TORORO ROCK

Tororo Rock also known as Usuku Rock by locals is one of the oldest rock-climbing destinations in Uganda, located in the Eastern region of Uganda in tororo district , 5 km southeast of the town’s central business district of the town, the rock is the main tourist destination and landmark in its area and its climbable in just a one hours’ time. Tororo Rock is the second tallest volcanic Plug in Africa, it is a famous tourist attraction that has been climbed by locals and foreigners over the years.

There is a saying that the Tororo Rock is what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the rock can almost be viewed from any corner of the Tooro district. Tororo Rock has an elevation of 4865 ft( 1483 m) and a gradient of 0.75 from east to west, the rock towers 676 feet (206 m) above downtown Tororo. The rock is easy to climb, hike and do some other multi-pitch trade either on your way to or from Kenya. Climbing the rock doesn’t require one for any skills rather physical and mental stabilities, Hikers who require a more challenging climb can try out Mount Elgon. On reaching the top of the rock, you will be rewarded with a lot and some are the magical views of Mountain Elgon, Lake Victoria and the whole of Tororo town. The views have been abstracted by the many cell towers of leading telecommunication network companies in Uganda.

ATTRACTIONS AT TORORO ROCK

Caves ( Volcanic Plug) and Various Rock Paintings

The caves are believed to have been formed when hot magma solidified and hardened inside a vent. The caves have for years been used by the Iteso and Jopadhola to perform rituals on their gods.

Vast Vegetation

Vegetation on the rock consists of mainly bamboo, a few alpine and grass that will be sighted during the hike.

Bird watching

The top of the rock is home to a variety of bird species like Kno-billed duck, Sarkidiornis, Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptica, Spur-wined goose, African Pygmy goose among others can be spotted on top of the hill.

Other attractions include Hiking, Nature walks, Magical views and tororo rock itself.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ROCK

The best time to visit the rock is in the dry season, during the wet season the rock is usually quite overgrown and busy. The perfect time to start hiking is in the morning before sunrise and the heat is less. Christian once occupied the caves to cleanse it but one day as they were praying snakes appeared from above the caves and chased them, they have never returned till date.

ACCOMMODATION IN TORORO TOWN

There is a reasonable number of quality accommodation options around the rock where tourists can host their rock-climbing safari stay like Prime Hotel, Rock Classic Hotel, Crystal Hotel, Mamiki Apartments among others.

GETTING THERE

The rock can be accessed via jinja and Iganga town and connect to the Ugandan and Kenya border of Malaba, the drive takes approximately 3 hours.