OVERVIEW
8 days of discovering the less explored parts of Uganda which is among the most remote places in East Africa and most unfrequented Parks in Uganda found in Karamoja in Northeastern part of the country.
The Sipi falls are a phenomenon to many visitors, both local and foreign, yearly. Regarded as one of the most romantic places in Uganda, the falls are a series of three prominent waterfalls, with the longest drops as high 100m. The second waterfall drops 75m below and has upper cascades before the plunge. The third water fall measures 85m and is tall and columnar.
Nakapelimoru is known as the largest traditional village in East Africa and home to the Jié (fighters).
The community has grown over the years and culture has been preserved like the controversial facial and body scarifications. During the visit you’ll start with a climb to a nearby rock formation for an introduction about the village from above. Hereafter the local guide takes you to a homestead to learn about the differences and similarities with other clans and tribes in Karamojaland.
According to CNN Kidepo Valley National Park is among the finest parks in Africa; you will find rocky outcrops in the grassy plains surpassed by steep rough mountains extending from Southern Sudan and to the west as you will have a view downwards into the Turkana plains of Kenya.
Very few people visit this park, but the few that visit are certainly rewarded by the splendor of this place. As many perceive the park to be Wild Africa, this unspoiled Kidepo valley has an abundance of wildlife including several uncommon bird species.
Itinerary
Day 1. Drive to Sipi falls
Checkout early in the morning and set off to eastern Uganda to the famous Sipi falls that account for 10–20% of all tourist visits to Uganda every year.
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located on the north-western slopes of the eponymous extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, in Uganda with views over the Karamoja plains. The falls are situated to the northeast of Sironko and Mbale, adjacent to Mount Elgon National Park, which is located 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) away from the Kenyan border.
On arrival, you will check in for lunch and later enjoy a hike to the sipi falls and a community visit around the villages.
Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge
Day 2: Sipi falls tour
Spend the day exploring the Sipi falls
The walk and hike, offer one of the breathtaking views in Uganda and one of the jaw dropping sunset scenery that leaves every tourist in marvel.
Take a swim or shower under the cool fall’s waters of the sipi river flowing from the top of the Elgon Mountain
Abseiling the Sipi falls is one of the most amazing adrenaline adventures in the breathtaking views of the area.
Later in the evening, you will enjoy a tour around the community to learn more about the Sabin tribe like coffee making, storytelling, their faming practices and more.
A sundowner experience will end the day with magical views of the sun disappearing in the golden hills of the horizon.
Day 3: Drive to Moroto
After your breakfast, we will proceed further northeast of the country getting deeper in the Karamoja land.
Moroto is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,370 metres) The town is made up essentially of a line of small dukas (shops) and is dominated by nearby Mount Moroto (10,007 feet [3,050 metres]). Cattle are grazed on the surrounding scrub grassland, and food crops such as corn (maize), cassava (manioc), and soybeans are grown nearby.
After lunch, you will enjoy a community walk with the karamajong in the Moroto
Dinner and an overnight overstay at the camp
Day 4: Drive to Kotido – Nakapelimoru village cultural experience
A Karamojong village is also known as “Manyatta” or “Ere” meaning an enclosed residential area, surrounded by sharp thorns and with small entry points for people and a larger entry point for cattle. One Manyatta has multiple families and a communal space for cattle.
The Karamojong reside in the largely permanent Manyattas during the wet /rainy season. As soon as the weather conditions are suitable for agriculture and livestock herding. Men stay mainly in the Kraal during dry season as they migrate closer to water sources, woman and children remain in the Manyattas to prepare for Agriculture production and others look for income generating activities ‘Elejilej’.
A day in the karamajong village offers one of the most authentic and immerse cultural experience.
Day 5: Drive to Kidepo valley national park
After an early Breakfast you continue with the drive to Kidepo Valley Park where you will arrive in time for time for lunch. The drive takes you through a terrain very different from the rest of Uganda. Check in Kidepo savannah safari lodge for lunch . later in the evening you will have a game drive in the park with an opportunity to see amazing variety of wildlife, with 28 of its resident species not found in any other Ugandan park including the elephant, zebras, warthogs, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, reedbucks and waterbucks. Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and black-backed and side-striped
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 6: Explore Kidepo valley national park
Spend the day enjoying the amazing scenery of Kidepo valley national park on a morning and evening game drive
Kidepo valley is known for its big mammals including the herds of buffaloes, prides of lions fond of chilling on the rocks, zebras, giraffes, elephant, leopards, different antelopes and some of the rare bird species like the secretary bird.
The views from the lodge are just spectacular as you relax
Day 7: Drive Masindi
Check out and start a your drive towards Kampala but with a break at Kabalega resort in Masindi.
A lunch and coffee stop in Gulu city and later proceed to Masindi for an overnight stay
Day 8: Drive back to Kampala
Set off for Kampala after your breakfast.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track the white rhinos on a walking safari
This is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild and one of the best places to get a close encounter to these giants.
Later, you will proceed to the airport or hotel according to your travel arrangements