Igongo Cultural Tourism Center
Igongo cultural tourism center is one of the most visited cultural sites in Uganda. The center is located in the south western town of Biharwe, just about 12 km away from Mbarara road. Many travelers visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking ,mountain Rwenzori hiking or game drives to queen Elizabeth national park . These travelers make a stopover at the center to experience all the amazing cultural activities offered. The center is an eye catcher for cultural tourism enthusiasts and people looking to get away from city noise.
Igongo cultural tourism center was commissioned by president Museveni as major cultural tourism site in Uganda and opened to the public in 2011. The center attracts people from within Uganda and other parts of the world more so promoting domestic tourism.
The Igongo cultural center is one of the best place to study everything about the Ankole people and their beautiful culture. It is defined as a place where the past meets the present.
Get a chance to not only experience the Ankole culture but also that of other indigenous Uganda tribal groups . This enables you exercise the rich cultural representation and preservation characterized by the center.
Culture encompasses a society’s ideals, traditions art structures and values among other things. It defines people’s behavioral patterns in a particular community.
The relevance of Igongo cultural tourism center is to conserve and promote the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Through community participation therefore highlighting community-based and cultural-based tourism as the major forms of tourism carried out in the locality.
Activities done at Igongo cultural tourism center
While at the igongo cultural center ,enjoy a bundle of activities. It’s a large establishment and a complete tour takes about 6 hours minimum rich with culture and heritage.
A visit to the eitaramiro culture village from where you will learn about the day today life in typical kigezi and ankole homestead. While at the homestead you will see household items like traditional garden tools, grinding stones, millet grains, calabashes, milk gourds, hides and skins among others. Expect to see several traditional huts with grass roofing and constructed within unique traditional designs.
Within the village are both cattle keepers and crop farmers ready to share folklore about the ancient ankole kingdom and its evolution over time. There is also music and dance troupes. The traditional dancers serve as entertainment showcasing their different dance styles.
One dancing style that is most intriguing involves recreating a cow horn in a twisted move . Those who spend more time at the center can learn how milk is processed to form cow ghee. The Banyankole are famously known for their vast production of diary.
Brief view
There is no entrance fee to the center although the igongo cultural museum pay is 25000 shs which I highly recommend. The place is worth the money and the visit, you will see lots of amazing thing that are an important part of ankole culture. To a wider extent learn other tribes that are found in the western part and share a similar heritage.
Among the items you will view; animal skins and hides, traditional stools, ankole cultural wears, ankole cultural regalia. (which is made of drums and spear, the drum was he most element of the regalia and it had been called bagendanwa which was believed to be used by the last muchwezi ruler, king Wamala). The longhorn cattle which are a pride among the local population since its regarded by the locals as a benchmark for warriors and a gorgeous divine incarnation.
The nkwanzi book store and crafts in Igongo cultural tourism center
Within the igongo cultural tourism center is the nkwanzi crafts shop from where travelers get the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs inform of amazing traditional jewelry, bags, hats, among other items. It is also the right place to find written literature about ankole and other kingdoms of Uganda.
Get the time to learn, unlearn and relearn the ankole culture at Igongo cultural tourism center.
The mpororo court
Tourists who visit the center will get to visit the mpororo court which also known as the kitami palace. In the past, there was a powerful female ruler of ankole known as kitami a very influential ruler in the 18th century. A palace was set up at the center which was similar to that of queen kitami.
Queen kitami,the most influential ancient Ankole leader
While at the court, catch sight of sculptures belonging to queen kitami. Milk pots, drums and weapons of war including a women council within the mpororo court. This is similar to the ones that used to serve the famous queen back in the day.
The museum in Igongo cultural tourism center
The museum is divided into three sections and that is skills, family and community, clans and social organizations. One section showcases the politics and leadership. pre-colonial and post-colonial of ankole and includes a hall of fame. Some of the artifacts observed are; ekishaabo -milk churning gourd, ekichucga- pot for smoking milk vessels, kamunyunyuwire – gourd for kamunyunywiire deity and so many more.
Igongo cultural tourism center also has a cultural village dotted with traditional cozy huts. These huts have nice décor worthy for relaxation. The theatre is home to evening traditional performances which take you back to the life of local inhabitants
The center has beautiful gardens dotted with fine trees, grass, flowers, animal sculptures. The most notable is the famous ancient cow mayenje Ishino which caused a historical war between ankole and buhweju. These gardens provide a perfect ground for events and relaxation.
All the above aspects combine to make igongo cultural tourism center an extraordinary safari site worth encountering on Uganda safari.Book your amazing trip with us at info@beyondsightsafaris.com
