Northern Uganda Beyond the Map
4 days / 3 nights
If you’re looking for a journey that blends culture, adventure, and stillness without rushing from place to place, this experience is designed for you. Starting in Gulu, it gently immerses you in our well curated Acholi cultural experience before unfolding into adventure and serenity along the Albert Nile in Araa, Adjumani. It’s balanced, spacious, and deeply grounding.
ACHOLI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The day begins with an early morning pick up and a drive to Patiko which is about 30.KMs away, one of the most historically significant landscapes in Acholi land. Upon arrival, you will explore Baker's Fort, learning about the slave trade trail, resistance, and the layered stories that shaped Northern Uganda. Later you will be transferred to patalira for a lunch break before embarking on a guided walk through the surrounding community introducing you to Acholi homesteads, and everyday village life. The afternoon is dedicated to hands-on preparation of acholi cuisines at our homestay location with dinner served by the fire side (wang oo) and later a retreat to rest in preparation for the next day's adventure.
THE CALM OF THE NILE
After breakfast, we head northwest on a 115 km drive toward Adjumani. This is a true hidden gem, a part of the country where the landscape opens up into the massive river plains of the Albert Nile. Once we arrive in Araa, we intentionally slow everything down. You’ll have lunch overlooking the water. Later, we’ll take a boat out to Iceni Island. It’s a short trip that leads to a high point on the island where you can look out over the water as it snakes through the valley. Before the day ends, we’ll walk through the local fishing villages to see fishermen pulling in their nets and the boats coming in for the night. We’ll finish the evening sitting by a crackling fire for dinner, watching the stars and listening to the river as the night settles in.
MOUNT OTZI HIKE
We’ll start the day early with a hike up Mount Otzi within the forest reserve. It’s about a three-hour trail to the summit, winding through thick forest full of birds and rare plants. The reward at the top is a panoramic view of the Nile stretching out like a silver ribbon across the landscape below. After a relaxed descent and lunch, the afternoon is all about the water. You can head out on a kayak, try out the water bikes, or take a quad bike through the trails along the river. As the sun begins to set, we’ll board a boat for a slow cruise. The light on the Albert Nile at this hour is stunning, with the water turning golden as the birds settle along the banks for the night.
RETURN TO GULU
After a final breakfast by the water, we’ll begin the easy drive back to Gulu. It’s a quiet morning to reflect on the stories from Patiko, the hike up Mount Otzi, and the stillness of the Nile. We’ll have you back in Gulu by early afternoon, leaving you with a deep sense of the history and natural beauty of the North.
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
