Uganda UNESCO World heritage

A world heritage site is an area or landmark that is legally protected by an international convention through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are identified by UNESCO as World Heritage sites because of their cultural, historical, and scientific importance.

These sites are not only cultural treasures but also exhibit the natural beauty of wonders that offer awakening insights for photography, beauty, and unforgettable images.  Many places have been selected from  the different East African countries to encourage tourists from different corners of the world to come and enjoy the beautiful nature of the black man’s continent. Uganda has three world heritage sites, two of which are National Parks, and one is a cultural site all offering the visitors a unique experience and these are:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-UNESCO world heritage

Bwindi national park is a UNESCO heritage site in southwestern Uganda. It is approximately 495km from Kampala which is about a 9 to 10-hour drive. The national park occupies the districts of Kanungu, Kisoro, and Kabale.  Bwindi is popularly known as the home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. The park covers over 331 square kilometers covered by an Afromontane lowland forest.

The Bwindi national park management

This park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and in 1972 the park was declared a World Heritage site. The park has an approved management and conservation plan that is highly respected and protected by the Uganda government and members of the local community in the surroundings. Continuous research and monitoring systems are already in place to protect the mountain gorillas and other wildlife in the forest park which has helped to sustain the economy and transform the livelihoods of community members through tourism-based activities.

What is Bwindi famous for?

Bwindi is also known for its exceptional biodiversity comprising more than 160 tree species  10 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift valley and 100 species of ferns. Over 347 bird species are found in this forest park,70  of which are endemic, and 202 butterfly species.  The mountain gorillas in this park form 22 habituated families in four different sectors, all families are open for daily trekking, and 2 set aside for habituation activity.

The park is home to mountain gorillas and other wild creatures like chimpanzees,  L’hoest monkeys, and the African Elephant. Some of the bird species in the forest park include the African green broadbill, Shelley crimson-wing, Turner’s Eremomela, Grauer’s Swamp warbler, Black bee-eater, Rwenzori night jar,  Rwenzori Turaco, and Montane oriole in addition to many others. This gorilla park is very conducive for photography especially when you engage in activities like gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, bird watching, cultural visits to Batwa community, and guided nature walks.

Rwenzori national Park-Uganda UNESCO World heritage

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the Rwenzori Mountains in Albertine rift valley region.  The park has a coverage of over 1,000 km² (386 sq. mi), with Africa’s third highest mountain peak Margherita on Mount Stanley at an altitude of 5109 meters above sea level. The park is also known for its diverse plant and animal species, waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was established in 1991 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 because of its exceptional natural beauty and a chain of vegetation zones, snow-capped peaks, V-shaped valleys, and clear blue skies.

Location of Rwenzori National Park

This park is located in southwestern Uganda, west of the eastern rift valley along the Uganda-Congo Border and is adjacent to Virunga National Park another UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is situated in the Bundibugyo Kabale, and Kasese districts, 25 km (16 mi) from Kasese town.

Rwenzori national park has a distinguished botanical system, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. The mountain park has five fully defined vegetation zones that change with altitude. Wildlife species on the mountain vary with elevation. Higher altitudinal zones from 3500m and above are covered by heath and alpine moorland to the snow line.

These zones are covered with notable species of heather, lobelias, and groundsels.  The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterflies, and four primate species. Examples of species in the mountainous park include the forest elephants, chimpanzees, black and white Colobus monkeys, duikers, and the Rwenzori Turaco.

As you hike, you are given chance to take memorable photos and videos in memory of your safari to the mountains of the moon.

Kasubi tombs-Uganda UNESCO World heritage

The Kasubi Tombs is another significant Cultural-UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buganda Kingdom in Kampala, Uganda. Kasubi Tombs are an important cultural and historical site for the Baganda the biggest tribe in Uganda.

