Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The site is the burial ground for the kings (Kabakas) of the Buganda kingdom, which dates back to the 14th century. The tombs are located on a hill overlooking the city and are surrounded by lush greenery. The site is considered sacred and is an important cultural and historical landmark for the Buganda people.
Prominent Features: The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi consists of several thatched-roof buildings that house the remains of the kings and their consorts. The main building, called Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is a circular structure with a thatched roof and walls made of woven reeds. It is one of the largest thatched-roof structures in the world and is supported by wooden poles.
The interior of the building is decorated with traditional fabrics and is considered a sacred space.
The site also includes a museum that houses artifacts and displays that relate to the history and culture of the Buganda kingdom.
History: The Buganda kingdom was founded in the 14th century and played an important role in the history of Uganda. The kings of the Buganda people were traditionally buried in the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi. The site was first established in the 13th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structures date back to the late 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the site and learn about the history and culture of the Buganda kingdom. The museum includes interactive displays and educational materials that are suitable for children.
Fun Fact: The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi was destroyed by fire in 2010 but was later rebuilt with the help of the international community.
Entry Fees:Foreign Visitors: 30,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 8 USD)
East African Citizens: 10,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 2.70 USD)
Ugandan Citizens: 5,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 1.30 USD)
The fee includes a guided tour of the site.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to Kampala is Entebbe International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers from the city. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city.
By Road: Kampala is accessible by road from several other cities in Uganda and neighboring countries. Buses and taxis are available for transport to and from the city.
To reach the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi by public transport from central Kampala, you can take a taxi or a minibus (locally known as a "matatu"). Taxis are usually more comfortable and faster, but they are also more expensive than matatus.
To take a taxi, you can simply hail one from the street or ask your hotel to arrange one for you. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be negotiated with the driver before departure.
If you prefer to take a matatu, you can go to the nearby taxi park in Old Kampala, where you can find several minibuses heading to Kasubi. The fare is usually lower than a taxi but the ride can be less comfortable and more crowded. Once you arrive in Kasubi, you can take a short walk to the Tombs of Buganda Kings.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Kampala, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Some popular options include the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, and the Emin Pasha Hotel.
Next Stop: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The site is the burial ground for the kings (Kabakas) of the Buganda kingdom, which dates back to the 14th century. The tombs are located on a hill overlooking the city and are surrounded by lush greenery. The site is considered sacred and is an important cultural and historical landmark for the Buganda people.
Prominent Features: The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi consists of several thatched-roof buildings that house the remains of the kings and their consorts. The main building, called Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is a circular structure with a thatched roof and walls made of woven reeds. It is one of the largest thatched-roof structures in the world and is supported by wooden poles.
The interior of the building is decorated with traditional fabrics and is considered a sacred space.
The site also includes a museum that houses artifacts and displays that relate to the history and culture of the Buganda kingdom.
History: The Buganda kingdom was founded in the 14th century and played an important role in the history of Uganda. The kings of the Buganda people were traditionally buried in the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi. The site was first established in the 13th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structures date back to the late 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the site and learn about the history and culture of the Buganda kingdom. The museum includes interactive displays and educational materials that are suitable for children.
Fun Fact: The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi was destroyed by fire in 2010 but was later rebuilt with the help of the international community.
Entry Fees:Foreign Visitors: 30,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 8 USD)
East African Citizens: 10,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 2.70 USD)
Ugandan Citizens: 5,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately 1.30 USD)
The fee includes a guided tour of the site.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to Kampala is Entebbe International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers from the city. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city.
By Road: Kampala is accessible by road from several other cities in Uganda and neighboring countries. Buses and taxis are available for transport to and from the city.
To reach the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi by public transport from central Kampala, you can take a taxi or a minibus (locally known as a "matatu"). Taxis are usually more comfortable and faster, but they are also more expensive than matatus.
To take a taxi, you can simply hail one from the street or ask your hotel to arrange one for you. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be negotiated with the driver before departure.
If you prefer to take a matatu, you can go to the nearby taxi park in Old Kampala, where you can find several minibuses heading to Kasubi. The fare is usually lower than a taxi but the ride can be less comfortable and more crowded. Once you arrive in Kasubi, you can take a short walk to the Tombs of Buganda Kings.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Kampala, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Some popular options include the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, and the Emin Pasha Hotel.
Next Stop: Rwenzori Mountains National Park