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Mount Morungole

A mountain on the edge of Kidepo Valley park, home to the Ik, one of Uganda's smallest communities.

Updated 21 October 2026

WhereKaramoja
Nearest cityKaabong
Best seasonJune to September and December to March
Time to allowTwo days
Getting thereOn the southeastern edge of Kidepo Valley National Park; guides and permits required
EntryPark and community fees charged

Morungole rises to around two thousand seven hundred metres on the southeastern edge of Kidepo Valley National Park, and its slopes are the home of the Ik, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Uganda, who hold the mountain sacred. Visits are made on foot from the park side, a hard climb of several hours, and are arranged through the park and the community. Neighbouring heights include Mount Zulia and the Labwor and Dodoth hills.

What you'll find

  • The climb - a hard walk of several hours from the park boundary to the villages.
  • The Ik villages - settlements of one of the smallest communities in the country.
  • The Kidepo view - the valley and the park spread out below the slopes.
  • The mountain's status - a peak held sacred in local tradition.

When to go

June to September and December to March are the drier windows. Early starts are essential for the climb. It is hot on the lower slopes and cool at the top.

Practical notes

The climb is genuinely hard, several hours steeply uphill in heat. Visits must be arranged through the park and the community rather than turning up. The Ik have been written about a great deal by outsiders and visits should be made on their terms.

Nearby

Kidepo Valley National Park is north, and Kaabong is south.

Key facts

Elevation2,749 m (9,019 ft)
Location3.8167° N, 34.0333° E · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q6922300, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Mount Morungole

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Layers for big temperature swings - Warm sun by day, near-freezing at night, even near the equator. Find on Amazon
  • Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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