Practical information

ATTRACTIONS IN KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

The Karamoja Festival:

• The Karamoja Cultural Festival is a vibrant celebration of the culture and traditions of the Karamojong people, who inhabit the Northeastern region of Uganda. This annual event brings together various ethnic groups from Uganda and neighboring countries like Kenya and South Sudan.

Attractions in Kotido District in the Karamoja Region in Uganda 

Nakapelimoru "The Largest Village in East Africa":

• Nakapelimoru (the hill of Nakipel) is regarded as the largest Manyatta (group of rural housing) in East Africa. It is located in Nakapelimoru Sub- County 18 KM from  Kotido town-Moroto road. It will give you  a unique experience of the Jie people  and their way of life. Mountain hike with astonishing view on Karamoja savannah.  A proud and fierce group of semi nomadic  pastoralists with-a-rich cultural heritage,

The Lokatap Community in Rengen:

• A small village with a small rock commonly known as "Moru Angaduka" in Rengen  9 KM from Kotido town on Kaabong
• The Rock is inhibited by rock Hyrax which lives harmoniously with the local communities around. It is unique that these animals move and wonder around the community and nobody kills them.

The Manyatta:

• A Karamojong village is also known as Manyatta" or "Ere" meaning an enclosed  residential area, surrounded by sharp  thorns and with small entry points for  people and a larger entry point for cattle.
• One Manyatta has multiple families and a communal space for cattle. The Karamojong Manyattas are interesting to visit because they are one of a kind. You will not find one anywhere else in Uganda. A visit to a Manyatta can be very educational and enlightening.

Kalokuruk "the Sliding Rock”: 

• Sliding rock just outside Kotido, 3 KM from Kotido town-Losilang Road. A notable formation of rocks in the savanna, with a wide view. Best place to have a picnic at sunset or sunrise that lie next to a small  On one of the rocks, a path has been worn down into a slide that leads down to the lake. At the top of the rock, there is also a mancala board that has been carved into the stone. Cool to see natural expressions of play in unexpected places. It is hard to imagine how long it would have taken for feet to wear such a smooth groove in solid stone.

Attractions in Moroto District in the Karamoja Region, Uganda

Mountain Moroto: 

• At a height of 3,083 metres, Mountain Moroto provides an exciting experience and a clear view of Moroto town. Mt. Moroto is one of the most beautiful mountains  in Northeastern Uganda, and the hike can be completed in a single day. It is the highest mountain in the Karamoja region,  with several peaks. Mt. Moroto's highest peak is known as Sokodek. Various wildlife species such as birds, monkeys, and others can be seen during the hike.

Karamoja museum and cultural centre:

• Developed with the support from the government of Uganda. The Karamoja museum was founded in 2010 under the auspices of Uganda-French cooperation program and was officially opened in March, 2012 in Moroto District. Due to recent expansion of the municipality, the museum hosts irreplaceable collections which illustrate the rich cultural heritage of  the Karamoja region and the value of the  scientific collaboration between Uganda  and French researchers of paleontology.

Ateker cultural Center 

• Ateker cultural centre Karamoja was established as a local indigenous cultural organization in Moroto district in 2019 with the aim of promoting original heritage of Ateker communities across borders and other pastoralist groups in the Africa. The centre not only creates awareness for the  pastoralists in the Karamoja region but also shares values and cultures of pastoralists  across the African continent.

Attractions in Kaboong District in the Karamoja Region, Uganda

lk House of Memory:

• Established 5 years ago. Made of grass, poles, reeds, fibers and mud,  It is an old structure of the Ik Indigenous Minority Group depicting their past. Visitors take time to visit the house as they tour irregular escarpment stiff line. It is found in Kamion Sub County (38km) in the extreme Northeast of Kaabong District near Kidepo Valley National Game Park. They live along the Great East African Escarpment bordering Kenya to the Northwest.

Lopedo Gold Mines:

• Founded by indigenous communities in early 1983 as a gold quarry mines. It was identified by a group of men who returned from Namorunyang in South Sudan where gold was mined and here the terrain looked similar and to date is functional at illegal level. These mines are found East of Kaabong District in Lodiko Sub County at a distant of 20km. It is the most visited because of its business and fame.

