BACK TO YOUR ROOTS UGANDA

9 DAY BACK TO YOUR ROOTS EXPERIENCE

Forgotten memories, childhood friends, homely neighbourhoods. Where you came from also makes you who you are. In 1972 President Idi Amin deported out of Uganda about 70,000 Asians and they found themselves across the globe, having left their business’s and homes. Uganda has been home for many of these Ex-Ugandan Asians and our Experience Uganda project was started to provide an opportunity to return back to the roots, and back to the fond memories to familiar home towns with a safari. This project started in 2008 with a first group of 30 Ex – Ugandan Asians and since then we have organised safaris for over 1000 Ex Ugandan Asians, all of them with exceptional reviews.

We have created this 9 day trip as a outline of the journey you can take to relive and bring back the nostalgia of Uganda. Travel to the adventure capital of Uganda, visit familiar towns such as Jinja, Mbale, Lugazi, Kakira and combine it with Murchison Falls safari to dive deep into Uganda beauty. This all-round holiday is the ideal getaway for those looking to revisit their memories from living in Uganda. We understand the emotional connection to your roots and we will journey with you to reminisce the memories, meet with friends and family and enjoy the best of Uganda today.

CUISINE

During your safari our team we will be doing everything we can to tailor your culinary needs. We will design and inform you of all the meal options during your visit. This includes full board options at our camps and lodges, and various restaurant options. Enjoy hearty main meals, salads, desserts and a range of delicious foods and we will inform you of all your choices on route.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Uganda

Prior to your trip we will provide you with a detailed ‘before you travel’ pack with all the information you need to travel. We will also Skype the group to run through all the details and an opportunity to clarify all the detailed questions for the trip. All the information with the driver details, tour leader details will be with you. We provide individual tailored service to all our guests. Land at Entebbe airport and begin your tour with a warm welcome from our team. Our greetings start with welcome drinks and snacks and our Kannagara representative will be at the airport to settle in your hotel. Take time to unwind, relax as your mind takes a trip down memory lane. Our unique experience includes a welcome session which will provide you with all the full briefing of your experience. We plan everything with all the details in mind, including organising your sim cards, money transfers, brochures of the hotels, restaurant recommendations and some other surprises.

Day 2 – Kampala Tour

Have a luxury breakfast and today enjoy Kampala and take the opportunityto walk down the old and familiar streets close to your homes. Visit the Parliament and Bahai temples, seeing the old and new, remembering what was once there and what is now not. In the evening we organise a visit to cultural performances and a special show with local Ugandan food, traditional dances and a feeling of landing in the soul of Uganda.

Day 3 – The Thrill of Jinja

Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. In Jinja, you’ll be able to encounter all of the exhilarating sports and exciting activities at this popular tourist location, and also a sunset cruise from the source of the Nile in Lake Victoria. The Source of the Nile starts its long journey to Mediterranean sea. By visiting the source you will be able to see the longest river on planet earth and also the largest flesh water lake in Africa. Relax on the luxury boat cruise and visit the migratory and resident birds, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and the local crafts shops. For the adventurous side in you explore white – water rafting, the nature trails, horse riding or quad biking. If you wish we can also arrange local drives to Kakira and Kamuli depending on where your interest is. As an optional visit we organise a drive to a nearby village called Jyoriang where we have a school Auro Foundation created by Indra Gheewala. This school is a technical school where we support technical skills such as sewing, brick-laying and carpentry. The people of Uganda are known to be warm-hearted and this extends to this small village, where you can encounter cultural performances, some delicious local cuisine, and get a taste of what life is like on the other side.

Day 4 – Natural serenity at Sipi Falls & Mount Elgon

In the morning wake up with the African sunrise, have breakfast and take a drive to Mbale.Travelling through Uganda, you will be captivated by its beauty, overwhelmed by the friendliness of its people and intrigued by all that Uganda has to offer. On the way to Mbale the following day drive past Lugazi and stop over to visit the Sugar Factory. Allow for some time to settle in and breathe into the surroundings as you prepare for the afternoon to visit Sipi Falls. Sipi falls comprises of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. They’re all different in their own way and add to the beauty of Uganda, being an underrated but gorgeous place to visit for a relaxing day out. This area is where you can start your hike to Mount Elgon. Envision yourself surrounded by lush grasslands, the warm African sun, and the view of Mount Elgon in the distance. You’ll also be traversing through woodlands and hearing the rumble of the waterfalls in the distance, urging you to keep moving. Hiking up to these falls truly provides a beautiful scenic view of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja view, the low lands, and the coffee plantations in the surrounding area, so make the most of this beautiful hike! Fun fact: Did you know that Sipi Falls is considered to be the ‘Most Romantic Falls’ in Uganda? When you head on over, you’ll be able to make that judgement for yourself.

