8 Days Karamojong safari and cultural tour
8 Days Karamojong safari and cultural tour
8 Days Karamojong safari and cultural tour : Karamoja region is one of the unexplored regions in Uganda yet with a lot to explore about culture and wildlife Uganda safaris. It is located in the far North-eastern part of Uganda including districts of Kaabong, Kotido, and Moroto. This region offers a diverse range of landscapes, and wildlife and has a rich culture. It is blessed with 2 national parks that are Kidepo National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve which are located in the south part of the Karamoja region and home to numerous rare species such as the Roan Antilope, Topis, Gazelles, Heartbeest, and Eland. While Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a rich variety of animals with spectacular scenery. Kidepo National Park is listed by CNN as third third-best Wildlife Safari park in Uganda.
Karamonja region has the most interesting and unique culture to explore while on a Uganda cultural safari. The Karamojong people are believed to have migrated 1600 AD from Ethiopian highlands, and settled in the present day Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The Karamong people are divided into about 7 ethnic tribes including; the Jie, Bokora, Pian, Pokoth, Dodoth, Lebtur, and Matheniko who now live on the plains and mountains of the indigenous inhabitants, the IK, and the Tepeth. The Karamonja people are mainly pastoralists recognized by their traditional dress code which is similar to the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania.
About the region
Karamonja region is about 1,000 meters above sea level and it is set on a large plateau with 4 mountains overlooking the region’s savannah highlands and River valleys, these mountains include; Mount Moroto in the East, Mount Morungole in the north, Mount Napak and Mount Kadam. So if you are an active traveler and interested in hikes, the Karamoja region is the best place to go for adventure. The best time to visit the Karamoja region is during the dry months of January, February, March, and December.
You can as well visit in the wet months of April to May but the pathways are usually difficult to use given bad road conditions. Initially, Karamojang people were known to be hostile because of the cattle raiding practiced by the local people against their neighboring tribes however, the region is secure now and can be visited any time of the year. The Uganda People’s Deference force disarmed the guns from the Karamojas and since then peace has been restored. Today Karamoja is a safe place to visit. This 8 Days discover Karamoja region will take you through the most interesting experience you can ever enjoy in the region, from wildlife to culture and adventure.
Safari highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Kidepo National Park
- Day 2: Full-day game drive – Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley
- Day 3: Climb Mount Morungole to visit the IK tribe (4hrs up, 2hrs down)
- Day 4: Visit the Dodoth community – Transfer to Kotido and visit the Jie community
- Day 5: Visit the traditional cattle market (in case it’s open) – Transfer to Moroto (Overnight in a Kraal)
- Day 6: Experience the life in a Karamojong village
- Day 7: Transfer to Sipi Falls
- Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Detailed safari
Day 1: Transfer to Kidepo National Park
Depending on your location in Kampala, you will meet our company representative who will also be your safari guide during the safari. Early morning after breakfast, embark on your long journey to Kidepo Valley National Park located in the far North-Eastern part of Uganda in the semi-arid area of Karamojong region. It’s a 9-10 hours drive through the beautiful scenery of the northern region of Uganda with en-route lunch in Gulu town. Upon arrival in Kidepo National Park late afternoon, proceed to check in your lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Rest Camp
Day 2: Full-day game drive – Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley
Wake up early and connect for a morning game drive in Narus Valley. As you enjoy your game drive, have a bush breakfast, and return for more adventure in the savannah plains of Kidepo National Park on your morning game drive in Narus Valley. This area is famous for finding the Big 4 game including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. If you are lucky, you will spot the Cheetahs and hyenas as well. You can find other animals like the kobs, Oribi, Zebras, and the giraffes to mention a few. Return to the lodge for lunch.
