×

Uganda🇺🇬 | townsMorotoGranite peak, Karamojong herders, bead markets | things to do and best time to go

Explore KabaleExplore Kitgum

Backpacking in Moroto
🏆 Top picktown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Moroto is the launchpad for Mount Moroto and the Karamoja plains, and the overlooked draw is the Karamojong themselves: cattle herders whose bead-trimmed blankets, stools and kraals you meet on every walk. The town sits in the northeast of Uganda, a dusty trading hub under a jagged granite peak. Streets are red dirt and tin-roofed shops, and the market rewards a wander with fresh mangoes, roasted maize and local beadwork. Evenings are quiet, with a few guesthouses, simple restaurants and almost no other backpackers, so you make friends with guides and locals instead. Getting here takes effort, which keeps it raw. I would hire a local guide on day one through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or your guesthouse, because it turns a hot trudge into a story-filled climb. Adventurous, flexible, self-sufficient travelers will love it. Anyone wanting nightlife, polish or fast Wi-Fi won’t.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Uganda Travel Guide.
Safety warning

The current risk level for Uganda is high. Check the advice before going.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in UgandaThe unique appeal for travelers

Moroto works as a base for people who want northern Uganda without a tour bus in sight. The big draw is Mount Moroto, a rocky massif you can climb with a ranger or guide for sweeping views over the plains toward Kenya. Add the chance to visit a Karamojong manyatta (homestead cluster) with a guide, where you can learn about cattle, dress and ceremony in context. Most travelers stay two or three nights, since the hikes and village visits need arranging a day ahead and the heat favors early starts. Guesthouses here are small and basic, and meals revolve around posho, beans, goat and rice. It is quiet and not very social, which suits solo travelers, hikers and slow travelers who like talking with local guides. Pair it with Nakapiripirit and Kidepo Valley National Park further along the northern … read more 👉
Moroto works as a base for people who want northern Uganda without a tour bus in sight. The big draw is Mount Moroto, a rocky massif you can climb with a ranger or guide for sweeping views over the plains toward Kenya. Add the chance to visit a Karamojong manyatta (homestead cluster) with a guide, where you can learn about cattle, dress and ceremony in context. Most travelers stay two or three nights, since the hikes and village visits need arranging a day ahead and the heat favors early starts. Guesthouses here are small and basic, and meals revolve around posho, beans, goat and rice. It is quiet and not very social, which suits solo travelers, hikers and slow travelers who like talking with local guides. Pair it with Nakapiripirit and Kidepo Valley National Park further along the northern circuit. If you need comfort, nightlife or easy transport, treat it as a short stop.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Mount Moroto: The town’s landmark, a granite peak with forest patches and views across the plains. Guided hikes run from a few hours to a full day, with a typical cost of US$20 to 50 including guide and permit. Start at dawn, and choose the dry months for firm trails.
  2. Moroto Market: A working market where Karamojong women sell beads, grains, vegetables and sandals. Entry is free, and an hour is plenty. Go in the morning when stalls are busiest and it is not too hot.
  3. Karamojong manyatta visit: A guided visit to a homestead cluster outside town to see dwellings, livestock and dress. Expect around US$15 to 40 for guide and community contribution, over 2 to 3 hours. Early morning or late afternoon suits both the herds and your energy.
  4. Moroto Hill viewpoint: A short climb on the low slopes behind
… read more 👉
  1. Mount Moroto: The town’s landmark, a granite peak with forest patches and views across the plains. Guided hikes run from a few hours to a full day, with a typical cost of US$20 to 50 including guide and permit. Start at dawn, and choose the dry months for firm trails.
  2. Moroto Market: A working market where Karamojong women sell beads, grains, vegetables and sandals. Entry is free, and an hour is plenty. Go in the morning when stalls are busiest and it is not too hot.
  3. Karamojong manyatta visit: A guided visit to a homestead cluster outside town to see dwellings, livestock and dress. Expect around US$15 to 40 for guide and community contribution, over 2 to 3 hours. Early morning or late afternoon suits both the herds and your energy.
  4. Moroto Hill viewpoint: A short climb on the low slopes behind the town for a view over tin roofs, plains and the peak. It is free, takes about an hour, and golden late afternoon is best for photographs.
  5. Karamoja craft shops: Small stalls and community groups sell beadwork, stools and woven baskets, with prices from about US$2 to 25. Allow 30 to 60 minutes. Buying here puts money directly into local households.
For day trips, consider Nakapiripirit, the Tepeth hills and Kidepo Valley National Park, all reachable with a guide or arranged transport. Start with Mount Moroto, since morning is the coolest time and the climb sets the stage for everything else you will see.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Moroto is small enough to cover on foot or by boda, and each pocket has its own pace. Start walking early, before the Karamoja sun gets serious.
  • Town Center and Main Street: The dusty trading strip around the market and the taxi park is where you shop for water, airtime and fruit. Karamojong women in bright shawls and beaded necklaces sell sorghum, beans and vegetables, and you leave with a real feel for the region. Fully walkable in 20 minutes.
  • Moroto Mountain Foothills: Streets climb toward the rocky bulk of the mountain that looms over every view. Quiet lanes, goats and mud-brick compounds give way to trailheads, and from the lower slopes you see the whole plain stretching toward Kenya. Walk it or hop on a boda.
  • Rupa and the Outskirts: Out along the Kotido and Nakapiripirit roads, you find
… read more 👉
Moroto is small enough to cover on foot or by boda, and each pocket has its own pace. Start walking early, before the Karamoja sun gets serious.
  • Town Center and Main Street: The dusty trading strip around the market and the taxi park is where you shop for water, airtime and fruit. Karamojong women in bright shawls and beaded necklaces sell sorghum, beans and vegetables, and you leave with a real feel for the region. Fully walkable in 20 minutes.
  • Moroto Mountain Foothills: Streets climb toward the rocky bulk of the mountain that looms over every view. Quiet lanes, goats and mud-brick compounds give way to trailheads, and from the lower slopes you see the whole plain stretching toward Kenya. Walk it or hop on a boda.
  • Rupa and the Outskirts: Out along the Kotido and Nakapiripirit roads, you find the manyattas (traditional homesteads), cattle herds and open plains. Go with a local guide, then sit under an acacia and watch herders move their animals at dusk.
  • Evening Spots Near the Main Road: A few bars and roadside grills fire up after dark, serving grilled goat and cold sodas or beer. Expect low-key conversation with NGO workers and locals, not clubs. Short boda rides link them.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

