$45,00 / per person
Explore the unique biodiversity of Uganda’s undiscovered mountain ranges with our experienced local guides. Camping gear and food included.
Difficulty level: Moderate-Challenging
| 1 Pax | 2-5 Pax | 6-10 Pax | |
| 1 Day hike | $60 | $55 | $45 |
| 2 Days hike | $210 | $160 | $125 |
| 3 Days hike | $310 | $260 | $220 |
Our Mount Kadam hiking and trekking expeditions combine rich cultural encounters with Uganda’s highland people, breathtaking views and unique sights along the trails, and unique campsites perfect for enjoying sunsets, stargazing, and sunrises over the Karamoja plains.
Mount Kadam, an ancient volcanic mass, rises from the plains of southern Karamoja, ranging in altitude from approximately 1,160 to 3,068 meters above sea level. The mountain’s varied vegetation includes dry montane forest and forest savanna mosaic at higher altitudes (covering 50% of the area), with the remaining area comprised of semi-evergreen thicket. It’s also home to a high concentration of edible plant species (vegetables and fruits) and medicinal herbs.
Mount Kadam is surrounded by five ethnic groups: the Pian clan of the Karamojong tribe to the north and east, the Pokot to the southeast, the Sebei to the south, the Iteso to the west, and the Tepeth tribe, who live alongside the Kadama people on the mountain itself.
Mount Kadam offers different options which can accommodate different levels of difficulty. The full length of the hike from the starting point at the foot of the mountain to the summit and back is a total of 36Km distance and 1,537m ascend of the hike. We offer different options which can match different difficulty levels and levels of fitness. Lets first start to explain the total hike, whereafter we share the different hiking options:
Mount Kadam Basecamp (Lokuwam, 1,450m)
All the hiking options offered below start at 1,635m and pass by the basecamp (camp site) at 2,400m altitude and 9Km distance with a total ascent of 765m. This hike passes through the lush forest which starts from the foot of the mountain and ends at the campsite with a magnificent view over the plains of Karamoja as well as the mountain tops facing southwards.
Mount Kadam Summit (Nachupai, 3,063m)
The trek to the summit continues for 9Km and 663m of elevation after the Basecamp into the lush Naro forest which is located on the western side under the summit plateau. Before setting off, you will leave your heavy luggage and continue hiking with only water, snacks and rain jacket/sweater/head torch for reaching the summit.
The trail moves under the canopy of the forest for 5Km until the final ascend of 1Km is reached to climb on top of the summit plateau. The climb is a mix of simple rock climbing and walk through the shrubs and then a 2Km walk on the relatively flat plateau to the summit. After celebrating the summit with the jaw dropping views, you trek back the same trail to basecamp.
Mount Kadam presents a Challenging hiking experience, suitable for above experienced adventurers with a good fitness level. Some sections of the hike, particularly lower altitude sections, could be considered Moderate, but overall, due to the altitude gained, the length of the trek, the multi day hikes involved and the rock climbing parts, it is a Challenging hike.
While the physical demands are significant, the rewards are immense. You’ll witness breathtaking panoramic views, explore unique ecosystems, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the indigeneous people. The trek involves:
We strongly recommend that participants have prior hiking experience and a good level of fitness. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layered clothing, and a reliable backpack, is essential. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety and provide support throughout the trek.
Due to its geographical location, Mount Kadam is home to various surrounding tribes, including the Pokot, Karamojong, Gishu, Tepeth, Sebei, and Kadama. The inhabitants are primarily agriculturalists and live in small settlements. Camps will be set up to offer prime views of the sunset and sunrise. Afternoons will be spent exploring a high-altitude rainforest and various viewpoints.
The 1 Day Basecamp hike and back to the foot of the mountain. The hike starts at 1,635m and reaches the Basecamp at 2,400m altitude. The total hike is 18Km with a total ascent of 765m.
