Archive for year: 2021

The Caracal (Felis caracal)

The Caracal (Felis caracal): is a medium-sized wild cat that can run up to 50 miles per hour. It is also capable of leaping into the air and knocking down (10-13) birds at once. The name caracal is derived from a Turkish word “Karakulak” meaning “black ear”. The old saying “to put the cat amongst the pigeons” stems from an old middle east practice of putting a caracal in an arena. This was with a flock of pigeons and taking bets how many the caracal can catch once it is released. A caracal’s black, tufted ears gives it a different look from most cats in the wild. In addition, its speed and ability to leap into the air makes it an excellent hunter.

Appearance

A large, rufous-fawn cat with tufted black ears, creamy underbelly with faded orange spots and long legs. The face has exquisite markings, and its regarded as one of the most beautiful cats in the world. It moves with grace and a sense of confident and power. Besides, it’s an expert climber and regularly takes refuge in trees.

Size

From head to tail, the caracal measures 33-48 inches (83-123 centimeters) including their tail. They are known to be the heaviest of the small African cats weighing from 9.5 to 18 kilograms. The males are generally larger than females.

Habitat

Caracals live in the drier savannah and woodland regions of sub-Saharan Africa and prefer the scrubbier arid habitats. They will also inhabit evergreen and montane forests but are not found in tropical rainforests.

Communication

They make a variety of mews, hisses and growls to express their mood just like other cats. Caracals are usually silent but can cry out like a leopard if need be. In addition to that, they make a “wah-wah” sound when they seem to be uneasy.  Furthermore, they have got scent glands between their toes and face which is used to get a message across. They can also sharpen their claws on a tree and mark their territory visually and will scent at the same time. The scent basically serves to keep other caracals away or even to indicate a willingness to breed.

Social structure

The social system of the caracal is not well understood thou they are primarily solitary or live as mated pairs. Besides, individuals appear to defend territories which they mark with urine.

Behavior

This animal is the mostly nocturnal, secretive, solitary and aggressive. Being hunted as a problem animal by farmers, caracals became even more elusive and thus sighting one is very difficult.

Breeding

In most parts of its range, the caracal has no set breeding period. Interestingly, a female may often mate with up to 3 males. The litter size varies between (1-6) kittens, which are born after a gestation period of approximately 78 days. The kittens have a daily weight gain of approximately 12g per day. Although they reach maturity at about (16-18) months of age, they are often independent from about 12 months.

Reproduction

These caracals keep to themselves until it’s time to mate. One of the most unique caracal sounds is a mating call that sounds sort of like a cough. However, several male caracals may fight or compete for the attention of one female caracal. Eventually, it chooses a male out of the group. After mating, the male leaves the female caracal such that she can raise the babies on her own.

Babies

A female caracal carries her babies (kits) for about 69 to 81 days. She finds an old den or burrow where she can give birth away from the predators and other threats. They can also have from 1 to 6 kits although most have just 2 kits. A caracal kit is about the size of a pet hamster and are born with their eyes just like the domesticated kittens. However, it takes about 6 to 10 days for a kit’s eye to completely open. In fact, they are able to squirm around but can’t see where they are going. These kits start nursing and eating meat at 10 weeks old. Later, they learn hunting skills from their mother and stay with her until they are about 10 months old. 

Lifespan

The average lifespan for both female and male caracals is 12 years old in the wild. However, caracals kept in the zoo can live up to 17 years. This is because they are not threatened by predators, receive food on a daily basis and also get medication when needed. As it ages in the wild, it can become ill from untreated skin infections and other infectious diseases due to injuries. Just like domestic cats, a caracal can get rabies from other animals leading to death.

Diet

The caracals are strictly carnivorous, and they prey primarily on birds, rodents and small antelopes. Just like most cats, caracals stalk their prey before pouncing on it and in areas of human settlement, these cats sometimes eat poultry. They sometimes store the remains of their prey in the forks of trees or even in dense bushes later returning for further feeding. Furthermore, they are supremely acrobatic and can leap agilely into the air to bring down prey.

