Gulu
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At a glance
- Country
- Uganda
- Region
- Northern Region
- Population
- 200,000
- Best time to go
- December to February, June to August
- Main airport
- None in regular use — nearest is Entebbe International (EBB)
- Coordinates
- 2.77°N, 32.29°E
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Overview
Gulu is the largest town in northern Uganda and the centre of Acholi culture. It lived through two decades of conflict until the mid-2000s, and has since rebuilt into a busy, youthful market town.
It is a friendly place to break the long journey north, and a back door into Murchison Falls National Park. Nearby are an old slave-trade fort and rocky landscapes few visitors see.
Things to see
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Photo: Keitsist, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fort Patiko
A 19th-century fort built by Samuel Baker among granite hills, with a sobering history.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Erinamukuta, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gulu main market
A lively market for produce, crafts and everyday goods in the centre of town.
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Photo: Micheal Kaluba, CC BY-SA 4.0 Aruu Falls
A series of cascades over rock slabs north-east of town, best after the rains.
Things to do
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Photo: Boschlech, Public domain Safari in Murchison Falls
Uganda's largest national park, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge, rich in wildlife.
Find tours -
Photo: Tabwoch, CC BY-SA 4.0 Watch Acholi dance
Look out for performances of traditional dances such as bwola at cultural events.
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Buy local crafts
Several social enterprises in town sell crafts and textiles made by local artisans.
Where to stay
Town centre
Hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the market and restaurants.
Hotels in Town centreMurchison Falls
Lodges in and around the park for those heading on safari.
Hotels in Murchison Falls
Getting around
Boda-boda motorbike taxis are the usual way to get around town; agree the fare first.
Buses from Kampala take around five to six hours along a good road.
When to go
The drier months from December to February and June to August are best for travel and safaris. The rains peak from April to May and again from August to October.
Plan your trip to Gulu
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.