A Day of Ankole Culture: Igongo, the Omugabe's Palace and Biharwe

Not every worthwhile stop near Mbarara involves wildlife. The Ankole region has its own history worth a morning or afternoon, and none of the three sites below are far from the city.

Igongo Cultural Centre, about 12km out, is the best starting point: a museum built specifically to document the history and heritage of the Ankole people, from royal regalia to traditional homestead life.

Omugabe's Palace at Kamukuzi, the former residence of the Ankole kings, has been renovated and opened for public tours, a chance to see where the kingdom's royal authority was actually seated.

Biharwe Eclipse Site, on Biharwe Hill, marks the spot associated with a solar eclipse in 1520 AD that, as local history tells it, was read as an omen that turned back an invading army and saved the kingdom's cattle. It's a short stop, but a striking piece of local history with a view over the surrounding hills thrown in.

None of these require a full day individually. Combine two or three and you've got a satisfying alternative to a park day, with a lot less driving.