Facts about caracals

• Caracals are known on occasion to store their kills in trees, in the manner of leopards. In fact, this habit is likely to occur in areas with a high density of hyenas.
• The caracal is the origin of the expression “put the cat among the pigeons”. In ancient India and Iran, trained caracals were released into arenas containing a flock of pigeons. Here, wagers were then placed on how many birds the cat would take down in a leap.
• These animals are capable of taking small, domestic livestock and thus suffer heavy persecution from farmers. From 1931 to 1952, an average of 2,219 caracals per year were killed in control operations in South Africa’s Karoo.

Where are caracals found?

Generally caracals live in woodlands, savannahs and in scrub forests. If you can to see them in Uganda, caracals are only found in Kidepo valley national park.

The Standard-winged nightjar

The Standard-winged nightjar : (caprimulgus longipennis) is a nocturnal bird and of the more impressive members of the Caprimulgid family. This specie breeds in dry savannah habitat of central Africa. However, it is related to other nightjars in terms of breeding strategies, roosting, feeding habits and vocalizations. During the breeding season, the male grows highly specialized wing feathers nearly to a length of 38 cm.

Primarily of bare shaft with feather plumes on the end and the feathers are used as part of a flight display to attract female. During the dry seasons from December through March, they are mostly found along the coast from Liberia to western Cameroon. These birds also migrate in order to breed in the northern hemisphere and they winter in Africa. During the summers, their population ranges extend from Scandinavia and Siberia in the north through the northern hemisphere. In Uganda the pearl of Africa this bird can easily be sighted in Murchison falls National Park.

Standard-winged nightjar facts

Physical description

Individuals basically reach lengths of 26 to 28cm with wingspans of 57 to 64cm. Standard base body color of the species is grey to reddish-brown. They also have a complex cryptic overlaid markings of white, black and varying shades of brown. Furthermore, the body is reminiscent of falcons, with long pointed wings and long tails. Besides, the adult males possess white lower throats, often divided into two distinct patches by a grey or orange vertical stripe. They also have black-barred chests and undulating dark scapular lines. Females appear similar however possess tan tail and wing patches whereas juveniles look very similar to the adult females. However, are normally paler along with less contrast on the scapulars and bellies.     

Behavior

They are not particularly gregarious and live in pairs during the mating seasons and may migrate in groups of 20 or more. Single sex flocks may occur in Africa during the winter season and these individuals are crepuscular. In fact, they forage in the dark, even sometimes on overcast days.  Male nightjars are territorial and will defend their breeding territories vigorously, fighting other males in the air or on the ground. During the daytime, when the nightjars are at rest, they usually perch facing into the sun. This is done inorder to minimize their contrasting shadow. 

Like other nightjars, it feeds on insects in flight, the huge gape opening wide for moths and beetles that usually fly at dusk often at sundown. Towards breeding, no nest is made and the two elongated and elliptical eggs are placed upon the bare ground. Their cryptic appearance blends perfectly into their habitant and during the daytime, they are usually hidden away sleeping. They are easily detected at night when light from car headlights are reflected ruby-red from their eyes, as they are sitting on tracks or roads. In addition, their presence is most often made known by their loud calls that are given out at dusk. 

Mating

The standard winged nightjars are bigamous implying they will take on more than a single mate. They usually breed between May and September. One male and one female form a bond lasting one year and the pair will raise one or two broods. Occasionally pairs may split, and the female may raise another brood fathered by a different male. Actually they don’t construct nests just like other birds but simply place the eggs on the ground on open soil covered with dead leaves. After establishing his breeding territory, he then attracts the attention of females.

Breeding

This is done with an insect-like song as well as a display flight whereby receptive females will join in.  In a small, unlined scrape on the ground, the female lays 2 to 4 eggs reddish creamy/ pinkish or smooth elliptical white eggs marked with brown spots. The female then incubates the eggs for 17 to 18 days however her mate will take short shifts while she leaves to feed at dawn and dusk.  Here Females are primary incubators, even though the male may care for the first young alone. This is also done in a time especially when the female commits to producing a second brood. The hatchlings are covered in down and are capable of short-distance movements within 24 hours of hatching.

