Things to Do in Mbarara: A Local's Guide

Most visitors pass through Mbarara on the way to the parks, and many never stop. That is a pity, because the city and the countryside around it give a calm, welcoming introduction to everyday Uganda. We are based here, so this is our short list of how to spend a half day or a full day well.

Meet the Ankole long-horned cattle

The long-horned Ankole cow, with horns that curve like a lyre, is the symbol of the region. Cattle have long been central to Banyankole and Bahima life as food, wealth and ceremony. Several farms near town welcome visitors for a milking demonstration and a chat with the herders. Ask your guide to arrange a visit in the morning when the herd is gathered. Our Mbarara and Ankole cultural day tour is built around this kind of meeting.

Visit the Igongo Cultural Centre

The Igongo Cultural Centre (opens in a new tab) combines a museum of Ankole heritage with a restaurant and craft shop. It is a good rainy-day stop and a good first hour for anyone who wants context before a farm visit. Staff can arrange extras such as food-making demonstrations if you ask in advance, so contact them before you go.

Eat local

• Eshabwe, a savoury sauce made from ghee, traditionally eaten with millet bread and meat or sweet potato
• Millet bread, a dense, slightly earthy staple
• Matoke, steamed or mashed green bananas, with groundnut sauce or stew
• Fresh milk, yoghurt and ghee, which are everywhere in cattle country
• Roast goat and chicken at local grills, ideal with a cold drink

Ask your driver-guide to take you somewhere locals eat, and try one new dish at each meal.

Walk the town and markets

A short walk in the centre shows daily life: markets with fruit, vegetables and crafts, tailors, music shops and busy street corners. Go in the morning when it is cool, carry small notes and ask before you take portraits.

Add short local visits

• The Biharwe Eclipse Monument, a well-known landmark on the edge of town
• A honey farm or village walk, which shows rural life without a long drive
• A visit to a local church or mosque with a guide, if you ask in advance

Take a wildlife half day

Lake Mburo National Park is under an hour from Mbarara, so a morning walk or an afternoon boat trip fits easily into a day. Read our Lake Mburo nature walk guide for how a walk works. If you want more, sleep one night near the park and add an evening drive.

Use Mbarara as your base

From here the road splits. North-west leads to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale. South-west leads to Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas. Starting here saves hours compared with starting in Kampala, as our Entebbe to Mbarara guide explains.

When to go

Mbarara is pleasant all year because of its altitude. Mornings and evenings are cool, and farm visits are easiest in the drier months. Check our seasons guide.

Plan your day with us

Tell us your dates and interests on the plan your trip page and we will build a half-day or full-day plan, or add Mbarara to a longer trip.