7:00 AM, Mount Moroto trailhead: Start early with your guide, because the climb is cooler now and the plains look clearest. Walk through scrub and rock for views toward Kenya, then descend by late morning.
11:30 AM, Guesthouse breakfast stop: Refuel with eggs, chapati and tea near the town center, and rest your legs before walking on.
1:00 PM, Moroto Market: Stroll the stalls for fruit, beadwork and sandals. Chat with sellers, buy a few mangoes, and see how daily trade works.
2:30 PM, Local lunch: Try goat stew or beans with posho at a simple eatery, and linger out of the midday heat.
4:00 PM, Karamoja craft shops: Visit a women’s craft group and buy a bracelet or small basket directly from the maker, which is rarely on a standard itinerary.
5:30 PM, Moroto Hill viewpoint: Walk up for a gentler … read more 👉
7:00 AM, Mount Moroto trailhead: Start early with your guide, because the climb is cooler now and the plains look clearest. Walk through scrub and rock for views toward Kenya, then descend by late morning.
11:30 AM, Guesthouse breakfast stop: Refuel with eggs, chapati and tea near the town center, and rest your legs before walking on.
1:00 PM, Moroto Market: Stroll the stalls for fruit, beadwork and sandals. Chat with sellers, buy a few mangoes, and see how daily trade works.
2:30 PM, Local lunch: Try goat stew or beans with posho at a simple eatery, and linger out of the midday heat.
4:00 PM, Karamoja craft shops: Visit a women’s craft group and buy a bracelet or small basket directly from the maker, which is rarely on a standard itinerary.
5:30 PM, Moroto Hill viewpoint: Walk up for a gentler climb and watch the light soften across the roofs and the peak. Take water and a torch for the way down.
7:30 PM, Dinner in town: Finish with a plate of rice, greens and grilled meat, then an early night before another dawn start.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (December to February): Hot, dusty and clear, with highs near 32 to 35°C (90 to 95°F) and nights around 20°C (68°F). Mountain views are sharpest and trails are firm. Daylight runs about 12 hours.
  • Long Rains (March to May): Showers turn dirt roads to mud and make some routes slow. Highs fall to about 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), the plains turn green and few tourists appear.
  • Cooler Mid-Year (June to August): Mostly drier, with highs of 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F). Good for hiking and village visits, with lighter showers.
  • Short Rains (September to November): Afternoon storms, fresh landscapes and quiet guesthouses. Roads can get tricky.
Guide and vehicle prices barely shift by season, so choose by road conditions and book hikes for mornings, when it is coolest.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
uganda-city-moroto
© Google |

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutUganda Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Uganda
The digital guide (372 pages) contains:
✅ 96 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The best budget base in Moroto is the central area around the main street and taxi park, with the lower slopes of Moroto Mountain as a quieter second choice. Dedicated hostels are rare in town, so budget beds mean simple guesthouses and lodges with private rooms, often US$8 to 20 a night, and a few with dorm-style or camping options.