Rocks

• Magnificent rocks of Lomachariworet, Nachakunet Apese, Komuria, Lochom Hills, Naita-Angikoryo, Busiruk, Nyakwach and Morungole, Lotim, Lowala and Puta ranges and the irregular escarpment line escaping Southward, These rocks are the most viewed and climbed on by young people and visitors. They are formulated naturally in resemblance to anything e.g an animal, human being, organ, e.g Lomachariworet looking like a circumcised male person, etc. They also harbor strange reptiles of different species like snakes, agama and monitor lizards, rock hyrax, etc. Found in: Kaabong T.C. (500m), Lolelia (15km), Kaabong T.C (2km), Sidok (11km), Lodiko (6km), Lobongia (4km), Kaabong East (9km), Morungole (45km), Lotim (38km), Kathile (25km) and Timu (39km) Sub Counties in that order.

Kaabong Seasonal River:

• Big seasonal river, rich with fine sand builders prefer for construction of every structure and out the district. It cuts across through four sub counties before it joins Kotido and Abim Districts where it is baptized with other names. It originates from Timu Natural Forest Far East of Kaabong district 35km away.
• It is also a source of water supply for domestic use at households, animals, construction and irrigation of vegetable gardens throughout the year. Most youth and visitors go for sand bathing and beaching.

Attractions in Karenga District in the Karamoja Region, Uganda

Mt. Murungole

• Located in the Southern parts of Kidepo Valley National Park, the mountain at the height of 2,750 metres. It stands out in the vast plain of the Karamoja region, a habitant to various fauna and flora.
• The mountain is also a source of Kidepo and Narus rivers that flow in the Kidepo valley.

HOW TO GET TO KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

BY ROAD TO KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

From Kampala:

• The journey from Kampala to Karamoja can take around 10-12 hours by road. You can travel via the Kampala-Gulu Highway, passing through towns like Lira and Soroti before reaching Karamoja. Hiring a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain in some parts of the region.

From Jinja:

• You can also travel from Jinja to Karamoja, which involves a similar route through Soroti. The journey can take approximately 8-10 hours.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Buses and Matatus:

• Several bus companies operate routes from Kampala to Moroto, the main town in Karamoja. These buses usually depart early in the morning and can take up to 12 hours to reach their destination.

GETTING AROUND KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Boda Bodas:

• Once in Karamoja, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are a common and convenient way to travel short distances within the region.

KARAMOJA REGION ACCOMMODATION AND WHERE TO STAY IN KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA - NORTH - EASTERN REGION

HOTELS AND RESORTS IN KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

City Friends Hotel Moroto

Plot 22, 24 Narwos Rd, Moroto

Seven Ranges Hotel Ltd,

Lokwang Rd, Moroto

Hotel Africana Moroto,

Moroto Road, Soroti

Kaabong Resort Hotel,

Kaabong

Tita Tourist Resort,

Plot 76 Circular Road, Moroto

Moroto Resort Hotel,

Narwosi Road, Moroto

Range Lands Hotel,

Kaabong

Shalosha Hotel Ltd,

Moroto

Mt Moroto Hotel,

Moroto

Leslona Hotel,

Moroto

CAMPING SITES IN KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Kara-Tunga, Karamoja Safari Camp,

Lomilo Road, Plot 8

The Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda is known for its unique semi-arid climate and distinct cultural heritage.

CLIMATE OF KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Semi-Arid Climate:

• Karamoja experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot temperatures and low rainfall. The region can be quite dry, with occasional droughts.

Temperature:

• Daytime temperatures typically range from 29°C (84°F) to 32°C (90°F), but can peak at around 40°C (104°F) during the hottest months. Nighttime temperatures are cooler, averaging around 17°C (63°F).

Altitude Variation:

• The region’s altitude varies from 999 meters to 2720 meters (3278-8924 feet), which can cause temperature fluctuations. Generally, temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1000 meters (3.5°F per 1000 feet) you ascend.

SEASONS IN KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Dry Season (September to March):

• This is the best time to visit Karamoja. The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region. The months of January, February, and March are particularly hot and dry, with almost no rainfall.

Wet Season (April to August):

• During this period, the region experiences afternoon showers, although the rainfall is not as heavy as in other parts of Uganda. The wet season brings cooler temperatures, averaging around 27°C (81°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night. However, travel can be challenging due to muddy and difficult road conditions.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KARAMOJA REGION, UGANDA

Dry Months (January, February, March, December):

• These months are ideal for visiting Karamoja as the weather is dry and warm, making it easier to travel and explore the region.

Transition Months (September, October, November):

• These months mark the transition from the wet to the dry season. While there might still be some rain, the weather starts to warm up, making it a good time to visit.

Karamoja’s unique climate and cultural richness make it a fascinating destination for adventurous travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring the rugged landscapes, experiencing the local culture, or visiting Kidepo Valley National Park, planning your trip during the dry season will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.