Experience the Ankole culture at Nshenyi Cultural Village

Ankole Long Horned cows.

Experience the Ankole culture at Nshenyi Cultural Village

Breath-taking scenery, the opportunity to stand at the meeting point of three different countries and spending time learning about traditional Ankole culture is what awaits visitors to Nshenyi Cultural Village.

Set among beautiful rolling landscape, the village is home to a group of traditional farmers and the graceful, long-horned Ankole cattle they tend to.

Where is Nshenyi Cultural Village?

Located near Kitwe Town, the village is around an hour’s drive from Mbarara, in south-western Uganda. A traditional Bantu kingdom that was formally abolished in the 1960s, the Ankole region and the area around Nshenyi is an ideal location for farming cattle – and indeed, the Ankole cows remain an important part of the local community to this day.

For Venture Uganda guests travelling from Kampala, which is around six hours’ drive away, we’d recommend spending a couple of days at the site in order to make the most of the experience. We will arrange accommodation and fully escorted travel for guests who wish to include it as part of their tailor-made holiday to Uganda.

Venture Uganda travel consultant Joel is from neighbouring Isingiro and says: “The first night is an opportunity to settle and rest after travelling from Kampala, before spending the next day with the community and learning about the cattle and culture.”

Long-horned Ankole cattle

Visitors to the site have the chance to milk the cattle before helping farmers to move the cows out for grazing.
Learn traditional crafts and the art of making ghee (a type of butter) from the milk collected in the morning. Spend time with the friendly farming community as they share their knowledge and skills with guests.

Meanwhile, there is an opportunity to explore the place where three countries – Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania – meet, as well as enjoying views of the Kagera River.

Joel says: “The landscape is really beautiful and visitors shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to stand on the border of three countries, which is very special.”

Alternatively, Venture Uganda guests can learn more about the life of an Ankole pastoralists at the The Enyemebwa Culture, Conservation and Education Centre, a joint project between the Ankole Cow Conservation Association (ACCA) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority located at Lake Mburo National Park.

At Venture Uganda, we create custom holidays to Uganda for groups and individuals, with a focus on authentic cultural experiences, wildlife and adventure. Ask us about:

  • A choice of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets
  • Peace-of-mind travel arrangements so our guests don’t have to worry
  • Fully escorted tours with experienced and knowledgeable guides

If you would like to arrange a visit to Nshenyi Cultural Village as part of your holiday to Uganda, complete an enquiry form or email us on enquiries@ventureuganda.org