Arua Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Arua, Northern Uganda with this complete travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Introduction to Arua
- List of Places to Visit in Arua
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Arua
- Best Things to Do in Arua: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Arua
- Food and Drink Scene of Arua
- Where to Stay in Arua: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Arua: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Arua
- Best Time to Visit Arua
- Do’s and Don’ts of Arua
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Arua: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Arua
- Where to Go Next from Arua: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Arua
Located in Northern Uganda, Arua is a bustling town that serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Uganda. Though it’s often overshadowed by other destinations in the region, Arua has plenty to offer visitors, including natural wonders, cultural sites, and delicious food.
List of Places to Visit in Arua
Whether you’re interested in learning about local culture or exploring the great outdoors, Arua has something for everyone.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Arua has a rich cultural history that’s well worth exploring. Here are some of the best cultural attractions in the area:
- West Nile Cultural Museum
- Catholic Cathedral
- Arua Hill
Natural Attractions of Arua: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Arua is home to some stunning natural attractions, including:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Mount Moroto
Hiking/Biking Routes of Arua
For outdoors enthusiasts, Arua offers some great hiking and biking opportunities. Here are a few routes to check out:
- Mount Wati
- Arua Hill
- Manibe Cultural Center
Best Things to Do in Arua: Activities and Tours
If you’re looking for things to do in Arua, you won’t be disappointed. There’s plenty to see and experience, including:
- Visiting local markets
- Trying Ugandan cuisine
- Taking a guided tour of the area
Week-Long Itinerary for Arua
Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long stay in Arua:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit West Nile Cultural Museum |
| 2 | Hike up Arua Hill |
| 3 | Take a guided tour of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park |
| 4 | Try local cuisine at a restaurant |
| 5 | Explore the local markets |
| 6 | Take a bike tour of Arua |
| 7 | Visit the Manibe Cultural Center |
Food and Drink Scene of Arua
Ugandan cuisine is both delicious and satisfying. Here are a few must-try dishes:
Must-Try Dishes
- Matoke
- Luwombo
- Rolex
Local Beverages
- Waragi
- Nilo
- Nakakaro
Where to Stay in Arua: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Arua, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few popular choices:
- The White Horse Inn
- Heritage Courts Hotel
- Hotel Pacific
What to Buy in Arua: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking to take home a piece of Arua, be sure to check out some of these local products:
- Bark cloth
- Basketry
- Beadwork
Local Culture and Customs of Arua
Ugandan culture is incredibly unique and diverse. Here are a few customs and traditions that you might encounter during your stay in Arua:
- Greeting customs
- Traditional dances
- Religious ceremonies
Best Time to Visit Arua
The best time to visit Arua is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to August. During this time, temperatures are mild, and there’s little chance of rain.
Do’s and Don’ts of Arua
Here are a few things to keep in mind during your stay in Arua:
Do:
- Dress modestly
- Ask for permission before taking photos of people
- Try local cuisine
Don’t:
- Carry large amounts of cash with you
- Touch someone’s head without their permission
- Show up late for appointments
Safety and Health
Safety in Arua
Overall, Arua is a safe place to visit. However, visitors should exercise caution when traveling alone at night or in remote areas.
Health in Arua
Be sure to visit a travel clinic before departing for Arua to ensure that you’re up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations.
Getting to Arua: Transportation Options and Logistics
If you’re planning a trip to Arua, here are a few transportation options to consider:
Airports Near Arua
- Arua Airport
- Pakuba Airport
Bus Stations Near Arua
- Arua Bus Park
- Gulu Bus Station
Other Options
- Car rental
- Private driver
How to Get Around in Arua
The best way to get around Arua is by taxi or private car. Bicycle rentals are also available for those interested in exploring the area on their own.
Where to Go Next from Arua: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have extra time during your stay in Arua, be sure to explore some of these nearby destinations:
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Rhino Fund Uganda
- Budongo Forest Reserve
Conclusion
Arua is a hidden gem in Northern Uganda that’s well worth a visit. With stunning natural beauty, rich cultural sites, and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant town.
