Long-horned cows are within the communities that surround Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda. These long-horned cows have long horns about 8 ft. The cows use their horns for defense. The Banyankole pastoralists predominantly own long-horned cows in Lake Mburo National Park. The cow species predominantly feed on grass and other supplements prepared by the farmers.
Some of the breeds of the long-horned cows include; Bahima, Tutsi, Bashi, Kigezi, and the Watusi breeds. All these breeds of cattle are distinctive since they have different features on their bodies. These supplements aid in the growth of the cows and ensure high milk production. A tour of Lake Mburo National Park allows you to spend time with these amazing species of cows.
Lake Mburo National Park is found in western Uganda in the Kiruhura district. It is the smallest savannah park in Uganda. More so, Lake Mburo National Park is the closest to Kampala. It is the smallest savannah park that was gazette in 1963 as a national park. The park While on the safari to encounter the long-horned cattle, travelers are supposed to visit the neighboring communities around the park.
Importance of long-horned cows in Uganda
These cattle have a significant role they play in the communities and they include;
- They produce milk with a large fat content which is used to make several milk products like butter, yorghurt, ghee, and many others.
- The cows are a source of revenue for the locals
- Long-horned cows offer a significant role in the paying of dowry during marriage
- Their waste products such as dung and urine are used as fertilizers and medicine
- Blood from long-horned cows is usually used in the preparation of the local delicacy
Where to see long-horned cows in Lake Mburo National Park
While on a safari to Lake National Park to see the long-horned cows, there are several communities that travelers can visit. Some of them include;
Rwenjeru Community Campsite
This campsite is located near the park on the road to the Katengyeto Gate. Long-horned cows in this camp belong to the locals. Farmers in this area rear cows on a subsistence basis. When you visit Rwenjeru Community Camp, you will do some activities including; milking, rearing, camping, and many others.
Igongo Cultural Centre
Igongo Cultural Centre is located adjacent to the park on the highway to Mbarara. In this community, you read more information about long long-horned cows. You also take a photo with a monument of the historical long-horned cow (Mayenje) just in the compound. Travelers also follow the cows as they are grazing, milk, preparation of milk products, and many others. At this cultural Centre, there are several other activities to engage in like cultural dances, storytelling, and many others.
Ankole Community Group
It is located adjacent to the park where the members of this community are also known for rearing large herds of long-horned cows. While in this community, travelers engage in milk chumming, ghee making, and making of the local crafts.
Kamihingo Farm
This farm was introduced in 1998 and is family-owned under the management and ownership of the Kimihingo Emmanuel. The farm was established to preserve the Ankole long-horned cows. It is located in western Uganda near the Nshara gate of Kiruhura and travelers engage in activities like milking, grazing, churning, nightlife in the farms, and many others.
Where else can you see long-horned cows in Uganda?
Long-horned cows in Uganda can be encountered in the districts of Kirihura, Sembabule, Ntungamo, Bushenyi, and Insingiro. In these districts, there are several communities where this wildlife can be seen and they include;
Nshenyi village
The village is located in the Ntungamo district in southwestern Uganda in Kitwe town. Travelers take about a 30-minute drive from the Ntugamo main town to reach the village. The area is made of pastoral community members who are predominantly known for the rearing of long-horned cows. It is also covered by the undulating rolling hills with savannah grassland and acacia trees. While in the village, travelers engage in several activities like milking cows, making products, banana brewing, preparation of the local cuisine using milk products, and many others.
Ntusi Farm
The Ntusi farm is another branch of the Kamihingo Farm that was established in the Sembabule district in Kamoshe village in the Ntusi sub-county. This farm also neighbors the Bigo Bya Mugenyi archeological site.
Emburara Farm Lodge
Emburara Farm Lodge is a luxury eco facility that is located in western Uganda on the Mbarara -Ibanda highway and it is near the Nyakyisharara Airstrip. This facility treasures a lot of the long-horned cattle and travelers can encounter the cattle at any time of the day while on the farm.
Ishaazi Farm Lodge
This farm lodge is located within western Uganda in Mbarara city Rushere town council. The farm portrays the local cultural practices of the Ankole and the long-horned cattle are one of the major attractions during the visit to the lodge.
Where can I stay and see long-horned cows in Lake Mburo National Park?
While in the park, there are several accommodation facilities that travelers on their safaris engage in to stay. The facilities are rated budget, midrange, and luxury facilities. These facilities include; Mpogo Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Hyena Hill Lodge, Kigarama Wilderness Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Mburo Eagle’s Nest, Leopard Rest Camp, and many others.
What is the best time to see long-horned cows in Lake Mburo National Park?
Seeing the long-horned cattle in the Lake Mburo National Park is done throughout the year. The best time is the dry season June to September and December to February since the area is dry and clear to view the cattle in the park and other parts of the country. In the wet season, the cattle can also graze around the park since there is a variety of pastures.