They normally move apart shortly after hatching, maybe to make it more difficult for predators to spot them. However, parents also shove them apart with their feet as they flush from the nest. Usually, the male stands, guards and defends the nest and the young. Only if conditions are favorable, the female will sometimes lay a second clutch close to the first clutch. While she is incubating the new set of eggs, she leaves her first brood with her mate when the chicks are about 14 days old. These birds are always mature and ready to breed approximately at the age of one year.

Communication

Standard winged nightjars use a wide variety of sounds to communicate but with a common one being a titititititit. Vociferous males utter out long “churring” vocalizations from perches within their territories, sometimes calling for 10 minutes continuously. However, both males and females produce repeated sharp “qoik-qoik” notes as contact calls. Interestingly, at the nest male and female birds make a grunting “wuff”. When the male approaches the nest, he often produces a burbling trill. They also frequently clap their wings together as well as combining acoustic and visual elements of display. This wing clapping probably serves a number of purposes and is a form of communication generally directed to other individuals.

This species is also notable for feigning injury both in the air and on the ground because of their wing clapping behavior. They open their wings and slap them together behind their backs thus creating a smacking noise. Wing clapping is also used in greeting, intimidation, defense and courtship displays. During courtship, the male bird glides about with his wings in a V-shape, frequently clapping them together. When a female alights on the ground, the male lands facing her and they sway in tandem. When the female ceases swaying, the male bobs up and down, opens his wings and spasms his tail momentarily. Before the beginning of copulation and once a pair has formed, the two individuals roost together.

Feeding

These nightjars are generally crepuscular and nocturnal insectivores. They catch flying insects in their wide mouths with the aid of short bills and surrounding rectal bristles. Some common prey organisms include; moths beetles, mayflies, dragonflies, cockroaches, butterflies and occasionally spiders. 

Nkugute Crater Lake Uganda

Nkugute Crater Lake Uganda: located in Rubirizi District in Uganda and it is a place of mystery, with a history that goes back to tales. In fact, these are shared around campfires by the locals in the villages that surround it. Surprisingly, boundaries of Lake Nkugute seen from a hill that borders the lake look similar to the map of Africa. In the past, the lake used to be surrounded by a very thick forest however, it was destroyed during the construction of the Mbarara-Kasese highway. Presently, the lake is surrounded by banana plantations, tilled land as well as pine and mahogany trees. Behind the beauty, they are strange and supernatural stories and according to locals, it’s the deepest crater lake in Africa. This is with some shadowy reaches that have eluded western scientists but there is no proof to this claim.

How it was formed

Nkugute is a crater lake which was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Bunyaruguru volcanic field. In addition, the eruption in this field is more than 12,000 years. This is evidenced by the existence of the hot springs within its vicinity such as Kitagata hot spring. 

Mysterious tales about the lake

In Runyaruguru, the lake’s name literally translates to “swallow”. It said that every year, one boy and one girl used to disappear beneath its waters. If anyone notices and tries to help, they’re “swallowed” too. It is also said that anyone walking past the lake alone after dark would be accosted by the Bachwezi people. The Bachwezi are a near-mythical culture, sometimes said to have been extra-terrestrial. They ruled the region for over 10,000 years and were worshiped as demi-gods.

At least every year the lake would swallow a male and female child and no one would predict when this was going to happen. People who came to wash from the lake’s shore would at times forget to pay attention to their children who enjoyed swimming from the lake. Before they knew it, one of the children would be seen helplessly screaming while being “swallowed” by the lake. However, those who attempted to rescue the drowning child would sometimes also be “swallowed”. Thus deriving to its name Nkugute in reference to that behaviour.”

