Lonyili Mountain is located near Kidepo Valley National Park in the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda. It lies southeast of the park, close to Kitgum town and near the border with South Sudan. The mountain stands about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level.
You can visit the mountain all year, but the roads and trails are easier to use during the dry season from September to March. Lonyili is surrounded by montane forests and Savannah grasslands.
These areas are home to animals like vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and others.
Hiking on Lonyili Mountain is rewarding because of the wide views of Kidepo, the Karamoja region, and South Sudan. A guide and a nature walk permit are required for the hike because the area is remote and the roads are rough.
The hike to Lonyili’s summit costs 50 USD for foreign non-residents, 40 USD for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African citizens per person. From the top, you can see the rugged land of Kidepo, Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley, and the surrounding areas.
While hiking, you may meet Karamojong pastoralists. You can visit their manyatta homesteads and hear stories about their culture.
Bird watching is also possible in the forests and slopes of Lonyili. Birds you might see include secretary birds, kori bustards, ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbills, yellow and red-spotted barbets, red-throated bee-eaters, Taita fiscals, and Karamoja apalis.
Bring binoculars with good lenses to see small and faraway birds. Also pack comfortable hiking boots, light clothes, bottled water, a camera with extra batteries, and snacks.
The hike starts from Apoka Tourism Centre in Kidepo, where you will get a guide and a nature walk permit. To get to Kidepo National Park, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Apoka airstrip or travel by road in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Hiking Lonyili Mountain takes about 5 to 7 hours for the round trip. The mountain has many plants because of the good climate. It is a great place for nature lovers.
Lonyili Mountain is more than just a hike. It is a journey into Uganda’s rich adventure.
