The 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari unfolds across a week, encompassing 7 days and 6 nights of exploration spanning the captivating landscapes of both Northwestern and Northeastern Uganda. These seven days promise a rich immersion into wildlife, ecology, and culture in Kidepo, as well as the chance to encounter a diverse array of wildlife species in Murchison Falls National Park.
Kidepo, often hailed as the epitome of African wilderness, lies in the remote Northeastern reaches of Uganda, approximately 520 kilometres from the capital city, Kampala. It stands as a sanctuary for over 86 mammal species, including the elusive wild dog, majestic leopards, mighty elephants, regal lions, swift cheetahs, elusive spotted hyenas, graceful zebras, formidable African buffalo, bat-eared foxes, and the iconic Rothschild’s giraffes.
On the other hand, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park stretches over a vast expanse of approximately 34,000 square kilometres. Nestled in the northwestern part of the country, it lies about 283 kilometres Northwest of Kampala.
Highlights
- Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Visiting Hot Springs
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls
Day 1: Drive to Gulu
Your adventure starts with a warm welcome by our knowledgeable driver guide, who will provide you with a detailed briefing on the exciting 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari. We’ll begin the journey by traveling along the Gulu highway, heading Northward towards the charming town of Gulu.
En route to Gulu, you’ll have the option to make a memorable stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can partake in a thrilling Rhino trekking experience. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the sanctuary on your return journey. As you traverse this picturesque route, you’ll cross the mighty Nile and witness the awe-inspiring Karuma Falls before finally reaching Gulu for the night.
Given the considerable distance to Kidepo Valley National Park, which can be a demanding 9 to 10-hour drive, an overnight stay in Gulu is essential. The journey from Kampala to Gulu typically takes 6 to 7 hours.
For your accommodation, we have arranged a comfortable stay at the esteemed Boma Hotel Gulu, ensuring you have a relaxing start to your remarkable wildlife safari.
Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early morning breakfast of coffee, tea, and refreshments, you will proceed to Kidepo valley National Park. The route to kidepo valley is quite rewarding, as you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the few hills that separate Acholi land and Karamoja, you won’t miss seeing the stunning Manyattas, cross a few seasonal rivers, check in to the lodge, have lunch, relaxation, and an evening game drive in Narus valley.
After a period of rest, your driver or guide will take you to Narus valley for an evening game drive, during which you will be able to spot a variety of mammals, including cheetahs, elephants, wild canines, zebras, antelopes, and giraffes, among others. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day: 3 Game drives in Narus valley
Morning Game Drive
You will rise early and enjoy your breakfast before driving to Narus Valley for a morning game drive. The Narus Valley is the finest place to observe a variety of mammals in their natural savannah habitat. On your game drive, you may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, antelopes, leopards returning to their dens, elephants, and a diversity of bird species. After the morning safari, return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon Game Drive
After lunch, return to Narus valley for the afternoon game drive and discover additional animals that you missed in the morning. Due to Narus valley’s reputation as a permanent water source, various mammals are seen drinking and grazing in this region. And it is the only place on African excursions where you can see the greatest buffalo herds. You also have a chance of observing big cats hunting, such as lions, leopards, and others; you may be fortunate to encounter the rare cheetah. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Game drive & Evening Visit hot springs in Kidepo valley
Game drive
Wake up to early morning tea or coffee, and return to Narus valley for another game drive in an effort to identify wildlife that you might have missed on the previous game drives.
Kidepo Valley National Park is an authentic African wilderness where you will never be disappointed. You are free to utilize one of the park’s observation spots equipped with binoculars. Thereafter, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation as you await the evening’s activities.
Hot Springs Tour
After lunch, drive to Kidepo Valley to see the stunning hot springs on the other side of the Uganda–Sudan border, and you may be lucky to encounter enormous ostriches. Drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 5: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we drive for about 6-7 hours from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive at the Northern sector of the park, where you experience a game drive en route to Paraa area. Here you will have the opportunity to see a variety of mammals, including big cats hunting, antelopes, and many others. Transfer to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Morning Game drive and evening Boat Cruise
Morning Game drive
After an early breakfast, head out to Paraa, a perfect spot for viewing mammals feeding while predators pursue. You will be able to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, and many others. Depending on the amount of time you have, you may observe large animals scavenging. Transfer to the lodge for lunch and await the afternoon Nile River excursion.
Boat Cruise
After lunch, you will embark on a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls, during which you will see a variety of water birds at close range, including the great turaco, herons, and kingfisher, as well as water animals such as crocodiles, hippos, and other animals that are drawn to the water’s edge to quench their thirst. You can hike to the summit of the falls and be amazed by the spectacular water splash, before your guide transports you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Return to Kampala
Enjoy breakfast at leisure and later drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in case you missed it on the first day of your trip. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see the white Rhino. Lunch at Ziwa, thereafter, drive back to Kampala arriving in the late afternoon. You will be dropped at your accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport in time for your outbound flight.
End of 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari