08 days eastern uganda culture and wildlife safaris experience

08 day Ugandan Culture is composed of many ethnic groups. Each is unique of many tribes. With the diversity of tribes, Uganda remains the best destination for people interested in culture. Ranging from languages spoken, traditional dances, and meals served at table, ways of dressing, eating, and the upbringing is all unique depending on the tribe.  
This safari takes you to explore and visit the best of Eastern parts of Uganda with the untouched wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park as the highlight. The eastern route, discover the to the Source of the Nile , Sipi Falls and the Sebei tribe continue lands of the Karamojong people to Kidepo Valley National Park and Ziwa Rhino. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe / Kampala – The Source of Nile (Jinja)

After an early breakfast, you will be picked from your hotel and head to Jinja, where the Nile derives its joy, fame and origin. The driving takes us through the Mabira tropical forest, watch out for the Colobus monkeys and birds. On your arrival at the famous Owen Fall Dam the source of hydro electricity power for Uganda. Discover the source of the Nile (Ripon Falls where John Speke stood) and later the point of undoubtedly thrilling white water rafting adventure on the same river Nile.

• Distance:  120 km (about 4 hours)
• Medium accommodation: 2Friends Jinja (FB)
• High accommodation: lodge/ Haven Jinja (FB)

Day 2: Source of the River Nile- Mt Elgon National Park (Sipi falls)

After your breakfast at the source of the River Nile, for the water lover and adventure, you can enjoy the safest while water rafting on the Victoria Nile or set off for Kapchorwa district where Sipi Falls is located.  Sipi falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border, after lunch, you can relax or hike to the Sipi waterfalls or go for guided walks around the Sipi village to see and learn about the culture of the people.

• Distance:  282 km (about 4 hours)
• Medium range accommodation: Rafiki Sipi lodge /Sipi Resort (FB)
• High  accommodation: Sipi River lodge (FB)

Day 3: Sipi Falls – Moroto - Karamoja

Today, we depart the stunning views of Sipi Falls; start the journey to Moroto; through the semi-arid land of Karamoja region. Our journey takes us the off the road track experience by going through one the unique tribes, hopping for a market day to visit the tribes. It’s a very remote area with a scenic reserve, local people, markets in the most untouched area and remote village set up as the highlights. The region is mostly a semi-arid plain with harsh climate and low annual rainfall. It is largely savannah, covered with seasonal grasses, thorned plants, and occasional small trees. The region of Karamoja extends over 27,900 square kilometers.

• Distance:  175 km (about 4 hours)
• Medium accommodation: Kara Tunga lodge / Moroto hotel (FB)

Day 4: Karamoja (Moroto) - Cultural visit day

After a wonderful breakfast you will proceed to explore the culture and people of Karamoja through the facilitation of local cooperation projects. Karamoja has a cattle culture and the Karamojong are notorious as cattle raiders. Unlike most other Ugandans, many Karamojong shun western-style clothes and instead wear “traditional” dress of a blanket -like shawl, often in red and black. The women wear elaborate beadwork. Expect a visit to Lopotuk villages, the youth centre where you can request to see local performances of music and dance.

• Medium range accommodation: Kara Tunga lodge / Moroto hotel (FB)

Day 5: Karamoja (Moroto) - Kidepo Valley National

After an early morning breakfast you will embark on your journey Northwards via Kaabong and Kotido to reach Kidepo Valley National Park which is one of the few unspoilt wild places left in Africa. The region is characterized by mountains, hills and valleys and the park is a haven of different species of birds and animals.

• Medium accommodation: Kidepo Savannah lodge
• High: Adere Safari lodge
• High End accommodation: Apoka Lodge

Day 6: Kidepo Valley National

Start with an early breakfast and then go for a game drive along the trails of Kidepo Valley. The park inhabits one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan parks, with over 80 species of mammals several of which are endemic to Kidepo National Park like the cheetah, the striped hyena, the caracal and over 465 bird species including the ostriches.

Day 7: Kidepo Valley National

After an early breakfast, we set off back to or Ziwa Rhino sanctuary via Kitgum, Gulu with lunch stop to arrive for dinner and overnight at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

• Distance:  355 km (about 06 hours)
• Medium accommodation: Ziwa Lodge
• High range accommodation: Amuka Lodge

Day 8: Rhino Trekking – Kampala / Entebbe

After breakfast, have Rhino trekking and after lunch drive back to Kampala city dropping you off at your Hotel or Airport if you have a flight on the same day. 

• Distance:  155 km (about 03 hours)

Note: Kidepo Valley National Park can also be reached by taking a scheduled flight that leaves Entebbe every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with minimum of 4 pax

TOUR COST is per person sharing

Inclusive:

• Transport in a 4wd Land cruiser with modified roof excellent for game viewing.
• English speaking guide
• Accommodation as listed in the program
• Meals according to the program
• Park entrance fees to the national parks, all mentioned activities: cultural tour in Kidepo, visit the Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino.

Exclusive:

• International air fares
• Entry visa Uganda 50 USD
• Meals that are not part of your accommodation.
• Personal (medical/travel) insurance
• Tips and gratitude to rangers, driver/guide, porter, and hotel staff etc.
• All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional, optional activities, souvenirs, etc