Karamoja Cultural Festival

Karamoja Cultural Festival 2026

The Karamoja Cultural Festival is an annual cultural event that celebrates the traditions of the Karimojong and Ateker cluster communities from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. It promotes cultural preservation, peace, and tourism in the Karamoja sub-region.  

• Location (2026): Moroto Town, Uganda

• Period: Expected in September 2026

• Duration: About 5 days

Participants: Communities from the nine Karamoja districts and visitors from neighboring countries.  

                                      1-4 people...............$ 1,350

                                      5-6 people................$ 900

Festival Highlights

Visitors can experience:

• Traditional Karimojong dances (Edonga)

• Cultural fashion and warrior attire

• Traditional food and milk culture exhibitions

• Cattle market and pastoral lifestyle displays

• Handcrafts and beadwork markets

• Cultural dialogue and peace-building sessions

• Cultural pageants such as Miss/Mr Tourism and Culture Karamoja

• Community storytelling and heritage exhibitions  

Proposed 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Kampala → Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

• Early morning departure from Kampala

• Scenic drive through eastern Uganda to Karamoja

• Afternoon game drive in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

• Sunset view and photography

• Overnight in Moroto 

Highlights

• Zebras, antelopes and ostriches

• Karamoja landscapes

Day 2 – Cultural Immersion

• Visit a traditional Karamojong village

• Experience pastoral life and cattle culture

• Participate in traditional cooking and milk preparation

• Cultural storytelling with elders

Day 3 – Festival Opening Experience

• Visit local cattle market or community market

• Explore Moroto town craft markets

• Afternoon: Attend Karamoja Cultural Festival events

Activities

• Traditional dances

• Cultural exhibitions

• Local food tasting

Day 4 – Moroto Adventure & Festival

• Panoramic views of Karamoja plains

• Afternoon: Return to festival grounds

Festival Events

• Cultural competitions

• Traditional music and dance

• Miss/Mr Tourism Karamoja show

Day 5 – Moroto → Kampala

• Morning cultural walk in Moroto

• Optional visit to Karamoja cultural museum or craft center

• Drive back to Kampala with scenic stops

Tour Highlights 

• Attend the Karamoja Cultural Festival

• Authentic Karimojong warrior culture experience

• Village immersion and pastoral lifestyle

• Wildlife safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

• Hiking Mount Moroto

• Traditional markets and crafts

Tour Inclusions (Price Includes)

🚐 Transportation

🧑‍✈️ Professional English-speaking safari guide

🎟 Karamoja Cultural Festival entrance fees

🏨 Accommodation during the tour 

🍽 Meals as per itinerary

💧 Bottled drinking water during the safari

🥾 Guided cultural village visits

🐾 Game drive in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

🧵 Community contribution and cultural experience fees

📷 Photography opportunities with local communities

🏛 Visit to the Karamoja cultural center or museum

Tour Exclusions (Price Does Not Include)

🍷 Alcoholic drinks and personal beverages

💵 Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)

🛍 Purchases from local craft markets

💰 Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers

🧳 Travel insurance

🛎 Single room supplement (if requested)

Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Add-Ons

Guests may also extend their journey with:

• Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

• Cultural experiences with the Jie, Dodoth, and Ik communities

• Bird-watching and nature walks in Karamoja