I decided to go full on Karamojong and immerse myself in the culture by wearing the native dress and experiencing the simple life not as a tourist, but as a local. I find through my travels that this truly is the best way to learn about people and their way of life. This humility in the desire to relate allows human connection to occur at a primal level with compassion and understanding for people different than our own. There is an innocence and sincerity in the simplicity of it that I cannot explain, but it fulfills me to a point that nothing else does.
As we strolled outside the village, we came upon a clearing under a large, shaded tree – an area designated for the tribal dance. The women and men were gathering around for a special kind of jamboree! Dancing was a form of art and entertainment for the community – even the children happily watched as the adults began to sway and twirl. This was a way for the Karamojong tribe to leave their worries behind and focus on the delightfully simple music and movement with no use of modern technology or sound.
The dancers tied bells to their legs and the ring leader blew a whistle and chanted whilst the others repeated the words – this provided the underlying rhythm for their movement. The joyful choreography was spontaneous and consisted of clapping hands, stomping feet, and singing. I was reminded of my village in Hunza Valley where the sound of drums drew people from their homes to the polo ground.
To us, this was such a primitive act – but to them, it was a means of entertainment and relaxation. The children sported huge grins as they watched the performance, and I had to capture the pure glee beaming from their faces! As I observed the dance, I noticed women with clay strewn over their faces in delicate patterns. I was told that this was considered an ornament of beauty for attracting men. As the dancing commenced, it became such an exhilarating experience that they gestured to me to dance along with them!
I jumped as the young man sprang up opposite me – it was challenging to leap so high especially wearing their local dress but I certainly tried my best to follow his lead! They laughed and enjoyed my unexpected participation, and later I received many smiles and recognition as they saw me walking around the village. I discovered afterwards that the higher a man can jump, the more women he will attract. Had I known this sooner, I truly would have made an effort to soar!
An authentic tribe in Uganda: the Karamojong – Last week I had a unique opportunity to visit an authentic tribe in Uganda. I would like to invite you on the same journey and travel back to read what I have experienced.
Voluntary work in Karamoja Uganda – I checked a long existing bucket list item…. a trip to Uganda. What an experience this was! This truly is ‘the pearl of Africa’…
Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
We were very lucky that Kara-Tunga was brought to our attention right before we took off for a visit to Kidepo Valley NP, otherwise we would probably have missed out on such an awe-inspiring experience in the North-Eastern and Eastern parts of Uganda.
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I Immersed in the Karimojong culture, experience it as a local
I decided to go full on Karamojong and immerse myself in the culture by wearing the native dress and experiencing the simple life not as a tourist, but as a local. I find through my travels that this truly is the best way to learn about people and their way of life. This humility in the desire to relate allows human connection to occur at a primal level with compassion and understanding for people different than our own. There is an innocence and sincerity in the simplicity of it that I cannot explain, but it fulfills me to a point that nothing else does.
As we strolled outside the village, we came upon a clearing under a large, shaded tree – an area designated for the tribal dance. The women and men were gathering around for a special kind of jamboree! Dancing was a form of art and entertainment for the community – even the children happily watched as the adults began to sway and twirl. This was a way for the Karamojong tribe to leave their worries behind and focus on the delightfully simple music and movement with no use of modern technology or sound.
The dancers tied bells to their legs and the ring leader blew a whistle and chanted whilst the others repeated the words – this provided the underlying rhythm for their movement. The joyful choreography was spontaneous and consisted of clapping hands, stomping feet, and singing. I was reminded of my village in Hunza Valley where the sound of drums drew people from their homes to the polo ground.
To us, this was such a primitive act – but to them, it was a means of entertainment and relaxation. The children sported huge grins as they watched the performance, and I had to capture the pure glee beaming from their faces! As I observed the dance, I noticed women with clay strewn over their faces in delicate patterns. I was told that this was considered an ornament of beauty for attracting men. As the dancing commenced, it became such an exhilarating experience that they gestured to me to dance along with them!
I jumped as the young man sprang up opposite me – it was challenging to leap so high especially wearing their local dress but I certainly tried my best to follow his lead! They laughed and enjoyed my unexpected participation, and later I received many smiles and recognition as they saw me walking around the village. I discovered afterwards that the higher a man can jump, the more women he will attract. Had I known this sooner, I truly would have made an effort to soar!
Read on Nazir Abbas Instagram profile.
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Voluntary work in Karamoja Uganda – Remote and authentic experience
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Dutch Fashion Designer travels Karamoja for Inspiration
Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
Karamoja, Awe-inspiring Uganda travel experience
We were very lucky that Kara-Tunga was brought to our attention right before we took off for a visit to Kidepo Valley NP, otherwise we would probably have missed out on such an awe-inspiring experience in the North-Eastern and Eastern parts of Uganda.