Previous residents

Before these changes occurred, the lake was home to the Bachwezi and a lot of mysterious things happened to justify this. For example, after 10pm, anyone who walked past the lake would be stopped by very tall, dark skinned and strange people. These would beat him/her up and later abandon that person in any of the forests in the area. However, they would only attack those who would be walking alone since it was not possible to see them or be attacked when walking in a group.

The lake had a caretaker called Omuzumira Komurusozi, who was responsible for performing rituals to appease the gods of the lake. In fact, whenever these rituals delayed, the lake would turn violent. Eventually, reports of people drowning under unclear circumstances would be popular. It is then that people would seek the intervention of the caretaker to perform the rituals. Basically, this involved slaughtering a goat and a sheep whose heads were dumped in the lake. However, following the prominence of religion in the area, people abandoned engaging in the rituals. As a result, Nkugute is now a major source of water for domestic use in Rubirizi. Later, a dam was constructed at the boundary of the lake, which looks like the horn of Africa, to supply water around the district. 

Africa’s Iconic Waterfalls

Africa’s Iconic waterfalls : Africa is not only renowned and famous for its breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife, but also waterfalls. As a matter of fact, waterfalls symbolizes life for the African people. With its interminable water flow, dropping down multiple levels and throwing up glorious spray, tourists from across the world to marvel at its wonders. It’s hard for people not to look at the waterfalls and feel inspired by its mesmerizing power and beauty. It is interesting as the river carving its way through the earth then flowing out with a high volume. It has basically got a thunderous roar over its peak before dropping down, continuing on its determined path. Here, we explore Africa’s most iconic waterfalls to help you include them on you’re to do list in Africa.

Murchison Falls–Uganda

Considered the most powerful waterfall in the world, Murchison Falls is created by the great Nile River. In fact,  the waterfalls thrust through a narrow gap in a violent roar. This is done before crashing down a 140-ft drop and flowing outward into Lake Albert. Murchison Falls is basically the star attraction of Uganda’s largest national park named after the falls. Delta cruises are generally the highlights of the trip whether seen from the top or bottom of the falls. Therefore, don’t miss out visiting these mesmerizing power falls also known as the World’s Greatest Waterfalls.

Murchison Falls facts

• The falls was named by the explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864. This was after Sir Roderick Murchison who was the president of Britain’s Royal Geographical Society by then.
• Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother visited Murchison Falls national park in 1959. This is when she stayed in the queen’s cottage at Paraa whereby she cruised upriver to view the falls.
• Murchison Falls is the name that was given to the point at which the world’s longest river Nile. Here the river is channeled through a narrow gorge within the Rift Valley, descending almost 43metres below.
• Murchison falls pours over the fading escarpment at the northernmost tip of Africa’s western rift valley. Hence, a 3000km tectonic trench that has opened up between Lake Malawi and northern Uganda during the last twelve million years.

Victoria Falls-Zimbabwe 

This is basically one of the seven natural wonders of the world. In addition, it is a UNESCO world heritage site and a tourism hub for the region. It’s on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the heart of Southern Africa. Thereby, attracting millions of tourists from around the globe to marvel in its sheer volume. Furthermore, Victoria Falls has the largest volume of falling water, with over 5 million cubic meters of water dropping. Moreover, it flows over every minute in peak season thereby earning it the title of the world’s largest waterfall.

Victoria Falls facts

• The falls have a Width of 1708 meter and 108 meters high.
• They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the seven natural wonders of the World.
• On these falls, the water always flows even in the drought.
• They border between 2 countries and therefore a tourism hotspot for tourists.

Tugela Falls-South Africa  

This is generally Africa’s tallest waterfall, flowing from the lofty heights of the renowned Drakensberg Mountains. The world’s 10^th largest uninterrupted water drop at a staggering 411 meters. It is located on the Tugela River in South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park and popular for tourism. In fact, the upper Tugela has been known to freeze, not a common sight in sunny Africa. Therefore, attracting many people to hike up its side on numerous trails to the frozen peak.  With its narrow width the water flow can be seasonal, and in some years of drought, may dry up entirely. However in peak season, a large volume of water pours drops down its peak. Thereby, throwing up an impressive spray for people to see.

