Murchison Falls National Park, the largest and oldest National Park is one of the places where nature unfolds and makes you appreciate beauty. This Park situated in North-western side of Uganda was gazetted in 1932 covers and area of 3840 square kilometers. There are over 76 mammal and 450 bird species that call this park home. Besides the interesting wildlife species, birdlife and the powerful Murchison Falls that characterize this Park, it is a place where you will enjoy cultural encounters like no other place. The following are the interesting cultural encounters within and around Murchison Falls National Park;
Mubako Cultural Campfire Performances
The isolated Cultural community of Mubako is situated near the Sprawling Savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. This riveting village is an assortment of traditional grass-thatched huts around a clearing where the locals converge to get away from the midday sun under the shade of a Giant tree. This Village also has a small craft/souvenir shop where curved wooden sculptures, hand-made items like baskets and bags made by the local community members are sold. At nightfall, the Cultural group members entertain tourists in invigorating cultural songs and traditional dances around the Campfires of the local Safari Lodges around Murchison Falls National Park, and these songs and dances are accompanied by the sweet-sounds of the “Adungu”-traditional instruments used by the Alur tribe. Originating from the region, this captivating instrument is made out of twine and cowhide but the interesting sounds and the harmonies of the different -sized adungus against the backdrop of a Nile sunset is totally magnificent. The region occupied by the locals has fewer economic opportunities and the climate generally makes farming difficult. Nevertheless, with the money got from tourism, the community can purchase food produce from the local markets, build houses, pay school fees and support a nearby Nursery school for 90 children. For bookings and inquiries, contact the group on +256 414 501866 or +256 772 657700.
Boomu Womens Group
Just before the Kichumbayobo gate of Murchison Falls National Park is the Boomu Women’s Group that comprises of local farmers from the Kigaragara and Kihaguzi Villages in Uganda’s dry North-western region. This group was formed in 1999 due to the high rate of poverty and Malnutrition, and where the local farmers had little produce left for sell hence the formation of the Boomu Women’s group. This group was formed to alleviate poverty, improve on nutrition and provide incomes for the group members to support their families (through paying school fees and other basic needs). It started as a small Craft group but eventually grew up into a marvelous Community tourism project, comprised of traditional but exquisite accommodation, standard restaurant, exceptional guided community walks and a well-maintained garden (for demonstrations) that it is today.
The wonderful Community walk unveils the beautiful features of an everyday rural lifestyle and reveals some of the challenges/hardships facing the local community members. The experienced local guide will take you through the garden so that you see some of the crops grown, and you will also visit the Village blacksmith who folds several tools into items like knives, pangas and saucepans, you will also stop by some of the elderly story tellers who share tales about the ancient traditions and customs, and the local way of life. You will also visit the Nursery school, and participate in traditional cooking demonstrations and even partake of the meal, and attend a basket weaving class to learn how these women use ordinary materials to make such beautiful items and even purchase.
You can reach the Boomu Women’s group on +256 414 501866 or +256 772 657700 or send an email to info@pearlsofuganda.org or access their website through www.boomuwomen’sgroup.org for more information and booking to experience their life changing activities.
All in all during your safari through the Murchison falls National Park you an take on an interesting cultural encounter. Just try out the different community based organisations like the Boomu Women’s group and the Mubako Cultural Campfire Performances that reward tourists with the rich cultural experiences on top of the experience achieved from nature.