Cultural Encounters In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Cultural Encounters In Queen Elizabeth National Park : Cultural encounters within Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the best cultural experiences that one can have while on a visit to the national park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest national park in Uganda and it’s located in kasese district. It has an area cover of 1,978 square kilometers and it’s a home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species thus making it one of the best national parks for birding safaris in Uganda. Cultural encounters within Queen Elizabeth National Park include;
KIKORONGO WOMEN COMMUNITY
The word kikorongo means `too much sunshine’ in the local language of lukonzo. But the heat the African plains has not diminished the energy of the kikorongo Equator cultural performers. The vibrant performance takes place at the lodges around the queen Elizabeth National Park with a music, dance, drama and fire making from the cultural performance.
The local interpreter explains the importance of the performances, you can sit back and watch village life unfold in front of you. The kikorongo African art and craft workshops teach visitors how to weave baskets and bowls using natural fibers. The local instructors demonstrate how to recycle magazines into colorful paper beads which are made into unique necklaces. Amazing craft items made by the women’s group include purses, bowls, baskets and woven belts which are available for purchase.
NYANZIBIRI CAVE COMMUNITY
After a long game drive with scenic walks around a slice of Uganda paradise at this community site known as the cave. You will admire the panoramic view of volcanic crater lakes to a sound track of crested cranes and eagles. You will paddle a canoe, hike to the transparent lake, spot eight species of forest primates or simply just stop and smell the local flowers. This is the place where you can truly connect with nature. Local attractions include a historical cave and cultural museum which is perfectly preserved Bunyaruguru hut which is filled with valued local artifacts that were once the tools of their day to day life. The community run establishment also offers three fully furnished private bandas and a campsite.
The visitors can explore the Bat Cave’ which is tucked beneath the shady canopy of the famous maramagambo forest. The cave has a viewing room built through funding from the center for disease control in which visitors can observe pythons that live alongside bats.
KATWE TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE
The lake is too salty to support wildlife but since the 16th century, Lake Katwe has ensured the survival of the local communities who spend their days under the equatorial sun, walking the network of paths that cross the lake and harvest salt from its milky waters.
Katwe salt lake gives a unique insight into the fascinating yet tough process of salt mining as well as providing an alternative income for the locals. You will spot villagers at work on the lake, cross the mud walkways and enter a traditional grass hut. Tourists will pass by the nearby bird sanctuary lake which is a home to thousands of birds including flamingos which are best sighted from October to May. During the walk at the katwe village, tourists are welcomed to a traditional home stead where cooking demonstrations introduce you to the regions cuisine and there is also a trip to a local school.
AGRO TOUR WALK
The sweeping kichwamba escarpment makes up the eastern wall of the western rift valley. This 2-3 hour trail starts in the rural kataara village with a hike through the farms of the escarpment in the cool morning or early evening. The local guide will point out beautiful bird species, exotic and medicinal plants as well as sites of cultural importance and explaining local farming methods.
Tourists also learn about the enduring challenge of human-animal conflicts within the area. You will as well visit the bee hive that used to divert destructive elephants away from the community crops on the park border
