Activities
Activities in Gulu, Uganda by Responsible Tourism Company -
Gulu Travel experts have put together a list of best things to do and activities in Gulu: Must-see attractions and Activities in Gulu include Trekking & Climbing, Wildlife safaris and game drives, Wildlife & Safari, Active and outdoor, Walking tours, Wildlife, Explorer, Cultural, religious and historic sites & Safari
ATTRACTIONS AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN GULU CITY, UGANDA
Gulu City Marathon
The first ever edition of the Gulu city marathon took at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City on Saturday December 7, 2024 under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage. The charitable aspect of the event is the proceeds benefit the community programmes such as Acholi scholarship fund - an Initiative dedicated to enhancing education in Northern Uganda.
The two-day event start with a cultural banquet, showcasing the rich traditions of the Acholi people including the cultural dances, traditional foods, folk songs and poems followed by marathon.
Top runners are awarded with medals and cash.
The marathon start and finish at Kaunda Grounds, with participants running through key landmarks in Gulu City, including Customs corner, Layibi, Gulu university, Kitgum road, Unyama, the Gulu City Main Market and other routes.
Burcoro Massacre Monument:
This Gulu tourist site has dark history, its a place where the around eleven people were massacred and buried in 1991 during the Northern Uganda war. The area consists of a mass grave with a monument in form of a tree. The symbol depicts the tree where the Late Kapere Alfoncio was tied and killed on spot on a firing squad. Others were put under the ditch and suffocated with red paper smoke on 18th April, 1991.
Lukodi Memorial Massacre:
This is the site from which a total of over 64 people that were massacred on 19th may, 2004. It has a resource centre that has the information about the people massacred by the Lord's Resistance Army(LRA).
Swimming:
Gulu, Uganda can get quite hot, especially as the dry season draws on. One of the best ways to cool off is a trip to the swimming pool. There are a couple of options for swimming in Gulu which include Bomah Hotel Swimming Pool, Acholi Inn Swimming Pool and Golden Peace Hotel Swimming Pool.
Fort Patiko:
Fort Patiko is one of the most developed tourist attractions near Gulu. Approximately 30 kilometers outside of the city, Fort Patiko, also known as Samuel Baker’s Fort or Fort Baker, is a historical and cultural site for the Acholi people.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your Murchison Falls National Park safari tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rhino sanctuary with a ranger guide. You can track these magnificent and endangered rhinos on foot to see them in their natural habitat. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in about 170km north of Kampala and from Gulu City, the rhino sanctuary is 3 hr 40 min (189 km) drive. A home to southern white Rhinos in Uganda.
Pece Stadium:
A sports arena where you can catch local football matches and other events.
Acholi Cultural Institution:
Explore the rich Acholi heritage, including traditional dances, music, and artifacts.
Lacor Hospital:
Known for its humanitarian work during the conflict, this hospital is an important landmark.
Gulu Main Market:
Immerse yourself in the bustling market scene, where you’ll find fresh produce, crafts, and more.
Gulu University:
Visit the campus and learn about higher education in the region.
Gulu Central Forest Reserve:
Nature enthusiasts can explore this forested area and spot wildlife.
Shopping:
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at the main market, there are TONS of local artisans in Gulu, Uganda.
TAKS Centre:
Through Art Keep Smiling or TAKS Centre, is a space for art and culture.
Birdwatching in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Over 300 species of birds live in the sanctuary, including the elusive Shoebill Stork.
Gulu Museum:
The Gulu Museum is located at Ker Kal Kwaro. This cultural centre is also the home of the Acholi Paramount Chief who safeguards Acholi heritage.
Guruguru Caves:
Also located in Amuru, Guruguru Hill is a historical site near Gulu, Uganda. You can hike the hill and explore the many caves at Guruguru.
Amuru Hot Springs:
Located approximately 35 kilometers from Gulu, the Amuru hot springs are the largest in northern Uganda. The springs are believed to hold healing powers, though today they are used mostly for enjoyment and livelihood by the community.
Aruu Falls:
Located in Pader, Aruu Falls is a spectacular natural wonder near Gulu, Uganda. Surrounded by an ever-green forested backdrop, Aruu Falls roars down the staircase rock formation. The site is still a mystery to many of the locals, but its beauty and refreshing escape from the heat are no secret.
For more information and bookings to visit and explore Uganda Gulu District / Gulu Town, Murchison Falls and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary through a breathtaking African wildlife safari, email our tour consultants: info(@)responsibletourismcompany.com.
Suggested tours
SUGGESTED TOURS IN GULU CITY, UGANDA
Gulu Central Forest Reserve nature tours
Gulu University educational tours
Acholi Cultural Institution tours
Fort Patiko historical tours
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tours
Gulu Main Market tours
Nature walking tours
Educational tours
Pece Stadium tours
TAKS Centre tours
Cultural tours