The 2-Day Mount Kadam Summit Hike is the most challenging version and only recommended for experienced hikers. This trek can be done in two ways:
The 3-Day Mount Kadam Hike is still considered challenging, due to the characteristics of the trail.
The below listed price excludes transportation to and from the mountain and accommodation the night before and after the trek. Contact us for more info about transport and accommodation.
| 1 Person | 2-5 People | 6-10 People | |
| 1 Day hike | $60 | $55 | $45 |
| 2 Days hike | $210 | $160 | $125 |
| 3 Days hike | $310 | $260 | $220 |
The trek ‘out and back’ trail is a total of 14Km with starting point in Nakapiripirit town at 1,450m above sea-level untill 2,500m. The total elevation is 1,050m.
Arrival day at budget hotel in Nakapiripirit town with briefing before dinner. Traditional dinner and breakfast is included in the package price. Accommodation is NOT included, but we can recommend places to stay based on your budget.
We make the most vertical and horizontal Kilometres on the first day to reach the camp site at 2,450m altitude within the forest down the summit plateau at 11Km distance.
The trail starts from the gardens a the foot of the mountain and quickly enters a lush and green tropical forest for a steep climb under the shady leaves of the ancient forest. The trail is a mix of soft loam soil within the forest, gravel sandy parts close to the soft stone walls, granite hand-foot climbs for 1,000m of elevation.
With well deserved brakes, we will reach the 2,450 level for a rewarding view down to the starting point. Hereafter we enter the higher altitude forest for a final trail through the shady forest up to the camp site for the day.
The second day we take the steep descent back to Nakapiripirit town with an estimated arrival time of 10-11AM.
A traditional lunch and a room to take a shower and refresh is included in the price. Accommodation is not included for this day, we recommend to proceed towards Moroto, Kidepo Valley in the north or Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve or Sipi Falls in the south.
| Highlights | • Cultural encounters |
|---|---|
| Included | • Community facilitation |
| Excluded | • Transport |
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Maya Natiang (Germany) –
(Read original review on Facebook) This March me and my friends made a hiking tour with the Karatunga – team. Because it was definitely the best experience of my wonderful stay in Uganda, I really want to recommend the Karatunga Tours. We were climbing Mount Kadam and were camping on top of the mountain. Watching the sun go down, sleeping under the stars, watching the amazing sunset the next morning and all this in the beautiful nature of Karamoja was just stunning. The tour was well organised and we really became friends with the Karatunga – team as they were so friendly, funny and always encouraged and helped us to go on when the path became more difficult. Additionaly I learned much from the team about the impressing and interesting culture of Karamoja.
So if you have the chance to come to the beautiful country Uganda, you should definetely make a Karatunga Tour! It will be totally worth it and you’ll remember this adventure forever!
Alakara nooooi!
Seline Holder (Switzerland) –
(Read original review on Facebook) When my family came to visit me in Uganda, I wanted them to experience the pearl of Africa in its purest form – no typical touristic stuff, where you feel like sitting in a cinema, watching the life happening from a secure distance. A friend of mine recommended Kara-tunga to me and I was straight-away taken by its philosophy.
Looking back to our two weeks traveling in Uganda, the two-day trip with Kara-tunga was by far, for all of us, the most impressive and beautiful experience; it definitely exceeded all expectations. The scenery and landscape of the hike was just breath-taking. On the way up, we trudged through maize fields, crossed streams and weaved through thick forest, catching a glimpse of the tribe living in the hills and even got the chance to observe the spectacular black white colobus monkey. Arriving at the top, we were rewarded with a view that left us speechless. Together with the Kara-tunga crew we shared beautiful moments, watching the magical sunset, preparing dinner while having lots of laughs, looking stupid while imitating their traditional dance, telling each other riddles around the campfire, when the quiet and mysterious touch of the evening settled in.
