SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF ACHOLI
8days /7 nights
A heartwarming journey through some of the most beautiful places in Acholi land. You’ll hike the towering Agoro Hills, feel the force of Aruu Falls, and walk through historic sites like the Lukodi War Trail and Fort Patiko. Along the way, enjoy the lively rhythms of Acholi traditional dances, with the beat of drums and the sound of calabashes filling the air. This unforgettable 8-day, 7-night adventure is packed with fun, culture, and discovery inviting you to see, feel, and experience the true spirit of Acholi like never before.
Hiking Agoro Hills
Your day begins with an early morning pick-up and a scenic 140 km drive to Lamwo District, home to one of Northern Uganda’s most majestic secrets, the Agoro Hills. Nestled at the base of the towering Imatong Mountains that stretch into South Sudan, these highlands rise as the tallest point in the Acholi Region.Far from the beaten path, Agoro offers more than stunning landscapes , it’s a journey into the heart of Acholi heritage, where culture, nature, and history blend in powerful harmony.Upon arrival in Lamwo, lunch will be waiting for you. Then, as the afternoon sun begins to mellow and golden light dances across the hills, we’ll embark on a 25 km trek through raw, untouched terrain. After about 3 hours of hiking, we’ll set up camp, share dinner around a fireplace (wang oo), and spend the night beneath the stars, rested and ready for the next day’s ascent.
Agoro’s Summit
After a picnic-style breakfast amid the cool morning breeze and sweeping views of the Agoro highlands, we’ll set off at first light to complete the final leg of our adventure, a 5 to 6-hour trek to the summit of the majestic Agoro Hills. As you ascend, the landscape unfolds in layers of natural beauty, terraced hillsides, winding trails, and distant peaks blending into the skyline. Reaching the summit, you'll stand atop the highest point in the Acholi Region, rewarded with a 360-degree panorama that stretches across the border into South Sudan. It's a moment of triumph, reflection, and pure awe perfect for photos, quiet meditation, or simply soaking in the grandeur of the land.After taking in the views and catching your breath, we begin our descent, trekking through peaceful paths flanked by rolling hills and traditional homesteads. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive back in Loboyoko Village, where dinner, and a restful evening will await you.
Dance of the Motherland
You'll depart after breakfast and drive for about 123 Kms to Agago District, a region renowned as the cultural soul of the Acholi people through one of the community’s most powerful and expressive art forms, traditional dance. Dance among the Acholi people is a living language of storytelling, identity, and celebration.On this immersive cultural day, you’ll witness and participate in some of the most iconic Acholi dances. The journey begins with Bwola, a powerful royal dance traditionally performed during cultural initiations and community gatherings. With its rhythmic drumming and synchronized movements, Bwola reflects unity, pride, and heritage. After a delicious local lunch, the tempo will rise with Larakaraka, a lively and playful courtship dance that invites joyful participation and connection.Throughout the afternoon, you'll engage in hands-on dance sessions, interact with local performers, and learn the meanings behind each movement. This will be a cultural exchange.Dinner and overnight stay at a selected location.
Home of the Elephants
On this day, after breakfast, the road will lead you to Patiko Village in Gulu, located approximately 150 km from Agago District. Along the way, you'll pass through Pader District,home to one of Northern Uganda’s best-kept secrets, the breathtaking Aruu Falls. Here, the thunderous roar of cascading water greets you before the view itself .Five powerful tiers tumbling over ancient rocky cliffs. Take time to soak it all in with a nature walk, a refreshing swim, and a short hike to the top for sweeping views. You’ll enjoy lunch by the water before we proceed to Patiiko. The landscape begins to shift, whispering tales of tradition and time. You’ll pass by Acholi homesteads, modest and circular, and be flanked by the towering Borassus palm trees, guardians of a land that once echoed with the footsteps of wild elephants. These trees stand as living testaments to the ecological and cultural richness of the region.Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with the warmth of Acholi hospitality and guided to your traditional grass-thatched hut for dinner and the night.
Ways of the Acholi
Begin your day with breakfast, then join local farmers in the fields to learn age-old Acholi farming practices and seed preservation using calabashes and granaries known as Dero.Back at the homestead, help prepare a traditional meal over a three-stone fireplace, savoring the flavors of Acholi heritage.In the afternoon, explore the historic Fort Patiko nestled among Ajulu’s granite outcrops, rich with colonial and cultural stories.From there, hike up Ajulu Hill, a sacred site once used for rituals and clan gatherings.At the summit, take in sweeping views of patiko Village and enjoy a beautiful sunset.Dinner and overnight stay in a grass-thatched hut back at patiko village.
Painting the calabash.
After breakfast, your journey leads to the quiet village of Lukodi, a place where silence holds echoes of the past. This community carries the weight of history, once caught in the storm of the LRA conflict, it now stands as a beacon of resilience.you'll Walk the Lukodi War Trail and visit the Lukodi Memorial Site, where the names etched in stone serve as a powerful reminder of the 2004 massacre but also of a community’s unbroken spirit.After a reflective morning, enjoy a warm Acholi lunch before stepping into something more expressive. In the calm of the afternoon, you'll join local artists in a calabash painting experience. Guided by tradition, you’ll turn dried gourds into living art, shaping stories, symbols, and memories into your own handcrafted masterpiece.Dinner and a restful night follow in peaceful accommodation nearby.
Gulu in a Glance
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Gulu. Upon arrival, choose your pace, whether you prefer cycling or a relaxed walk, we’ll tailor the experience to your comfort. Your city tour kicks off with a visit to Pece War Memorial Stadium, Gulu’s oldest and most iconic sports arena. Built in the 1950s to honor World War II veterans of the King's African Rifles from Acholiland, the stadium stands as a proud symbol of resilience and legacy.Next, head to the lively Gulu Main Market, where vibrant stalls overflow with fresh produce, spices, and local chatter, perfect for picking up a few fruits or handmade crafts.The tour ends at the majestic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a towering landmark of faith and community, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst your urban adventure.This short but sweet tour includes a lunch stop woven naturally into the day’s flow. The rest of the afternoon is yours, whether you’d like to continue exploring Gulu’s charm independently or relax at your accommodation, the choice is all yours.
Journey to Entebbe
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to Entebbe, an 8-hour drive through scenic countryside and vibrant towns. Along the way, Keep your eyes open for roadside gems, the famous twin trees standing like guardians of Gulu’s edge, and the thunderous beauty of Karuma Falls, a natural marvel worth a pause. Arrival is expected later in the evening right on time for you to prepare for your flight.Thank you for traveling with us. The North will always have a place in your heart.
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.
