Butogota Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, activities to do, food to eat, and tips on how to get around and stay safe in Butogota, Uganda.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Butogota, Uganda

Butogota is a small town located in Western Uganda, in the Kabarole district. It is a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more popular destinations in Uganda, but it is definitely worth a visit. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, activities to do, food to eat, and tips on how to get around and stay safe in Butogota.

List of Places to Visit in Butogota

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves: This is a cultural and historical site located in Nyakasura, about 8 kilometers from Butogota. The caves are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites, and they are said to have been the breasts of Nyina Mwiru, a daughter of Bukuku, the king of the Batembuzi. To the Bakonzo people, the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru is a sacred place where cultural rituals and ceremonies are held.
  • Nyakasura School: This is a missionary school founded by the Church of Uganda in the early 1900s. It is located in Nyakasura, about 8 kilometers from Butogota. The school has a colonial architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the school to learn about its history and achievements.
  • Fort Portal Palace: This is the palace of the King of Toro, located in Fort Portal, about 9 kilometers from Butogota. The palace was built in the 1920s by the British colonial administration and has a unique blend of African and European architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to learn about the history and culture of the Toro Kingdom.

Natural Attractions of Butogota: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kibale National Park: This is one of the most popular parks in Uganda, located about 40 kilometers from Butogota. The park is famous for its primate population, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red colobus monkeys. Visitors can take a guided nature walk to see the primates and other wildlife such as elephants and buffaloes.
  • Crater Lakes: Butogota is surrounded by several crater lakes that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lake Nkuruba is the most popular and is located about 5 kilometers from Butogota. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lake to learn about its geology and spot some of the resident bird species.
  • Rwenzori Mountains: Butogota is located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, which are the third highest mountains in Africa. Visitors can take a guided hike to explore the mountain range and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Butogota

  • Kibale forest trails: Visitors can take a guided forest walk to explore Kibale National Park and its primate population.
  • Rwenzori Mountains trek: Visitors can take a guided trek to explore the Rwenzori Mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Crater lake hike: Visitors can take a guided hike to explore the scenic crater lakes surrounding Butogota.

Best Things to Do in Butogota: Activities and Tours

  • Chimpanzee tracking: Visitors can take a guided nature walk to see the chimpanzees at Kibale National Park.
  • Mountain climbing: Visitors can take a guided trek to explore the Rwenzori Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Cultural tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of Nyakasura School, the Fort Portal Palace, and the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Butogota

Day 1: Arrive in Butogota and check into your hotel or guesthouse.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of Nyakasura School and the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves.

Day 3: Explore Kibale National Park and track chimpanzees.

Day 4: Take a guided hike to explore the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 5: Explore the crater lakes surrounding Butogota.

Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Fort Portal Palace.

Day 7: Departure from Butogota.

Food and Drink Scene of Butogota

Must-Try Dishes

  • Matoke: This is a popular Ugandan dish made from mashed green bananas. It is typically served with peanut sauce or meat stew.
  • Kachumbari: This is a popular salad in Uganda made from diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
  • Kikomando: This is a popular street food in Uganda made from chapati (flatbread) and beans.

Local Beverages

  • Waragi: This is a Ugandan gin made from bananas or sugarcane.
  • Tonto: This is a local beer made from millet or sorghum.

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

  • Rwenzori View Guesthouse: This is a budget-friendly guesthouse located in Butogota. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
  • Kibale Guest Cottages: This is a mid-range accommodation option located near Kibale National Park. It offers spacious cottages and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
  • Primate Lodge Kibale: This is a luxury accommodation option located in Kibale National Park. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.

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

  • Bark cloth: This is a traditional Ugandan fabric made from the bark of the Mutuba tree. It is used to make clothing and other decorative items.
  • Basketry: Ugandan baskets are made from natural materials such as grass, bamboo, and sisal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are perfect for storing and organizing items.
  • Cultural artifacts: Butogota is home to several cultural artifacts, including pottery, masks, and sculptures. Visitors can purchase these items as souvenirs and decorative pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Butogota

Butogota is home to the Bakonzo people, who have a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural and historical sites. It is common to greet people with a handshake and to remove shoes when entering a home or sacred site. Visitors are also expected to dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.

Best Time to Visit Butogota

The best time to visit Butogota is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and from December to February. During this time, the weather is mild and the skies are clear, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Butogota

Do:

  • Do greet people with a handshake when meeting them for the first time.
  • Do dress modestly when visiting cultural and historical sites.
  • Do remove shoes when entering a home or sacred site.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photos of people without their permission.
  • Don’t use your left hand to eat, touch or pass things to others. It is considered impolite.
  • Don’t litter or engage in any behavior that harms the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Butogota

Butogota is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take normal precautions when travelling, such as avoiding isolated areas, carrying valuables discreetly, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Butogota

Visitors to Butogota should take precautions to avoid malaria, which is prevalent in the region. It is advisable to take anti-malarial medication and to use mosquito repellent. Visitors should also drink bottled or purified water to avoid the risk of waterborne diseases.

Getting to Butogota: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Butogota

The nearest international airport to Butogota is Entebbe International Airport, which is located about 300 kilometers away. From Entebbe, visitors can take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, which is located about 30 kilometers from Butogota.

Bus Stations Near Butogota

Visitors can take a bus from Kampala to Fort Portal, which is about 18 kilometers from Butogota. From Fort Portal, visitors can take a taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to Butogota.

Other Options

Visitors can hire a private car or take a taxi from Kampala to Butogota. It is advisable to hire a driver who is familiar with the region and the road conditions.

How to Get Around in Butogota

Visitors can take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) or a taxi to get around Butogota and the surrounding areas. It is advisable to negotiate the price before embarking on a journey.

Where to Go Next from Butogota: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park is located about 50 kilometers from Butogota and is famous for its wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
  • Semuliki National Park: This park is located about 200 kilometers from Butogota and is famous for its hot springs, birdlife, and primates.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: This park is located about 350 kilometers from Butogota and is famous for its waterfalls, wildlife, and birdlife.

Conclusion

Butogota is a hidden gem in Uganda, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. From the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves to the crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains, there is something for everyone in Butogota. With its friendly people, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery, Butogota is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi's impenetrable forest Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi's impenetrable forest