Mount Morungole in Karamoja region is among the main tourist attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park. This rugged stunning mountain near the border of South Sudan in the north eastern part of Uganda is famous for being the home of the Mountainous People (IK) – the smallest ethnic group of Uganda holding a unique culture. These people refer to it as their sacred place.

Although there are various mountains in Kidepo National Park, Mount Morungole- 2,750m high above sea level overlooking Kidepo plains is among the key mountains. Some of the neighboring peaks to Morungole include Mount Zulia, Labwor and Dodoth Hills which rise about 2000m in elevation.

Kidepo park Mount Morungole might not be as tall as other mountains in Uganda but, it offers one of the best hiking experiences in Uganda.

Tourists on Uganda wildlife safaris in Kidepo park should never miss the Morungole Mount hike! In most cases, this adventure is supplemented by other game-viewing activities in Kidepo such as game drives, bird watching and even nature walks. During the Mountain Morungole hike, you’ll spot beautiful birds, wildlife, and even scenic vegetation.

A guided hike to the top of Morungole Mountain takes about 2-3 hours. While descending, you can take around 1.5 hours. The hike can be tiresome however, no previous hiking experience is needed. You’ll enjoy a cultural tour with the Ik people.

Tourist Attractions in Mount Morungole

Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Mountain Morungole to explore;

1. The IK People in Morungole Mountain

The IK people are popularly known for their remarkable unique culture. These people on the slopes of Mt Morungole used to dwell in Kidepo Valley National park but, were evacuated by the government when the area was gazetted a park in 1962.

Some of these people migrated to Morungole Mountain slopes, where they built permanent dwellings. The IK people reside in small groups of roughly 100 people on Mountain Morungole, and their homes are fenced in undisclosed.

You can climb Mt Morungole to meet the IK people and spend the day learning about their culture. The community of IK people includes a troupe of dancers who entertain tourists with traditional music and dances.

Visitors to their community can also learn about the tribe’s origins and history.

2. Beautiful Birds on Morungole Mountain Slopes

The lush vegetation along the slopes of Morungole Mountain in Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a variety of bird species that can be spotted during the hike.

Although this area is not among the ideal places for bird watching in Kidepo, it holds some amazing birds worth watching! If you love birding, come with binoculars with you.

Among the various birds in Morungole Mountain include; Red throated bee-eater, Golden pipit, White-bellied go-away bird, Fox kestrel, Pygmy falcon, Rose-ringed parakeet, Little bee-eaters, Dark chanting goshawk, Jackson’s hornbill, Purple grenadier, Red and yellow barbet, Abyssinian scimitar bill, and Chestnut weaver, among others.

3. Amazing Wildlife

Out of the 77 mammal species recorded in Kidepo park, some can be spotted along the slopes of Mountain Morungole by lucky travelers. There are no game drives but, during the hike, it’s possible to spot some of these game animals for instance, Hartebeests, Warthogs, Side Stripped Jackals, Dik-dik, and many others.

4. Scenic Rivers

Mountain Morungole has a considerable impact on the drainage system in Kidepo National Park because the sources of the Narus and Kidepo Rivers are located here.

The Kidepo and Narus Rivers are the main water systems within Kidepo Valley National Park, providing water to numerous wildlife in the park. For instance, in the Narus Valley during game drives, you can spot big herds of Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Topis, Hartebeests, Common Elands, Mountain Reedbucks, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Lions, and Leopards, etc.

Normally, the beautiful Kidepo River dries up in the dry season

Main Tourist Activities in Mount Morungole in Kidepo Park

Putting aside the enjoyment of the incredible natural views of the Karamoja plains you will get during the Morungole hike, there are other things to do on your visit to this mountain- with the highest point in Kidepo park.

These are the things to do in Morungole Mountain during a wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley Park;

a. Visiting the IK People

Kidepo cultural highlight! Uganda cultural tours with the IK is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Mountain Morungole. As earlier told you that, these people (living on Morungole Mountain slopes) make the smallest ethnic group in Uganda with a population of around 10,000 people.

On this cultural tour in Kidepo, a local guide and knowledgeable game ranger guide will lead the visit to the fabled IK community. Expect to spend almost a whole day in an authentic African village interacting with these wonderful local people as you discover their unique cultures and practices. The local traditions and customs of the IK are worth exploring.

