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Size
483 km- excluding surrounding areas.
Location
In the extreme East of Uganda, in Moroto District.
Description
Mount Moroto, located in the Karamoja province of Uganda lies in Moroto District in the extreme East of Uganda, bordering the districts of Kenya further East, Kotido in the North, Lira and Soroti to the west and Kumi, Mbale, Kapchorwa in the South.
It is the most accessible place to see some of the dry northeastern beauty of Uganda. Ranging from 920-3084m above sea level, Mount Moroto is one of a chain of volcanoes along the Uganda – Kenya border that begins with Mount Elgon in the south and includes Mounts Kadam and Morungole. Moroto is a forest reserve protecting a range of habitats from arid thorn savanna to dry montane forest. Much as a long hike is required to reach the higher areas, excellent and thorn savanna and rocky slopes are accessible from the town at the foot of the mountain. Moroto can be accessed either from Mbale or thru Soroti towns. In both routes, several species of birds will be seen. The area is basically habitat to dry combretum and Acacia savanna, dry montane. It is also habitat to a recorded 225 species of birds key of which include the Stone Partridge, Black-headed Plover, White-bellied Go-away Bird, Jackson’ Hornbill, Hemp Rich’s Hornbill, Silver bird, Grey-headed and Pygmy Batises, Bristle-crowned and Superb Starlings, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Purple Grenadier and Straw-tailed Whydah.
Activities
- Hiking and Climbing the Volcanoes.
This is of international significance to mountain climbers. The lower hills that lie adjacent to the mountain offer opportunity for hill hiking to the less experienced visitor.
- Birding
Other than the mountain climbing, birding has a lot to offer in this area. In the Moroto region is a recorded 225 species of birds, key of which include the Stone Partridge, Black-headed Plover, White-bellied Go-away Bird, Jackson’ Hornbill, Hemp Rich’s Hornbill, Shoe bill, Silver bird, Grey-headed and Pygmy Batises, Bristle-crowned and Superb Starlings, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Purple Grenadier and Straw-tailed Whydah. Birding starts right from Mbale on your way to Moroto whether thru the Mbale route or the Soroti route.
- Pian-Upe, Bokora and Matheniko Wildlife Reserves
The Reserves stretch into each other covering the north, north-west and western areas of Moroto district; bordering Kapchorwa, Mbale, Kumi, Katakwi, Lira and Kotido districts. The areas of the Reserves are habitat to significant numbers of game species due to the various rivers and green river valleys. The animals include buffalos, hyenas, Dik-Dik, the Greater and Lesser Kudus. Others are: Topis, Zebras, Oryx, Jackson Herte Beasts, Oribi and Ostriches. Occasionally, Kenyan Zebras also wander from Kenya through the Pian-Upe Reserve.
The Reserves are traditionally popular for game drives.
- Community/Cultural tourism
The culture and way of life of the Karamajong, including the design of their homesteads (Manyatas) are an important attraction for visitors to the region. The scanty traditional wear is also an important attraction even to domestic tourists to the region.
- Crafts and Souvenirs Industry
Karamajong stools and sticks are commonly on sale in Moroto town. The hard wood from the region is popular for making of crafts and souvenirs.
Other attractions on Mount Moroto include the scenery of the hanging cliffs, unique montane vegetation, the Forest Reserve, primates and large numbers of Oribi.
Visiting Time
All year round is a good visit. However, it is necessary to travel with a Four Wheel Drive especially during the rainy season.
Please contact us for more information and further inquiries:
office@equatorialwildsafaris.com
Yours- EWS Team
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