The center puts you within walking distance of the market, money agents, restaurants and the taxi park, so early departures are simple. Boda drivers are easy to find at night. Noise comes from the main road, trucks and early morning roosters, so earplugs help. Streets … read more 👉
The best budget base in Moroto is the central area around the main street and taxi park, with the lower slopes of Moroto Mountain as a quieter second choice. Dedicated hostels are rare in town, so budget beds mean simple guesthouses and lodges with private rooms, often US$8 to 20 a night, and a few with dorm-style or camping options.

The center puts you within walking distance of the market, money agents, restaurants and the taxi park, so early departures are simple. Boda drivers are easy to find at night. Noise comes from the main road, trucks and early morning roosters, so earplugs help. Streets are dim after dark, so use a short boda ride rather than walking back late.

The foothills side is calmer, with cooler breezes and views of the mountain, and it is closer to hiking trailheads. You lose the walk-everywhere ease, and options are fewer, so book ahead in the busiest months. Power and water interruptions happen in both areas, so carry a headlamp and keep your phone charged.
Best hostels in Uganda


Best quality hotels in Uganda

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

Hiring a private special-hire vehicle for every errand is the quickest way to burn cash in Moroto, when boda bodas and your own feet cover almost everything. The center is compact, flat and walkable, traffic is light, and the only real transport hassle is the long haul in and out. Public minibuses run on a leave-when-full basis, so patience matters.
  • Walking: Free and fast for the market, shops and the foothills lanes. You pass goat herds, drying sorghum and kids who wave, and you get the best views of the mountain.
  • Boda boda (motorbike taxi): US$0.50 to 2 for most town rides, US$3 to 8 to trailheads or nearby villages. Agree the fare first, and ask for a helmet. Rides run from dawn to about 9 pm, and you roll through dust with a wide-open view of the plain.
  • Minibus and shared taxi: From the taxi
… read more 👉
Hiring a private special-hire vehicle for every errand is the quickest way to burn cash in Moroto, when boda bodas and your own feet cover almost everything. The center is compact, flat and walkable, traffic is light, and the only real transport hassle is the long haul in and out. Public minibuses run on a leave-when-full basis, so patience matters.
  • Walking: Free and fast for the market, shops and the foothills lanes. You pass goat herds, drying sorghum and kids who wave, and you get the best views of the mountain.
  • Boda boda (motorbike taxi): US$0.50 to 2 for most town rides, US$3 to 8 to trailheads or nearby villages. Agree the fare first, and ask for a helmet. Rides run from dawn to about 9 pm, and you roll through dust with a wide-open view of the plain.
  • Minibus and shared taxi: From the taxi park to Mbale or Soroti, expect US$8 to 14 and 5 to 7 hours on rough roads, with more leaving in the morning. Kotido and Nakapiripirit are cheaper and closer. You sit among traders and sacks, and the landscape through the window is the payoff.
  • Long-distance bus toward Kampala: Typically US$14 to 22, taking 10 to 12 hours, mostly leaving early morning. Book a seat the day before so you are not stuck at the stage.
  • Private hire: US$60 to 100 a day for a 4x4 with driver, the practical choice for remote manyattas and Kidepo-bound routes. Split the cost with other travelers.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Moroto can be done on about US$38 to 55 a day, with US$47 as a realistic total for a backpacker staying in a basic guesthouse. Prices run higher than in southern Uganda because goods travel a long way, and everything is paid in cash.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm/Budget Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 20Dorms are rare, so you take a simple guesthouse room; about US$14 in low season.
MealsUS$8 to 14Rolex, beans and posho, grilled goat and fish at local eateries; a restaurant meal costs US$4 to 7.
Local TransportUS$3 to 8Short boda rides cost US$0.50 to 2, while trailhead trips cost more.
Basic Activities/Entry FeesUS$10 to 25Guided hikes and village visits, mostly US$20 to 40 for a full guided day.
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 6Water, airtime, snacks and small tips.
Total Daily BudgetUS$47Range
… read more 👉
Moroto can be done on about US$38 to 55 a day, with US$47 as a realistic total for a backpacker staying in a basic guesthouse. Prices run higher than in southern Uganda because goods travel a long way, and everything is paid in cash.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm/Budget Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 20Dorms are rare, so you take a simple guesthouse room; about US$14 in low season.
MealsUS$8 to 14Rolex, beans and posho, grilled goat and fish at local eateries; a restaurant meal costs US$4 to 7.
Local TransportUS$3 to 8Short boda rides cost US$0.50 to 2, while trailhead trips cost more.
Basic Activities/Entry FeesUS$10 to 25Guided hikes and village visits, mostly US$20 to 40 for a full guided day.
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 6Water, airtime, snacks and small tips.
Total Daily BudgetUS$47Range of US$38 to 55 depending on activities.
Split guide and vehicle costs with other travelers, which can cut your activity spend in half.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Moroto works as a day-trip base only if you hire a guide or vehicle, since public transport to the sights is thin and distances are long.
Moroto Mountain Hike:
The peak looms over town and a guided climb gives huge views across the Karamoja plains. Allow 5 to 7 hours round trip, with a guide and permit costing roughly US$20 to 40. Start at dawn, because the midday heat punishes anyone who sets out late, and bring 3 liters of water.

