FLAVORS OF ACHOLI
5 days /4 nights
If you only have 5 days to experience Uganda, then the rich flavors and vibrant tapestry of Acholi cultural heritage is the perfect tour for you. This delightful journey into the heart of Northern Uganda’s flavorful tradition offers a chance to experience the soulful food culture that has been passed down through generations each telling a story of the land and it’s people.
RURAL HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE
Embark on an early start for the journey to Patiko village in Gulu Northern Uganda. As we make our way to Patiko, sparsely populated homesteads with circular grass thatched huts and the abundant presence of Borassus Palm trees will immediately catch your eye. Standing as a testament to the region's rich natural history, these majestic trees serve as poignant reminders of a time when Elephants once roamed freely in the area. On arrival, you will be received by warm community hosts and later settle in grass-thatched huts with its high peaked roofs for a good night’s sleep.
ACHOLI CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Start your day with a delicious Acholi breakfast then embark on a culinary adventure by visiting the farm to harvest fresh leafy vegetables while learning about centuries-old agricultural practices and indigenous foods. From the backyard garden, we will head back to prepare nutritious organic foods beginning with the Odii experience (peanut butter). Here, you will participate in the ancient tradition of making peanut butter by grinding peanut into a creamy texture using the grinding stone. After Lunch, participate in preparing edible Shea butter. A sacred oil traditionally made only in the afternoon for purposes ranging from eating to ordination of chiefs. From the cool shade of the mango trees on the compound, take time to relax and digest the hearty lunch while being serenaded with traditional music and poetry from different local instruments. In the late afternoon, you can join the preparation of local brew that shall later be enjoyed as we conclude the day by the bonfire (Wang Oo) where elders pass indigenous knowledge, history and events to the younger generation through creative storytelling and riddles. After this final activity, we shall retire for the day.
LOCAL CRAFTMANSHIP
Craftmanship such as weaving and pottery used to be an important cultural and social activity in Acholi. A time to share individual experiences and pass on knowledge while creating functional works of Art. After breakfast, we will begin our day with experiences in pottery, basket weaving and drum making from scratch. These traditional skills have been a part of Acholi culture for centuries. Although the art is slowly dying away, some skilled elders still practice them and they are always very glad to pass on the skills. As the afternoon unfolds, we shall head out for a guided visit of Fort Patiko, a historical slave trade site that sits on beautiful ancient amorphous rocks. We will then slowly progress into hiking Ajulu Hill, which offers stunning views of the rolling savannah landscape and the sparsely populated circular grass- thatched huts of Patiko village below In the evening, we will gather around Wang Oo (bonfire) for a cozy evening of folklore stories and thereafter retire for the night.
TRADITIONAL DANCES
Acholi people still maintain their sophisticated culture full of colorful energetic dances as dance represents a fundamental part of the cultural heritage. Some of the famous dances are Larakaraka dance, a courtship dance performed during wedding ceremonies. Otole dance that was sang during raids to give morale to the fighters and the Bwola dance also known as the Royal dance among others. After savoring a leisurely breakfast in the village one last time, we will proceed for the vibrant Acholi traditional dance experience. We will have the opportunity to participate in learning how to play traditional musical instruments and master the many energetic dances alongside skillful traditional performers. After the final Wang Oo experience with the traditional music performers, we will head out for the famous Gulu city nightlife experience.
DEPARTURE
With the superb memories of the past 4 days, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast, check out of the hotel and head to the drop-off point of your choice.
PAYMENT TERMS
- A deposit of 70% is due at the time of booking. The balance of 30% is due two weeks prior to departure.
- Cancellation Policy- Days before the Trip
31- 21 days : 25% cancellation fee charge
20- 14 days: 50% cancellation fee charge
14 – 4 days: 75% .cancellation fee charge
- Please pay in US$ to:
Account Name: Loremi Tours
Bank Name: Absa Bank
Account Number: 6007363166
Swift Code: BARCUGKX
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Transport
- English speaking community
guides - Meals
- All Acholi Experiences,
accommodation & activities
mentioned in the itinerary - 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 - The Ajulu 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. P.S -Including squats in your exercise routine will
get you started for sure
