Mount Morungole Hiking & Trekking

Mount Morungole Hiking & Trekking

Combine your Kidepo Valley Safari with a hiking adventure to Uganda’s most remote living community called the ‘Ik’ on Mount Morungole (2,685m).

Complementing a wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is this hiking adventure found on Mount Morungole, a place also inhabited by the mysterious Ik tribe.

Mount Morungole provides both stunning and dramatic views, coupled with a rare opportunity to engage with the Ik community, an interaction often cited as a key part of a visit to Uganda’s far northeast. The Ik stand out as Uganda’s most geographically isolated community, deeply rooted in their ancient traditions.

Towering at 2,685m, Mount Morungole ranks among the Karamoja sub-region’s four highest mountain ranges. Contrary to some online information suggesting the Kalunya summit is closed to visitors for spiritual reasons, our discussions with the residents have not confirmed this claim.

How difficult is Hiking Mount Morungole?

Mount Morungole presents a Moderate and Challenging hiking experience due to the quick altitude gain (steep trail). We recommend this mountain for hikers with a fairly good fitness level.

While the physical demands are significant, the rewards are immense. You’ll witness breathtaking panoramic views and experience the rich cultural heritage of the indigeneous people. The trek involves:

• Rugged terrain: Steep trails, rocky paths, bushy sections, and uneven surfaces demand sure-footedness and stamina.
• Remote location: Limited access to amenities and potentially unpredictable weather conditions (April-September) add to the challenge.

Mount Morungole hiking options

Mount Morungole offers two different hikes:

1. Nakale Viewpoint: Approximately total length of 10Km and reaching final altitude of 2,475m. The final point reaches Nakale village, which is the highest village of the Ik with an amazing view of Kidepo Valley National Park as well as the valley of the Ik.
2. Kalunya Summit: Approximately total length of 16Km and reaching final altitude of 2,685m. This hike is a continuation of the Nakale Viewpoint hike until the mountains final Kalunya summit.

Option 1: Mount Morungole Kidepo Viewpoint Hike

Distance: 10Km
Elevation: 625m
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Starting altitude: 1,925m
Final altitude: 2,475m

Option 2: Mount Morungole Summit Hike

Distance: 16Km
Elevation: 1010m
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Starting altitude: 1,925m
Final altitude: 2,685m

Where to sleep at Mount Morungole

Stay at the newly opened Timu Eco-Camp, overlooking the scenic Rift Valley disappearing into the arid lands of Northern Kenya. Visit the Morungole Eco-Camps page for more info and bookings.

Prices

Included

• Experienced guides
• Porters (not for personal items)
• Community contribution
• Local snacks, packed lunch, mango juice and drinking water.

Excluded

• Personal expenditures and tips
• Porters for personal items (ability to book as extra)
• Transportation to and from the starting and finishing point
• Accommodation before and after the trek

What to bring

• A daypack, 21-35L recommended
• Camel Back of 3L
• Outdoor trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for hiking (preferably those that can be confirmed into shorts and foldable-sleeved shirts)
• Rain protective gear (in rainy season April-September)
• Wind stopper coat
• Hiking boots with good grip for trail sections with loose stones and steep rock faces.
• Suncream, cap and/or scarf

What to expect

• There will be no opportunity for bathing during the trek. Bush toilets will be created sustainably.
• Guests carry their own snacks, 3L water and personal belongings for each day during the trek.
• Daytime temperature rises to 35C and evenings and mornings can be windy and as cold as 8C.
• Grass is tall in some sections of the trail so wear something that covers body parts. But which can also be rolled up or zipped off.