Kidepo valley national park and the primates safari (8 days)

The combination of rhinos, Primates, cats, and the extended herds of savannah wildlife in Murchison falls and Kidepo valley national park makes this trip one of the perfect wildlife experiences you can get in Uganda. On this eight-day trip, you will also realize that Uganda’s beauty is not only about wildlife, but also the cultural attachment wildlife has to the life of the indigenous peoples. After the safaris and nature treks, you will have options of visiting the communities to listen or participate in their side of the story.

Included:

  • Land transport in Uganda by 4wd Safari van with popup roof
  • Experienced English speaking driver-guide
  • Chimp tickets
  • Driver allowances, driver accommodation, and car fuel for all the days.
  • Accommodation as per the meal plan shown on the itinerary
  • Activities inside the park as specified,
  • All park entrance fee
  • Ranger fees in the park and guide fees in the parks

Excluded:

  • All optional activities
  • All bar drinks
  • visa fees and air tickets
  • All hotel extras not specified in the itinerary
  • insurance
  • laundry and tips
  • accommodation on the first night in Kampala

  • Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kitgum:

    From Kampala start your tour with a first night at Kitgum.  Today, you will cross the Nile at Karuma falls then drive north through the relatively flat and remote Ugandan countryside. You will have several stop-over points for snacks. Preferably, carry some packed snacks to minimize relying on roadside eats.  You may stop to grab cooked snacks or stop for lunch at Gulu town then proceed to Kitgum for dinner and overnight. Please note that no pictures allowed at Karuma falls bridge but the views are rewarding.
  • Day 2: Kitgum - Kidepo valley National park:

    After breakfast, head to Karenga, on your way to Lokumoit Gate as your entry to Kidepo valley national park.  Today, as you head to the park offices and after checking in, you will take the chances of spotting wildlife in this rich ecosystem. A common site is the breathtaking scenery of the landscape and wildlife including cats, African Elephants, Leopard, Bushbucks, Giraffes, African Buffaloes, and much more. On a lucky day, you may spot the lions typical of Kidepo on the rocks at the entrance of Apoka park headquarters or along the Narus valley.
  • Day 3: Kidepo valley national park:

    Today you have a full day of exploring Kidepo Valley National park in a series of activities including game drives, nature, and cultural walks, hot springs visit mixed with relaxing moments to enjoy the unique scenery of the Kidepo landscape. Start with an early morning breakfast and packed lunch before you start the game drives and walks to the hot springs via the palm trees lined along Kidepo River, in search of Ostriches and leopards, tortoises along the way. You may choose to participate in the guided nature walk, mountain trekking to visit the Ik tribe chiefdom to participate in their dances and other cultural activities. You will then return to your hotel later in the day.
  • Day 4: Kidepo valley national park – Gulu: 

    After breakfast connect from Kidepo valley national park to Kitgum through Karenga. You will then have lunch in Kitgum before you continue to Gulu town.  When in Gulu, You may participate in some cultural experiences to take a glimpse of the memories and remains of the lord's resistance army (LRA) war. You will be amazed to learn how this town has recovered to overturn the recorded story of horror. Being the largest town in the region, you will have chances to make refill shopping then return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
  • Day 5: Gulu – Murchison falls national park: 

    Take an early breakfast and depart to Murchison falls national park. You will reach Murchison in the mid-morning and take a chance to do the game drive as you head to your accommodation at red chili hide way. This afternoon, you may join a boat cruise on the Nile for game viewing at a close range with options of taking a trek to the top of the falls. Please note that taking the trek to the top of the falls requires that you have a car waiting for you at the top, to transfer you to the hotel.
  • Day 6: Murchison falls National park: 

    After an early morning breakfast; embark on a half-day game drive on the northern bank of the river Nile. Game in this area includes Giraffe, Elephant, Hartebeest, Lion, Uganda Kob, Oribi, and a variety of savannah and woodland birds. Return to the Lodge and have lunch. If you didn’t take the boat cruise yesterday, after lunch, is the best time for a boat cruise along the river Nile for game viewing at a close range. This is a paradise for the Hippo and Crocodiles. Retire for dinner and overnight.  
  • Day 7: Murchison falls – Budongo – Ziwa rhino sanctuary:

    Early morning, transfer to Kaniyo pabidi in Budongo central forest reserve to do the chimp tracking. After spending good time with the chimps in their natural habitat, head out of the park to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for dinner and overnight. Other options to do in the forest include birding tours and forest walks.  
  • Day 8: Ziwa rhino Sanctuary – Kampala:

    Early morning, after breakfast, embark on the rhino tracking experience. You will spend the first half of the day then return for lunch. Optional activities include the shoebill canoe trek and other nature walks. The sanctuary is the only place you will find Rhinos in their natural habitat while in Uganda. The sanctuary was created to reintroduce the Rhinos after all were poached from Uganda’s wildlife-protected areas. After lunch, you transfer to Kampala, arriving late afternoon at your hotel. 
Recommended Accommodation for this Trip