Best Places to Visit in Northern Uganda

Best Places to Visit in Northern Uganda

Looking for the best places to visit in northern Uganda wondering where to visit for a tour in northern Uganda? In this article, we delve into the top and best tourist destinations or places worth a visit in northern Uganda.

Uganda is located in the eastern region of Africa within the Great Lakes region. Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan border the country. The country comprises four regions: the northern, eastern, southern, and western regions. Each Uganda region has different destinations, making it different from the other. The Northern region is one of the great destinations to visit in Uganda which has several attractions and best place for travelers on their Uganda safari. A semi-arid and tropical-type climate covers the area. The Nilotic group covers this region made up of different tribes. The region is a great place for travelers on their Uganda safaris to visit and make their safari dreams come true. The best places in Northern Uganda include;

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in northeastern Uganda at the border of South Sudan. The park is one of the isolated destinations in Uganda which is less visited by travelers on their Uganda safaris. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to wildlife which are seen within the park. It is divided into two valleys that is the Narus valley and the Kidepo valley. In the valleys, there is wildlife that travelers encounter during the Uganda safaris. The Narus Valley is the dominant wildlife since this valley has a lot of water for the wildlife.

On the other hand, Kidepo Valley is dry and there is usually less wildlife encountered. Safari activities in this park include the game drive, birding, cultural encounters, and nature walks. Wildlife encountered are lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, zebras, and many others. The park is home to over 450 bird species which are encountered by travelers. The IK and the Karimajong are the communities that are dotted around the park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and it is the largest park in Uganda and one of the most visited parks in Uganda. This park was initially known as the Kabalega National Park. More so, this park hosts the world’s strongest falls the Murchison Falls which is within the park. It is home to a variety of wildlife like lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and many others. Furthermore, the park is also home to the large primates chimpanzees which are found within the Budongo forest. The activities that travelers engage in are game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birding, boat cruises, and many others.

Mountain Moroto

Mount Moroto is within northeastern Uganda. This is the volcanic Mountain which is with the semi-arid region of Uganda. This is one of the best places to visit in northern Uganda and create everlasting memories. Mount Moroto has numerous volcanic peaks for travelers to encounter during the safari. The mountain is within the Karamoja region. Mountain Moroto is a chain of Volcanoes that combines mountain Elgon, Morungole, and Kadam which are all at the border of Uganda and Kenya. Mount Morungole has an arid forest that is home to over 220 bird species. Also, small primates and cats are in this forest.

Aruu falls

The Aruu Falls are located in northern Uganda in the Pader district and they are worth a visit. These falls are within the Acholi-Lango region. Aruu Falls is a great destination for viewing where the waters are seen flowing through the rocks plied like steps. The waters are from different streams and they include Ryanga, Awilo Yaa, Akweyo, Wang Okiye, Lacee, Okellogem, and Lanya Kweyo. Additionally, Aruu Falls are encountered through rock climbing and hiking through the rocky highlands. While at the Arru Falls, the activities that travelers can do include swimming, camping, waterfalls viewing, community walks, and birding.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve

Ajai Wildlife Reserve is located within the West Nile region and it was gazette in 1962 as a Rhino reserve. The reserve originates its name from the local chief who was protecting the reserve called Chief Ajai. In this reserve, there were over 60 to 80 rhinos which were all hunted down by poachers. Currently, the wildlife in the park includes warthogs, sitatunga, kobs, common duikers, vervet monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, pythons, and many others.

Pian upe National Reserve

This reserve is one of the largest reserves which are located in northern Uganda in the Karamoja region. The reserve stretches from mountain Kadima to the border of Uganda and Kenya. Pian Upe Reserve is made up of savannah grasslands and the wetland type of vegetation. Wildlife species in Pian Upe Reserve include lions, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, gazelles, topis, heartbeasts, and many others.

Bakers Fort or Fort Patiko

Fort Patio is located within Gulu in the Acholi region. It was built by Sir Samuel Baker during the colonial time as a military base. The fort was built during the Nile exploration which attracted several explorers and missionaries. To ensure their safety, they set up a military base to guard them and ensure safety. The other aim of the fort was to fight against the slavery trade which was much promoted by the Arabs in this region. As you plan to visit Northern Uganda, Fort Patiko is also another great destination to visit.

Bokora Wildlife Reserve

One of the best places to visit in northern Uganda is Bokora Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is made up of plateaus with few inselbergs within the south of the Karamoja region. It was established in 1964 to ensure the free movement of wildlife in the region. Within the reserve, there are several wildlife which includes; giraffes, elands, Uganda kobs, kudu, cheetahs, topis, striped hyenas, ostriches, and many others.

Metheniko Game Reserve

This reserve was also established in 1964 as a controlled hunting area for the Karamoja region. It is part of the Karamoja plateau which is near the east African rift valley escarpment on the border of Uganda and Kenya. Wildlife in this area includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, roan antelope, and many others.

What is the best time to visit the Northern region?

The northern region of Uganda is open for tourists to visit throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season June to September and December to February. During this time, the region is dry and clear for animal viewing and other activities within the region. Book your safari to northern Uganda anytime anywhere.