Tugela Falls facts

• With a total water drop of 948 meters over 5 levels it is one of the world’s tallest Waterfalls. 
• A tourism hotspot popular for tourists with hiking trails up the side from spray to peak.
• Surprisingly, the upper falls of the Tugela has been known to freeze during the winter months.
• The falls consists of 5 levels, including Africa’s longest uninterrupted drop of flowing water at 411m.

Kongou Falls-Gabon

By far Africa’s largest waterfall by width, and to some people, the world’s widest. This flow width basically creates a large volume of water that has a drop of only 56 meters. However, is it considered one of the world’s most powerful water flows. The level of flow does drop, particularly in period of drought, although never dries up. During peak season there is a high volume of water flow throwing up a drenching spray for people to see.  As a matter of fact, it is a great attraction to the tourism sector.

Konguo Falls facts

• The falls bear a width of 3200 meters.
• It is also popular with people for featuring in the Hollywood blockbuster movie “Tarzan”
• It is one of the more remote waterfall destinations in Africa, however, well worth the travel.
• It is considered by some as the original Garden of Eden due to their top most powerful water flows.

Kalambo Falls-Tanzian/Zambia Border

Initially, these are the second highest, uninterrupted falls in Africa. Found along the Kalambo River which forms the border of Tanzania and Zambia, before flowing into the world renowned Lake Tanganyika. Since its one of the most remote waterfalls in Africa, people here enjoy a 3-4 hour hike up the side of the falls. A mixture of steep gorge and lush plateaus, amongst the spray of the flowing water.

Kalambo Falls facts

• Single, uninterrupted 235 meter (772 feet) drop of water.
• Width of only 1.8-3 meters
• Ranks 12 thin the world for the tallest waterfall.
• It is also one of the most important archeological sites in the whole of Africa
• Furthermore, people living around the falls date back over 250,000 years ago.

Ouzoud-Morocco 

These are considered by the local as one of the most beautiful and romantic of all the world’s waterfalls. Pours over the side of the Atlas Mountains along the El-Abid River before dropping 110 meters down its rugged cliffs. Basically, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole region, offering easy access for people. Travel through the Atlas Mountains, followed by a mild walk along the side of the falls to the edge. Behold the breathtaking beauty and thunderous roars of the mighty falls and the spray it produces. Besides, it has got a large volume of indigenous wildlife, including the Barbary apes.

Ouzoud Falls facts

• At 110 meters (330 feet), are the tallest falls in North Africa. 
• Considered by a number of people as one of the most beautiful and romantic falls in the world.
• They offer a direct and easy access for tourism with mild hikes to the lip. They also refreshing swims in the natural pools below the falls.
• Renowned for its close encounters with resident troops of indigenous monkeys that comfortably call the waterfalls home.

Lumangwe Falls-Zambia

The falls are located along the Kalungwishi River in Zambia. During the peak season, it is far the country’s largest waterfall. Other waterfalls are bigger but they form the border with neighboring countries. People often confuse this fall with Victoria Falls due to its sheer volume, large curtain of water flow and saturating spray. Surrounded on either side by lush, dense bush, this is a perfect trip for people interested in tourism.

Lumangwe Falls facts

• 30-40 meter waterfall with a width of over 160 meters making it one of the largest.
• Often confused with the mighty Victoria Falls due to its volume of the water flow.
• One of the least visited falls by people, ensuring a much more personal and private experience.

Owa Falls-Nigeria

They are basically considered the tallest fall of water in the whole of West Africa. Falling down 5 distinct levels over its rocky sides flowing into an ice cool pool of water at the bottom. A number of people consider these falls one of the most naturally beautiful waterfalls in the region. It is as well considered a major tourist attraction for the area. It has got dense bushes on both sides and the height from which the water drops. In fact, its roar can be heard usually from a quite distance away. These falls offer an incredible natural ambience for tourism since the dense vegetation along both sides of the waterfalls harbor a variety of indigenous wildlife. 

