A Journey Through Uganda’s Nomadic Heritage and Ancient Kingdom

Step back in time and journey through Uganda’s nomadic heritage with the Kitara Foundation’s exclusive Pastoral Trail. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings you into the heart of a way of life defined by a deep reverence for livestock, a nomadic spirit, and an intimate connection to the land.

The Pastoral Trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with the living history of Uganda’s pastoralists. You’ll witness how these communities have thrived for centuries, following the rhythm of nature, their lives a constant search for water and green pastures.

This enhanced trail integrates the pastoralist experience with two pivotal locations: Bigo bya Mugenyi, the ancient home of the Bacwezi, and Lake Mburo National Park, where conservation and cattle-keeping have harmoniously coexisted for generations.

Experience the Pastoralist Livelihood

​This isn’t just a tour; it’s an opportunity to connect with the living history of Uganda’s pastoralists. You’ll witness firsthand how these communities have thrived for centuries by following the rhythm of nature. From the grasslands of Nkore (Ankole) to the pastures of Buganda, you’ll see the traditional practices that have sustained generations.

Highlights of Your Journey

• Experience the Pastoralist Livelihood: Participate in hands-on activities like milking cattle and learn the traditional songs and stories of the herders. Sample a diet centered around livestock products, including the rich taste of fresh and fermented milk, and discover the cultural significance of milk and meat consumption.
• Understanding the Nomadic Way of Life: Learn the etymological roots of the term “pastoralist” and why their life is a constant search for water and green pastures. Understand how this movement, a direct response to nature’s call, shapes their entire social and cultural structure.
• ​The Food of the Herders: Sample a diet centered around livestock products. Experience the rich taste of fresh and fermented milk, and learn about the cultural significance of milk and meat consumption. Discover how ancient trade routes with agricultural communities enriched their diet with grains and wild plants.
• ​A Story of Adaptation and Resilience: Hear the powerful narratives of past generations, including the challenges of drought and disease that threatened their very existence. This part of the trail honors the resilience of a people who have overcome immense hardships. Learn about the transformative role of two university students, Yoweri Museveni and Martin Mwesiga, who introduced modern methods like ground dams to help their communities overcome drought, forever changing their way of life.
• ​Witnessing Traditional Practices: Participate in hands-on activities, from milking cattle to learning the ancient songs and stories passed down orally through generations. Observe the rituals and social institutions that define their culture, where wealth is measured by the size of one’s herd and animals play a central role in every aspect of life.
• Tracing Ancient Roots at Bigo bya Mugenyi: Trace the journey of the pastoralists to Bigo bya Mugenyi, a significant archaeological site and the ancient home of the semi-mythical Bacwezi (who some historians believe were early pastoral rulers). Explore the impressive earthworks and trenches of this historical kingdom, gaining insight into the deep cultural and historical ties between the cattle-keepers and the region.
• Cattle and Conservation at Lake Mburo: Continue your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, a unique landscape where Ankole cattle are permitted to graze alongside wildlife. Witness firsthand the incredible balance between pastoralist tradition and modern conservation efforts. This unique coexistence offers a rare opportunity to see the majestic Ankole cows sharing pastures with zebras, impalas, and other wildlife, demonstrating a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Nature and Culture in Play

​Our trail follows the same routes once traveled by these pastoral communities: from Kazo, Nyabushozi in Ankole region (Western Uganda) to Rwemiyaga, and on to Bigo bya Mugenyi in Sembabule. You’ll trace their journey through the lush landscapes of Buwekula, Bulemezi, and Gomba, and into Lake Mburo National Park, learning how every stop was determined by the availability of water and pasture.

​This tour is a tribute to a culture that adapted to nature rather than trying to tame it. It showcases their profound understanding of the environment and the deep knowledge passed down from elder to child. By experiencing their journey, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.

Meet the Long-Horned Ankole Cattle, a Living Piece of Uganda’s Heritage. These majestic animals, often called the “Kitara or Ankole Cattle,” are more than just livestock; they are a profound symbol of resilience and tradition. Their graceful, sweeping horns tell a fascinating story of the nation’s past, making them a true and enduring treasure.

The Kitara Longhorns are one of Uganda’s oldest cattle breeds, known for their striking, large-diameter horns. These horns are more than just a magnificent sight; they help the cattle regulate their body temperature in hot climates. Renowned for their incredible hardiness, Kitara Longhorns can thrive on poor vegetation and limited water, making them remarkably resilient.

For more about the long horned Ankore cows; https://kitararcc.com/longo-horned-kitara-cows/ ​

Join us on the Pastoral Trail and become part of a story that is as old as the hills of Uganda.