6 Days in Kidepo and Murchison Falls

The journey begins in Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive northward via the Gulu Highway, passing through lush countryside, small towns, and vast farmlands.

• Stopover in Gulu Town: A major northern hub with rich history and culture. Enjoy lunch here before continuing.
• Karamoja Region: As you approach Kidepo, the landscape shifts to semi-arid savannah, dotted with traditional Manyatta huts.
• Arrival at Kidepo Valley National Park: One of Africa’s most remote and untouched parks, Kidepo boasts stunning vistas of the Narus and Kidepo Valleys.

Check into your lodge (options include Apoka Safari Lodge or Kidepo Savannah Lodge) and unwind with a sundowner as you soak in the wild beauty of the park. The distant calls of lions and hyenas may serenade you to sleep.

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Kidepo’s Narus Valley, the park’s prime wildlife area. Known for its high concentration of animals, Kidepo offers sightings rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda.

• Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely.
• Large Herbivores: Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras graze the plains.
• Unique Species: Look out for the ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and aardwolves—rare in other Ugandan parks.
• Birdlife: Over 475 bird species, including the Kori bustard and Abyssinian ground hornbill.

Enjoy lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Narus Valley, where animals gather around waterholes.

As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s sightings under a star-filled sky.

Another early start takes you deeper into the park, exploring the Kidepo Valley—a drier region with a different ecosystem. Spot oribis, dik-diks, and klipspringers along the rocky outcrops.

In the afternoon, visit a nearby Karimojong village to immerse yourself in the traditions of this pastoralist community.

• Traditional Dancing & Songs: Energetic performances by Karimojong warriors.
• Manyatta Visit: Explore their homesteads and learn about their way of life.
• Craft Market: Purchase handmade beads, spears, and woven items.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening, reflecting on the blend of wildlife and culture experienced today.

After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area.

• Passing through Kitgum & Karuma Falls: Stop briefly for photos at the Karuma Bridge over the Nile.
• Arrival at Murchison Falls: Check into your lodge (e.g., Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Lodge) and enjoy an evening at leisure.

A short sunset game drive near the Nile may reveal elephants, hartebeests, and Uganda kob.

Explore the Buligi Circuit, Murchison’s prime game-viewing area.

• Lions & Leopards (if lucky!)
• Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes
• Jackson’s Hartebeest & Patas Monkeys

After lunch, embark on a Nile River cruise toward the Murchison Falls.

• Hippos & Crocodiles lounging on the banks.
• Waterbirds: Kingfishers, cormorants, and the rare shoebill stork.
• The Mighty Murchison Falls: Watch the Nile squeeze through a 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous spectacle.

Disembark and take a guided hike to the top for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Check into your lodge (options include Apoka Safari Lodge or Kidepo Savannah Lodge) and unwind with a sundowner as you soak in the wild beauty of the park. The distant calls of lions and hyenas may serenade you to sleep.

Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Falls Culture Adventure in Kidepo National Park

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Kidepo’s Narus Valley, the park’s prime wildlife area. Known for its high concentration of animals, Kidepo offers sightings rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda.

Wildlife Encounters:

• Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely.
• Large Herbivores: Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras graze the plains.
• Unique Species: Look out for the ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and aardwolves—rare in other Ugandan parks.
• Birdlife: Over 475 bird species, including the Kori bustard and Abyssinian ground hornbill.

Picnic Lunch & Scenic Views:

Enjoy lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Narus Valley, where animals gather around waterholes.

Evening Return:

As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s sightings under a star-filled sky.

Day 3: Morning Safari & Karimojong Community Tour

Morning Game Drive:

Another early start takes you deeper into the park, exploring the Kidepo Valley—a drier region with a different ecosystem. Spot oribis, dik-diks, and klipspringers along the rocky outcrops.

Afternoon Karimojong Cultural Experience:

In the afternoon, visit a nearby Karimojong village to immerse yourself in the traditions of this pastoralist community.

Cultural Highlights:

• Traditional Dancing & Songs: Energetic performances by Karimojong warriors.
• Manyatta Visit: Explore their homesteads and learn about their way of life.
• Craft Market: Purchase handmade beads, spears, and woven items.

Sunset at Apoka Rest Camp:

Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening, reflecting on the blend of wildlife and culture experienced today.

Day 4: From Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area.

Journey Highlights:

• Passing through Kitgum & Karuma Falls: Stop briefly for photos at the Karuma Bridge over the Nile.
• Arrival at Murchison Falls: Check into your lodge (e.g., Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Lodge) and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Optional Evening Activity:

A short sunset game drive near the Nile may reveal elephants, hartebeests, and Uganda kob.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Safari + Murchison Falls Hike

Morning Game Drive in the Northern Sector:

Explore the Buligi Circuit, Murchison’s prime game-viewing area.

Wildlife to Spot:

• Lions & Leopards (if lucky!)
• Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes
• Jackson’s Hartebeest & Patas Monkeys

Afternoon Boat Safari to the Falls:

After lunch, embark on a Nile River cruise toward the Murchison Falls.

Boat Safari Highlights:

• Hippos & Crocodiles lounging on the banks.
• Waterbirds: Kingfishers, cormorants, and the rare shoebill stork.
• The Mighty Murchison Falls: Watch the Nile squeeze through a 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous spectacle.

Hike to the Top of the Falls:

Disembark and take a guided hike to the top for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala.

• Rhino Tracking: On foot, track white rhinos—Uganda’s only wild rhino population.
• Guided Walk: Learn about rhino conservation efforts.

Enjoy a final meal before continuing to Kampala.

Drop-off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of an incredible 6-day safari. This 6-day Kidepo and Murchison Falls safari offers an unparalleled mix of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. From the remote wilderness of Kidepo to the thunderous Murchison Falls and the serene Nile, every moment is packed with adventure. Whether tracking lions in the savannah, cruising past hippos, or dancing with the Karimojong, this journey showcases Uganda’s wild heart and vibrant soul. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari, this itinerary delivers unforgettable memories and a deep connection with Africa’s untamed beauty.