Owa Falls facts

• They are Nigeria’s highest waterfalls with 120 meters, with the water flow over a fairly narrow width.
• It was Nicknamed “Wonder in the Wilderness” by the local people.
• In addition, it has got only one route in and out with limited tourism infrastructure.
• It also requires some hiking along the side of the falls through the dense rainforest, so hiking shoes are a must.
• All in all, the major tourist attraction is swimming in the ice cold pools under the falling and rasping water.

Wli Waterfalls-Ghana

It is proved to be the largest waterfall in the West Africa and certainly the largest in Ghana. It has two distinct levels, an upper fall and a lower fall. Also referred to by the local people as “Agumatsa Falls” meaning “Let me follow”. It is a popular tourist site near the Togo border offering two different experiences. Here, its easier to get to lower falls, and  more difficult hike up the side to the upper falls. During the peak season, the water flows at its highest volume which is always between April-October. Surrounded on all sides by dense rainforest, teeming with wildlife, including the unique presence of thousands of fruit bats nesting in the nearby cliffs.

Wli Falls Facts

• The falls is Ghana’s highest water drop at 80 meters over two distinct levels.
• It is narrow in the width with a continual fine spray creating lush rain forest up its side.
• Major tourist attraction in the area is standing tall amongst exquisite mountainous landscapes with a diversity of wildlife.
• Basically has two peculiar levels which include; the lower and upper falls. The lower falls are the easy access for tourism while the upper falls require hiking to the top or peak. All in all, its a worth the effort for people looking for some adventure.

Blue Nile Falls-Ethiopia

It is located on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia and known to the locals as “Tis Abay”, meaning “great smoke”. They are also seasonal falls with low water flow in periods of drought. However, they change dramatically in peak seasons to a torrential water flow of over 400 meters in width. 

Blue Nile Falls Facts

• These falls have a 52 meter water drop, but with a whopping 400 meter width during peak seasons.
• The falls are an easy access for tourism with a variety of nearby tourist facilities for people to choose.
• They also have a unique ecosystem thriving on its sides, fed by its continual spray. In fact, its a home to species found nowhere else in the world.

Lofoi Falls-Democratic Republic of Congo

This is basically one of Central Africa’s largest waterfalls, with an unbroken water drop of 340 meters from its peak. It is popular adventure tourist destination, allowing people to camp at the peak of the waterfall. Here, they enjoy some spectacular views while taking in the sheer volume of nature around you. Water flow is seasonal, with high levels especially during the peak season, throwing up a dense spray creating a lifetime adventure.

Lofoi Falls Facts

• They are narrow in width however substantial in height with a 340m undisturbed water drop.
• The falls are harbored between two National Parks and a nature tourist dream teaming up with life.
• Dense rainforest up its sides offering with established tourism hikes and swims in its crystal clear pools.
• There’s a unique opportunity for people to camp at the peak.
• The falls have large volume of water flow especially during peak seasons, reduced water flow specifically in the drought periods.

Kasubi Tombs ranks | Uganda City Tours

Kasubi Tombs ranks | Uganda City Tours : nestled on Kasubi hill in Buganda kingdom, located in the central region of the country Uganda. They occupy a 27 hectare site that has been used by the Buganda for its Royal Tombs since the 13th century. In addition, it represents the spiritual heart of the Buganda people. The place is the site of the burial grounds for four kings (kabakas) of Buganda and some members of the Buganda royal family. Therefore, the site remains an important spiritual and political site for the Ganda people and also an important example of traditional architecture. The tombs became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2001. It was described as “one of the most remarkable buildings using purely vegetal materials in the entire region of Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, BBC has ranked Uganda’s Kasubi Tombs as Africa’s NO.1 iconic architectural building.

