Northern Uganda Cultural Safaris

In Northern Uganda, tourism attractions ranging from wildlife-rich landscapes, scenic Rivers, to cultural and historical sites, could not be accessed due to the insecurity, which at times included Murchison Fall National Park. With the return of peace to northern Uganda, there is an increased tourism love for the region. Currently, most are either business tourists or family and friends of people working in the region. Significant opportunities exist to expand the scope and scale of tourism activities throughout northern Uganda.

This package provides information on tourism potential along the Albert Nile and in the landscapes surrounding more prominent conservation areas of northern Uganda. It is intended to serve as an initial guide to prospective visitors to the region. On this safari clients will find key attractions, potential activities. The northern Uganda districts referred to in this safari are Nebbi, Arua, Moyo and Adjumani in the West Nile; Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Lamwo, Nwoya, Kitgum, Pader in the North Central region; and Kaabong in the North Eastern region.

17 Days Northern Uganda Cultural Safari

Days 1 & 2: Gulu & surroundings – History and Outdoors

• Gulu Museum at KalKwaro (Acholi cultural chief’s homestead)

• Visit to Kilak hills and Guruguru Caves for hiking and cultural tourism

•Amuru hot springs

• Samuel Gordon’s Fort at Patiko

• Scenic drive to Larubi escarpment

• Overnight stay in Acholi inn Gulu at Fort Patiko

Days 3 & 4: Pakwach and surrounding historical sites

• Wanglei (Nyipir & Labongo separation point)

• Emin Pasha’s Wadelai Fort/Station

• Homestead visits including Kal Pakwach (the cultural chief)

• Ajai Wildlife Reserve for game viewing, nature walks, birding

• Overnight stay in Pakwach and/or at Ajai Wildlife Reserve at Chobe safari lodge

Days 5 & 6: West Nile – History, Landscape, Culture

• Mt. Wati for hiking and cultural activities, Stop by the Belgian Monument at the foothills of Mt. Wati.

• Miradawa, Dubu, and/or Olewa Waterfalls

• Ambitambe Crater Lake

• Mt. Kei Forest Reserve for a forest walk and birding

• Overnight stays at Arua, Desert Breeze Hotel

Days 7 & 8: Moyo – Outdoors, Wildlife, History

• Mt. Otzi Forest Reserve for hiking and nature walks

• Lomunga Wildlife Area (hippos, other wildlife)

• Moki Springs

• Emin Pasha’s Dufile Fort

• Overnight stay at Dufile or Arra Fishing Lodge in Adjumani

Days 9 & 10: Kitgum, Agoro Agu – Outdoors, Nature

• Drive to Kitgum through Patiko via Palabek/Ogili, Stop by to explore Samuel Baker’s Fort at Patiko and Tim Padwat wildlife area (scenery)

• Agoro Agu Forest Reserve-nature walks, hiking, cultural tourism

• Overnight in Kitgum near Agoro Agu at Fugly Hotel

Days 11, 12, 13 & 14: Kidepo Valley and surroundings – Wildlife, Culture

• Wildlife viewing-game drives, game walks

• Lokajong caves in Karenga

• Hiking on Morungole and Labwor Mountains combined with cultural visits to Ike people

• Kanangorok hot springs

• Overnight stay at Apoka lodge/N’gamoru camp at Kidepo Valley National Park

Days 15 & 16: Kidepo Valley and surroundings-Wildlife, Culture

• Travel journey back via Kitgum and Gulu

• Stopover in Pader to see Aruu falls

• Stopover in Paimol to visit Wii Polo Martyrs Shrine

• Overnight in Kitgum or Gulu at Boma Hotel Gulu/Acholi inn

Day17: Return to Kampala with lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight at Cassia lodge

OR

13 Days Water-based Northern Uganda Cultural Trail

This package provides information on tourism potential along the Albert Nile and in the landscapes surrounding more prominent conservation areas of northern Uganda. It is intended to serve as an initial guide to prospective visitors to the region. On this safari clients will find key attractions, potential activities. The northern Uganda districts referred to in this safari are Nebbi, Arua, Moyo and Adjumani in the West Nile; Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Lamwo, Nwoya, Kitgum, Pader in the North Central region; and Kaabong in the North Eastern region.

Day1 & 2: Ntoroko to Butiaba

• Embark on a cruise at Ntoroko for those coming from Semliki, Kibale and other western Uganda circuits

• Stop at Butiaba, possibility of a drive to Budongo Forest Reserve (or Murchison Falls National Park if overnight stay)

• Port of call at Wanseko

• Overnight stay at Murchison Falls National Park at Chobe safari Lodge/Fort Murchison lodge

Day 3 & 4: Pakwach to Wadelai/Ajai

• Wanglei (Nyipir & Labongo separation point)

• Wildlife and bird watching along the Nile along Aswa Lolim and East Madi Wildlife Reserve shores.

• Emin Pasha station at Wadelai

• Overnight stay at Ajai with game viewing in the evening or the following morning.

Day5, 6 & 7: Ajai to Arra

• Sport fishing and canoeing

• Bird watching especially for Shoebill & Giant King Fisher

• Village/nature walks, or homestead visits

• Horseback riding in Arra

• Boat ride to Icheri Island to view hippos, birds

• Overnight stay at Arra Fishing Lodge

Day8 & 9: Arra/Laropi to Dufile

• Emin Pasha’s Fort at Dufile

• Drive to Mt. Otzi for hiking or cultural tourism

• Moki Springs

• Overnight at Dufile –camping or on board

Day10: Nimule

• Trip to the border to view the Folla Falls

• Along this area view elephants, buffaloes, possible stop in Lomunga Wildlife Area

Days 11 & 12: Arra and Adjumani-Outdoors

• Hot springs in Pakele

• Drive to Gulu for the night

• Overnight stay at Arra Fishing Lodge and/or Adjumani

Day13: Return to Kampala with lunch en-route. End of services