Be the first to uncover some of the most exciting cultures in the continent of Africa. Ranked among the most hospitable people in the world; encountering one of the cultures in Uganda will help you understand the lifestyle, customs and believes that have shaped these amazing people.  It is beyond just visiting new people, but also reminding yourself of what authentic culture should look like, traditional attire, local delicious cuisines and rich architecture. Cultural diversity in Uganda is real, with over 56 cultures each with unique dialect, customs, food, dress code, dance, beverage and so much more, scattered in central, eastern, northern and western parts of the country.

Uganda is a tiny landlocked country in the east of the continent of Africa, with amazing weather, undoubtedly safe and modern improved infrastructure. The country’s neighbors include; the Republic of Rwanda, Kenya, the Republic of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of South Sudan and Tanzania. There are varieties of organized cultural groups living around different national parks across the country.

A perfect opportunity to learn, guests who visit different culture groups get to mix and mingle and fully become part of the community. Get yourself involved in the local dances, sing with the natives, walk around the community and dress as the people, share local food and donate to help some local projects sustaining the natives into a decent living.

With each passing minute, visitors get to know different Musical instruments, local cuisines, how to dance the local way and immerse into the natives.

Here are some of the most famous cultures, besides the established kingdoms like the Toro kingdom, Buganda Kingdom, Bunyoro, Ankole kingdom and tens of other smaller chiefdoms.

The Baganda people.

Found in the central part of Uganda, this is one of the most amazing and oldest cultures in Uganda. Baganda are Bantu speaking people, speaking the commonly used language in the country, “Luganda” and visitors can uncover more about the Ganda culture by visiting the Buganda Kingdom, Bulange in Mengo, Kasubi Tombs and Entada community initiative in Mityana.

Batwa pygmies.

Reportedly some of the shortest people in the world, visiting the Batwa pymies offer an amazing cultural experience to visitors on a safari to Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable National Parks.  The Batwa are well known as former hunters and gatherers, as their forefathers lived in the forest and depended on it for shelter, food and so much more.

An elderly Twa man, clad in complete cultural attire, welcomes and takes visitors through their cultural stories and community. The other rewarding experience is to follow the Batwa trail to the caves which were historically used as shelter. They also have wider knowledge regarding the forest and help narrate to visitors about different plants, their medicinal use and so much more.

Karamojong and IK people.

Found in the northeastern part of Uganda, these are one of the most famous and exciting cultures to pay a visit in Uganda. They take pride in cattle and consider it as wealth and true blessings. Karamoja, being predominantly semi-arid and dry; the people spend nights in grass thatched houses and stay half-naked, which leaves many visitors wondering.

Visitors get to engage in community tours around Manyattas, kraals and participate in cultural dances and songs. Legends have it that the IK people are known to be the Original Ugandans, with very unique language, slightly different from that of the Karamojong.

Other exciting cultures include; the Bagisu with their Kadodi dance (celebratory dance during Male circumcision ceremony) which happens at Watoto grounds in Mbale city each year.

The Batoro people, Bakiga, Itesots, Sabin and many more, the list is endless, and for one to fully uncover destination Uganda is by taking a cultural safari across the park. Two other places are worth your time; Ndere cultural centre for weekly traditional performances and Igongo cultural Centre for exhibition of cultural symbols across different tribes that make up western part of Uganda.

You need to visit one or more cultures in Uganda for an educative and freshening experience. This adventure can be done any time of the year, weekdays and weekends.