The vibrant Mbale City is located in the eastern region of Uganda. Situated over 222.1 kilometers from the capital, Kampala. Mbale City takes the central stage regarding tourism since it hosts various tourist attractions and destinations. The city gives a tale of history as it looks as if it is still stuck in history. It is the main business center of Mbale district and the major business hub. Mbale City is known as the land of the Bagisu people since they are the dominant tribe in this area.
Calm as the city may look, it is home to the second tallest mountain in the country shared with Kenya, as it is situated on the borderline. Mbale City is bordered by Kenya in the east, Tororo in the southwest, Pallisa in the west, Sironko in the north, and Kumi in the northwest. Mbale City is a hotspot for tourism, standing in as a gateway to the northern region of Uganda. Uncover the historical city of Mbale together with other tourist attractions and destinations while on a tour of the city.
Attractions and activities to do on a tour in Mbale City
As you embark on a tour of Mbale City in a bid to uncover its incredible treasures, witness the attractions and activities that make your tour worthwhile. These are detailed below.
Imbalu circumcision ceremony
The Imbalu circumcision ceremony is a cultural celebration event practiced by the Bagisu people, hosted between August and December. This ceremony is meant to introduce boys into manhood. The ceremony includes a lot of rituals like traditional songs and dances that attract a lot of people to participate in them. Visitors on a tour in Mbale City can participate in the Imbalu circumcision ceremony, witnessing the various cultural practices.
Mbale City walk
What better way to embark on a tour in Mbale City than taking a walk across the city? Visitors can walk the streets of Mbale City and explore the ancient colonial buildings that take them back in time. Some buildings are an important historical factor to the city as they go back to slavery time when the city was a gateway for Arab traders as they journeyed from the present date Sudan through to the coast of Mombasa. The spirited culture of the Bagisu people can also be felt while on a Mbale City walkthrough interactions with the local people.
Local markets
The business hub of Mbale City is most felt on a visit to the local markets. These markets attract several people from across the country to trade. The local markets bear commodities from food and clothing to other things like art and crafts. Traders to these local markets stretch to as far as the borders to Kenya. Visitors can explore the various local markets across the city and take time to buy a few things as souvenirs and support the local traders.
The Bamasaba food experience
A tour in Mbale City will take visitors on a Bamasaba food experience. Here visitors get a chance to taste the local dishes of the Bamasaba people. These tribal people are known for their incredibly delicious local cuisines consisting of millet and plantain. They supplement their meals with beans, yams, and cucurbits. This food experience will spice up your tour in Mbale City.
Coffee plantation tours
Coffee plantation tours are a must-visit for visitors on a tour in Mbale City. The city is known countrywide as the best producer of Arabic coffee. The coffee business has spread through generations passed through from the forefathers. The city is rich with volcanic soils that shape a platform for the production of Arabic coffee in the city of Mbale. Visitors to the coffee plantations are chanced to interact with the local coffee farmers who take them on planting and harvesting drills of coffee. At the end of it all visitors get a chance to taste this brown gold right from the garden.
Wanale Hill
Also known as Nkokonjeru Hill, Wanale Hill located in Mountain Elgon National Park offering incredible scenic views of cliffs and waterfalls. Wanale was a son of Masaba a founding father of the Bamasaba people. It is believed that Wanale lived on top of Mountain Elgon and reared white chicken thus the name Nkokonjeru translates to white chicken. The hill offers epic features from escarpments, deep valleys, and steep rock cliffs that are overrun by water. Visit Wanale Hill on a tour in Mbale City for these incredible and scenic views.
Mount. Nusu and Walwanyi Falls
Experience the picturesque scenery of the Walwanyi Falls on the Temple of Nature, Mount. Nusu. The falls are located at the rock cliff along Mount Nusu and Wanale Hill. The Temple of Nature feeds the Walwanyi Falls and visitors enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The falls feed a pool located at the foothills of the mountain where visitors can take a swim in the natural swimming pool.
Mount. Elgon hike
There is no way one can have a tour of Mbale City without hiking Mount Elgon. This epic mountain ranks second in being the tallest in the country and 4th and 8th in East Africa and Africa respectively. The hike to the mountain introduces visitors to incredible scenic views of the mountain such as waterfalls, deep valleys, and rock cliffs. The hike of Mount Elgon also takes visitors to the various mountain caves worth checking out.
How to get to Mbale City?
Mbale City can be accessed by road transport given its proximity to the capital city, Kampala. Mbale City is situated about 221 kilometers from the capital meaning it can take you about 4-5 hours to get there by road. The Kampala-Mbale highway is well tarmacked and improved thus giving you a smooth ride to the city. The journey also blesses you with incredible scenic views of the countryside.
