Shopping in Western Uganda
Crafts, curios and basic necessities are the mainstay of shopping in Western Uganda and if it's a flashy camera or a jar of marmite that you're after, it's probably best to explore the malls in Kampala. That said, you can certainly have fun browsing and bargaining in the colorful markets, purchasing the local produce which is on offer such as tea, coffee, and honey.
Most of the lodges in Western Uganda have small souvenir craft shops.
Shopping Places
Amagara Shop
The Bwindi Advanced Market Gardeners' Association (AMAGARA meaning ‘life' in the local language Rukiga), was established in 2006. The aim of the organisation is twofold. Firstly, it supports local farmers to produce and market foods for the tourism industry; secondly it trains them in farming techniques that minimise damage to the environment and maximise the nutritional value of meals they provide for their families.
The AMAGARA shop has a wide selection of delicious souvenirs to suit all taste buds, and at very reasonable prices, including beautifully packaged honey and tea from Bwindi - a unique gift from the home of the Mountain Gorillas for friends and relatives. Every purchase supports the work of AMAGARA and the local community.
AMAGARA also offers visitors the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Ugandan food on traditional charcoal stoves. Take a class with their professionally trained chef, who will share with you his knowledge of traditional dishes, including some interesting twists to recognisable western favourites!
AMAGARA is capable of catering to individuals or large groups. Please try to book in advance (especially larger groups) and ask your lodge to contact us, or email: bwindi.amagara@gmail.com.
Bwindi - close to the Bwindi Community Hospital.
Village of Royal Drum Makers
Visit the site where time honored tradition is still going strong and purchase a hand-crafted drum. The relatively heavy skins of cows, goats and other animals are used to make small, medium size and big drums which are played using wooden sticks or hands. These drums are usually covered on both ends. Straps hold the membrane to the required pitch.
In Uganda, these drums are used for a variety of purposes, including communication (for example, drums are still used in some areas to get people together for communal work), traditional worship and healing rituals, and of course, for dances.
Historically, the royal drum players were selected from particular clans and their offices were hereditary. Otherwise, court-musicians were chosen on merit. Royal drums were beautifully decorated with colored beads and cowries' shells of different sizes and shapes.
Mpambire, Masaka
Gorilla Forest Camp
Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
AidChild Equation Cafe
When you stop at the Equator, be sure to drop into AidChild's Equation Café, which runs a souvenir shop and café (serving iced coffee, sweet and savoury snacks). The café is part of an income generating project set up by AidChild, to foster self-sustainability and community development. The shop sells a variety of good-quality paintings, shoes, bags, jewelry and handicrafts and 100% of the proceeds go towards the care of orphans living with AIDS.
You can also shop online at: http://www.aidchild.org/our_shop.asp
The Equator, Masaka Road
Welcome and the hardworking team from The Far Horizon, your local connection in stunning Western Uganda! We are a local, friendly and experienced team working in South Western Uganda and are ready to provide you with an authentic Ugandan holiday!