Later afternoon, connect for yet another game drive in the Kidepo Valley. This area is further and it is where you will find the Ostrich birds and other animals. This area is closer to the South Sudan border with Uganda. You will also visit the hot springs of Kanangorok before you return to your lodge. Spend the rest the rest of the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Rest Camp
Day 3: Climb Mount Morungole to visit the IK tribe (4hrs up, 2hrs down)
After breakfast, drive to the starting point of Mount Morungole located in the absolute northern hills of Karamoja. Here is where we find the smallest tribe of Uganda called the IK. The IK people lived in nowadays Kidepo National Park but were misplaced when the area was gazetted as a national park. The IK now lives on Mount Morungole ridges as a community.
Ik people of Kidepo Valley National Park
Visiting the IK people gives visitors a rare insight into the unique tribe/culture in Africa. You will also enjoy the beautiful scenery, the higher the climb takes you, the more breathtaking the scenes in the valleys below and into the Eastern rift valley of Kenya and over to southern Sudan. After the hike, drive to check in.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kaabong Resort Hotel
Day 4: Visit the Dodoth community – Transfer to Kotido and visit the Jie community
After breakfast, meet your guide and visit a Dodoth community. The Dodoth are the Karamojong group that settled in the Kaabong area, they have a unique culture that is interesting to experience. Thereafter, transfer to Kotido which takes about 3-4 hours’ drive. Upon arrival in Kitodi, enjoy lunch then connect to visit the Jie community in Kotido. They also belong to the Karamoja tribe and they are warriors. Connect to your booked hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight stay at La Maison Hotel
Day 5: Visit the traditional cattle market (in case it’s open) – Transfer to Moroto (Overnight in a Kraal)
After your breakfast, connect to visit the traditional cattle market. This market is where people can buy and sell cattle and it only takes place on a Wednesday. So plan your trip accordingly to enable you to visit the cattle market. You will also visit the largest nomadic group in Africa who are located in Kotido district. You will participate in traditional games, and daily activities such as preparing staple foods, harvesting, beading, learning, dance, traditional friendly wrestling, and know how to shoot using a bow and arrow.
Thereafter, transfer to Moroto. It’s about 3-4 hours’ drive with en-route lunch. Connect to a community and learn more about the Karamojong people who are the real pastoralists. Experience the typical Karamoja pastoral life by visiting a kraal with their shepherds. You will participate in bringing the cows to the Kraal, play games with the worries and tell stories, and learn about the monadic life of the Karamojong people. You will spend a night in a tent close to the kraal.
Dinner and overnight stay at La Maison Hotel
Day 6: Experience the life in a Karamojong village
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide to enjoy and experience the Karamong culture by visiting one of the Karamojong communities. You will participate in traditional games, and daily activities such as preparing staple foods, harvesting, beading, learning, dance, traditional friendly wrestling, and know how to shoot using a bow and arrow. These activities can be for a whole day.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kara-Tunga Karamoja Safari Camp.
Day 7: Transfer to Sipi Falls
Early morning, meet your safari guide and embark on your journey to Sipi Falls in Kapchwora district, it’s a 4-5 hour drive to arrive in Kapchorwa district and connect to your booked accommodation for lunch. Later afternoon, connect to Sipi Falls is located in the foothills of Mount Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park nearing the Kenya border the falls consist of 3 waterfalls with the highest fall dropping at 100m. Depending on your ability, you can hike 2 of the waterfalls or hike all three 3 falls. Before nightfall return to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at Sipi River Lodge/Lacum Lodge/Casa Sipi Falls Lodge
Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Wake up for the delicious breakfast very early, check out of the hotel, and set off for Kampala with en-route lunch in Jinja town and other several stops where you will need to stretch and refresh. This journey takes about 7-8 hours on the road. You will be off at a location you will advise in Kampala/Entebbe or connect to Entebbe airport for your onward flight back home. End of the trip
Tour includes
- Bottled drinking water
- Fuel and vehicle
- English speaking guide
- Meals
- Accommodation
Exclude
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Items of a personal nature
- International airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for Ugandan natives. We specialize in life-changing experiences, sustainable tours, and holidays for all East African countries. Also, we are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We are making booking your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari easy. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in Trip Advisor reviews.
