Kotido

Kotido is a town in the heart of the Karamoja region in north-eastern Uganda, serving as the administrative headquarters of Kotido District. The town is one of the most remote settlements in Uganda, located in a semi-arid landscape of thorny savannah and rocky outcrops. The Karamojong people are the dominant ethnic group, and their traditional pastoralist culture is strongly preserved.

Kotido has a frontier atmosphere and is a base for exploring the surrounding Karamoja countryside and the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Moroto Airstrip, about 80 km south-east. Driving from Moroto takes 1.5 hours.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kotido.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 6–7 hours via Mbale, Soroti, and Moroto. From Gulu, the drive is about 4 hours. Roads from Moroto to Kotido are marram.

Kotido town is small and walkable. 4x4 vehicles are needed for exploring the surrounding area.

• Kotido Market — Livestock market where Karamojong herders trade cattle

• Kidepo Valley National Park — About 90 km north, one of Africa's finest wilderness parks

• Karamojong manyattas — Traditional homesteads in the surrounding area

• Visit Karamojong manyattas for a cultural experience

• Attend a traditional dance and ceremony

• Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park for game drives

• Kotido Hotel Restaurant — Basic meals

Local bars serve Nile Special and Club beer. Bottled water is essential.

• Budget: Kotido Guest House (basic rooms from 15,000 UGX)
• Mid-range: Kotido Hotel (rooms from 40,000 UGX)

Kotido Market sells crafts, livestock, and basic supplies.

• Kidepo Valley National Park (90 km north, 2 hrs) — Remote wilderness
• Moroto (80 km south-east, 1.5 hrs) — Karamoja capital
• Kaabong (60 km north) — Remote Karamoja town
• Kitgum (150 km west) — Acholi region town