Day 5 – Soroti Homecoming

Spend the morning in Mbale enjoying a locally brewed coffee with the Sipi Falls as your view, and we can also organise a coffee tour if you are a coffee lover. Then take a drive across Uganda to Soroti for your overnight stay. This half day afternoon trip in Soroti is for anyone who has emotional connections to this small authentic town. We will support you to explore your roots, visit the schools that you studied in, visit your homes and meet friendly neighbours and people in Uganda. We are there every step of the way as you journey back here. As an optional extra we can also organise private videographers and photographers to come with you to put it all in photos that will remain for generations.

Day 6 – Journey to Murchison Falls

Well rested and ready for the new, let excitement set in as you make your way to the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park. As you travel through the landscapes, do you remember of how it used to be? Allow for new memories to take shape, and let gratitude overcome at being able to return to this beautiful country. Imagine being able to head to the foot of Murchison Falls; the familiar and warm African sun comforting as you witness the Nile River. You’ll be able to see where the Nile thunders through small gaps, or down river to the delta where the Nile empties into Lake Albert. This is an experience not to be missed! Plus, you’ll also have all the wildlife peering back at you, as you experience this national park anew. As you head back to camp, you’ll see a typical African sunset, perhaps one you’ve missed after being so far away from home. There’s nothing quite like it, is there? And slowly the day will turn into dusk, then to nightfall, and the stars will pop out in the night sky, shining bright. Peace will restore in your heart at this view that is unmatched to cities across the world.

Day 7 – Safari and Boat Cruise

Today is the day for safari and exploration, with two fulfilling activities planned. Activity One – After early morning breakfast, you will go for a game
drive to the rolling plains. Lion, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Hartebeest,
Oribi, Cape Buffalo and Elephant as well as many of the other
mammals of the park are commonly seen. For the birders amongst
you, these area support the Secretary Bird, Black Chested Snake
Eagle, Tawny and Marshal Eagle, Carmine and Swallow Tailed Bee
Eater, to pick just a few. There is a beautiful drive across Borassus
Palm Forest and grassland savannah down to Lake Albert where the Albert Nile heads north to the Sudan. Activity Two – In the afternoon, go for a Launch Trip to the Foot of the Murchison Falls where the Nile thunders through a small gap, or down river to the delta where the Nile empties into Lake Albert. This is an experience not to be missed. The banks of Nile are home to huge Nile Crocodile, big pods of Hippopotamus and other wildlife that may come down to drink water from the river. In the evening enjoy the sunset with some delicious food at your lodge, and fond memories of the trip. We do provide a Safari Journal to everyone on the trip so this could be a good time to spend journaling about your day.

Day 8 – Kampala – Entebbe

Today you head back to Kampala after your travels around Uganda. Maybe you’ll be filled with a renewed sense of excitement and contentment after having completed your tour. Maybe you’ll have more nostalgia alongside your new memories. Whatever it may be, there’s one last thing on the itinerary to check off before you pack your bags to leave The Pearl of Africa. For this day we’ve organised for our guests to revisit their place of birth and childhood memories. Imagine being able to actually go back to where you used to stay, just for one last time. bIn the late afternoon travel to Entebbe where we will select a breath-taking resort for you to stay in. We have a variety of optional activities including a boat ride or botanical gardens. Alternatively we will organise a ‘behind the scenes’ trip where you will embark on a 2 hour Ugandan wildlife education centre that offers interesting information about how to take care of rescued animals in distress or need. Take rest for your final evening in Uganda.

Day 9 – Back Home

Enjoy a final breakfast in Uganda and today we bid farewell to the group. All the final arrangements will be made for a comfortable journey to the airport. Take away with you fond memories of Uganda, of Africa and we hope to welcome you back soon. Home is where the heart is and there is no doubt that there will now be a little piece of The Pearl of Africa in your heart.