The Best Souvenirs to Bring Back from a Safari in Uganda
Top Gifts and Souvenirs to pick up on a Safari in the Pearl of Africa
What Gifts and Souvenirs should I buy on a Safari in Uganda? Here are our suggestions for Arts and Crafts, Food, and more:
The 12 Perfect Souvenirs to Bring Back from a Safari in Uganda: Going on a safari in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to explore the Pearl of Africa’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. Alongside unforgettable memories, bringing back souvenirs allows you to share your experiences with family and friends or keep mementos as reminders of your time in Uganda. This essay will present our top recommendations for the best gifts and souvenirs to pick up during your safari, focusing on arts and crafts, food, and other authentic Ugandan-made products.
Regarding arts and crafts, Uganda offers various unique and handmade items representing the country’s rich cultural traditions. Consider purchasing handcrafted baskets, intricately designed jewelry, or traditional batik paintings. These artistic creations serve as beautiful souvenirs and support local artisans and their families.
Uganda is renowned for its delicious and unique food products. Explore the local culinary delights and bring back some tasty treats as souvenirs. Shea butter, flavorful peanuts, wild honey, and dried fruits are excellent choices that provide an authentic taste of Uganda. For those looking for a more adventurous option, consider the famous Banana wine, a local favorite.
In addition to traditional souvenirs, Uganda offers decorative and practical items that can add a touch of African charm to your home. Look for decorative pieces like hand-carved wooden sculptures, traditional masks, or colorful textiles. These items serve as reminders of your safari, support local craftsmanship, and preserve cultural heritage.
One of the most valuable aspects of a safari in Uganda is engaging with local communities and learning about their way of life. Consider participating in workshops or demonstrations where you can learn to make traditional crafts like baskets, jewelry, or batik paintings. These cross-cultural encounters provide enriching experiences and allow you to bring back unique, handmade souvenirs that hold special meaning.
When purchasing souvenirs, it is recommended to buy directly from local artisans. By doing so, you contribute to empowering Ugandan families, supporting conservation efforts, and generating income within the local community. Each item bought directly from an artisan carries a personal connection and adds a special touch to your memories of Uganda.
Uganda offers many gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of the country’s culture, artistry, and natural beauty. By selecting souvenirs made in Uganda, you bring home cherished mementos, support local communities, and preserve the country’s rich heritage. Whether handcrafted arts and crafts, tasty treats, or decorative items, each souvenir serves as a tangible reminder of your safari adventure in the Pearl of Africa. Embrace the opportunity to engage with local artisans and create lasting connections beyond your time in Uganda.
Here are the 12 Perfect Souvenirs to Bring back from a Safari in Uganda
1. Ugandan Coffee-take home rich-tasting Ugandan Coffee
Bring home the Rich Taste of Ugandan Arabica Coffee! Uganda, known for its significant coffee production and export, is the birthplace of coffee itself, with the indigenous Robusta variety thriving within its borders. The country’s eastern regions, nestled among the mountainous terrains of Mount Elgon, cultivate delightful Arabica coffee varieties. The western and southwestern parts of Uganda, particularly the Gorilla (Kigezi) Highlands near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, are renowned coffee-growing regions.
In the foothills of Africa’s majestic Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, coffee is also cultivated, adding to Uganda’s reputation for producing some of the finest coffee in Africa. During your safari with us, you can savor this exceptional beverage firsthand. We highly recommend exploring the Gorilla Conservation Coffee brand with a dual cause.
With each sip of Gorilla Conservation Coffee, you contribute to preserving gorillas and empowering local communities. This brand represents a social enterprise initiated by Conservation Through Public Health, an esteemed NGO and non-profit organization.
Gorilla Conservation Coffee ensures that coffee farmers near Uganda’s gorillas, near the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, receive a premium price for their produce. By supporting these local farmers, you actively contribute to protecting critically endangered gorillas and preserving their delicate habitats.
You can easily purchase Gorilla Conservation Coffee at various lodges and hotels across Uganda, including the duty-free shops at Entebbe International Airport. By bringing home a package of this exquisite coffee, you enjoy a rich and flavorful brew and become part of a more considerable conservation effort, making a positive impact one sip at a time. Read more about Conservation Through Public Health.
Read more about Ugandan Coffee:
2. Uganda Waragi-some call it the Spirit of Uganda
Take home the Spirit of Uganda – Uganda Waragi as a gift for yourself!
Uganda Waragi, fondly referred to as the “Spirit of Uganda,” holds a special place in the hearts of many Ugandans, who joyfully celebrate even the smallest of life’s occasions with this cherished drink. It is deeply intertwined with Uganda’s history and cultural identity.
The term “Waragi” is derived from “War Gin,” a beverage given to Ugandan soldiers before they entered the battle to instill courage and fortitude.
While caution is advised against consuming locally made Waragi, as it may contain impurities like methanol, the Leading Brand Waragi, produced through a triple distillation process, is safe for consumption. You can easily purchase a bottle of Waragi for approximately seven dollars in local currency from various locations. As you bid farewell to Uganda and depart from Entebbe International Airport, you can also find it at the Duty-Free Shops.
Whether you buy it as a gift for a friend or indulge in it yourself, Waragi will keep the memories of those unforgettable sundowner moments on your safari in the Pearl of Africa alive and vibrant. It allows you to taste Uganda back home, whether for yourself or to share with friends and family.
Notably, Uganda Waragi is not commonly found in Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada, or Australia. However, it remains an authentic Ugandan product with its unique history. While various flavors are available, we recommend sticking to the original for an authentic experience.
3. Spices from the Pearl of Africa:
Discover Exquisite Spices from the Pearl of Africa! Spices make for unexpected yet delightful souvenirs or gifts. Consider bringing home the flavors of Uganda, where herbs like Vanilla have gained significant recognition.
Vanilla, often called the “new gold,” is cultivated locally under strict security measures to protect crops from theft. Purchasing Vanilla directly from a Vanilla Farm ensures its authenticity and offers considerable cost savings. It’s worth noting that even renowned brands like Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream source their Vanilla from Uganda.
In addition to Vanilla, you can explore various spices available in local markets. You’ll find an enticing selection from paprika, pepper, and chili pepper to cardamom, saffron, and more. Buying condiments in bulk at the markets allows you to save money while curating a thoughtful spice gift.
You’ll find numerous large open-air markets throughout Uganda where spices are sold. We recommend purchasing a Ugandan container to complement your spice selection, creating the perfect presentation for your gift.
By bringing home these exquisite spices, you add unique flavors to your culinary adventures and share a piece of Uganda’s vibrant culture and cuisine with others.
4. Tea from the Pearl of Africa
Experience the Exquisite Tea from the Pearl of Africa! Uganda proudly stands as a significant tea producer in Africa, exporting its fine teas to destinations across the globe. Regions like the Middle East, Egypt, and Sudan are among the avid consumers of tea imported from the pearl of Africa.
Within Uganda, tea holds a special place as the beverage of choice for many locals. Chai, a delightful African tea infused with cinnamon, ginger, sugar, and milk, is particularly beloved by Ugandans. Visitors may need some time to acclimate to its bold ginger flavor, but it’s an experience worth savoring.
Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or tea infused with lemongrass, you can find a diverse selection at most supermarkets. For an even more authentic experience, consider purchasing tea directly from the plantations you encounter during your safari across different parts of Uganda.
Should you desire, we would be delighted to share an African Tea recipe with you. So, even after your safari, you can continue to enjoy the flavors of Uganda, sipping the tea that embodies the essence of the Pearl of Africa.
Tea also makes for a beautiful gift, offering a taste of Uganda to be cherished in your home country. With reasonable prices and the ability to encapsulate precious memories, taking home a piece of Uganda’s tea heritage ensures your safari experience lives on with every sip.
5. Gorilla Souvenirs & Gifts:
Reminders of your encounter with the gentle giants of the forest in Uganda. An excellent souvenir is a carved gorilla walking stick that you can buy while staying in Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Other Gorilla Trekking Souvenirs can be Gorilla carvings that can be found here. The quality varies, but you can quickly see what is right and what is not. There are Gorilla Batiks, Gorilla Bracelets, earrings, and Gorilla T-Shirts. There is also the Gorilla Conservation Coffee that we mentioned already.
You will also find art and stuff that is pure tourist junk. The beauty of the assorted items offered is in the eye of the beholder.
You will find the usual items and the ones with that unique artistic input. That special effort put in by a local artisan that you will often be able to meet.
Whatever you purchase helps a Ugandan Family have a better day.
6. African Decor for your Home:
Accent your home with some touches from Uganda. Reminders of your time on Safari in the Pearl of Africa. Create that African room in your home and accent it with items you pick along your Uganda safari tour.
Batiks, even larger paintings, can be rolled up and taken home. Mats that were woven in Uganda become colorful pieces on the floor or wall. Unique to Uganda, Bark Cloth was used in decorating the European Parliament, so why not use it in your home?
When you come across decorative things, look at them through creative eyes and place them in your home. You will discover Pillow Covers, Place Mats, and Baskets. One can even use a drum as a lampstand in the corner of your African Room decorated with items found on your African Journey in Uganda.
Shipping can be arranged for items you cannot fit into your suitcases. You might find some larger African art pieces, including pottery, large carvings, and drums. Add some African Decor to your home from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
7. African Fabrics -The Kitenge Cloth-use it to decorate-make a dress from it:
The Kitenge Fabric has been called ‘the communicating textile’ because of the various colors, patterns, writings, and symbols that represent moods, feelings, cultures, and traditions of African people, including Uganda.
