Karamoja

The Karamoja sub-region in Eastern Uganda is one of the most remote parts of the country. For years the major attraction to this area was Kidepo Valley National Park which has some of the most stunning landscapes and the only place to see Cheetahs and Wild Dogs in Uganda. Most tourists would fly in and out only spending time in the environs of the Park. But this has now changed and the Karamojong area is full of unique cultural and wildlife experiences you will not get anywhere else in Africa let alone Uganda.

There are plenty of activities and experiences to do of varying durations and exertion levels, all you need is an open mind and sense of adventure.

This region of Uganda is also becoming well known for rock art, the majority of which is in the east and south east of Uganda. The most famous site is in Nyero, which is between Mbale and Soroti. Other notable places which have rock art in the region are Kadam Rock in Nakapiripirit, Napak Rock in Napak District and Mount Moroto in Moroto. The rock art found in this area is similar to the rock art drawn by the Cushitic Tiribes who are believed to have migrated to Karamoja some 3,000 years ago. The art depicts animals grazing and people carrying bows and arrows. The is a concerted drive to try and bring tourism to this are and to complement the cultural experience with the wildlife that is in Matheniko and Pian Upe game reserves

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The Tour of Karamoja

The Tour Of Karamoja has taken place between place in 2017 – 2022. This year's edition will take place between the 20th – 29th October 2023. The tour will take you through 550Km over a glorious 7 days. The Warrior Nomad Trail, takes you through Uganda’s Karamoja, Kenya’s West-Pokot and Turkana region, this includes iconic scenery such as from the southern grasslands, along the East African Rift, into the award-winning Kidepo Valley National Park.

To find out more email: info@letsgosafari-ug.com

Eastern Uganda Experiences

This part of Uganda is relatively untouched and biking is a great way to explore the region. Whether you are looking for stunning views, cultural experiences of just a riding off into the sunset this is the place to do it.

Karamojong village visit. The best way to get the most out of a visit to this area is to participate and immerse yourself in the local culture. A visit to a traditional homestay gives you an unparalleled insight in to what life is like for the Karamojong. It also gives you a first-hand appreciation of the culture and heritage of the region.

Uganda - Karamajong Traditional Home.jpg

Moroto

Moroto is around 13hrs drive from Kampala. Some of the activities you can do in Moroto are:

Hiking & Trekking

East Africa is famous for its mountains of which some of the most impressive, Ruwenzori and Elgon are in Uganda. The beauty of Mount Moroto is that you get all the panoramic views and sense of achievement you would climbing the more well-known mountains but in milder surroundings, no requirement for technical equipment and great interaction with the people who live in the area.

Karamoja Mountain Bike Tours

A Night with Karamojong Warrior Nomads

A night spent sleeping in a Kraal with Karamojong Warrior Nomads who are now cattle herders is an experience not to miss. You will see how the cattle are cared for, milked, herded as well as the traditional spearing of the cow for its blood. If all goes well yo might even get your own Karamajong name

Kotido

Kotido is around 14hrs from Kampala and is home to Nakapelimoru Village, which is home to the Jie and the largest traditional village in East Africa. A visit to the village begins with a briefing held on a rock formation overlooking Nakapelimoru, you then proceed with a local guide to a homestead and learn about the culture specific to this village as well as the more general traditions of the Karamojong area. Kotido is also known for its cattle auction when local traders come every Wednesday to buy and sell cows. There is also a local crafts market that sells jewellery and artefacts from the local area

Kabong

Kaabong is around a 15-hour drive from Kampala. The regions in the most north eastern in Uganda and boarders South-Sudan and Kenya. The region is well known for Kidepo National Park and the home of the Ik-tribe. The Ik tribe are the smallest tribe in Uganda and historically used to live within the National Park but they were displaced when the park was formed. They now live in and around Mount Morungole, which is now also known as Ikland. A visit to this region will reward you with an exceptional cultural experience as the Ik have a unique set of traditions that are still practised today. The breath taking scenery only gets better the higher you go and you will be able to look in to the western Kenya and Southern Sudan. The visit and hike are a full day activity beginning at around 07.00 and finishing at 17.00

Mountains of Karamajong

The Karamojong highlands in eastern Uganda is an area of historical volcanic activity that has left region of rugged savannah and mountains as a result.

Mount Moroto –3,083m- Mountain biking at its best

Mount Kadam – 3,063m – Incredible scenary

Mount Morungole – 2,749m – Home of the Ik tribe

Mount Napak – 2,538m - Great for hiking and treks

National Parks & Wildlife Reserves

The Karamojong sub - region is home to 4 of Uganda's most remote National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Each one has a similar story, one of historical abundant and unique wildlife, followed by human wildlife conflict and civil war. This resulted in a decrease in the wildlife numbers which have only begun to show an upward trend in the recent past. Animals such as Cheetahs, Roan Antelope, White Eared Kob and Ostrich can only be seen in the wild in this part of Uganda:

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve - Nakapiripirit & Napak

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve - Napak, Kotido & Abim

Bokara Wildlife Reserve - Moroto

Kidepo Valley National Park - Kaabong

Detailed Itinerary