Karamojong Manyatta Visit:
A village visit shows homesteads, cattle and beadwork, with dancing sometimes arranged. Go with a local guide, since turning up unannounced is rude. Expect US$10 to 25 including a bike ride, and keep it to a morning when families are home.

Nakapiripirit and Mount Kadam Area:
The road south crosses open plains toward Mount Kadam foothills … read more 👉
Moroto works as a day-trip base only if you hire a guide or vehicle, since public transport to the sights is thin and distances are long.
Moroto Mountain Hike:
The peak looms over town and a guided climb gives huge views across the Karamoja plains. Allow 5 to 7 hours round trip, with a guide and permit costing roughly US$20 to 40. Start at dawn, because the midday heat punishes anyone who sets out late, and bring 3 liters of water.

Karamojong Manyatta Visit:
A village visit shows homesteads, cattle and beadwork, with dancing sometimes arranged. Go with a local guide, since turning up unannounced is rude. Expect US$10 to 25 including a bike ride, and keep it to a morning when families are home.

Nakapiripirit and Mount Kadam Area:
The road south crosses open plains toward Mount Kadam foothills and lush forest, a cooler contrast. Plan 2 to 3 hours each way by shared transport or hired vehicle, and US$15 to 40 total. Dry season keeps the road passable.

Kidepo Valley Gateway Road:
The drive north toward Kotido and Kidepo shows wide savannah and herders, though Kidepo itself is too far for a day. A hired 4x4 to Kotido costs US$60 to 100 for the day. Many first-timers underestimate how rough the road is, so leave early.
👉 Explore Kotido

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Moroto is calm for visitors, and most problems are practical rather than criminal. Keep walks to the center and foothills in daylight, since streets are dark at night and a short boda ride is easy and cheap. Solo travelers, including women, generally do fine by dressing modestly and greeting people, but avoid isolated paths after dusk.

Petty theft is occasional around the market and taxi park, so keep your phone and cash zipped away. Photographing people without asking causes friction, and some will request payment, so ask first and respect a no. Cattle-related tensions have affected parts of Karamoja, so check local advice before heading to remote villages and go with a guide. Boda drivers may quote high prices to visitors, so agree the fare first. Drink bottled or treated water, and carry … read more 👉
Moroto is calm for visitors, and most problems are practical rather than criminal. Keep walks to the center and foothills in daylight, since streets are dark at night and a short boda ride is easy and cheap. Solo travelers, including women, generally do fine by dressing modestly and greeting people, but avoid isolated paths after dusk.

Petty theft is occasional around the market and taxi park, so keep your phone and cash zipped away. Photographing people without asking causes friction, and some will request payment, so ask first and respect a no. Cattle-related tensions have affected parts of Karamoja, so check local advice before heading to remote villages and go with a guide. Boda drivers may quote high prices to visitors, so agree the fare first. Drink bottled or treated water, and carry sun protection, because heat is the most common trouble.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Moroto is worth visiting if you want Karamoja rather than a quick stop. The mountain hike takes 5 to 7 hours, and manyatta visits cost roughly US$10 to 25 with a guide. Travelers heading to Kidepo Valley often pass through, but staying gives you the market, the plains and a very different Uganda.
Moroto rewards two to three days. One day covers the Moroto Mountain climb, another a manyatta visit and market walk, and a third can add a trip toward Mount Kadam. Getting in from Mbale takes 5 to 7 hours, so the journey eats time too.
Moroto is too remote to do as a day trip from a nearby city. Mbale is 5 to 7 hours away by minibus at about US$8 to 14, and Kampala 10 to 12 hours. Staying at least one night makes sense, and a hiking day alone uses most daylight.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ugandan towns near Moroto

Explore more nearby:

  • Amudat—Livestock market, Pokot beadwork, dry-plains viewpoint| 71 km away
  • Nakapiripirit—Pian Upe gateway, Tuesday livestock market, Karimojong plains| 76 km away
  • Kotido—Karimojong beadwork, goat trade, manyatta visits| 81 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Uganda including Moroto and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all towns

Or checkout all Uganda has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Uganda
Country photo of Uganda
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Moroto suits curious, self-reliant travelers who like quiet towns, long walks and learning from local guides. Skip it if you need comfort or a social scene. I would book a guide early and bring small bills for markets and craft stalls.

✈️ When did I visit Uganda?
In September 2019 I have done a backpacking trip through Uganda. Seeing gorillas in the wild from up close was a pure unexpected highlight!

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Uganda, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story