Kidepo Valley Expedition

Departure from Entebbe/Kampala to Gulu/Kitgum

Begin your Kidepo adventure with a very early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Embark on a long but scenic drive north towards Gulu or Kitgum, which will serve as your overnight stopover. The journey will take approximately 7-8 hours, traversing diverse Ugandan landscapes and passing through local towns. Lunch will be had en route. Arrive in Gulu/Kitgum late afternoon, check into your accommodation, have dinner, and rest in preparation for the next day's journey to Kidepo.

Gulu/Kitgum to Kidepo Valley & Afternoon Game Drive

After an early breakfast, continue your drive north from Gulu/Kitgum to Kidepo Valley National Park. This leg of the journey typically takes another 3-4 hours, with the scenery gradually changing to more arid, rugged landscapes as you approach the remote park. Arrive around lunchtime, check into your safari lodge within or near the park, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first thrilling game drive in the Nar?s Valley, known for its high concentration of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Full Day Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Rise early for breakfast and head out for an extensive full day of game viewing. Begin with a morning game drive in the Nar?s Valley, which is often the best time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards as they are most active. After a picnic lunch in the bush, drive towards the drier Kidepo Valley, exploring the northern reaches of the park and visiting the Kanangorok Hot Springs. The Kidepo Valley offers different species like ostriches and possibly rarer antelopes such as the greater and lesser kudu. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Morning Activity & Karamojong Cultural Encounter

After a leisurely breakfast, you have the option of a guided nature walk with a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger, offering a unique opportunity to explore the park on foot and observe smaller creatures and flora up close. Alternatively, you can enjoy another game drive focusing on specific areas or animals you wish to see. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a nearby Karamojong homestead (Manyatta). Learn about their unique traditions, witness their captivating dances, and gain insight into their pastoralist way of life. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, preparing for the long journey back.

Departure from Kidepo Valley to Entebbe/Kampala

After a very early breakfast, bid farewell to the magnificent Kidepo Valley National Park. Begin the long and demanding full-day drive back to Entebbe or Kampala. You will have stops for lunch and stretching along the way. This journey will take approximately 10-12+ hours, depending on traffic conditions and stops. Arrive back in Entebbe/Kampala in the late evening, with drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.