Karamoja 4 Peaks, Mountain Hiking Challenge

$475,00 / per person

Karamoja 4 Peaks Mountain Hiking Challenge is taking place on 7-13 Dec 2024. Rich culture and untouched nature in off-the-beaten path Uganda.

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Karamoja 4 Peaks, Mountain Hiking Challenge

Put your endurance levels to the test with this week-long Karamoja 4 Peaks Mountain Hiking Challenge in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region! The first edition of the event is taking place from 7th until 13th December 2024. Read the day by day itinerary.

We will tackle three of the least-climbed peaks in Uganda to highlight their beauty and unique features and explore all that Karamoja has to offer. Experience backcountry camping by being self-sufficient on Kadam, and scramble up the rocky slopes of Moroto and Napak. Be rewarded with nights under the stars and cultural immersion into the unique culture of Karamoja.

The mountains

The Karamoja 4 Peaks Mountain Hiking Challenge involves climbing the four highest mountains of the Karamoja region located in northeastern Uganda.  These are an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa with many of the same attractions, a milder climate, lower elevation and requires no special equipment or technical experience.

The so-called Karamoja plateau is defined by a string of volcanic mountains starting from Mount Kadam in the south until Mount Morungole in the north.

height ascend duration distance
Mount Kadam 3063m 3020m 12hrs 32Km
Mount Moroto 3083m 1950m 8,5hrs 26Km
Mount Napak 2538m 1800m 8hrs 19Km
Mount Morungole 2749m 1540m 7hrs 27km
Why hike with us?
  • Local experience: You’re in good hands. We’re the most experienced organisation specialised in meaningful cultural tours and outdoor adventures throughout the Karamoja region.
  • Empowering: We train and employ guides and porters coming from the local community and contribute to the local government or other locally respected governing systems.
  • Sustainable: We avoid creating cultural and natural impact on the environment and thereby protect and preserve outdoor spaces for generations to come.
  • Save: Our guides are First Aid volunteers and where applicable wildlife rangers accompany the expeditions.
Highlights

• The ultimate off-the-beaten-track adventure
• Hike and camp on Uganda’s most untouched landscapes
• Learn from the diversity of indigenous cultures and traditions

Event ticket
Prices
  • Foreign (Non) Residents: $475 / 1,750,000 UGX per person
  • East Africa Residents: $425 / 1,575,000 UGX per person
  • 4 Nights Accommodation upgrade: $120 / 450,000 UGX per person
Inclusions
  • Guiding services: for groups of hikers and not for individuals. Hikers will be advised to group themselves into groups of the same fitness.
  • Meals: 7 Days of local healthy breakfast and dinner at the respective basecamps and packed lunch on the way. Starting from diner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 7. Guests are expected to bring their own reusable lunch box.
  • Transport: Group transportation (8-seater tourist van) to and from Kampala and during the event in between the mountains.
  • Camping fees: For every night with compost toilets and bucket showers will be offered.
  • Entrance fees: to all 4 Central Forest Reserves.
Exclusions
  • Camping gear, accommodation upgrades, vehicle transportation, porters service and massage are excluded but are available as extra’s below.
  • Snacks and beverages: apart from tea, water and coffee at the basecamps. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased with cash from the camp bar.
Extra’s
  • Accommodation: upgrade with two nights in a self-contained room (Day 2-3) and two nights lazy camping (Day 5-6). Two nights camping is obligatory for all guests (Day 1, 4). For $120 per person.
  • Porters service: Porters can be booked in advance for $20/75,000ugx per porter per hiking day.
Terms and conditions

Find more information on the Terms & Conditions page.

How do I sign up?
  1. Contact Kara-Tunga Reservations to make your booking.
  2. Book a minimum of 1 week before the objected start date.
  3. Confirm your booking by making a 25% deposit.
  4. Finalise payment 1 week before the start date.
Packing list

Karamoja is a remote region of Uganda, and hiking trails are still being established. We encourage you to pack smart and light. Use our packing list below to ensure you have everything.

  • Day-backpack for hiking days to carry everything needed during the hike.
  • Tent (consider sharing!)
  • Sleeping bag & small mattress/yoga mat Cup and spoon
  • Change of clothes for descent (next day) Rain gear (poncho and/or jacket)
  • Head torch
  • Hydration bladder pack (should hold 2-3L)
  • Warm clothes & socks (Karamoja nights are cold)
  • Sandals or open shoes to relax feet after hike Toothbrush
  • Energy bars, snacks, drinks Prescribed & personal medications Sunglasses
  • Power bank
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Sat, 7 Dec Transfer to Mt. Napak: Depart Kampala at 6 AM for an 8-hour drive to Mt. Napak. Enjoy a scenic lunch stop (own expense) along the way.

Accommodation: Settle into your campsite at the Primary School and have a tasty local dinner with breathtaking mountain views.

Day 2 Sun, 8 Dec Summit Mt. Napak: Embark on a challenging hike to the 2,700-meter peak, navigating rocky plateaus and ravines.

Transfer to Mt. Kadam: After a rewarding descent, enjoy a well-deserved shower and meal before driving to the starting point for Mt. Kadam in Nakapiripirit town.

Accommodation: Rooms, Panaora guesthouse.

Day 3 Mon, 9 Dec Summit Mt. Kadam: Tackle the longest hiking day of the week, ascending to the 3,083-meter peak and enjoying stunning scenery and wildlife.

Transfer to Mt. Moroto: After a rewarding descent, enjoy a well-deserved shower and meal before driving to the starting point for Mt. Moroto.

Accommodation: Camping, Kara-Tunga Safari Camp.

Day 4 Tues, 10 Dec Summit Mt. Moroto: Embark on another challenging hike to the 3,063-meter peak, passing through stunning mist forests and enjoying breathtaking views.

Campfire Evening: After a rewarding descent, enjoy a campfire dinner and hear stories from the local community.

Accommodation: Camping, Tapac Catholic Mission.

Day 5 Wed, 11 Dec Transfer to Morungole: Enjoy a breakfast and pack up camp before driving to the foot of Mt. Morungole.

Standard: Camping, Morungole Eco Camp.
Accommodation upgrade: Lazy Camping.

Day 6 Thurs, 12 Dec Summit Mt. Morungole: Experience the cultural highlights of the Ik community as you hike to the 2,749-meter peak. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding woodlands and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Standard: Camping, Morungole Eco Camp.
Accommodation upgrade: Lazy Camping.

Day 7 Fri, 13 Dec Return to Kampala: Depart early in the morning for a 12-hour drive back to Kampala. Enjoy a lunch stop (own expense) along the way.
Included

• Park entry fees
• Guiding services
• Camping fees
• Meals

Excluded

• Transportation
• Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Getting there and away

• This tour starts at Mount Napak and ends in Mount Morungole, Uganda.
• A transfer from and back to the airport (or hotel) can be arranged for extra cost.
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for extra cost

Requirements

• Your personal clothing (warm and cold gear)
• Good walking footwear
• Quick drying towel
• 45L backpack, sunscreen, reusable water bottle / backpack sack, sunglasses and camera

More packing tips: http://www.kara-tunga.com/packing-list/

Accommodation

• Camping with your own equipment is included.
• Camping equipment can also be hired.
• Accommodation upgrades are available for 4 out of the 6 nights. 2 nights of camping is obligatory for all participants.

Fitness level

This event is for experienced hikers.