Hands Of Heritage
6 days /5 nights
This captivating experience is designed for the exploration of the timeless crafts of the Acholi people. For generations, the Acholi have practiced skilled industrial arts such as pottery, basket weaving, drum making, and calabash crafting. These rich traditions have been lovingly passed down, carrying stories, identity, and cultural pride through each handcrafted piece. This immersive journey offers you a rare, hands-on glimpse into these age-old practices and the cultural significance they hold. We’ve thoughtfully designed the itinerary for 6 days and 5 nights centering your experience in Patiko village, where you’ll spend quality time learning directly from local artisans and craft makers.
Beats of Culture
After breakfast, we head to Lukodi about 17 km from Gulu for a hands-on drum making session with local artisans. You will Learn how specific animal hides are used and also discover the cultural significance of drums among the Acholi.Enjoy lunch on-site before diving into the Calabash Experience, where you'll use a calabash as your artistic canvas while learning its traditional uses.As the sunsets, we head back to our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Tales in Clay and Thread
On this day, an early breakfast will be served and we head to Patalira village in Patiko for a hands-on pottery experience, where you'll learn how clay is molded into traditional Acholi ceramics.Guided by experienced artisans, you'll get your hands dirty as you mold your own creation and later observe the preparation of Acholi cuisines cooked in clay pots, followed by an Acholi lunch.In the afternoon, you will retreat under the shade of a tree for a calming session of basket weaving. Using natural fibers, you'll be guided through the delicate process of turning raw materials into beautifully woven baskets.an art form passed down through generations in Acholi culture.An overnight stay and dinner from the designated accommodation.
Flavours of the Land
Peanut butter, locally known as odii, holds a special place in the culinary and cultural traditions of the Acholi people. Your day begins early in Patiko village with a hearty local breakfast, followed by a hands-on peanut butter-making session, from roasting the peanuts to grinding them into a rich, silky paste. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Acholi lunch featuring traditional dishes infused with odii. The day culminates with a visit to Fort Patiko, a historic site built by Sir Samuel Baker. Explore its stone ruins and former slave dungeons as you listen to powerful stories of resistance and colonial history. From the fort, take in sweeping views of the Ajulu hills and savannah, a breathtaking moment of reflection on the resilience of the Acholi people. The experience ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy, grass-thatched cottage.
Conquer Ajulu
After an early breakfast, you'll gear up and set out on a refreshing trek to conquer the summit of the majestic Ajulu Hills. This 30-minute to 1-hour hike gradually reveals the stunning landscape of Patiko village below embroidered in lush fields, winding footpaths, and clusters of traditional grass-thatched homesteads. But Ajulu offers more than just scenic beauty; it holds deep historical significance. Once a place of refuge during the slave trade, the hill became a powerful symbol of resilience for the people of Patiko. Your journey ends with sweeping hilltop views and moving stories that connect you to the enduring strength of this land and its people.A well-deserved lunch will be served atop the hill, allowing you to relax and refuel with nature all around you.In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Patiko village. Meet local elders, learn about Acholi customs, and witness the rhythms of everyday rural life. As evening falls, gather around the traditional wang oo (fireplace) for an intimate storytelling session filled with Acholi folklore, wisdom, and shared laughter. The day ends with a hearty dinner and a peaceful night’s rest in a cozy, grass-thatched hut.
Gulu Chronicles
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll set off for a return journey to Gulu. Upon arrival, you'll dive into a guided Gulu City Tour, exploring some of its most iconic landmarks. You'll stroll through the busy Gulu Main Market, visit the historic Pece War Memorial Stadium, and admire the architectural beauty of St. Joseph’s Cathedral.Following your morning adventure, lunch will be waiting for you to refuel. In the afternoon, you'll head to Round Point, the cultural heart of the city, for an unforgettable Acholi traditional dance experience, featuring the captivating rhythms of Bwola and Larakaraka. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner and a restful overnight stay, preparing for your departure the next morning.
Departure
After an early morning wake-up and a nourishing breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe. The scenic 8-hour drive offers one last look at Northern Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from peaceful rural homesteads to vibrant roadside markets. Sit back, relax, and soak in the memories, with an expected arrival in Entebbe by evening, just in time to prepare and catch your onward travels.
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Transport
- English speaking community guides
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All Acholi Experiences & activities
mentioned in the itinerary - Hiking
- Local Souvenirs
EXCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Airfare to and from Uganda
- Visa’s
- Travel Insurance
- All beverages except tea, coffee or juice taken at breakfast where breakfast is
included. - Tips, gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Any activity, meal or accommodation
NOT mentioned in the itinerary.
WHAT TO BRING?
- There is no power supply in the village so please charge you cameras and phones to the brim before departure.
- Comfortable walking and hiking shoes.
- Sunglasses, hats and sunscreens.
Spending money for additional activities, there are no banks where we are going. - Beddings and toiletries for personal use during the trip.
- Additionally, carry a torch or a solar-powered light for nighttime, as there is no power supply in the area.
- Camping tents and sleeping bags. (Optional)
BASIC TERMS
This is a conscious tourism experience that will have your perspectives challenged and broadened as you experience a new culture and hopefully gain fresh insights. Here are a few things you should know;
- We do our absolute best to keep to the Programme and timings but sometimes the weather/animals/roads/slow rhythm of village life gets the better of us!
- Respect of the community and local culture is paramount. We recommend modest clothes that covers the knees for the ladies to avoid discomfort for the locals and some very long uncomfortable stares.
- Taking of photos with consent from parties involved is also to be observed. We do not recommend taking photos of children during the experience
- Hill trail can be rough and the rock is pretty sun exposed during dry seasons, we recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants
- In the rural area , only pit latrines (hole in the ground) are available.
