Trip to Uganda: Traditional Tribes of the Karamoja Region

Discover the highlights of this trip to Uganda to meet the Karamoja tribes

► We will live with different tribes from the Karamoja region

Throughout this ethnographic trip to Uganda, we will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of different traditional tribes in Karamoja.

Pokot tribe

The Pokot tribe is a group of the Nilotic lineage belonging to the Karenjin community, originally from southern Ethiopia. The semi-nomadic Pokot pastoralists migrated to Uganda and Kenya in later times, following transhumance and escaping tribal wars over access to resources with neighboring groups.

Karamojong people

On this trip to Uganda, we will immerse ourselves in the culture of another of the country's traditional tribes, the Karamojong. We will learn about their daily lives and participate in a cultural dance. Also, we will visit a traditional healer, who will explain to us the ways in which local plants and animal products are used to cure certain diseases.

Tepeth people

During this trip to Uganda, we will have a cultural experience with another of the country's traditional tribes: the Tepeth ethnic group, who live in the highlands of Mount Moroto, the highest mountain in Karamoja. The Tepeth, Uganda's smallest tribe, found refuge in the mountains when the Karamojong took over and settled on their lands. We will participate in the daily lives of the Ere villagers, witnessing the preparation of food, the use of beads to make everyday jewelry, bow and arrow shooting, and traditional wrestling. We will spend the night with the shepherds of the Tepeth tribe and their animals in the kraal, where we will share stories with them around the fire and try to learn everything about nomadic life.

Jiye people

On this trip to Uganda, we will have the opportunity to visit the town of Nakapelimoru, considered the largest in East Africa, where we will come into contact with the Jiye people. Famous for their walled towns, whose homes are decorated with animal skulls, the Jiye are organized into strongly hierarchical societies. The aesthetic cult of the body is a predominant part of the Jiye tribe, according to a complex symbology, expressed in elaborate decorations and striking scarification on the face and body, indicative of the status and role that each individual occupies in society.

Ik people

During this trip to Uganda, we will hike to Mount Morungore, home of the Ik people, the most remote tribal community in Uganda. We will spend a morning learning about the culture and traditions of this unique people

During this trip to Uganda, we will meet other tribes, such as the Sebei and the Teso.

We will have the opportunity to visit the sacred caves of the Sebei tribe, where we will learn about the traditional culture of this people of Nilotic origin. Also, we will meet the Teso people, a group of Nile fishermen on Lake Bisina. In addition, on this trip to Uganda, we will attend the weekly Kotido livestock market, where the different tribes of Karamoja come to exchange products (mainly animals and textiles). There, we will participate in social life, drinking traditional fermented beer.

► We will enjoy the nature of Uganda

Although this trip to Uganda is focused on tribes, we will also enjoy natural wonders such as the springs of the Nile, the Sipi Falls and Mount Morungore. Also, we will go on a safari in Kidepo National Park, inhabited by about 80 species of mammals, including buffaloes, elephants, lions, zebras and ostriches. It is the only park in Uganda where it is possible to see, among other animals, jackals, oryx, greater kudu, Grant's gazelle, as well as caracals and cheetahs. To finish the trip, we will visit the Ziwa rhino sanctuary.

► Nyero Rock Paintings

The Nyero rock paintings are considered the oldest expression of rock art in Uganda. It consists of six panels of prehistoric art, including many geometric and abstract motifs. Painted with red and black pigments on six granite rock shelters, these expressions are estimated to date back between 3,000 and 12,000 years. It is believed to have been designed by Stone Age hunters and gatherers.

© Photos by Jordi Zaragozà Anglès, Eva Colomer and Xavi de las Heras taken during a trip to Uganda.

► Book your place now for this trip to Uganda focused on tribes

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