From there, we journeyed east into Karamoja—a region that many travelers overlook, but one that reveals some of the continent’s deepest truths. Life here is shaped by tradition, music, and the unbreakable bond between people and their livestock. For two days, we lived alongside the Karamojong, sharing their meals, listening to their stories, and joining in their dances. Theirs is a culture both proud and humble, shaped by scarcity and community. At night, under a sky brushed with stars, stories flowed as freely as the laughter. It was a rare privilege to witness a way of life fighting to persist, even as the world changes around it.
Day eight kicked off with us leaving Karamoja behind and heading straight for Kampala, Uganda’s lively capital. The whole drive felt like a highlight reel—one minute we’re crossing endless savannah, the next it’s all hills and busy towns flashing past. We sang Japanese songs the whole way, voices bouncing around the van. When we finally rolled up to Hotel Eleanorah, the staff greeted us like old friends. Honestly, after hours on the road, that welcome and a soft bed felt like magic. We finally had a moment to just breathe, think back on everything we’d seen and done, and gear up for whatever Kampala was about to throw our way with its local communities.
Arriving in Kampala, the capital’s chaotic energy was both a shock and a thrill. Hotel Eleanorah became our base, a place to catch our breath and reflect. But Kampala is a city that demands to be experienced—markets thick with the scent of spices, streets alive with music, and a relentless, infectious buzz that seems to run through everyone. It’s a city where tradition and modernity collide, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of cultures and stories.
