North of Kotido, the road climbs into a bowl of mountains and hills. This is Dodoth country, the district of Kaabong, one of the wildest corners of Uganda. It is the land of Mount Morungole, of the Ik people who live high on its flanks, and of the roads that lead on to Kidepo Valley National Park. Kaabong is remote, quiet and beautiful, and its visitors are few.
The town and the district
- Kaabong town: the district headquarters, at an elevation of about 1,520 metres. It is roughly 186 kilometres by road north-west of Moroto and about 540 kilometres from Kampala.
- The district: created in 2005, having been Dodoth County in Kotido District. In 2019 the western part became the separate Karenga District, which includes much of Kidepo Valley National Park.
- Landscape: a heartland ringed by mountains and hills, semi-arid savannah, bush and forest. The highest point is Mount Morungole at about 2,750 metres, near where Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan meet.
The Dodoth
The Dodoth belong to the Karamojong cluster, alongside the Karimojong and Jie, and speak a dialect of Karamojong. Their tradition says that they arrived from the north and, in the mid-eighteenth century, separated from the Karamojong and moved into the more mountainous country. The 2014 census counted about 129,000 Dodoth. They are pastoralists and farmers, and their homesteads, dances, beadwork and cattle songs are living traditions. This land was once rich in lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and rhinos, and a remnant of that wildlife survives in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Things to do
- Dodoth cultural experiences: visits to homesteads and villages, and time with elders and women’s groups, arranged with community guides.
- Hike Mount Morungole and visit the Ik communities on its slopes. See our page on The Ik people.
- The Timu Forest and escarpment: forest and views towards the Rift Valley.
- Honey: community beekeeping groups around Morungole, Kamion and Timu produce honey, and visits show how it is made.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and huge plains. See our page on the park.
Practical information
- Getting there: a long drive from Kampala with overnights on the way, or a flight to Kidepo. Roads can be rough.
- Accommodation: basic guesthouses and eco-camps. Bring cash.
- Best time: the drier months, roughly November to March. Days are hot; nights can be cool, especially in the mountains.
- Safety: the region has calmed after years of cattle raiding, but conditions can change, especially near borders. We check current advice and go with local guides.
- Health: heat, sun and malaria; see our Health & Safety page.
Kaabong with Offmap Safaris
We include Kaabong as a cultural stop between Kotido and Kidepo, with Morungole hiking and Ik visits for those who want a challenge. Plan your safari, message us on WhatsApp +256 701 243 304 or email [email protected]. Please read our Responsible Travel page too.