The beauty of Kitenge is that it comes in various colors and patterns, each telling its own story. A traditional batik technique prints these patterns; each holds its uniqueness and story.
It brings me great pleasure to see the streets of Kampala brightly colored with all these fabrics in different styles and prints. With people of all ages beautifully clad in these clothes.
The Kitenge fabric depicts the African heritage in every sense and has gained worldwide popularity. Fashion Designers and Decorators alike use it. You can do almost anything with it: a dress, shirts, decor in your home, and buy some original ones in Uganda on your Safari. Let us know, and we will assist you.
8. African Carvings discovered on your Safari:
Was it not for Baggage Restrictions and expensive excess charges, a lot more Ugandan carved items would find their way into Tourists’ homes worldwide?
You can find some excellent carved items, such as tables with carved elephant trunks as legs and an intricately carved top. There are also superb carved chairs with wildlife or village carvings.
African Masks abound from crudely carved ones to those created by top-notch artists.
Carved Wall Hangings of all kinds would be conversational pieces in your home for many years. We can assist you in arranging reasonably priced shipping of heavier items to your country. Just ask.
Gone are the days when an airline counter person would give you, as I experienced when I brought two large drums, a carved table, and two carved chairs back to the US.
9. Drums made in Uganda by the Royal Drum makers:
Drums and more drums are found everywhere, and Uganda is known for its excellent drums made in the Pearl of Africa.
In Mpambire, you find the Baganda Royal Drum makers, and they and their ancestors have been creating drums for over five hundred years in the exact location. If you visit parks in western Uganda, you will drive through Mpambire, where you will find drums in abundance and be able to watch the drum-makers at work.
Drums are a part of African Culture and life. Not only can you buy a drum to take home, but you can be taught to use the drum.
The drums in Uganda are hand-made from natural materials, and the drum makers even grow their trees for ecological reasons.
You will find a wide variety of musical instruments for sale in Uganda. Take a few homes with you. There will be a size that fits into your luggage.
We can arrange drumming lessons for you so that you know how to use your newly bought drum.
10. Ugandan Ethnic Jewelry:
You will come across all kinds of jewelry made in Uganda during your Safari in the Pearl of Africa. It ranges from inexpensive to jewelry made of precious metals.
Most purchased inexpensive jewelry is made by women for sale to tourists and sold abroad, providing a decent income for a Ugandan family.
Hands-on lessons can be arranged for you to learn the art of making jewelry in Ugandan style.
It also allows you to get to know some Ugandans. Such times often result in lasting friendships over the Internet.
We can arrange that for you if you want to purchase bulk beads, especially in Kampala.
11. Snare-Ware Sculptures:
Snares to Wares is a community-based conservation initiative started by Michigan State University dedicated to improving human livelihood and protecting wildlife in East Africa. We remove wire snare traps from Murchison Falls National Park to protect nature from poaching.
Those wires are then given to local artisans in Pakwach who train community members (especially youth vulnerable to being recruited by poachers) to make a living in craftsmanship rather than poaching. By transforming wire snares into art pieces, these young artists gain the skills and experience to provide for themselves and their families without ever resorting to poaching.
Each piece of art is crafted out of snare wire retrieved from Murchison Falls National Park. Snare wire traps wildlife such as lions, giraffes, and elephants.
Proceeds from the sale of these sculptures flow directly into the community to sustain these transformations.
12. Made from Bark Cloth Products – a one-of-a-kind souvenir
Bark Cloth is an ancient craft of the Baganda People that goes back to the 14th Century. The Ngong clan traditionally created Barkcloth and clothing and things. Barkcloth is used as a backdrop in the European Parliament
The items were used in both rituals and as regular clothing. Curtains, decorations, and other items were created. Today, you can purchase Bark Cloth items at souvenir shops in Uganda.
You choose clothing items, hats, purses, bags, pillows, wall coverings, etc.
Even the Ugandan has draped Barkcloth in it. It was used by a German designer who was familiar with and loved the look of Barkcloth.
Bark Cloth is an original craft recognized by UNESCO for cultural significance and importance. It is certainly not an item that many of your friends will have.
Barkcloth making is becoming a lost art in the central region of Uganda, and efforts are underway to keep the art of Barkcloth making alive.
The 12 Perfect Souvenirs to Bring Back from a Safari in Uganda
The 12 Perfect Souvenirs to Bring Back from a Safari in Uganda: We could add many more souvenir suggestions. If you come with open eyes, you will find them—gifts beyond the norm. We know Uganda live and work here; tourism is our passion and business.
We would love to assist you in bringing home a bit of Uganda as a reminder of your Safari in the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda has all the expected tourist items on an African Safari. We can take you to such places in Kampala or, better, to the Friday Craft Market, where you deal directly with the artist.
We will help you locate what you would like on your Safari. Uganda is filled with talented people who would love to create what you want.
Take home a bit of Africa from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, and remember your time on a safari.
