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Karamoja 3 Mountains Challenge Hiking is not for the faint-hearted. Expect a physical and mental challenge, rich cultural encounters, dramatic scenery and unique biodiversity.
The first edition of the event is taking place from 17th until 22nd November 2023. Read the day-by-day itinerary.
Kara-Tunga Tours and Mountain Slayers Uganda jointly designed an epic hiking challenge in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region! After successful completion, Kara-Tunga is offering this adventure for individual bookings as well. Find out more below and read the day-by-day itinerary.
Put your endurance levels to the test with this week-long Karamoja 3 Mountains Challenge. First, we had the Virungas challenge. Now, we head to Karamoja. 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 Karamoja 3 Mountains Challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains of the southern Karamoja sub-region located in Northern 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.
| height | ascend | duration | distance | |
| Mount Kadam | 3063m | 2667m | 2 days | 30Km |
| Mount Moroto | 3083m | 1500m | 1 day | 18Km |
| Mount Napak | 2537m | 1275m | 1 day | 21Km |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Self-reliant | |||||
| Full board |
Find more information on the Terms & Conditions page.
During the trip, you will carry your bag (with tent, water, etc.) up the mountain, cook your own food and practice self-reliance.
You will also caretaker of your transport and that of the lead guide(s) in between the campsites and hiking starting points. We provide 1 lead guide per trip who will accompany you during the entire challenge. The lead guide will be assisted by an extra local guide for every mountain.
Karamoja is a remote region of Uganda, and trails are still being established. We encourage you to pack smart and light. Share weight with friends, including tents and snacks. Use our packing list below to ensure you have everything.
Packing list
Since we are carrying our bags up Kadam, we have included a packing list for your mountain pack. You will leave the rest of your stuff at base camp.
| Day 1 | Drive to Moroto We will leave Kampala at 8 am. The drive to Mount Moroto is expected to take around 10 hours, with a lunch stop (out-of-pocket expense) on the way. Dinner will be awaiting us at camp. |
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| Day 2 | Climb Mount Moroto Wake up early for a hearty breakfast, off for our hike no later than 7:30 am. After meeting your local guides and greeting the people in your path, begin your hike on the footpath behind Kodonyo HC II, starting on a flat expanse of homesteads and sunflower fields, the mountain’s ridges and exposed granite walls ahead of you. You will steadily traverse the ridge to the summit, and descend the way you came. The group will make its way to Nakapirpirit to camp at Terrace Eco Tourism Garden. We will enjoy a campfire and party at the campsite under the stars! |
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| Day 3 | Climb Mount Kadam We will begin our hike no later than 8 am sharp after the Moroto-only hikers depart for Kampala via Mbale. Following a hearty breakfast, we will walk to our trailhead 2 km down the road and receive a briefing by our guides. Hikers will need to carry their full gear (incl. tents and food) up the mountain – so make sure to pack light. The reward is a beautiful wild camping spot with views to die for. Leave your packs at base camp and head for the final stretch to the summit which includes steep rocks and beautiful forest vegetation. A packed lunch is a must. We shall then have to prepare a communal dinner. |
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| Day 4 | Descend Mount Kadam We will wake up to a gorgeous sunrise at our campsite, and cook a communal breakfast. Afterwards, we will descend the mountain, look for monkeys in the forest, and have lunch at Terrace Eco Tourism Gardens before making our way to Iriri. We will camp at Pilas Primary School in Lothaa village, with breathtaking views of the mountain above you. Make sure your day pack, is ready the night before. We will have dinner and a cosy campfire, don’t forget to look at the stars! |
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| Day 5 | Climb Mount Napak Wake up early, and after a 7:30 am breakfast, we will take a winding route up the steep sides of Napak, crossing homesteads, rocky plateaus and ravines. Be cautious that there are two scrambling sections, one on bare, exposed rock and one in a beautiful, verdant forest. We will take a different route down the mountain for more stunning views and an easier descent. Return to camp in Iriri for a campfire and celebrate conquering Karamoja’s three highest peaks! |
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| Day 6 | Drive to Kampala Departure to Kampala will be at 8 am sharp. Lunch en route will again be an out-of-pocket expense . |
