A trip through Karamoja's highlights includes a visit to a traditional Karamoja healer tour. Learn from Karamoja herbalists about the vast knowledge of indigenous herbal medicine. Click here to see mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

Traditional healing, sometimes referred to as herbalists, is a well-known profession in Karamoja and other African civilizations. Pastoral groups have long been using their knowledge of medicinal plants to treat human and animal illnesses and ailments. Click here to view our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour 

Malaria, cough, flu, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, backache, and eye problems are among the prevalent illnesses and ailments. The traditional healers of Karamjong are skilled in treating over eighty diseases with herbal remedies. The leaf is the part of the plant that is employed in herbal treatments the most, followed by the stem and root. In traditional medicine, people may utilize soil, salt, water from a grass roof, and animal parts.

Untouched Karamojong Culture

The Karamojong are known for their affinity for cattle and reluctance to adopt the trappings of contemporary civilization. The Karamojong are a nomadic group of agro-pastoralists. They are made up of many tribes and clans that formerly moved from what is now Ethiopia, including the Maasai, Turkana, and Nyangatom people that live in the Omo Valley.

Owing to their long periods of seclusion and deeply held beliefs, the Karamojong people have managed to preserve their ancient cultural legacy, which includes rituals that date back thousands of years.

The Karamojong are known for their unique beauty standards, which include facial and body scarification, the use of vibrant beads, their recognizable blankets, and performances of their traditional dances. They bear striking resemblances to the well-known Maasai people of Kenya.

The hills of Karamoja 

Mount Morungole, Mount Moroto, and Mount Kadam are among a series of volcanic mountains that form the northeastern edge of the Karamoja plateau. Mount Napak, the port for Karamoja, is located on the region's western boundary.

The original occupants of the plateau, who flew into the highlands during Karamojong's exodus, now live in the mountains. The Tepeth, who have their own unique customs and beliefs, occupy the central and southern portions of the mountain, while the Ik inhabit the northern portion.

Trekking and hiking in the Karamoja region

With many of the same attractions as the more difficult climbs in East Africa, but at a lower level and without the need for specialized gear or technical experience, the mountains of Karamoja provide an interesting alternative. 

Climbing Karamoja's mountains offers a variety of experiences, including deep conversations with the highland Ugandans, breathtaking vistas, and distinctive sights along the paths. There are also unique campsites where you can take in the stars and sunsets.

Africa’s most scenic protected areas

The internationally acclaimed Kidepo Valley National Park in the far northeast of Karamoja and Uganda's three undiscovered wildlife reserves offer some of the most breathtaking scenery of any protected area. With rocky ridges cutting through them and mountains encircling them, the undulating, short-grass savannah areas are home to several creatures that are unique to Uganda.

Bokora, Matheniko, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves 

From Mount Kadam in the south to Mount Napak in the north, the Pian Upe Game Reserve is situated in between. They form a bigger ecosystem of savanna and mountains in a semi-arid area together with the game reserves of Bokora and Matheniko, where species like ostriches, dik dik, buffaloes, hyenas, and Uganda's last population of roaming antelope can be seen. Birdlife is especially important.

Kidepo Valley National Park 

Kidepo Valley is one of Africa's most well-known and isolated national parks, located in the far northern part of Uganda. With approximately 80 species of mammals, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, warthogs, elephants, ostriches, buffaloes, and giraffes, as well as numerous species exclusive to Kidepo, like striped hyenas and caracals, it has one of the most fascinating faunas compared to any Ugandan park.

Bird watching in Karamoja 

Karamoja region offers over 465 species, including ostriches, the Jackson's Hornbill, the Rufous Chatterer, the Red-Throated Bee Eater, the White-bellied Go-away Bird, and grenadiers.

January, February, March, and December are the driest months to visit the Karamoja region. You can also go during the rainy months of April and May, however the paths are typically difficult to follow due to poor road conditions.