrine And Museum - Namugongo, Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

32 young men weren't born to be beaten and some burned to death; they were loyal subjects to Kabaka (King) Mwanga II, and it all went wrong because they believed in Jesus Christ (Christianity).

Back in 1885, young men and some boys by the names of John Mary Mzee, Charles Lwanga, Balikudembe, Kizito, just to mention, abandoned their traditional beliefs and accepted the teachings of the Missionaries that believed in Christ hence became Christians.

This displeased the Kabaka who ordered them to renounce their faith to which they refused.

On 3rd June 1886, Kabaka Mwanga decreed that they should be put to death for their insolence. 

These men were rounded up, beaten and dragged by their backs up to one of hills in the central region of the Kingdom.

To date that hill is called Namugongo which translates to "Mugongo" the back and "Namugongo" by the back, derived from the act of dragging the Uganda Martyrs by their backs.

Atop this hill seats the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, a majestic site that topped my list of Kampala's treasures to visit.

Started in 1967, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine was completed in 1975; since then it stands tall with the magnificence of an ancient Cathedral whose design derives inspiration from an African Hut structure.

With a seating capacity of 1000 people, the seats in this Basilica are arranged in circular form. 22 copper pillars of over 100 feet long keep the shrine upright.

A lake was excavated in honor of the Martyrs and bares a pavilion that takes the form of a boat.

That Pavilion has a deck-like feature which is used for Holy Mass as the Altar, and beneath that Altar, lies a Sacristy; a kitchen and bedroom which Pope Francis shortly occupied on his visit to Uganda in 2015.

Spectacular is this Site but deeper is the fact that it's the land upon which 15 of the Martyrs were burned alive for their refusal to denounce Christianity.

In 1920, during Pope Benedict XV 's reign, the Martyrs were canonized as Saints. Every 3rd day of June Uganda celebrates Martyrs day, and has been doing so for the past 99 years.

Pilgrims from within and out of Uganda make their way to this magnificent site; some travelling by car while others opting to walk barefooted from as far as Kenya, as a sacrifice in honor of the Martyrs.

Through Art and architecture, Ugandans pay tribute to these Martyrs; with the recent addition to the tribute being the construction of the Church of Uganda's "Uganda Martyrs Museum."

     "It's a one stop tourist attraction that will showcase the rich religious and cultural values of Uganda." 

- Daily Monitor

A visit to this Museum visually walked me through the life of the Martyrs and their death; some by slaughter, and others by a slow grueling holocaust.

Through sculpture and paintings... The young and imaginative minds have preserved Uganda's history for all future generations...

Inspirational it was, More of Kampala's treasures awaited.

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