Itinerary
Day 1& 2: Visit Murchison Falls National Park
In preparation for this exciting encounter we converge in Kampala and begin our expedition via the Southern route entry gate- Kichubanyobo, at 7:00am.
The journey is 230km long therefore, arrival time is 11:00am. After two hours of driving, we stop at Migyera for refreshments, The Park is known for hosting the world's most powerful waterfalls that emit large volumes of water estimated to be 300 cubic meters per second causing the surrounding to tremble
A boat cruise on the water is such a breath taking experience. The Game Park is home to over 76 mammals and 400 bird species The animals include; giraffes, lions, heart beasts, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and buffaloes among others.
For a perfect birding experience, this is the place to be. The communities of the Banyoro, Alur and Acholi among others, that surround the Park present a unique blend of cultural diversity. Evening campfires coupled with storytelling bring people together and closer.
The energetic cultural dance is a highlight of the traditional music played using some of the popular instruments such as the adungu (arched harp), madinda (xylophone), drums and others. Crafts such as sculptures, paintings, baskets, mats, calabashes jewelry are available for sale. At 6:00pm the team checks-in at one of the park hotels for meals and a night.
Day 3: Fort Patiko and Aruu Falls
At 10:00am we head to Gulu via the Kampala-Gulu highway, only 180km away. Along the way, we stop at Kamdini for bites and refreshments. By 1:00pm we arrive at the Fort. This was a military fort built by Samuel Baker in 1872 with an aim of eradicating slave trade. Dark spots believed to be blood stains resulting from torturing of slaves, can be seen on the walls.
The slab is dotted with dents said to have been caused by axes used to behead slaves. Every 31st December, a function is held at the site to select miss Anyadwe in honor of Samuel Baker's wife Florence Barbra also known as Anyadwe which translates to, the moon.
The activities of this rocky site include hiking, site seeing, storytelling, site camping among others.
We then head to Aruu falls located along Agago river which flows from Agago into Lapaya village in Pader district. This hidden treasure is located within a forest and a ragged rocky area offering a perfect experience for challenging adventure. The hike to the falls, sprays of mist and the roaring sound of the falls are an amazing scene. The area is occupied by the Langi and Acholi who are mainly agriculturalists. The curving seen on the rocks is said to have been done by the Jop'kongo who migrated from Otwa and settled in the areas of Lapaya in search of water and pasture. Activities include nature walks, bird watching, camping, diving and swimming, photography among others. At 7:00pm we locate to one of the town hotels.
Day 4: Visit Guruguru Caves
At 10:00am we head to Guruguru Caves which were said to be the hiding place for the natives during the Lamogi Rebellion under the prominent cultural ruler, Rwot Otto Yai. The people of Acholi were forced to hide inside the Caves during the inter-clan rebellion as a way of rebelling against the British imperialism. However, during this resistance, most Lamogi fighters succumbed to death due to gas suffocation.
The top of the hills opening gives clear views of the lower farmlands. The landscape around the hills offers shelter to several reptile species during sunny days. Birding and tracking of butterflies and primates also take place. Other activities include trekking, hiking and camping. By 6: 30pm the team drives to Gulu town for a meal and a night at a hotel.
Day 5 & 6: Visit Mt. Murungole and Kidepo Valley National Park
At 8:00am we set off to Karenga where Mt. Murungole is located, a 4-hour drive from the current location. At 90 minutes of driving we break at Acholibur and arrive by midday. The mountain is one of the four highest mountain ranges in the Karamoja sub-region. At the peak of 2,749m the mountain has exciting features and dramatic landscapes perfect for mount climbing, trekking and hiking. The team then heads to Kidepo Valley National Park, a rugged Savannah dominated by Mount Morungole and bisected by two rivers, Kidepo and Narus. Kidepo is home to wildlife such as; zebras, bush pigs, Rothschild giraffes, eland, Jackson's hartebeest, buffalo, oribi, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed and side-backed jackal. The park offers a unique experience in the villages/Manyattas, creating a real feel of the rare cultural heritage. The Karamojong dance mostly practiced by the youth is a popular activity. Beauty-enhancing practices such as piercing of the facial features, crafting of jewelry and other beauty accessories take place. Pastoralism and running of cattle kraals are major activities and a way of life. The team gets an opportunity to visit communities of one of the minor ethnic groups in Africa, the lk people with a population of just above 10,000. Tourist accommodation at the park includes a rest camp run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other lodges
Day 7: Visit Metheniko Game reserve and Mount Moroto
We commence the journey to Moroto district where the reserve is located, at 9:00am and in two hours short break at Locherep. Game
As soon as we get to Moroto town we break for lunch and thereafter proceed to Mount Moroto, the highest mountain in the Karamoja region and one of the most beautiful in the North – Eastern part of Uganda. The region around Mount Moroto is a forest reserve measuring around 480 Sq km. Due to its relatively low elevation the mountain requires no special equipment and expertise to climb however, guides are available. The area is inhabited by the Karamojong who are known for cherishing their traditions. Men and women are seen smartly appareled in their unique dress code locally known as Nakatukok. Wildlife at the mountain includes golden cats, potos and monkeys. Some of the bird species in the area are; sun-bird, the handsome silver bird, white-belied go-away bird, pygmy batis, Jackson's hornbill. At sunset we locate a town hotel where we are to spend a night as we prepare to travel back home the next day.
Day 8: Travel back to Kampala
After breakfast at around 8:00am the team sets off to Kampala via the Gulu - Kampala highway. Around three stoppages will be done in the areas of Acholibur, Kamdini and Migyera in order to have a comfortable and safe journey. Arrival time is 6:00pm.
END OF TOUR.
