About us
Kara-Tunga is a pioneering ethical tourism company spearheading authentic cultural and adventure tours in Uganda’s less-traveled Karamoja sub-region. We connect travelers with nomadic communities, their rich cultural heritage, and unique-for-Uganda biodiversity. Our eco-friendly accommodations and personalized experiences provide unforgettable journeys that enrich lives and support the region’s vibrant culture.
Beyond tourism, Kara-Tunga is actively involved in community empowerment and sustainability initiatives. We collaborate with local communities on cultural heritage preservation projects and support biodiversity conservation efforts. Our commitment to ethical tourism ensures that our operations benefit both travelers and the local population.
Join us on an adventure that will leave a lasting positive impact. Experience the beauty of Karamoja, connect with its people, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Mission
To cultivate a thriving Karamoja by bringing together communities and travellers through unforgettable adventures.
Vision
Kara-Tunga aspires to be a role model envisioning a healthy Karamoja where culture and conservation is at the heart of a sustainable tourism.
Values
- Rooted: Our Karamoja heritage is our heart. We share it with pride, empowering communities through local leadership and partnerships.
- Responsible: We invest in community-based development alongside trusted partners, both local and global. Transparency and sustainability are at the core of every adventure.
- Adventurous: Experience Karamoja’s untamed spirit, from authentic homestays to exhilarating expeditions. Our passionate guides, experts in the region, lead the way to unforgettable discoveries.
- Sustainable: We actively rebuild and protect Karamoja’s unique biodiversity and heritage. Together with local communities, we create a thriving ecosystem through sustainable tourism practices.
- Impact: Travel with purpose. Every visit creates lasting memories while contributing to a brighter future for this beloved region.
Objective
Develop a diverse range of community-led tourism experiences that showcase Karamoja’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, including homestays, expeditions, and traditional activities, while providing training and employment opportunities at Kara-Tunga’s facilities for all interested community members.
The founders
Watch our founding story
Watch more video’s on Kara-Tunga YouTube channel
Tourism development
For long, tourism in Uganda has been focused on wildlife safaris and other tourist destinations but community tourism is an opportunity for the local community to participate and benefit from their natural and cultural resources.
Tourism development is therefore at the core of our operations. We focus on rural areas affected most by decline in the capacity of agriculture. Degeneration of the countryside is prevented and cultural heritage preserved by raising supplementary family income through tourism.
We focus on identifying potential tourism sites and activities, building community capacity through education and creating demand through marketing and packaging.
Awards and recognitions
Pearl Interntional Film Festival (PIFF)
– Winner Best Documentary
PIFF aims at promoting the growth of the film industry and creating a platform for talented filmmakers. The Ateker won The Best Documentary of the year.Read more
Adventure Travel and Trade Association (ATTA)
– Winner Tour Operator Scholarship
ATTA annual Tour Operator Scholarship is for: “Innovative entrepreneurs who are disrupting the industry with ethical and sustainable practices to create lasting changes in their communities.” Read more
Ekkula Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards
– Cultural Tourism Award
– Special Recognition
Ekkula Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards is a private sector driven tourism initiative passionate in promoting tourism through training, recognizing, awarding and subsequently motivating key stakeholders in the tourism Industry annually. Read more
Uganda Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
– Recognition for Passion and Promotion of community tourism in Uganda
At World Tourism Day Celebrations, Kara-Tunga Tours was recognized by the Government of Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Uganda for Its “Passion and Promotion of Community Tourism in Uganda”. Read more
Columbus Travel Magazine
– Travel Hero of the Year
Every year we organize the Columbus Travel Awards: the Oscars of the travel world! This year we are looking for the best sustainable destinations, travel companies, start-ups and travel heroes. These pioneers have one thing in common: they encourage break-even travel, a form of tourism in which the benefits and burdens are shared more evenly. Read more
Uganda Film Festival
– Nomination for Best Documentary
The Uganda Film Festival Awards also known as UFF Awards, are presented annually to recognize excellence in the film Industry in Uganda. Nominated films are screened at a five-day festival like Ateker Documentary. Read more
Nigeria Online Short Film Festival
– Winner of Best Documentary
Ateker Documentary’ has won the price ‘The Best Documentary of ‘AMAA-StarTimes Online Short Film Festival’ based in Nigeria. The festival celebrates the best short films from all over Africa. Read more
Memberships
We are partners of the Uganda Red Cross Society and our staff is therefore certified volunteers and able to provide First Aid during activities and in the community. The Uganda Red Cross also advices on safety guidelines and emergency evacuation planning.
Kara-Tunga is registered as a tour operator obeying nationally requirements laid out by: The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Uganda Toursim Board (UTB) and Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA)
Kara-Tunga is also a member of the international Adventure Tourism Trade Association (ATTA) and online safari booking platform SafariBookings.com.
Our Team
Accommodation team
Endiro Coffee Trailhead
Tours team
Warrior Nomad Trail Partners
Academy graduates
Tourist information office
