Rhythm of the Giants
5 days /4 nights
A wholesome 5-day experience into the heart of Acholi culture, where the powerful beats and graceful movements of traditional dances reflect the strength, resilience, and nobility much like the majestic elephants, an emblem of the Acholi. The dances of the Acholi embody the spirit and soul of this vibrant community, allowing you to experience the dynamic energy with each dance telling a story that celebrates life and honors the legacy of the Acholi giants
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.
THE ROYAL DANCE EXPERIENCE
Embark on a 3-4 hours journey to Agago from Gulu City. where Bwola, the royal dance, is performed. As you travel along the Gulu-Kitgum highway, take in the stunning views of Aruu Falls, whose waters flow into the Agago River and onward to Pader. Upon arrival in Agago, you'll be warmly welcomed with a vibrant first session of the Bwola dance, symbolically initiating you into the rich tapestry of Acholi culture. Engage in a discussion with local performers to learn about the history of this majestic dance and its significance in Acholi society. Afterward, participate in a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the basic steps and movements of Bwola. Take time to relax and savor a hearty lunch, all while being serenaded by traditional music and poetry performed with various local instruments. In the afternoon, enjoy a full traditional Bwola dance performance, observing its elegance and ceremonial importance up close. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by more traditional music and dance, rounding out your immersive experience of the day.
SOUND OF THE CALABASHES
Upon waking up to the birds chirping and the fresh morning air, the day’s adventure awaits. After a wholesome breakfast to fuel your journey, you’ll drive through the stunning landscapes and rolling hills of Kitgum, renowned for the vibrant Larakaraka, a courtship dance performed by young men and women to showcase their physical prowess, grace, and strength, celebrating life, youthfulness, and vitality. On arriving the bustling markets, alive with color and the sounds of daily life, will greet you before the community's warm welcome to witness the passionate Larakaraka dance. You'll then learn a few energetic basic steps and rhythms firsthand to introduce you to the feel of the dance. After enjoying a delicious lunch, a live Larakaraka performance awaits, offering a chance to interact with local dancers and gain insight into the dance’s significance in social and courtship rituals. Later in the evening, enjoy some optional free time to explore the local market before returning to your accommodation.
THE WAR SONG EXPERIENCE
Waking up to the beautifully bright and vibrant African sun, you'll be served a mouthwatering Acholi breakfast to kickstart your trip to the green Amuru District, where the mind-blowing Guruguru Hills are located. Historically, the Guruguru Caves within these hills were said to be the hiding place for locals during the Lamogi Rebellion. Here, you'll be introduced to the awe-striking Otole dance, a traditional war dance performed by men to encourage a sense of responsibility and protection for their households and communities during times of war, making it a powerful and deeply resonant experience in this historically significant setting. You shall then be introduced to some of the popular food traditions that were adopted during the period of the rebellion and have lived on to this day. After enjoying a lunch steeped in this rich history, you'll have the chance to learn some dance moves, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and connect deeply with the past. Later in the evening, we'll close off with a Wang Oo, where you can sit back and relax as you listen to folk tales that were told and birthed during this period to keep the community calm during those turbulent times, all while roasting the most flavorful corn you’ll likely never find anywhere else in the world.
CULTURAL IMMERSION AND DEPARTURE
To close off the 5-day traditional dance experience, we will have a communal meal to vibrantly celebrate the culinary heritage explored throughout the trip. During this meal, we'll share insights and memorable moments from the past five days, reflecting on how the traditional dances and cultural immersion have deepened our understanding and appreciation of Acholi culture. After this enriching experience, you’ll head back to the hotel for check-out and proceed to your chosen drop-off point
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