Why Kasubi Tombs ranks

It was predominantly built from wood & other organic materials and the interior is designed to replicate a sacred forest. Additionally, it is topped with 52 circular wings to represent each of the 52 Buganda clans. In fact, most of the site is agricultural farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former place of the kabakas of the Buganda. This was built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the “Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga” meaning “A tough one brings forth powerful ones”. The palace was originally built by Ssekabaka king Suuna II in 1820 and was rebuilt in 1882 by his son Ssekabaka Muteesa I. Therefore, its a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, thatch, reed, principally wood, etc.

The thatching of the roofs at Kasubi tombs

The thatching technique at this place is quite unique and can hardly be compared to other African or even a European thatching technique. In addition, the grass is prepared in conical bundles which are simply laid onto the roof structure without being tied. When one of these bundles is rotten, it can simply be pulled out and replaced. This is such an interesting technique and makes the huge maintenance task of the thatched roofs much easier. However, this activity at the tombs is carried out by the members of the Ngeye clan (black and white colobus). In fact, these are the only people allowed to do the work. The thatching skills are passed down from the elders of the clan to younger members during an apprenticeships.

Special customs are observed when fixing the roof for example widows are not allowed to enter the building when it is being thatched. This is because it is believed that their presence would cause leakage. Also pregnant women are also not allowed inside the building during the renovation. In addition, thatcher’s are not supposed to have sexual intercourse during the thatching period. The same custom is observed by the decorators of the poles, who belong to the leopard (Ngo) clan. It a rare shrine where the four Buganda kings were buried. These include; Kabaka Muteesa I, Kabaka Mwanga II, Kabaka Daudi Chwa II and Kabaka Muteesa II. Other members of the royal family buried here include; mothers, grandmothers, princes and princesses. Therefore, acting as the living testimony of the Ganda traditions which attracts both religious and cultural tourists.

Reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs

A few major buildings were almost completely destroyed by fire in March 2010 however the cause of this is still under investigation. Consequently, in July 2010, it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The Buganda kingdom has vowed to rebuild the tombs of their Kings and the president of Uganda. HE. Yoweri Kagutta Museveni also said that the national government of Uganda would assist in the restoration of the site. Eventually, the reconstruction of the site started in 2014, funded by the government of Japan. Baganda Kabakas have always built their palaces on hills.

Here, every new king has a right to choose a hill on which to build his palace as well as renaming it. This action was to control the major routes to the palace in order to find easy ways to escape. Just in case of a rebellion and when the Kabakas died, the traditional practice was to bury each Kabaka at a separate site. This was to put up a royal shrine to house his jaw bone which was believed to contain his spirit in the afterlife. At the tombs, there is an area behind a bark cloth curtain known as “Kibira” (a forest). This is where secret ceremonies are conducted and the area where the real Kabaka tombs are built.  Historically, Kabaka Muteesa I was the first king to be buried at Kasubi tombs and he was the 35^th king in the Buganda kingdom. 

Anthropological dimensions

The physical features of the Kasubi tombs represent only a portion of the traditional life there. The tombs and the whole site environment carry strong spiritual and social significance. Meanwhile, the architecture itself carries meaning related to the Ganda traditions. The rich decorative features, invested with spiritual values reflect the interaction between nature and culture. Apart from the royal burials, a number of traditional rituals are also carried out throughout the year. These include; the new moon ceremony and the consultation of the mediums. However, the main spiritual life is not visible to the ordinary visitor as many ceremonies are performed secretly inside the buildings.

This aspect of the Ganda tradition is well known by the population and it is still respected. The Baganda observe the myths concerning the origins of the death. On the other hand, people believe that every person’s death has a spiritual origin. Here, when a king or a member of the royal family dies, they immediately enthrone a successor after the burial. Afterwards, they perform rituals to appease the spirits. Additionally, animals are sacrificed and gifts of various kinds such as money are deposited in the numerous shrines.  The tombs are also visited by a wide range of Baganda medicine men and women who consult the king’s spirits to obtain blessings in their trade.