Cultural Safari Experience Itinerary – Tanzi Safaris Uganda

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Destinations: Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Hoima

Day 1: Arrival in Kampala, Uganda

•       Arrival at Entebbe International Airport: Warm welcome by a Tanzi Safaris Uganda representative.

•       Transfer to Kampala: Drive to Uganda’s vibrant capital city, Kampala.

•       Cultural Introduction: Visit the Uganda Museum to get a glimpse of Uganda’s rich history and diverse cultures.

•       Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Ugandan dinner at a local restaurant featuring dishes like matooke, luwombo, and more.

•       Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Kampala

Day 2: Kampala Cultural Exploration

Morning:

•       Breakfast at the Hotel.

•       Kampala City Tour: Visit cultural landmarks including the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Buganda Kingdom Palace, and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch at a Local Restaurant.

•       Craft Markets Visit: Explore Uganda’s best craft markets, including the Uganda Crafts Village and the Buganda Road Craft Market for authentic Ugandan souvenirs.

Evening:

•       Ndere Cultural Centre Performance: Enjoy an evening of traditional dance, music, and storytelling at the Ndere Cultural Centre.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Kampala

Day 3: Jinja – The Source of the Nile & Basoga Culture

Morning:

•       Breakfast at the Hotel.

•       Transfer to Jinja: A scenic drive to the historical town of Jinja.

•       Visit to the Source of the Nile: Explore the point where the Nile River begins its journey from Lake Victoria.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch by the Nile.

•       Basoga Cultural Experience: Visit the Basoga Kingdom and engage in cultural activities such as traditional dance, music, and a visit to the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga’s palace.

Evening:

•       Sunset Boat Cruise on the Nile: Relax with a sunset boat cruise, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Overnight: Boutique Hotel in Jinja

Day 4: Mbale – Bagisu Cultural Experience

Morning:

•       Breakfast in Jinja.

•       Transfer to Mbale: Drive to the eastern town of Mbale, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch at a Local Restaurant.

•       Visit the Imbalu Cultural Grounds: Explore the cultural significance of the Imbalu circumcision ceremonies among the Bagisu people.

•       Traditional Storytelling Session: Listen to local elders narrate the history and legends of the Bagisu people.

Evening:

◦                      Dinner and Overnight: Luxury Lodge near Sipi Falls

Day 5: Sipi Falls – Coffee & Cultural Tour

Morning:

•       Guided Hike to Sipi Falls: Explore the three stunning waterfalls that define the area, with opportunities to meet local farmers and artisans along the way.

•       Coffee Tour: Learn about the coffee cultivation process from planting to roasting and enjoy tasting freshly brewed Arabica coffee.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch with a Local Community: Participate in a communal meal with the Sabiny people and learn about their way of life.

•       Cultural Exchange: Engage in traditional Sabiny dances and ceremonies.

Evening:

•       Return to Lodge: Relax and unwind after a culturally immersive day.

Overnight: Luxury Lodge near Sipi Falls

Day 6: Transfer to Kumi- Iteso Cultural Experience in Kumi

Mid-morning: Arrival in Kumi and Introduction to Iteso Culture

•       Traditional Iteso lunch prepared by your host family, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

Afternoon:

•       Depart for the Nyero Rock Paintings, an ancient archaeological site that holds significant cultural and historical value to the Iteso people.

•       Guided tour of the rock paintings, where you’ll learn about the symbols and their meanings from a local expert.

•       Participate in a storytelling session where elders share the myths and legends of the Iteso people, including the significance of the Nyero Rock Paintings.

Evening:

                        Transfer to Ongino village, where you will be welcomed by a local Iteso family for your homestay.

                        Introduction to the Iteso way of life, traditions, and history by your host family.

                        Join the community in a traditional dance and music session, where you can learn the moves and rhythms unique to the Iteso culture.

                        Overnight at the homestay in Ongino, experiencing the hospitality and warmth of the Iteso community.

Day 7: The Ongino Experience.

Morning:

•       Participate in a community farming activity, such as planting or harvesting, to understand the agricultural practices of the Iteso.

•       Enjoy a traditional Iteso breakfast with your host family.

•       Visit the local school or health centre to learn about the community’s efforts in education and healthcare.

•       Visit a nearby local craft market where you can purchase handmade Iteso crafts and support local artisans.

Evening:

•       Return to Ongino for an interactive cooking session where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Iteso dishes.

•       Share dinner with your host family, followed by a reflective discussion on the day’s experiences.

•       Overnight at the homestay in Ongino.

Day 8: Community Experience and Departure

Morning:

•       Farewell breakfast with your host family and community members, with an exchange of gifts and blessings.

•       Depart Ongino and transfer back to Kumi town, where you can explore the local markets before heading back to Moroto via Soroti

Day 9: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

Morning:

•       Early Breakfast and Departure to Kidepo Valley National Park: A scenic drive through north-eastern Uganda.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch en-route.

•       Arrival and Check-in at a Luxury Safari Lodge.

•       Evening Cultural Performance: Enjoy a traditional dance performance by the Karamojong community, renowned for their vibrant culture and colorful attire.

Overnight: Luxury Safari Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park

Day 10: Kidepo Valley – Karamojong Cultural Experience

Morning:

•       Guided Visit to a Karamojong Manyatta (Homestead): Experience the daily life of the Karamojong people, known for their pastoral lifestyle and cattle herding traditions.

•       Cultural Immersion: Participate in activities such as cattle milking, bead making, and learn about the Karamojong’s unique traditions.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch at the Lodge.

•       Guided Game Drive: Explore the park’s diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes, with opportunities to learn about the relationship between the Karamojong people and their environment.

Evening:

•       Bush Dinner under the Stars: Enjoy a special dinner in the wild, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Overnight: Luxury Safari Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park

Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Morning:

•       Breakfast and Departure to Murchison Falls National Park: Enjoy the scenic drive and en-route stopovers at local communities.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch en Route.

•       Arrival and Check-in at a Luxury Lodge.

•       Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls: Experience the power of the world’s most powerful waterfall, where the Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge.

Evening:

•       Cultural Drumming and Dance Performance: Enjoy an evening of traditional music and dance performed by the local Acholi people.

Overnight: Luxury Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 12: Murchison Falls – Hoima Cultural Experience

Morning:

•       Breakfast and Morning Game Drive: Explore the park’s diverse wildlife including buffalo, lions, and antelopes.

Afternoon:

•       Transfer to Hoima: Travel to Hoima, the historical capital of the Bunyoro Kingdom.

•       Lunch en-Route.

•       Visit to the Royal Palace: Explore the Omukama’s (king’s) palace and learn about the history and culture of the Bunyoro Kingdom.

Evening:

•       Traditional Dinner: Experience the rich culinary traditions of the Banyoro people.

Overnight: Luxury Lodge in Hoima

Day 13: Return to Entebbe & Departure

Morning:

•       Breakfast and Leisurely Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoima, with a chance to explore local markets or interact with the community.

Afternoon:

•       Lunch en Route to Entebbe.

•       Transfer to Entebbe International Airport: Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final stop at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or relax by Lake Victoria.

Evening:

Departure: Farewell from Tanzi Safaris Uganda, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your cultural safari experience.