A tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala

Traveling to Uganda for a tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala is a perfect way to get an immersive African cultural experience. This site occupies 26 hectares and situated on Kasubi Hill. The tombs are a significant spiritual and political site for the people of Buganda Kingdom known as Baganda or Ganda. Buganda Kingdom remains one of the largest in East Africa and Baganda are the most populous tribe in Uganda. Kasubi Tombs are the burial grounds for 4 Kabakas (Baganda Kings), Muteesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa, and Edward Muteesa II.

When their bodies were buried in one place, each one’s jawbone, containing his soul was placed in a separate shrine. It is considered a religious center for the royal family. This is because the Kabaka and his representatives still go there to practice important cultural rituals. During these rituals, they have maintained communication with the spiritual world. Currently, the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala have 31 royal tombs. Also, at the site other members of Buganda’s Royal family have been buried.

History of the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala

According to records, the main tomb building known as Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga has existed since the 13th century. Also, Kabaka Muteesa I played a significant role in the construction of the Kasubi Tombs when he built a palace in 1882. This was to replace the one constructed by his father Kabaka Ssuuna II, in 1820. Then in 1882 the borders of the ceremonial site were established. The new palace by Muteesa I was then converted into a royal burial ground upon his death in 1884.

Around 1938, modern construction materials were brought in by Kabaka Muteesa II to renovate this Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga. In 1966, all Uganda Kingdoms including the Buganda Kingdom were abolished by President Apollo Milton Obote. Fortunately, in 1993, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reinstated all of them. Afterwards, the Kasubi Tombs became protected by Law. December 2001 saw the Kasubi Tombs officially selected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is thanks in part to the purely vegetal construction materials.

Nevertheless, the Kasubi Tombs are known for surviving two unpredictable fires that threatened its existence. One in March 2010 and the other in June 2020. Regardless of these hazards the inner sanctum of the tombs was shielded from total destruction. This ensured that the remains of the Kabakas stayed intact. After the fires so many stakeholders stepped in to fundraise for the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs. These included support from the Uganda and Japanese governments, UNESCO and the Buganda Kingdom including the Baganda and well-wishers. Without such help a tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala would be affected.

What to see during a tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala

Every moment at the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala is a chance to gain insight into or witness ancient culture. For example, this is considered the largest grass-thatched building in the world. You will marvel at the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, which has a height of 7.5 meters and circumference of 31 meters. Originally, this was constructed with wooden poles, daub and reed wattle. At the top of this was a thick-thatched dome, with straw on 52 rings made of palm fronds. Each of these rings represented the 52 traditional clans of the Baganda.

You will also explore the low wide arch that leads to the sacred spaces within, with reed partitions separating them. Decorations here are made of backcloth and mementos of the Kabakas. There is a ceremonial area, which is situated northwest of the wider site. Surrounding the tombs is a sacred forest known as Kibira, where it is believed that the spirits of the Kabakas dwell. The current Kabaka can not be allowed to access this forest. Only the widows of the Kabakas, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and some royal family members can access the Kibira.

Near the Kibira, there are 4 rooms built to shelter the 4 wives of the buried Kabakas. Each of the 4 widows has a living wife chosen from their respective clans. Their role is to look after the departed Kabaka. A courtyard, which serves as the home of the members of the royal family and royal officials is also there. The latter comprise Nnaalinya (Kabaka’s sister and spiritual guardian), Lubuga (her deputy) and Katikiro (her administrative assistant). The courtyard is also where traditional manufacture and decoration of backcloth is done by the Ngo clan. All these makes a tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala worthwhile.

How to travel for a tour to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala?

From the Kampala city center, you can reach the Kasubi Tombs by only road transportation. The Kasubi Tombs are around 5 kilometers to the northwest of Kampala city center. Driving there will take around 15 minutes, if the roads are in perfect conditions and without traffic. Even with the availability of public means of transport, it is better to travel by private means. Hiring a car and a driver guide makes your transportation reliable, comfortable and safe. Standard Safaris is the perfect tours and travel operator to make this a success.

At Standard Safaris you will have plenty of options to choose a vehicle for transportation. This is because we have a fleet that consists of well-maintained vehicles ranging from elegant safari cars to budget friendly options. You might wish to select our elegant SUVs or sedans. Alternatively, you might just prefer our safari vans or even luxury 4-wheel Toyota Land cruisers etc. Regardless of your choice, our seasoned guides are ready to make your transportation to the Kasubi Tombs worthwhile. They ensure that the trip is fun, insightful, safe and comfortable.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.