This expedition takes you through a 4-day thrill that immerses you in the rich culture of the Acholi and karamojong people and the raw and untamed wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, arguably Africa’s most magnificent hidden gem. The return journey is punctuated by the serene beauty of Aruu Falls, offering a perfect conclusion to your adventure.
After breakfast, we will head 30 km from Gulu to the artisan village of Patalira, where life is rooted in tradition. You’ll be welcomed into a community of grass-thatched homes, where communities live like family and take part in preparing a local meal, from gathering ingredients to cooking over open fire and enjoy the flavors of Acholi delicacies. After an Acholi style lunch, you'll explore Acholi craftsmanship with skilled artisans as you learn and try your hand at pottery and basket weaving, crafts rich in cultural meaning. As evening falls, settle into your Acholi homestead for dinner, storytelling around the wang oo (fireplace), and an overnight stay in a traditional grass-thatched house.
Your day starts with a 105 km scenic drive from Gulu to Kitgum. Upon arrival, you will visit the National Memory and Peace Documentation Centre (NMPDC), a poignant museum dedicated to documenting the history of conflict in Northern Uganda and promoting peace and reconciliation. After this reflective visit, lunch will be waiting for you before continuing your journey north. The drive from Kitgum to Kidepo (approximately 180 km) takes you through breathtaking landscapes, rolling savannahs, remote villages, and distant mountain backdrops. As you approach Kidepo Valley National Park, the vast wilderness opens up, welcoming you into one of Uganda’s most remote and untouched ecosystems. Kidepo is a sanctuary for wildlife lovers, boasting over 475 bird species and rare animals found nowhere else in Uganda. Arrive and check in at your lodge, surrounded by the stillness and raw beauty of the wild north, your gateway to an unforgettable safari experience.
Today begins with an early morning game drive through Narus Valley, one of the most stunning and biodiverse regions in Kidepo Valley National Park. This valley, often referred to as the park's "heart," is renowned for its abundance of wildlife and dramatic landscapes. As the sun rises, the early hours are ideal for spotting predators as they begin their day after the cooler night. The valley’s numerous watering holes attract a variety of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for photography and observation. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast followed by leisure time. Enjoy lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of Kidepo Valley from the lodge's vantage points.In the afternoon, visit a nearby Karimojong manyatta (homestead) for an authentic cultural experience. Engage with community elders, witness traditional dances, and learn about their pastoral heritage and unique architecture.We return to the lodge as the sun sets, offering time to reflect on the day's experiences before a farewell dinner under the vast African sky.
Today after an early morning breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Gulu which is Approx. 180 km. The route takes us through the changing landscapes of Northern Uganda, offering a last glimpse of the wild beauty that characterizes the Kidepo region.We break our journey at the picturesque Aruu Falls in Pader District. Here, water cascades over unique rock formations, creating a stunning natural spectacle. You'll have time to explore the top of the falls, take photographs, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil sounds of falling water. We will then continue our drive south, arriving in Gulu in the evening marking the end of our safari adventure.
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;