5 Day Northern Culture and Community Safari

Start your journey from Kampala and drive to Gulu, which is approximately a 5-6 hour drive (about 350 km) via the Kafu Road. Make a few short stops along the way for refreshment and to stretch your legs. Arrive in Gulu, check-in at your accommodation and head out for an exploration of Gulu Town. Visit the Acholi Cultural Centre to learn about the history, language, traditional dance, music, and art of the Acholi people. Enjoy a traditional Acholi dinner (consider dishes like malakwang). Overnight at your accommodation in Gulu.

After breakfast, travel to Arua, approximately 4-5 hours’ drive (about 245 km). Check-in at your chosen accommodation and visit Lugbara cultural sites. The Lugbara Cultural Center or nearby villages will offer an immersive experience into the culture. You may witness traditional dances, music, and storytelling from the Lugbara community. Explore Koboko and Vurra, areas influenced by Lugbara heritage, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their agricultural lifestyle. Visit local homesteads to understand their daily life and community activities. You can enjoy some Lugbara cuisine, such as millet porridge with roast meat or fish. Overnight in Arua.

After breakfast, drive from Arua to Adjumani home to the Madi people (about 4hours’ drive). Check-in at the accommodation have lunch and then visit the Madi Valley and take a tour of a Madi village. Learn about their agricultural practices, fishing, and the influence of the river in their daily lives. Visit the Madi community Museum to explore the culture, history, and traditional art of the Madi people. Continue with the afternoon by exploring more of Madi culture, engaging with local communities and experiencing their traditional dances and crafts. Enjoy a Madi meal, and later have dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart from Adjumani (Madi community) to Buliisa, a drive of approximately 4-5 hours (around 250 km). This journey will take you through beautiful landscapes and rural Uganda, with a chance to see rural life along the way.Arrive in Buliisa, a district rich in Alur culture, and check in at your accommodation. Buliisa is situated near the Murchison Falls National Park, so you will have scenic views of the park and the Nile River. Have lunch and later visit local Alur villages around Buliisa to experience the culture and way of life of the Alur people. The Alur community is known for its rich history, traditional leadership, and deep connection to the Nile River. Enjoy a delicious Alur meal and then relax at your lodge with a beautiful view of the river and surrounding nature.

After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and various species of antelope. You’ll drive through the Buligi Sector and other parts of the park to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for predators and the unique ecosystems that thrive in this vast protected area. You might also come across birdlife such as the African Fish Eagle etc. After the game drive, enjoy a visit to Murchison Falls at the top of the falls. You’ll hike up to the viewpoint to witness the spectacular sight of the Nile River crashing through a narrow gorge and creating a powerful waterfall. The views here are breathtaking and provide fantastic photo opportunities. After your morning adventures, you’ll begin your drive back to Kampala and have a stopover in Masindi for lunch. Enjoy the scenic drive back through the Ugandan countryside. Arrive back in Kampala in the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on your timing, you can either check into a hotel for an overnight stay or be dropped off at your preferred location in the city.