The Northern Region of Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area in the Northern Region, is renowned for the spectacular Murchison Falls where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous cascade. The park encompasses diverse landscapes from savannahs to riverine forests and wetlands, supporting a rich variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. 

Visitors can expect exhilarating game drives, boat safaris on the Nile offering close-up views of the falls and abundant birdlife, guided nature walks, and opportunities to interact with local communities. 
The park’s combination of dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife makes it a must-see destination for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in Uganda’s remote Northeastern corner, is famed for its rugged, untamed wilderness and dramatic landscapes of savannah plains, rocky hills, and acacia woodlands. It supports diverse wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and rare species like the African wild dog. 

Visitors can expect authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experiences with fewer crowds, thrilling game drives, birdwatching of over 470 species, and cultural encounters with the indigenous Karamojong and Nubian communities. Kidepo offers a raw, immersive glimpse into Uganda’s wild heritage far from the typical tourist routes.

Mount Moroto

Mount Moroto, rising prominently in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, is an isolated volcanic massif reaching about 2,749 meters. Known for its striking rocky cliffs and unique flora and fauna, the mountain is culturally significant to the local Karamojong people. 

Visitors can expect challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding semi-arid landscapes, encounters with traditional pastoralist communities, and the chance to explore caves and ancient rock art nearby. 
Mount Moroto offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in a less-visited part of Uganda.

Pian Upe Game Reserve

Located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, Pian Upe is the country’s second-largest conservation area. It features vast savanna plains backed by rugged mountains like Mount Kadam. 

Visitors can expect game drives with sightings of zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and the rare cheetah, birdwatching with over 240 species including ostriches and the Karamoja apalis, and cultural encounters with local Karamojong communities. 
Hiking and nature walks reveal caves with ancient rock art and sweeping views across the reserve’s untamed landscapes. 

Karamojong Cultural Experiences

In Uganda’s northeastern Karamoja region, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyle of the Karamojong people—pastoralists known for their distinctive dress, cattle-centered culture, and resilience. 
Expect guided village visits featuring storytelling, traditional dances, and music around the fire, as well as insights into cattle herding, local crafts, and indigenous architecture. 
These experiences offer a deeper understanding of one of Uganda’s most unique and least commercialized cultures.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located in Nakasongola District, approximately 176 km north of Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s sole haven for wild rhinos. Established in 2005 to reintroduce southern white rhinos after their extinction in the country, the sanctuary now hosts over 20 individuals roaming freely within its 70 km² expanse. 

Visitors can embark on guided on-foot rhino trekking, offering close-up encounters with these majestic creatures. Beyond rhinos, the sanctuary boasts over 350 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, and diverse wildlife such as antelopes, monkeys, and reptiles. Additional activities include birdwatching, canoe rides through Lugogo Swamp, nature walks, and night safaris. 
With its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, Ziwa serves as a significant stopover en route to Murchison Falls National Park, providing an immersive wildlife experience.