Kkungu Rock Mostly Top roping 15 routes in area

The 40m tall, sheer inselberg of Kkungu is an excellent single pitch, top rope crag containing many of the hardest known climbs in Uganda. It’s also an eye-opening holy site for the local demigod, Kkungu. Located just a few minutes from Matugga or about 45 minutes outside of Kampala (avoiding traffic), this crag should be bolted for sport climbing at some point in the near future for which the locals have given their blessing.

This crag is located within a fascinating local community. Consequently, you have small shops, a rolex stand (fried/rolled eggs in chapatti), toilets and local restaurants just a two-minute walk from the rock.

Take an 80m rope if you want to try all the routes. If you don't have an 80m, take a 70m or 60m, which are long enough for a many of the routes. If your rope is too short, belay from top but take sunscreen as the top of the rock and upper sections above the jungle can be incredibly hot. The belay area and first moves are shaded all day. The entire area is gorgeous jungle. Bird life is outstanding.

You'll find a very prominent prayer crack on the east side. Locals have told me that God created all the earth including Kkungu Rock and that God gave demigods certain powers. They believe Kkungu is a demigod with wide ranging powers. Local devotion to Kkungu has lasted over four centuries, long before Christians arrived. You'll see more evidence here of a thriving indigenous religion than maybe anywhere else in Uganda, but it is mixed with Christian influences as well.

The entire area is considered sacred. You see many worshippers most afternoons. Offerings to Kkungu of coffee, coins and cowrie shells are common. The area is marked out with very many spears meant to demonstrate the god’s power.

Please be respectful when moving around the area. Worshippers are very friendly, curious and keen to climb with you. Take extra gear if you can and invite locals to join in the climbing!