7-Day-6 Nights Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls safari
Safari Highlights
A tour of Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley Nation Park is an epic travel experience that will allow you view the incredible Falls on the River Nile and Africa’s most unspoilt National Park- Kidepo Valley.
Safari Summary
Day 01: Depart from Kampala and head to Gulu Town
Day 02: Head to Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 03: Morning and evening game drive in the wild Narus Valley
Day 04: Depart for morning game drive in Kidepo Valley/ Hotsprings
Day 05: Depart for Murchison Falls National Park
Day 06: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day 07: Drive back to Entebbe International Airport
Day 1: Depart for Kampala to Gulu Town
Depart Kampala City and take the Kampala- Gulu highway enroute to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola District- home of the only wild white rhinos in Uganda. After about two and a half hours drive, you will branch off on the left and drive a short distance to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
You will then be briefed by the sanctuary guides on safety- please pay maximum attention because while they are generally gentle beings, the Rhinos can be very dangerous when provoked. After briefing, you will then commence your foot trekking for between one and a half hours to two hours in the presence of these giants.
Along the way, you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, water bucks among others and a number of other bird species. Depart Ziwa with a stopover at Kabalega Diners on the highway for lunch.
After lunch, proceed through Kafu River which is the divide between Kampala and the great North. A quick glance shows you the enterprising young people selling road side fresh barbecue and carefully roasted cassava that remains white even when ready to eat.
Stopover in Gulu for dinner and overnight
Drive time: 7-8 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Lodge: Boma Hotel Gulu
Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
This is another exciting day. After an early morning breakfast exit Gulu and drive to Kidepo Valley National Park.
While on transit, you will see quite beautiful views of the terrain and seasonal Rivers and the unique Karamojong houses known as Manyatas before reaching Kidepo Valley National Park.
You will then unpack, have lunch, relax a bit and then go for an evening game drive in Narus Valley.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodge: Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ngamoru Wilderness Camp (Mid-range) Apoka Rest Camp
Day 3: Game drives in Narus Valley
After a relaxed morning breakfast, you will head straight to the popular Narus Valley for a morning game drive. In Narus, you will see the largest herds of buffaloes ever and on a lucky day, big cats and cheetahs hunting as well. Narus Valley is a permanent water and feeding point which attracts many large size elephants, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and birds.
Return to the Lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation. After this, take a leisurely drive within the park before returning to the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge: Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ngamoru Wilderness Camp (Mid-range) Apoka Rest Camp
Day 4: Visit to Kidepo Valley and the Hotsprings
Today, you will head to the Uganda- Sudan border and explore more beautiful terrain.
After a relaxed morning and breakfast, head to the hot springs and see the giant ostriches that are quite an attraction.
After the hotsprings, explore more of this incredible park. Take strategic positions on the rocks and explore the wide wild terrain of the short savannah grassland giving you opportunity for more experience and pictures.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ngamoru Wilderness Camp (Mid-range) Apoka Rest Camp
Day 5: Departure from Kidepo
Today, you will depart Kidepo and head to Murchison Falls Nation Park. After the five grueling days of beautiful safari, you will then journey back to another beautiful game park. Along the way, enjoy the occasional stopovers and view diverse cultures expressed in food, dressing and living as you cut through about seven different tribes and 5 districts from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park. You will enjoy an enroute game drive through the northern section of the park popularly known as Para where you will spot many giant creatures including elephants and if lucky, big cats like lions hunting. Cross the ferry. Overnight in the Park.
Drive time: 6-7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge: Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge (Mid-Range) Red Chili
Day 6: Explore Murchison Falls NP
Commence the day with an early morning breakfast against the backdrop of the glorious African sun!
Embark on a memorable game drive where you will see, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffaloes, hartebeest, Uganda Kob and warthogs among others in the open savannah plains.
After lunch, embark on a boat cruise down to the base of the Murchison Falls where you will trek to the top of the falls. This is the highlight of your visit to Murchison which comes with the most dramatic view of the waterfalls- Top of Falls where the sight and sound of the Nile crashing down the falls makes an everlasting impression. Enroute you will encounter wildlife (hippos, crocodiles etc and other bird species) coming down to drink and bathe.
You can opt for leaving the boat at Fajao Gorge, climb to the top of the falls and ask your driver to pick you up.
It is at this point that you will have great opportunity to take memorable photos as well.
Return to the Lodge for Dinner and overnight at Fort Murchison- Full Board.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge: Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge (Mid Ranger) Red Chilli.
Day 7: Murchison Falls NP-Departure
Begin your day with an early morning breakfast and exit Murchison Falls heading straight to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight out of Uganda via Kampala.