Explore Uganda’s unique biodiversity and undiscovered mountain ranges with our experienced local tour guides. Camping gear and food are included in the price. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

Hiking and trekking Mount Kadam is an exciting alternative to other strenuous hikes in East Africa, with many of the same attractions, lower elevation, a milder climate, and no special equipment or technical experience.

Hiking Mount Kadam and trekking expeditions are a mix of rich experiences with Uganda’s highland people, unique sights and breathtaking views along the trails, and unique campsites where travelers can enjoy the sunset, clear stars, and sunrise over the planes of the Karamoja region. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour

Hiking and Trekking

Mount Kadam is regarded as the second highest and most volcanic mountain in the Karamoja region, with its highest peak standing at 3,063 meters above sea level.

The night before, hikers sleep in a basic hotel around the foothills of Mount Kadam. Mount Kadam hikes are guided by professional local tour guides, and porters are always available on request at $15 per porter. Food, snacks, camping gear, and water are included in the price for hiking Mount Kadam.

Due to Mount Kadam's geographical location, this mountain is home to many surrounding tribes, such as Pokot, Gishu, Karamojong, Tepeth, Kadam, and Sebei. The surrounding inhabitants are mostly agriculturalists and live in small settlements together. The camp is always set with front-row seats for the sunset and sunrise. Travelers can spend their afternoon exploring a high-altitude rain forest and different viewpoints.

What is the trail journal?

Hiking the Mount Kadam ‘out and back’ trail is about a total of 14 km, and its starting point is in Nakapiripirit town at 1,450m above sea level until 2,500m. Mount Kadam's total elevation is 1,050m.

Day 0

Arrival day at any budget hotel in Nakapiripirit town, with a short briefing about the hiking before dinner. Enjoy the traditional dinner and breakfast that are included in the package price. Accommodation is not included in the package, nor is your transportation, although we can recommend places to stay based on the traveler’s budget.

Day 1

Guides help hikers make the most vertical and horizontal kilometers on the first day to access the camp site at 2,450m altitude within the rain forest down the summit plateau of about 11 km.

Mount Kadam trail starts from the gardens along the foot of the mountain that quickly joins the lush and green tropical forest for a steep climb offering the shady leaves of the ancient tropical forest. Mount Kadam trekking trail is a mix of soft loam soil within the forest, granite hand-foot climbs standing at 1000m elevation, and gravel sandy parts close to the soft stone walls.

With well-deserved brakes, travelers can reach the 2,400 m+ level for an endlessly rewarding view down the Mount Kadam starting point. Hereafter, travelers enter the higher-altitude forest for a final trail through the shady tropical forest up to the camp site for the day.

Day 2

The second day, hikers take the steep descent back to Nakapiripirit town, with an estimated arrival time of about 10–11 a.m.

A traditional lunch and a room to take a shower and refresh are included in the above price. Accommodation is not included for the second day. We recommend hikers proceed towards Moroto or Kidepo Valley National Park in the north or Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve/Sipi Falls in the south for other adventurous activities.

The best time to hike Mount Kadam is during the dry season, which is also known as the peak season in Uganda, which starts from June to September and again in December to March when there is no or less rain and all the hiking trails are dry and not muddy or slippery.