Busia Travel Guide (Eastern Uganda/Uganda/East Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Busia

Busia is a small town located in Eastern Uganda, known for its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and cultural attractions. It is situated on the border between Uganda and Kenya, making it a gateway town for travelers exploring both countries. Busia is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, which can be seen in its museums, historical sites, and festivals.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Busia, Uganda.

List of Places to Visit in Busia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Busia is a town rich in history, as evidenced by its many museums and historical sites. These include:

Soroti Rock Painting Site: This is a popular tourist attraction, located about 12 km from Busia town. It is said that the rock paintings date back more than 4000 years, and they depict various animals, people, and symbols.
Busitema Forest Reserve: This forest reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and antelopes. It is also rich in birdlife, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area.
Busia Slave Trade Monument: This monument serves as a reminder of the slave trade that took place in the 19th century. It was erected in honor of those who died during the trade, and it is also a symbol of the town’s resilience.

Natural Attractions of Busia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Busia has many natural attractions that are worth visiting. These include:

Mount Elgon National Park: This park is situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon, one of the highest peaks in Africa. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys. It is also a popular hiking destination.
Sipi Falls: This is a picturesque waterfall located about 50 km from Busia town. It is a popular destination for hikers and tourists looking for beautiful scenery.
Victoria Nile: The Victoria Nile is the longest river in the world, and it flows through Busia. There are many activities that you can do on the river, including fishing, rafting, and canoeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Busia

Busia is a perfect destination for hikers and bikers, as it offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. These include:

Mount Elgon Hiking Trail: This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Busia. It offers beautiful scenery and an opportunity to see wildlife up close.
Lake Victoria Biking Trail: This trail extends along the shores of Lake Victoria, and it offers a great opportunity to see the local culture and way of life.

Best Things to Do in Busia: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and visiting museums, there are many other activities and tours that you can do in Busia. These include:

Cultural Tours: Busia is a town rich in culture, and there are many cultural tours that you can take to learn more about the local way of life.
Wildlife Safaris: You can take a wildlife safari in Mount Elgon National Park, where you can see elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys.

Week-Long Itinerary for Busia

If you are planning a week-long trip to Busia, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Busia and take a cultural tour of the town.

Day 2-3: Take a hiking or biking tour of Mount Elgon and explore the beautiful scenery.

Day 4-5: Visit the local museums, historical sites, and markets.

Day 6: Take a wildlife safari in Mount Elgon National Park.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at one of the local hotels or guesthouses.

Food and Drink Scene of Busia

Must-Try Dishes

Busia is known for its delicious food, and there are several dishes that you must try when visiting. These include:

Ugali: This is a staple food in Uganda made from maize flour. It is usually served with a sauce made from vegetables, meat, or fish.
Mandazi: These are deep-fried bread rolls that are usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Local Beverages

Apart from food, Busia has many local beverages that you can try. These include:

Waragi: This is a local gin made from bananas.
Tonto: This is a traditional beer that is made from finger millet.

Where to Stay in Busia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many options for accommodation in Busia, ranging from budget to mid-range hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Some of the popular options include:

Busia Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Busia. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Sunset Guesthouse: This is a budget-friendly guesthouse located about 5 km from Busia town. It offers clean and comfortable rooms and a restaurant.

What to Buy in Busia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are many souvenirs and local products that you can bring home from Busia. These include:

Handmade crafts: Busia is known for its handmade crafts, including baskets, pottery, and wood carvings.
Coffee: Uganda is known for its delicious coffee, and you can buy a bag of locally grown coffee to take home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Busia

Busia has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions when visiting. Some of the customs include:

Dressing modestly: It is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting cultural attractions and religious sites.
Greeting: It is customary to greet people when you meet them. A simple “hello” or “how are you?” is enough.

Best Time to Visit Busia

The best time to visit Busia is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Busia

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Try the local food and beverages.

Don’t:

Take pictures of people without their permission.
Engage in activities that are harmful to wildlife or the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Busia

Busia is a relatively safe town, but it is important to take basic safety precautions. These include:

Avoid walking alone at night.
Keep your valuables safe.

Health in Busia

It is important to take the necessary health precautions when visiting Busia. These include:

Getting vaccinated: Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccinations before traveling to Busia.
Drinking bottled water: It is advisable to drink bottled water to avoid getting sick from contaminated water.

Getting to Busia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Busia

The nearest airports to Busia are the Entebbe International Airport and the Kisumu International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Busia

There are several bus stations near Busia, including the Kampala Bus Station and the Kisumu Bus Station.

Other Options

You can also travel to Busia by car or by private taxi.

How to Get Around in Busia

The best way to get around in Busia is by public transportation, including buses and matatus. You can also hire a private taxi or car.

Where to Go Next from Busia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time, there are many nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit from Busia. These include:

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
Lake Victoria Islands, including the Ssese Islands.

Conclusion

Busia has a lot to offer tourists, from its beautiful scenery to its rich cultural heritage. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can plan your trip to Busia with confidence, knowing where to visit, how to get around, and what to expect. Enjoy your trip!