Besides game viewing which is undeniably the main tourist activity that attracts tourists to Kidepo Valley National Park, tourists can actually engage in a cultural encounter to spice up the safari to this remote destination.
Kidepo Valley National Park is a home to the Karamojongs who present an exceptional cultural experience for tourists who visit this Park for a safari, and the notable one being the Lorokul Cultural group. The notorious, warrior and cattle rearing Karamojongs inhabit the North-eastern side of Uganda in an area occupying one-tenth of Uganda. This region is also a home to several extraordinary wildlife species such as the Cheetahs, African Wild cats, Caracal, Aardwolf, the Bat-eared fox and the African Hunting dogs among others, that cannot be encountered in other National Parks in Uganda.
When you visit this remote National Park, you will get the chance to explore the exceptional cultural traditions and lifestyles of this remote tribe within the Lorokul Cultural Group, found at the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park. The main livelihood of these people is cattle rearing (herding of cattle) hence their cultural and social significance will all be explored and explained as you undertake a community walk in the company of the local guides.
This community walk leads tourists to the traditional Karamajong Manyattas (homesteads), cattle enclosures and granaries with some of their traditional foodstuffs. You will also learn how the local communities make their different beads worn on their necks and waists. You will get to prepare and taste their local cuisines that mainly comprise of meat, milk or blood because their entire livelihood entirely depends on cattle.
The walk leads you to the Karamajong King, who will narrate some of the tribe’s folklore and traditional beliefs including marriage and paying of bride price. The highlight of the walk is enjoying the invigorating traditional dances.
The revenue derived from this exhilarating cultural encounter contributes to a nearby Clinic and Midwifery training School. Medical facilities are very rare within the Karamoja region.
Lorokul Cultural Group
The notorious, cattle-herding Karamojong occupy northeastern Uganda, in an area covering one tenth of the country. Discover the unique culture of this remote tribe with the Lorukul Cultural Group, located just outside Kidepo Valley National Park.
Their main livelihood is herding livestock, and the social and cultural importance will be explained as you walk with the guides to the traditional Karamojong manyattas (homesteads), granaries and cattle enclosures. Learn how the villagers make their distinctive beads, sample the local cuisine, and even meet the Karamojong King, who will narrate the tribe’s folklore and beliefs.
The fee for this tour has contributed to the construction of a clinic and the training of midwives – essential facilities in this isolated region.
In conclusion, the Lorokul Cultural Group is an exceptional cultural encounter near Uganda Kidepo Valley National Park. This cultural experience allows tourists to explore Karamajong Manyattas, Cattle enclosures and granaries as well as offering a chance to learn how the locals make their cultural beads, taste their delicious local cuisines and even meet the Karamajong King who will narrate about the tribe’s legends and beliefs. With such an interesting experience, your Uganda safari will totally be unforgettable.