Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay on the first day of The Uganda Cultural Experience.
Accommodation: Lepetit Village | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 2: Ewaffe Cultural Village
Start your day with breakfast before heading to Ewaffe Cultural Village, a community-based program that offers an immersive cultural experience of Buganda in Uganda’s central region. Explore the rich traditions of Buganda culture, including lively music and dance performances, the making of Banana Fruit Juice, intricate backcloth marking, handicraft making, and a visit to the local medicinal garden. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about traditional food preparation and enjoy a self-service buffet featuring fresh, locally sourced fruits. In the evening, return to Kampala, reflecting on the day’s authentic cultural journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lepetit Village |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 3: To Sipi Falls – Sipi Falls hike and Coffee tour
After breakfast, we begin our journey towards Tororo, making a stop to admire the impressive Tororo Rock, which rises 300 meters above the surrounding plains. From there, we continue to the charming town of Mbale, situated at the base of the majestic Mount Elgon. We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in Mbale before continuing our drive, where scenic viewpoints along the way offer glimpses of the stunning landscapes. Finally, we arrive in Sipi Village, nestled amidst towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.
The hike will lead you along a breathtaking route that takes you past the three iconic falls, offering panoramic views and a close look at the daily life of local farmers and herders. Afterward, we descend and return to the resort for a restful evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 4: Sipi Falls – Kidepo National Park
Breakfast and then head to Kidepo Valley National Park with lunch en route, arriving in the evening for relaxation. About 480 species have been recorded in the park due to its varied vegetation. Kidepo Valley National Park is renowned for its dramatic savannah landscapes, surrounded by rugged mountains. It features the Kidepo and Narus Valleys, which provide water and attract wildlife year-round, with stunning views of the Mount Morungole range, home to the Ik people.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge| Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 5: Dodoth Village Experience
Your day begins with a visit to a local Karamojong Homestead to experience their way of life. Take a 4-hour hike to Dodoth Village. Immerse yourself in the Karamojong’s nomadic culture, learn about local traditions like brewing kwete( local beer), grinding grains like Sorghum, and join in their vibrant Emuya and Edonga dances. End the day with a scenic hike, taking in breathtaking views from Kenya to South Sudan.
Evening relaxation at the Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 6: Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park
The journey from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park takes around 6 hours, traveling through diverse landscapes. Departing Kidepo, you’ll pass the vast plains and rugged hills of the Karamojong region, offering views of traditional homesteads and the Karamojong people. Heading south to Gulu, the road transitions into farmlands and vibrant towns before continuing through scenic savannah landscapes towards Lake Albert. The journey culminates with the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall, while the park's wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, enriches the experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 7: Traditional Acholi Village Experience, Folklore and Dance
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Acholi people with a captivating 3-hour village experience. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed with traditional songs and dances, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey into their daily life.
Join the locals as you harvest fresh vegetables from their garden, learning the art of preparing a traditional meal. Experience the timeless practice of making peanut butter by grinding peanuts on a stone, and discover the sweet process of extracting honey from honeycombs.
You’ll also gather red hibiscus flowers to create a refreshing local drink mixed with honey.
As you savor the meal you've prepared, listen to the fascinating stories and rich traditions of the Acholi people. After this enriching cultural encounter, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Optional Activity- Craft Making in the Evening- Learn about Acholi Woven Baskets and Clay Pottery.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 8: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal
Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Fort Portal, where you'll be immersed in the lush landscapes of rolling hills, traditional homesteads, and vibrant farms. Along the way, you'll head to a renowned Coffee Estate, known for cultivating both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties.
The Clarke Farm and Coffee Estate operates an out-grower scheme, empowering local farmers with sustainable agronomy practices. This initiative not only boosts their coffee yields but also enhances their livelihoods, fostering stronger community ties.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this estate offers an unparalleled glimpse into the unique beauty of nature, making it an experience you'll cherish.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: The Coffee Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 9: Clarke Farm and Coffee Estate Activities
After breakfast, enjoy a day filled with a variety of activities on the farm. Choose from walking and hiking trails of varying difficulty levels (easy, medium, and challenging), explore serene forest and river paths while taking in breathtaking hilltop views, or venture out on scenic bike trails. Delve into the farm’s coffee culture with a guided tour and tasting experience.
For the adventurous, try bouldering or immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings with bird watching. Educational farm tours provide insight into sustainable farming practices. In the evening, unwind with some quiet meditation or relaxation, embracing the peaceful atmosphere.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: The Coffee Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 10: Fort Portal to Nshenyi Cultural Village
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nshenyi, passing through picturesque countryside vistas. The route offers a stunning display of lush vegetation, rolling landscapes, and majestic mountain backdrops, with vibrant communities dotting the highway, adding to the beauty of the journey. Arrive in time for a late lunch and relaxation at the village on The Uganda Cultural Experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Nshenyi Cultural Village | Comfort Level: Traditional Homestead
Day 11: Milking Cows, Nature Walk, and Traditional Music Performance
The day begins early with a visit to the field where you'll join in the milking of the iconic long-horned Ankole cows. Afterward, return to the farm for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a short walk to a nearby Bahima village, where you'll immerse yourself in their culture. From there, we'll take a scenic 45-minute walk to the cattle watering area, where you'll witness the daily routines of the herders and their livestock.
In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful nature walk to the River Kagera, a natural border with Tanzania, where you can appreciate the stunning landscape. As evening falls, a lively performance by a local group will captivate you with traditional dance and song, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the area.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Nshenyi Cultural Village | Comfort Level: Traditional Homestead
Day 12: Nshenyi Village - Bwindi National Park
After breakfast, you proceed to Bwindi National Park. The drive offers breathtaking views of Uganda's diverse landscapes, including lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and crater lakes. You’ll pass through towns like Kasese and Kabale, as well as the fringes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. The last stretch involves navigating winding, mountainous roads leading into the dense forests of Bwindi, home to the iconic mountain gorillas.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 13: Batwa Experience – Echuya Forest Trail
The Batwa people of southwestern Uganda, near the Echuya Forest Reserve, are one of the region’s oldest indigenous communities. Once forest dwellers, they were displaced due to conservation efforts, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Traditionally, they lived as hunter-gatherers, deeply connected to the forest through spiritual practices.
Today, visitors can explore Batwa culture through guided tours, learning about their survival skills like hunting, gathering honey, and using medicinal plants. The experience includes making a fire with sticks, crafting bamboo cups, and heartfelt performances of traditional songs, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage.
Optional Evening Activity: Dugout Canoe ride along Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda.
Through this activity, you may spot different species of birds and visit some places like Punishment Island on Lake Mutanda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 14: Gorilla Highlands - Igongo Cultural Center
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the Igongo Cultural Museum, where you'll be immersed in the rich history and culture of the Ankole people. Explore the Nkwazi crafts shop for unique local artistry, visit the Eclipse monument, and discover the vibrant cultural village of Itaramiro. Don't miss the Mpororo Courts, which offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional leadership and heritage on The Uganda Cultural Experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 15: Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast before heading back to Entebbe, depending on your flight schedule. You will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of your 15-day Uganda Cultural Experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner