In the far Northern side of Uganda lies Gulu, one of the biggest towns and newly created cities. It is located in the Northern tourist circuit, a tourist region not fully explored in terms of tourism. Culturally, it is a rich region, and en route, tourists on Uganda safaris have plenty of attractions to visit.

How to get to Gulu? You can fly to Gulu or drive there. What is the best way to explore Gulu Road? The best way to explore on your Gulu trip is by road. You can either opt for a guided tour or you can hire a car from any Uganda car rental company of your choice and have a self drive road trip to Gulu. As you get the car to take you around, do not forget that a 4×4/4WD car is a must or the best road trip if you are to go off-road into Uganda’s National Parks.

Tourist attractions to explore while on Uganda driving tours to Gulu

Murchison Falls National Park

Located within the North-western circuit, Murchison Falls Game Park is the premier destination not to be missed while driving to Gulu. Murchison Falls is accessible on the Kampala-Gulu highway, 6 hour’s drive and it is Uganda’s biggest park, boasting of its diverse wildlife such as African buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, hippos, antelopes especially waterbucks, Kobs; crocodiles, the Rothschild giraffes, 556 bird species, warthogs.

There are also several primates living in Budongo Forest including over 800 chimpanzees, baboons, and other monkeys. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the oldest parks and has plenty of activities for tourists to engage in including guided game drives, boat cruises, birding, nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, cultural safaris in the adjacent local communities, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls 45 minutes, and others.

Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort at Patiko

Located 30kms from Gulu, Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort is a historical site established as a slave collection area. However, it was taken up by Sir Samuel Baker before its launch as the headquarters of Emin Pasha and Gordon- the then governors of the Equatorial Province of the British Protectorate.

Guruguru caves

Lying North of Gulu city 25kms are Guruguru caves. The caves served best as a hiding spot for the Lamogi rebellion but they have been developed fully for tourism purposes.

Karuma Falls

While driving to Gulu, Karuma Falls is a must-see or visit. The spectacularly scenic waterfalls are iconic attractions worth exploring while on Uganda driving tours to Gulu. These falls derive their name from the Luo word meaning “Great Spirit”- the locals believe that it is the spirit that placed the rocks where the water hits creating white waters of the falls.

Amoro hot springs

Located 35kms from Gulu city, Amoro sub-county, Amoro hot springs are some of the unique attractions awaiting you to explore on Uganda safari in Northern Uganda. They are the least visited hot springs yet unique on their way. They are the largest hot springs found in the Northern tourism circuit in Uganda, covering 100sq. meters.

Cultures

Gulu is known for its unique cultural and traditional practices. It is one region known to explore and experience the distinct Acholi cultures, traditions, dances, music performances, and others. Acholi are Luo-speaking people and they live in the Northern districts of Gulu, Nwoya, Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, etc.