The Kasubi Tombs are the burial grounds for four Ssekabakas (former kings) of Buganda and other members of the Buganda royal family. Main building in which the king was buried is locally known as “Muzibu-Azaala Mpanga”, it is circular and surmounted by a dome.

The tombs are located on Kasubi Hill, about 5 kilometers northwest of Kampala city The site is one of 30 royal tombs across the Buganda kingdom since the kingdom was founded in the 13th century. The tombs occupy about 27 hectares.

Kasubi Tombs are an important spiritual and cultural place for the Baganda and receives many visitors from different countries to learn more about Buganda and Uganda’s cultural history. The main royal tomb building is a true example of an architectural achievement constructed out of wooden poles, reeds, spear grass, and wattle.

The site was first built in 1882 as a palace of Kabaka Muteesa1, he died after two years and was buried here from this time the place became a burial ground. Other kings whose remains lay in this house include Kabaka Daudi Cwa11, Kabaka Mwanga 11, and Sir Edward Muteesa11.

2010 Fire out break

In 2010 the grass thatched tombs and other small houses were destroyed by strong fires whose cause has never been established up to the present.   However, the Baganda through a combined effort they called “Ettofaali” and the help of Uganda central government, Japan government and the UNESCO have reconstructed it into a very wonderful place that attracts thousands of visitors per year.  The tombs are now open for the tourists after many years of closure because of 2010 fire that destroyed this special cultural place for Nganda people

Muzibu Azaala Mpanga

Inside Muzibu azaala mpanga is a forest termed culturally as “Kibira” fenced with a bark cloth, and it is in this forest that the remains of the four kings were laid to rest. When you enter the main house, leave the shoes at the entrance and sit on mats inside to honour and respect of culture.

In this place, you will find more houses for members of the royal family like Nalinnya a sister to the Kabaka and assistant to Katikkiro. The Kasubi tombs are managed by the Buganda Kingdom and protected by different tourism agencies. While in the Kasubi Tombs, you are not allowed to take photos unless with permission in well-defined areas inside the tomb premises.  The Kasubi tombs remain one wonderful pleasure that should not miss out on your city tour before proceeding to the national parks.

Other tentatively listed UNESCO Heritage sites

Uganda has other pleasant places that have been tentatively listed for Nomination to the  UNESCO Heritage Site list and these include

Bigobyamugenyi (archaeological earthworks)

It is in the Sembabule district with coverage of 10 square kilometers and was listed on the UNESCO Tentative list in 1997. Bigobyamugenyi is a cultural site that comprises the earthworks along river Katonga and the rich history of the Bachwezi dynasty that existed between the 14th and 16th centuries. The Bachwezi are said to have introduced the long-horned cattle that are commonly found in the Great Lakes region.

Kibiro (salt-producing village)

It is found in Hoima and was listed in 1997 as a cultural site ranked with i, ii, iii, and iv criteria according to UNESCO.  This is a village at the shores of Lake Albert where women exclusively process salt from their salty soil in salty gardens and boil it to get salt which they later exchange for fish.

Ntusi (man-made mounds and basin)

It is found in Sembabule and was also listed in 1997  as a cultural site with UNESCO criteria i, ii, iii, and iv. This is a late Iron Age archaeological site with discoveries of man-made mounds locally known as the Ntusi male and female and a basin known as Bwogero. Archaeological excavations were carried out on both mounds and a mixture of bones, ash, and pottery fragments were discovered. This site is closely related to  Bigobyamugenyi.

Nyero art sites

are found in western Uganda in Kumi district. They were listed in 1997 with UNESCO criteria i, iii, and iv. The rocks are considered cultural and comprise three rock shelters with paintings believed to date back from the Iron Age.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

this is a small national park located in the southwestern corner of  Uganda in the Kisoro district. It’s a natural heritage site that lies in the Virunga Ranges which are shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. this park lies at 4127m (13450ft). It is home to various animal species including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, duikers, and the African Elephant. It is covered by a dense forest and offers both hiking and trekking services.

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