Page 14 - July - Sept 2023 Edition

7 Days West

(and a couple of minutes north and south)

by Dr. Nathaniel Dunigan, @nathaniel.dunigan (f)
Photos by Nsereko Tom &
Photo of Little Elephant Camp by LEC

Two friends and I recently set off on a western tour. Our goals were to explore one of
Uganda’s newly “urban” settings, and then to search for lesser-known offerings of history, art
and culture - combine them with stays in very-private accommodations in TWO NATIONAL
PARKS, along with picnics and scrummy lunches out - as well as the more traditional
components of a great safari; all in just seven days.
(Follow the map-bullets below. An extended version and more photos are at theeye.ug)

Fort Portal
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KAMPALA
Kasese
Kasese
8 7 7 Kasese 4 EQ
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3 3
1 2 3 3 13
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Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
1) Ankole Palace Site:
Originally opened in 1954, this was the residence of the Ankole Royals until 1966, when
then-Prime-Minister Obote introduced to the public a pigeonhole constitution which would
lead to his presidency, abolish all kingdoms, send the kings into exile, and this home into
ruin. Now being restored by the Ministry of Tourism, many of the palace’s original artifacts
are also set to be returned from their current location at the Uganda Museum, completing
this site as a museum in its own right. At time of print, visitors are welcome to tour the 12
acre campus for free. Buildings are not yet open and no guides are on site, but I still found
a short visit worthwhile. GPS pin not accurate. Find it adjacent to the main gate of M.U.B.S.’
Mbarara campus.
2) Cafe Havana:
ORDER THE LASAGNA. It’s huge! One of the best I have had in the region. Add a salad and
parmesan garlic bread, and you easily have a meal for 3 or 4 people - all for only 70k TOTAL
(not each). The pork ribs also nice. Vast menu with many options. Allow prep time, or order in
advance. WhatsApp: +256 779 494447 Above Golf Supermarket, Mbarara.
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