Safari Overview

This 9-day wildlife adventure takes you through Uganda’s most scenic and remote landscapes, culminating in the vast wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park — one of Africa’s most untouched gems. The safari combines thrilling game drives, cultural encounters with the Karamojong people, and a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall.

Expect a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic cultural immersion as you explore Uganda’s northern treasures.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your safari driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere or relax after your flight. Optional city tours include the Uganda Museum, Craft Markets, or the Gaddafi Mosque for panoramic city views.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Mestil Hotel Kampala
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Kampala – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart Kampala for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes you through the lush countryside and traditional villages.

En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, where you’ll walk alongside these endangered giants in their protected habitat. Proceed to Murchison Falls and check in at your lodge overlooking the Nile River.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile

Begin your day with an early game drive across the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Expect to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes grazing across the savannah.

After lunch, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the falls. Watch as hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds gather along the banks. Disembark for a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into a roaring mist.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Gulu Town

After breakfast, set off for Gulu, a vibrant town in northern Uganda that blends modern culture with traditional heritage. The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills, rural homesteads, and local farmlands.

Arrive in Gulu in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel.

Accommodation: Bomah Hotel Gulu / Churchill Courts
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Gulu – Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park

After an early breakfast, continue your adventure northwards to Kidepo Valley National Park — one of Africa’s most isolated and breathtaking wildlife reserves. The drive passes through beautiful landscapes of rugged hills and grasslands.

Arrive in the afternoon, check in to your lodge, and relax while enjoying the stunning views of the expansive plains and surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning and Evening Game Drives in Kidepo Valley

Spend the day exploring Kidepo’s dramatic landscapes through morning and evening game drives. The park’s Narus Valley is known for its large concentrations of animals around water points, especially during the dry season. Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches.

The stunning backdrop of the Morungole Mountains makes for incredible photography opportunities. After the evening game drive, unwind at your lodge under the star-lit sky of Karamoja.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cultural Visit to the Karamojong Community

Today is dedicated to cultural immersion. Visit a nearby Karamojong community, known for their pastoral lifestyle, rich traditions, and warrior dances. Engage with locals, learn about their daily life, and gain insight into their deep connection with cattle — a central part of their culture and identity.

Later in the day, return to your lodge for relaxation as you enjoy the tranquility of the wild Kidepo plains.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer from Kidepo Valley to Lira Town

After breakfast, begin your journey southwards to Lira town, a lively northern hub. Enjoy scenic countryside views and make stops along the way for photos or snacks. The drive offers a mix of savannah landscapes and local markets, giving you a final glimpse of Uganda’s northern charm.

Accommodation: Lira Hotel / Brownstone Country Home
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Return to Kampala / Entebbe – Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe with a lunch stop along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

Your 9 Days Wildlife Encounter to Kidepo Valley National Park comes to an end — filled with rich memories of Uganda’s wildlife, people, and landscapes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Includes

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Professional English-speaking driver-guide

Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

All park entry fees

Ziwa Rhino tracking

Game drives & boat cruise

Cultural visit to the Karamojong community

Bottled drinking water

Safari Excludes

International flights

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry, etc.)

Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary