7 Day Kidepo Valley & Murchison Falls Wildlife Adventure

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala, followed by a detailed briefing from your professional driver-guide. You’ll then set off on a scenic drive northward toward Gulu, a key gateway to Northern Uganda.

The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, with several enriching stopovers along the way. Your first major highlight is a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll enjoy a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you’ll walk through the savannah to observe white rhinos at a safe distance—an exciting and rare opportunity in Uganda.

After lunch, continue your journey toward the north, crossing the powerful Nile River at Karuma Falls. Here, you’ll witness the river forcing its way through a series of rapids, creating a dramatic natural scene perfect for photography.

Arrive in Gulu in the late afternoon. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge, surrounded by the calm atmosphere of northern Uganda.

After breakfast, depart Gulu and continue north toward the remote and spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through the Karamoja region, known for its traditional pastoralist communities and untouched landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll see traditional manyattas (homesteads), open plains, and rocky outcrops that gradually transition into the wild savannah of Kidepo. This journey itself feels like stepping into a different world—far from busy tourist routes.

Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by some rest. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Narus Valley, the park’s wildlife hotspot.

Narus Valley’s permanent water sources attract a high concentration of animals, making it one of the best places in Uganda for wildlife viewing. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and possibly predators like lions beginning their evening activity.

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich ecosystems of Kidepo Valley National Park with extended morning and afternoon game drives.

Start early with a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. This is the best time to spot predators such as lions and possibly cheetahs, as they hunt or return from nighttime activity. The golden morning light also provides excellent photography conditions.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation before heading out again later in the morning or afternoon. Throughout the day, you’ll encounter large herds of buffaloes, elephants grazing near water sources, and a variety of antelope species including hartebeests and oribis.

Kidepo is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 470 species recorded. Keep an eye out for ostriches, secretary birds, and various raptors soaring above the plains.

The wide-open landscapes, backed by distant mountain ranges, make every moment feel expansive and untouched.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Narus Valley to catch any wildlife you may have missed.

Later, journey deeper into the park to explore the remote Kidepo Valley, a less visited but incredibly scenic area. This region features vast dry riverbeds, open savannah, and a raw wilderness that feels truly untouched.

Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, located near the South Sudan border. The hot springs bubble from the ground, surrounded by arid plains and dramatic views.

This area offers a different ecosystem from Narus Valley, increasing your chances of spotting unique species such as ostriches, along with other dry-land birds and animals.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

After breakfast, begin your journey southwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse national park. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, offering scenic views of changing landscapes.

Upon arrival, enter the park through the northern sector and enjoy an en-route game drive, where you may spot giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species.

You’ll then cross the Victoria Nile by ferry, a unique experience that offers panoramic views of the river and wildlife along its banks.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening and unwind after a long but rewarding travel day.

Start your day early with a sunrise game drive in the Paraa plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Uganda. The early hours offer excellent chances of spotting lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes as they begin their day.

After returning for lunch and relaxation, head out for an unforgettable boat cruise along the Victoria Nile.

As you cruise upstream, you’ll see large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking along the banks, and numerous bird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans.

The highlight of the cruise is approaching the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge before crashing down with incredible force—a truly spectacular sight.

After breakfast, you may choose to visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness the Nile compressing into a narrow channel before plunging 43 meters below. The thunderous sound and misty spray make this a powerful and memorable experience.

Begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala, a drive of approximately 5–6 hours, with a stop for lunch along the way.

Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your departure.