Kasubi Tombs Listed on BBC Top Africa’s Most Innovative, Historic & Iconic Buildings

BBC has profiled Africa’s iconic architecture in 12 buildings, with Kasubi Tombs of Uganda established in 1882 topping the list.

According to BBC, while the pyramids of Egypt are recognized around the world, much of Africa’s architecture remains unknown – something architects Adil Dalbai and Livingstone Mukasa hope to change.

They are part of the team that has recently published the seven-volume Architectural Guide Sub-Saharan Africa. Their in-depth study encompasses buildings from earlier eras, the colonial period – like the recently renovated railway station built in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, in 1910 – to more modern masterpieces.

The iconic Kasubi tombs is one of the popular destinations visited during Kampala city tours on day tours in Uganda.

Kasubi tombs

Covering hectares of agricultural land in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, the Royal Complex at Kasubi is the burial place of monarchs of the Buganda Kingdom. It was predominantly built from wood and other organic materials. The interior is designed to replicate a sacred forest and is topped with 52 circular rings to represent each of the 52 Buganda clans.

Mukasa, who was born in Uganda, visited the tombs for the first time when he was 10 years old. “It was stunning,” he told the BBC. “Not just the scale of it, but the entire grandeur of the building. “[It] was constructed in the late 19th Century before the introduction of modern materials, using traditional centuries-old methods. I felt that the building had a presence. When you were inside it, it dominated you.”

The Kasubi tombs was top on the list of the 12 iconic buildings in Africa.

There are several places to visit in Kampala city and here is a highlight of what a 1 day Kampala city tour

Kampala is Uganda’s capital and the biggest city in the country. Kampala is home to very many historical, religious and educational sites that have the history of the country. A one day tour a round Kampala is a great way of understanding not only the people of Kampala but the whole country since Kampala hosts peoples from almost all parts of the country.

The best places to visit during a Kampala city tour include markets like Owino, Nakasero and many others. The Uganda museum is home to most of the artifacts from the country and the best stop to learn about history of Uganda. Religious places like the Bahai temple, Namirembe church, Old Kampala Gadaffi mosque and Uganda Martyrs shrine in Namugongo are good places to visit.

You can choose how to tour the city which can be either on foot, by car or on a bike, the adventure is of your choice.

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa making it home to several wildlife attractions through the national parks and conservation areas. Plan with Acacia safaris one of our well designed Uganda safaris packages or customize an itinerary just to suit your interests. Some of our popular packages include gorilla tracking in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, Big Five safari experience and many more adventures.