After learning about their customs and beliefs, you’ll enjoy their traditional songs and even cultural dances which are mostly displayed in cultural ceremonies like marriage and upon reaching success in the community.

b.    Hiking Mount Morungole

Taking the Mt Morungole hike during your wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is the best way to explore the exciting & breathtaking views of Narus plains. The beautiful sights create an illusion of rocks that are about to fall over Kaabong at any time!

This hike takes you through the community of IK people and a cultural experience can be enjoyed here then embark on your climb.

The actual summit of Mountain Morungole (at 2,750m high) is believed to be a sacred place for the IK. Therefore, it’s of immense spiritual significance and this summit is out of bounds to visitors. However, this mountain has another alternative peak that visitors usually reach out to and offers views of the exciting and dramatic landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park.

Climbing the stunning Mountain Morungole takes about 2-3 hours and descending can be around 1.5 hours. The hike is technically easy with no previous mountain hiking experience needed as it’s with other Mountains in Uganda such as the Rwenzori Mountains- dabbed the mountains of the moon due to its snowcapped whiteness.

Since the hike takes you through the homes of the IK, we strongly recommend that you use local guides (a Karamojong or IK person) to avoid misunderstandings.

This hike requires you to put on sturdy mountain hiking boots and never leave your camera behind!

The Best Time to Hike Mount Morungole in Kidepo Valley National Park

Travelers can visit Kidepo park to hike Mount Morungole almost any time of year, however, some months are more pleasant than others. The dry season months of June to September and December to February are ideal for safaris in Kidepo and hiking Mount Morungole since they have low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

Mt Morungole hiking routes are dry and easy to navigate during the dry season. Though it’s possible to climb it in the rainy season (March to May & October to November), the roads that go to Morungole Mountain sometimes become extremely difficult to access.  Therefore, it’s better to hike in the dry months.

On your visit, ensure to refuel the vehicle in Kaabong as there are no petrol stations between this area and Kitgum.

How to Get to Kidepo Valley National Park Mount Morungole?

Traveling to Kidepo park- Uganda’s park on the south boundary of Southern Sudan in northeastern Uganda is easy. This transfer from Kampala or Entebbe can be by road or air however, most Uganda tours to Kidepo are by road.

Getting to Kidepo Mountain Morungole By Road

These are the different routes that take you to Kidepo;

• Kampala-Karuma-Lira-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo- takes around 705km, 12 hours drive
• Kampala-Karuma-Gulu-Kitgum-Kidepo- about 571km, 10 hours- the most popular
• Kampala- Mbale- Soroti- Moroto- Kotido- Kabong- Kidepo- roughly 792km 13 hours
• Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo- approximately 740km, 12 hours

Each route is unique in its one way, contact our team for details. All the routes are scenic with numerous stopovers along. It’s better to use a 4WD vehicle as you transfer to Kidepo- a beautiful wilderness separated mainly by two rivers Kidepo and Narus Rivers. Some road conditions are poor.

Getting to Kidepo park by air

There are scheduled domestic flights to Kidepo airport (Apoka Airstrip) from Kajjansi or Entebbe provided by Aerolink Uganda Ltd. Normally, these flights are used by tourists on Uganda luxury safari tours.

Kidepo National Park Accommodation- Where to Stay During Your Mountain Morungole Hiking Tour?

You’ll find various lodges in Kidepo park offering various classes of accommodation from budget, midrange, and luxury. Depending on your budget and choice, you’ll choose the kind of facility to use.

The following is the best Kidepo accommodation;

1. Apoka Safari Lodge– luxury
2. Adere Safari Lodge- standard
3. Kidepo Savannah Lodge- standard
4. Nga Moru Wilderness Camp- standard
5. Apoka Rest Camp

If interested in exploring Mount Morungole during your Uganda wildlife safaris in Kidepo park, for a rewarding trip you should supplement other safari activities in Kidepo. Among these include game drives in Narus Valley where you’ll spot numerous game animals such as large Buffalo herds, Zebras, Elephants, Hartebeests, Cheetahs, Lions, and Leopards, among others.

Don’t look any further, travel with us for a wonderful adventure!