7 Days Northern Wilderness at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP & Kidepo Valley NP Safari.
Embark on the definitive Ugandan wilderness safari, a seven-day odyssey that journeys from wetland sanctuaries to the raw, untouched savannas of the remote north. This adventure offers a stunning contrast in landscapes and an unparalleled depth of wildlife encounters. Begin with an intimate, on-foot trek to track majestic white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary. Then, witness the awesome power of the Nile River at the thunderous Murchison Falls, cruising past vast hippo pods on a legendary boat safari. The climax is the breathtaking isolation of Kidepo Valley National Park, a hidden gem where cheetahs roam and the iconic Apoka Lodge overlooks plains teeming with species found nowhere else in Uganda. This is a true explorer’s circuit, delivering the soul of Africa in one unforgettable week
CATEGORY | Price Per PAX | Price for 2 PAX | Price for 4 PAX | Price For 6 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget | USD 1,680 | USD 1,540 | USD 1,320 | USD 1,250 |
Midrange | USD 2,150 | USD 1,970 | USD 1,780 | USD 1,550 |
Luxury | USD 3,450 | USD 3,200 | USD 2,960 | USD 2,650 |
Trip Overview
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities: Rhino Trekking, Big 5 Game Drives, Boat Safaris, Scenic & Cultural Encounters, Birding.
Accommodation: Comfortable Mid-Range to Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps.
This expedition combines Uganda’s premier northern wildlife experiences, connecting the iconic Murchison Falls with the legendary, remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley for a complete and contrasting safari.
Trip Details & Map
This 7-day journey is designed for the true safari enthusiast seeking depth and diversity.
It features the exclusive rhino tracking experience at Ziwa, the powerful water spectacle and rich Nile-based wildlife of Murchison Falls, and the crown jewel: the remote, arid plains of Kidepo Valley.
Here, game viewing feels exclusive and dramatic, with chances to see cheetah, bat-eared fox, and the majestic greater kudu.
Travel between these parks reveals the changing face of Uganda, from lush riverine forest to open savanna, with comfortable lodges providing an oasis after each day’s adventure.
Trip Itinerary & Features
Exclusive On-Foot Rhino Tracking at Ziwa.
Boat Safari to the Base of Murchison Falls & Hike to the Top.
Extensive Game Drives in Two Iconic & Contrasting National Parks.
Immersion in the Remote Wilderness of Kidepo Valley.
Scenic Overland Journey Through Authentic Northern Uganda.
Full Board Accommodation & Expert Guide.
Day 1: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP
Depart early for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided trek to observe white rhinos on foot. Continue to your lodge in Murchison Falls NP for overnight.
Day 2: Murchison Falls NP Game Drive & Boat Safari
Morning game drive on the northern Paraa plains. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls for hippos, crocodiles, and breathtaking views.
Day 3: Top of the Falls & Transfer to Gulu
Morning hike to the “Top of the Falls” for a panoramic spectacle. Depart the park and travel northwards, breaking the journey with an overnight in Gulu town.
Day 4: Gulu – Transfer to Kidepo Valley NP
A full-day scenic drive into the remote Karamoja region, arriving at the untamed wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park in the evening. Settle into your lodge with stunning valley views.
Day 5: Kidepo Valley NP Full Day Exploration
Full day of immersive game viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives in the Narus and Kidepo valleys searching for unique wildlife like cheetah, kudu, and ostrich.
Day 6: Kidepo Valley NP – Morning Drive & Cultural Visit
Final morning game drive in Kidepo. Option for a guided nature walk or a cultural encounter with the local Karamojong community to learn about their ancient pastoralist traditions.
Day 7: Kidepo Valley NP – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, embark on the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport (typically with a scheduled domestic flight option for convenience, at extra cost).
What’s Included:
All park entry fees and activity permits (Ziwa, Murchison, Kidepo).
Full board accommodation (6 nights).
Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
All scheduled activities: Rhino trek, game drives, boat cruise, hike.
Drinking water in the vehicle.
What’s Not Included:
International flights and visas.
Domestic flight from Kidepo (optional upgrade).
Travel insurance (mandatory).
Tips for guides and lodge staff.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks not at meals, laundry).
Optional cultural activities.
Essential Information & FAQs
Best Time to Go: Dry seasons (December-March & June-September) are ideal for wildlife spotting and navigating park roads, especially in Kidepo.
Getting There: The safari starts/ends in Kampala/Entebbe. The drive to Kidepo is long but scenic. We highly recommend considering the optional domestic flight from Kidepo back to Entebbe on Day 7 to save time (extra cost).
Fitness Level: Moderate. Includes light walking on rhino treks and hikes. Long road travel is involved.
FAQs:
How demanding is the road travel? The drive to Kidepo is a full-day journey on mixed-quality roads. It is part of the adventure, offering authentic cultural sights, but requires patience. The flight option alleviates this.
What unique animals will we see in Kidepo? Kidepo is famous for species rare or absent elsewhere in Uganda, including cheetah, greater and lesser kudu, Chandlers mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, and potentially the Karamoja apalis (bird).
Is Kidepo safe for tourists? Yes. The park and the travel route are secure for tourists. Your guide is experienced and knowledgeable about the region.
What is the accommodation like? Lodges in Murchison range from comfortable to luxurious. In Kidepo, options are more limited but include excellent permanent tented camps and lodges that blend seamlessly with the wild environment