Kara-Tunga, Karamoja Safari Camp — Hotel in Moroto

We booked with kara-tunga one night in a hotel and three different experiences: boda-boda motor tour, village homestay experience and castlee keepers experience. The arrival at the hotel was not all that good, as we arrived after a long day traveling and driving, we're just arriving in Moroto we had a problem with the car. After waiting for the mechanic, we decided to eat something quick at the hotel and go to sleep and relax. As usual, what a plate of chicken cost at the hotel was 7 times more expensive than on the street, even though we were tired and we decided to eat there. Well, it was one of the worst decisions we made... The staff was very friendly, even the girl who helped us, but it was impossible to understand between us. We ordered to eat two plates of grilled chicken, which was accompanied with fries. We asked in various ways and with different words if they could change the potatoes for vegetables, but the girl did not understand in any way what we were asking, even in the end some customers who were sitting close, laughed about the situation. Anyway, we ordered the chicken with potatoes and we sat down to wait, and so we waited for an hour. And when it arrived, it was very raw! We went to sleep angry and with bad feelings. The next day when we woke up we went to have breakfast, it must be said that in order not to make our experience late, the day before we asked for breakfast for 7:30 a.m. Well, at this time we were in the dining room, but not breakfast, which arrived at 8:10 a.m. So we had to start later with our planning... Luckily, at this moment our guide Lochorro Michael appeared, a very nice and competent boy, from this moment on things started to go well with kara-tunga. We started with a half-day motorcycle tour of the Karamoja area, both he and his partner were very nice and told us a lot of things about the life and culture of the Karamoj people. The price was a little expensive for what the route was, but they made it really nice and fun. At noon we arrived at the hotel to rest and later in the afternoon we went with Lochorro to do the Village homestay experience and the Kastlee experience. It was really a very, very nice experience, the people were very open, friendly and radiated happiness. We slept in the Kraal, which was not very comfortable, but Lochorro took some pillows for us and left us a whole kraal for ourselves. It was an experience to repeat!

The next day we arrived at the hotel, had our breakfast and went to pay. There goes our last surprise with the hotel... We asked to pay by card, and the girl told us that there was a fee of 10 dollars, apart from what the bank charges you of course. In my life I had never encountered a commission like this, so we decided to pay in euros (cash). Well, luckily we had several tickets because as if they were trading cards the girl was saying: this one is not from 2015, this one is not that it has a black dot... anyway...

IN SUMMARY, OUR EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL STAFF WAS NOT GOOD BUT OUR EXPERIENCE IN KARATUNGA TOURS WAS VERY GOOD THIS IS FANTASTIC, THANK YOU LOCHORRO FOR MAKING US...

We were warmly welcomed at Kara-Tonga Safari Lodge, setting the tone for a pleasant stay. The staff provided wonderful, friendly service throughout our visit, making us feel right at home.||The common areas — including the dining room, sitting area, and office — are attractively decorated with African art, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. There’s also a small craft shop offering beautiful locally handmade items at reasonable prices. Even small details, like the handwashing sink set up with a mirror, potted plant, and ceramic soap dispenser, showed thoughtful care.||We also appreciated that reliable internet access was available — a welcome convenience during our stay.||However, the impression of the common area was dampened by the restroom — the toilet lacked a seat and gave off more of a “developing country” vibe than expected. It appeared to also serve guests in some of the more basic rooms, but first impressions matter, and this was a noticeable misstep.||Our family room was very nice — spacious, clean, and comfortable, with one excellent king-sized bed and two twin beds, separated by a wall. As a couple, we only used the king bed, which was firm but comfortable and provided a great night’s sleep. The bathroom was adequate but basic, with a simple shower and toilet. We appreciated the on-demand hot water, which worked reliably every time, though the water pressure was a little low.||The room included a convenient suitcase storage area and a good number of shelves. Adding a few wall hooks would make a big difference for hanging binoculars, cameras, clothing, and bags, especially since the only hanger rod was awkwardly placed in front of the suitcase rack. The sink setup was quirky — a high kitchen-style sink in the storage area that was hard to reach for someone petite like me — but the handmade black bar soap was a nice touch.||Considering its location in the heart of Moroto, the lodge grounds felt like a little refuge. Large trees, rustic fencing, and strings of lights created a relaxing ambiance, and while we could hear a bit of Saturday night revelry outside, our room itself was quiet and peaceful.||Overall, Kara-Tonga Safari Lodge appears to be one of the better accommodations in this district, and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. With a few small improvements, it could be even better — but as it stands, it’s a solid and welcoming...

We would strongly advise to stay and book an activity elsewhere.

The accommodation is basic and overpriced but that wasn’t even the worst. They lied to us about the activities and pricing.

We had been in contact with them several days before arriving. They send a list of activities and prices. They confirmed we could sleep there one night and do a hike the day after.

Upon arrival they told us the person who would decide on the final plan was in a meeting the whole day. He would be finished around 17:00 and he would brief us. When we sat with him he told us it was now to late to prepare for a hike the next day. We where disappointed but fine to go the day after. All of a sudden the price per person was higher than what they communicated the day before. He told us to discuss with the person we spoke to on the phone. That person did not respond till the next day. We had more awfully confusing and slow communication with the person on the phone. She kept sending a price, deleting a message and sending a higher price. We spent a whole other day trying to make a final plan. The staff did not talk to each other and kept saying we should discuss with another staff member.

We booked the activity’s at Kraal Tours. They where super kind and could fix the hike when we approached them after the lost day because of Kara-Tunga.

After the hike we stayed at Hotel Mount Moroto. This hotel is way cheaper, cleaner and way more luxurious and beautiful. We had a perfect room with mountain view.

Kara-tunga never apologized for anything. The person who we had contacted beforehand and during the two days we stayed there wouldn’t even come to...