Known as the land of milk and honey, visitors’ hearts beat faster in Mbarara City and whether you are a first-time visitor or have been there a million years, be sure of endless excitement.

From cultural sites like the Ankole Kingdom Palace to the outstanding long-horned cattle of Ankole, this beautiful City packs more to see and do into one small area than any other place in the region.

Throughout the City are beautiful unmissable attractions, world-class Hotels and cultural hot spots. Therefore, the following are some of the outstanding attractions in Mbarara City;

Ankole Kingdom Palace

The dilapidated former Palace of Ankole Kingdom is one of the spectacular tourist attractions in Mbarara City and is sitted on Kamukuzi Hill, Kamukuzi Division. The once beautiful Palace of the King (locally referred as Mugabe) is currently undergoing renovation.

It was built in 1900 by Mugabe (King) Charles Godfrey Gatsyonga II and houses the 600-year old Royal Drums.

The Biharwe Eclipse Monument

The beautiful Biharwe Eclipse Monument is found in Mbarara district, on Biharwe Hill in remembrance of the Eclipse that is said to have occurred in 1520 AD.

This is not an ordinary Eclipse but also a historical and cultural spot linked to history of three popular Kingdoms-Buganda, Ankole and Bunyoro.

The three pillars of this Monument show these three former Kingdoms under Nakibinge, Ntare I Nyabugarobwera and Olimi I Rwitamahanga respectively.

It is said that the King of Bunyoro invaded areas of Ankole, Buganda, Rwanda and Mpororo to raid cattle from these mentioned areas. Because of this, Ankole lost most of its herds eventually leading to famine, locally known as “Eijuga Nyonza”.

It is while returning from one of these raids at Mpororo and Rwanda that an Eclipse finally occurred at Biharwe area. Because of fear and superstition, the King and his warriors were forced to flee in confusion hence leaving all this cattle behind.

The cattle that were abandoned at Biharwe were later referred by the locals as “Empenda ya Munoni” and “Enduga Mwiguru” (translated as cows that came from Heaven).

Igongo Cultural Center

Although not really within Mbarara City, visitors to the City are offered chances of exploring this rich cultural heritage. It is about 15 kilometers north of the City of Mbarara, along Masaka-Mbarara road and was established in 2011.

For tourists looking for a place to relax after an exhausting safari in Lake Mburo National Park or gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is the place to be.

One of the key tourist attractions at the Cultural Center is the Eriijukiro Museum that can be properly toured within half an hour to see traditional household items such as milk gourds, animal skin, grinding stones, fireplaces and calabashes. Get a chance to taste local Ankole food at the restaurant on-site.

Lake Mburo National Park

About 30 minutes from Mbarara City, Lake Mburo National Park is another fantastic tourist attraction explored by visitors to the western district. This 371-square kilometer National Park is home to about 70 mammal species including Defassa waterbucks, common warthogs, spotted hyenas, Rothschild giraffes, Olive baboons, Cape buffaloes, Elands, Vervet monkeys, Oribis, impalas, Burchell’s zebras, as well as about 350 bird species. For visitors to this Park, expect to enjoy tourist activities such as horseback rides, guided bush walks, quad bike rides, game drives, bird watching, boat cruises, guided forest walks, visits to the salt licks, biking tours and many others.

Sanga Cultural Village

Sanga Cultural Village is found adjacent to the junction leading to Lake Mburo National Park and it is here that visitors can get a chance to spot numerous traditional regalia as well as tools used by Bahima Tribesmen.

Nkokonjeru Tombs

Situated in Kakiika, the Royal Tombs of Nkokonjeru are unmissable during tours of Mbarara City. The area is the final resting place of last two Kings of the Kingdom that include Omugabe Edward Solomon Kahaya II who dies in 1944 as well as Omugabe Sir Charles Godfrey Rutahaba Gasyonga II who passed away in 1982.

The long-horned Ankole Cattle

Another outstanding attraction you should expect in Mbarara Town is the long-horned Ankole Cattle, which you will be able to see anywhere in western Uganda. Make a stop at one of the local farms to learn about how they are kept, how milking is done and even preparation of “Eshabwe” (local cuisine prepared from milk).

Lakes and Rivers

Mbarara Town features numerous Lakes and Rivers, known for their outstanding beauty as well as bird species. You can visit Lakes Kachera and Nakivale as well as River Rwizi.  This River is known for offering fishing and canoeing tours in addition to being a fantastic birding spot.