Places you must not miss when in Mbale

May 01, 2009

Wanale Mountain <br>Located three kilometres from the town, the mountain gives a clear view of Mbale. It is a home to the famous Kawuka caves, a dream for every tourist who treads Mbale. The Bagisu believe that the caves contain spirits that cure inferti

Wanale Mountain
Located three kilometres from the town, the mountain gives a clear view of Mbale. It is a home to the famous Kawuka caves, a dream for every tourist who treads Mbale. The Bagisu believe that the caves contain spirits that cure infertility in women.

Bumutoto cultural site
This is where the Bagisu perform male circumcision. It is also where the circumcision is launched from, every even year, and it spreads to the rest of Bugisu.

Imbalu dance
Before you leave Mbale, jig to the Kadodi tunes (Imbalu or circumcision dance) for candidates to be circumcised. It is a culture the Bagisu pride in.

Sipi falls
Though located at the border of Sironko and Kapchorwa, Sipi falls is the pride of Bagisu. In addition to the magnificent falls, the area gives an eye catching view of the Kapchorwa’s undulating landscape.

The Exploration centre at Budadiri
The centre is one place you wouldn’t want to miss. With its spacious accommodation in the heart of Mt. Elgon Forest Reserve, it is a home to a variety of wild game, including monkeys, butterflies and birds. It is also a site for the Budadiri hot springs.

Sisiyi falls
Sisiyi falls are perhaps the most interesting falls though least known among tourists. They lie in a valley that stretches 3 kilometres and 2,00 metres deep. They form a zig-zag pattern of a rainbow when flowing, bringing out a beautiful scenery for tourists.

Mt. Elgon forest reserve
It contains a variety of fauna and flora. The dense green vegetation is attractive and has a variety of animals. The reserve also contains the famous Jackson’s pool- something that is very rare in many reserves and parks in Uganda. For those who enjoy swimming when on holiday, the reserve is the ideal place.

Bamboo shoots (Malewa)
When in Mbale, get a chance to taste the malewa, a local delicacy.

Mt. Elgon hotel
It is the oldest hotel in the town and a pride to the Bagisu. Started by the Bugisu Cooperative Union in the 1960s, the hotel has survived turbulent times. It offers both international local dishes, including the famed malewa.

Compiled by Frederick Womakuyu

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});