How to Reach Karamoja

1. Traveling from Kampala to Karamoja

Most travelers arriving internationally first travel from Entebbe to Kampala, then continue to Karamoja.

Step 1: Entebbe → Kampala

Taxi or airport shuttle from Entebbe International Airport to Kampala

Continue from Kampala to Karamoja by:

By car
Taxi
Airplane
by Bus

By Car / Private Vehicle (Most Common for Tourists)

Route example:

Kampala → Jinja → Mbale → Soroti → Moroto

Distance: about 460–500 km

Travel time: 6–7 hours

Steps

1. Start from Kampala.

2. Drive east to Jinja.

3. Continue to Mbale.

4. Pass Soroti.

5. Drive north-east to Moroto (capital of Karamoja).

Travel Tips

A 4×4 vehicle is recommended because some roads in Karamoja are rough, especially during the rainy season.
Fuel stations become less frequent after Soroti, so it is advisable to refuel before continuing.
Early morning departure is recommended to arrive before sunset.

By Taxi / Private Hire

Hiring a private taxi or safari vehicle is another convenient way to reach Karamoja.

$435 Entebbe – Moroto, 12hrs

$410 Kampala – Moroto, 10hrs

$385 Jinja – Moroto, 8hrs

$360 Mbale – Moroto, 4hrs

$360 Sipi Falls – Moroto, 4hrs

$310 Gulu – Moroto, 5hrs

$310 Moroto – Kidepo, 5hrs

By Airplane (Via Kajjansi Airstrip)

Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Karamoja, especially for travelers with limited time. Charter flights operate from Kajjansi Airfield, located about 16 km south of Kampala along the road to Entebbe International Airport. Kajjansi Airfield is widely used by safari aviation companies and private operators offering charter flights to remote destinations across Uganda.

Flights from Kajjansi to Karamoja typically land at Moroto Airstrip, which serves as the main air access point to the Karamoja region. The flight usually takes about 1 hour, offering spectacular aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes, including Lake Victoria, eastern farmlands, and the rugged mountains of Karamoja.

Scheduled flight rates are starting from $420 per person for a one way ticket. Contact us for more information, departure time, capacity and prices.

By Bus

Public buses provide an affordable way to travel to Karamoja.

Travel time

Kampala – Moroto: 10-12 hrs

Kampala – Kotido: 12-14 hrs

Kampala – Kaabong: 13-15 hrs

Mbale – Soroti – Moroto: 4-6hrs

Mbale – Nakapiripirit – Moroto: 5-7hrs

Daily bus from Kampala to Karamoja

5PM / 7PM / 5AM Kampala – Jinja – Mbale – Soroti – Moroto 6AM / 9AM / 5PM

12AM / 8AM Kampala – Jinja – Mbale – Soroti – Kotido – Kaabong 4PM / 10PM

9AM Kampala – Jinja – Mbale – Soroti – Kotido 12PM

9AM Mbale – Nakapiripirit – Moroto 3-4PM (inquire at bus park)

9AM Mbale – Soroti – Moroto 3PM/4PM

Daily bus from Karamoja to Kampala

2PM Kotido – Soroti – Mbale – Jinja – Kampala 4PM

3AM Kaabong – Soroti – Mbale – Jinja – Kampala 4PM

3AM / 2PM / 4PM Moroto – Soroti – Mbale – Jinja – Kampala 5PM / 2AM / 4AM

Daily bus from Kampala to Kidepo Valley

There’s a daily bus called Robyn departing from Namayiba bus terminal in Kampala. This bus takes you to the closest town called Orom. From here there are taxi’s or Boda Boda motor taxi’s that can take you to the gate of Kidepo Valley National Park.

5AM Kampala – Gulu – Kitgum – Karenga 9PM

Traveling by bus is ideal for budget travelers and backpackers.

Other Highlights:

About Us

How to Book