What made the adventure so truly unique – besides the beauty of Karamoja, which is a must see, with its untouched nature and strong original cultural heritage – is that it felt like a trip with friends showing us the way they live, with a lot of passion and joy. If you’re looking for a authentic, real adventurous and memorable experience Kara-tunga is a must!! Thank you so much to the crew once again, keep up with your amazing work and inspiring spirit! Alakara Noooiiii
Martin Holder (Switzerland) –
(Read original review on Facebook) Perfect organization, attentive and competent guides, individual care and giving us the feeling to be at home in the guesthouse in Moroto. Many thanks for this one in a lifetime experience
Justus Ruhrmann –
(Read original review on Google) Together with a friend I went on a 3 day hike at Mount Kadam. Before the first day we spent our night at Paranao Hostel in Nakapiripirit at our own cost. Unfortunately we could only leave additional luggage of ours that we wanted to leave in town at some cost in the hostel. The hike was really nice and all guides and porters were friendly and helped us. The guides had lots of experience and knew the mountain very well. Of course the 3 days were very exhausting but it was a good experience and the nature was awesome. Payment was possible via mobile money. Kara tunga tours was always professional.
Conner –
(Read original review on TripAdvisor) I spent 3 days hiking in the Karamoja mountains with guides from Kara-Tunga. The guides were very knowledgeable about the area and helped me complete a great hike. Kara-Tunga guest house was also a great place to stay in Moroto – amazing staff, tasty food, affordable prices!
Frida H –
(Read the original review on TripAdvisor) My friend and i booked a 3-day hike to the summit of Mount Kadam in december and had a good experience. The guides were proffessional and knew alot about the flora and Karamojong-culture. The food was quite good (given the surcumstances that it was cooked on a mountain over a fire). My only complaint was the last part of the hike to the summit – it was almost not a trail. The guides said we were going in “the bush” and that was definetely true. That part was very unpleasant but luckily only lasted for an hour or two. The guides carried all our luggage including food, water, tent and sleeping bags and mats which we borrowed from them. The price was reasonable.
We started out from Nakapiripirit and took a boda to the food of the mountain. We reached the camp on the first day and slept in a tent on a windy mountainside. Next morning we took off for the summit, had a lunchbreak at the summit and came down to the same camp. On the last morning we went all the way back to our hotel in Nakapiripirit.
Damien K –
(Read the original review on TripAdvisor) We went to Mount Kadam with Kara-tunga for a two days experience into this beautiful mountain forest. The hike and sceneries were incredible and the Karatunga guide team made sure we had the best time possible in that environment. Great organisation. Thank you.
Batan Bruce –
(Read original review on Google) My partner and I used to live in Uganda, and returned for a trip through Karamoja. We travelled independently but climbed and camped on mount Kadam and visited a kraal in Kaabong with Kara-Tunga. The views from mount Kadam are spectacular and the visit to the kraal avoided many of the pitfalls of “cultural tourism” elsewhere. Both trips are well worth it!
We slept in a double room in their accommodation in Moroto, which was good value.
Lindy B –
(Read original review on TripAdvisor) A driver came to pick us up in Jinja, after that we drove to Nakapiripirit, we slept in a hotel and the day after we started early to hike (and camp) Mt. Kadam. Great guides, good materials (tents etc) and a lot of fun. The hike was difficult, but totally worth it! After that we had an overnight-experience in the ‘kraal’ near Moroto, we met local people in the village and sang together. The day after – with a lot of muscle pain – we went for a mountainbike tour in Moroto. We could use a room in the guesthouse of KaraTunga Moroto for showering after. We also had breakfast and lunch at the guesthouse, beautiful guesthouse and it’s a shame we didn’t had the chance to sleep here. After some rest we drove to Kidepo National Park, to celebrate New Years Eve. An amazing opportunity to celebrate this with a campfire, traditional dance and surrounded by wild animals. On the 1st day of 2018, we went for 2 game drives in Kidepo and spotted a lion! Overall, it was a well organised tour and very interestting to see how people live in the north of Uganda. RECOMMENDED!!