Visiting the Ik Tribe in the Morungole Mountains near Kidepo Valley Park
I was visiting one of the most remote Tribes in East Africa – the Ik People in Northeast Uganda – The Mountain People of Uganda.
Visiting the Ik Tribe – The Mountain People of Uganda: Going on a hike to meet the Ik tribe, also known as the Mountain People of Uganda, promises an extraordinary and rare experience that diverges from the ordinary encounters of 21st-century Africa.
This unique cultural expedition entails a challenging hike through the breathtaking Morungole Mountains near the enchanting Kidepo Valley Park. The trek demands physical stamina and endurance, catering to those seeking an adventure that pushes their limits.
Visiting the Ik People is a full-day expedition that is a remarkable complement to a wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley Park. It grants the opportunity to connect with one of the most secluded and isolated ethnic groups on the African continent.
Contrary to the portrayal in Colin Turnbull’s renowned book, “The Mountain People,” published in 1972, the Ik People are warm-hearted and exceptionally welcoming. Visiting one of their villages atop Mount Morungole will dispel misconceptions and reveal their genuine love and hospitality.
To fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary encounter, allocating a minimum of 5 to 6 days for a comprehensive Kidepo Valley Park Safari, including a visit to the Ik People, is recommended. Our 6-Day Kidepo Valley Hiking Safari presents an ideal option for this purpose.
Exploring the Ik communities atop the majestic Mount Morungole, standing at an impressive elevation of 2,700 meters above sea level, unravels an authentic African cultural adventure that will test your physical limits. No other destination in East Africa, or even within the borders of Uganda, can rival the captivating allure of the Ikon Mount Morungole.
Visiting the Ik Tribe, which is one of Uganda’s Indigenous People Groups
Visiting the Ik Tribe – The Mountain People of Uganda who live on Mount Morungole
/visit the Ik Tribe. The Mountain People of Uganda residing on Mount Morungole promise an unforgettable cultural and hiking adventure set amidst breathtaking scenery. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in another culture and gain insight into a unique way of life.
During your time with the Ik People, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their cultural practices and traditions. Discover fascinating customs such as the payment of the bride price, which involves offering 5 to 10 beehives, chickens, goats, or money instead of cattle. Gain an understanding of how children often live with their peers or grandmother from a young age, the practice of polygamy within the community, and the daily routines of life in an Ik Village on Mount Morungole.
Due to the threat of raids from neighboring tribes, the Ik no longer keep cattle. Instead, their farms primarily consist of goats, using beekeeping to process some of the honey they produce.
Visiting the Ik Tribe provides a rare opportunity to gain insight into an endangered African community with fewer than 11,000 individuals. Their future is uncertain as they strive to sustain their way of life in the challenging mountainous environment, which offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Uganda.
Visiting the Ik Tribe – The Hike up Mount Morungole:
Reaching the Ik Villages on Mount Morungole is no small feat, but thanks to a trail established by the US Forest Service, it has become more accessible. This full-day expedition involves navigating steep mountains with guides fluent in the Ik. Your hike to the villages and encounter with the Ik Tribe will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences in Uganda.
Moderate fitness levels are required to tackle the mountainous terrain. Mount Morungole’s peak sits at an elevation of 2,749 meters above sea level, and ascending its slopes can be grueling for those unprepared. The trail spans 8 kilometers (16 kilometers round trip) and presents a challenging climb to reach the villages.
However, the arduous journey is rewarded by the breathtaking scenery that unfolds as you ascend. The higher you climb, the more stunning the vistas become, with valleys stretching out before you and the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya, including Lake Turkana, in the distance.
Upon arriving at the villages, you will be warmly greeted with traditional dances, often accompanied by the Ik people adorned in their finest attire. The Ik community welcomes tourism as it provides additional income and contributes to the sustainability of their tribe, similar to the positive impact it has had on the Batwa People in southwest Uganda.
During your guided tour of the village, take the opportunity to inquire about the Ik people’s way of life. You will discover that child-rearing practices differ here; polygamy is part of family dynamics, formal education is limited, and self-sufficiency is highly valued. One young Ik woman is enrolled at Kampala International University, poised to become the tribe’s first university graduate.
Please note that the Ik People achieved a historic milestone when they had their first Member of Parliament in the 10th Ugandan Parliament in 2016. Additionally, the enrollment of a young woman from the tribe at a university in Kampala signifies further progress and opportunity for the Ik community.
Visiting the Ik Tribe – our Practical Advice for a successful visit:
A visit to the Ik Tribe offers a rare and authentic cultural experience. Unlike staged events, this visit takes you to the heart of the Ik people’s hamlets, providing a genuine glimpse into their everyday lives.
As you enter the Ik Villages, the community will warmly welcome you. This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Africa, an experience seldom encountered on the continent.
During your visit, it’s essential to respect and appreciate the traditions of the Ik people. Remember that they are not merely subjects for photography but individuals eager to learn about you as you are to learn about them.
Following African tradition, it is customary for visitors to bring gifts. Practical items like flour, oil, sugar, salt, and other essentials are highly appreciated. While money is also welcome, there are no stores where it can be utilized within the village. The visit cost for a group of hikers is approximately $75.
Rest assured, we will make every effort to ensure you are well-prepared for your visit to the Ik Tribe.
Overnight Stays with the Ik People can now be done.
Your Hiking Wear and Gear for your visit to the Ik People
The Mount Morungole Climb to visit the Ik People requires some preparation. You need to wear the right stuff and have the right gear.
What to wear and bring:
You will need a daypack, a poncho, or a rain jacket with a hood: good hiking boots, woolen socks, a long-sleeved shirt—a broad-brimmed hat, and walking sticks that we supply.
Three liters of drinking water, energy snacks, and a packed lunch. Insect repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, and binoculars.
We suggest using a porter to carry your pack to free you from concentrating on the hike.
Contact us about a Visit to the Ik Tribe on Mount Morungole near Kidepo Valley Park.
