Gulu Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure in Gulu, Northern Uganda with our comprehensive tour guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, local cuisine, accommodation options, and more.


The Ultimate Tour Guide for Gulu, Northern Uganda

Are you planning your next adventure to Gulu, Northern Uganda but don’t know where to begin? Look no further! Our comprehensive tour guide features top attractions, hiking routes, local cuisine, accommodation options, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Gulu trip.

Introduction to Gulu

Gulu is a city located in Northern Uganda, in East Africa. It’s the administrative center of the Gulu District and is home to a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a warm, welcoming community. Gulu is also the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions including Murchison Falls National Park and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

List of Places to Visit in Gulu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gulu Cultural Centre: Discover the rich, diverse culture of Northern Uganda through music, dance, art, and literature at this cultural center.
  • Bweyale Community Museum: Explore the history and traditions of the Bunyoro Kingdom, a local tribe that was a significant power in East Africa from the 16th to the 19th century.
  • St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Admire the stunning architecture of this Catholic cathedral that dates back to the 1930s.

Natural Attractions of Gulu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gulu Hill: Hike to the top of the hill for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • Lake Kyoga: Enjoy a boat ride or go fishing in this beautiful lake, which is home to a diverse array of fish species.
  • Acholi Hills: Explore the stunning landscape of the Acholi Hills, which are dotted with traditional villages and are home to a variety of wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gulu

  • Konye Hills Hiking Trail: Take in the beautiful scenery of the Konye Hills on this hiking trail that leads to the top of the hills.
  • Gulu District Biking Trail: Explore the city and its outskirts on this scenic bike route that passes through forests, hills, and traditional villages.

Best Things to Do in Gulu: Activities and Tours

  • Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Take a day trip from Gulu to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and track the rare and endangered white rhino.
  • Murchison Falls Game Drives: Go on a safari game drive and spot lions, elephants, giraffes and more in Murchison Falls National Park.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gulu

Day 1: Explore Gulu Cultural Centre and Bweyale Community Museum

Day 2: Hike up Gulu Hill and have a picnic with a view

Day 3: Take a day trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking

Day 4: Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and explore the city’s markets

Day 5: Embark on a Murchison Falls game drive

Day 6: Relax by Lake Kyoga, go fishing, or take a boat tour

Day 7: Biking trail around the city

Food and Drink Scene of Gulu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Luwombo: This traditional food is made from meat, chicken or fish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with vegetables and spices.
  • Rolex: A popular street food made with fried eggs and vegetables wrapped in a chapati.
  • Acholi Pot: A hearty, one-pot meal made with beef, potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Waragi: Uganda’s national alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane.
  • Tamarind Juice: A refreshing and tart juice made from tamarind.

Where to Stay in Gulu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bomah Hotel: A luxurious hotel with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and conference facilities.
  • African Roots Guesthouse: A cozy, affordable guesthouse located in the heart of the city.
  • Acholi Inn: A comfortable hotel with a restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.

What to Buy in Gulu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: Pick up traditional crafts such as baskets, pottery, and fabrics at the Gulu Crafts Market.
  • Honey: Buy locally produced honey from the Gulu Honey Cooperative.

Local Culture and Customs of Gulu

The Acholi people are the main ethnic group in Gulu, and they have a rich cultural heritage that revolves around music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors are encouraged to respect and learn about their customs and traditions, including the importance of elders, marriage, and community.

Best Time to Visit Gulu

The best time to visit Gulu is between December and February, when the weather is cooler and drier. However, Gulu can be visited year-round, with the rainy season usually occurring between March and May.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gulu

Do:

  • Dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders.
  • Greet locals with a smile and a handshake.
  • Respect customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without their permission.
  • Dress inappropriately, revealing too much skin.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gulu

Gulu is generally a safe city for visitors, but it’s important to be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft. It’s also best to travel in groups, especially at night.

Health in Gulu

Travelers to Gulu should ensure they are up-to-date on their routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, and polio. Malaria is prevalent in the region, so it’s important to take preventative measures such as taking anti-malaria medication and using mosquito nets.

Getting to Gulu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gulu

  • Gulu Airport: A small regional airport located just outside of the city.

Bus Stations Near Gulu

  • Gulu Bus Terminal: The main bus station in the city for travel to Kampala, Entebbe, and other destinations in Uganda.

Other Options

  • Private Car Rental: Rent a car with a driver for greater flexibility and comfort when traveling to and from Gulu.

How to Get Around in Gulu

The best way to get around Gulu is by boda-boda, or motorcycle taxis. Alternatively, taxis can also be hired for longer distances or for larger groups.

Where to Go Next from Gulu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Murchison Falls National Park: Take a safari game drive in Uganda’s largest national park.
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Track the rare and endangered white rhino in this rhino sanctuary.
  • Acholi Hills: Explore the stunning landscape of the Acholi Hills, which are dotted with traditional villages and are home to a variety of wildlife.

Conclusion

Gulu is a vibrant and welcoming city in Northern Uganda, with plenty of attractions, activities, and local culture to explore. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences, Gulu has something for everyone.

Eagle Air Let L410UVP-E9 Turbolet aircraft at Gulu Airfield in 2009 Eagle Air Let L410UVP-E9 Turbolet aircraft at Gulu Airfield in 2009 Ruins of the stone walls of Samuel Baker's Fort Patiko in Gulu District Ruins of the stone walls of Samuel Baker's Fort Patiko in Gulu District Gulu Market in 2014 Gulu Market in 2014