DISCOVER TRUE AFRICA'S WILDERNESS WITH SARANIA ADVENTURE SAFARIS
5 Days Kidepo Valley Park Safari
With this five-day Kidepo Valley Park Tour, you will explore the buzzing streets of Kampala and the rich natural beauty of one of Africa’s true African Wilderness areas, which is ideal for nature lovers. Spot four of the Big Five animals including lions and leopards, as well as cheetahs in the rugged savannah plains, and enjoy birding opportunities in seclusion before returning to Entebbe. This itinerary offers a brief yet authentic exploration of the country’s outstanding wildlife species (that aren’t found in other popular safari destinations) and unique cultural experiences and people as you veer off the beaten path.
Highlights
- Spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and Cape buffalos while on a game drive.
- Get to know the Karamojong pastoralists to learn about their unique cultures and traditions.
- Explore the bustling streets of Kampala with a local guide.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe Airport, Kampala City Tour.
Day 2: Kampala City Excursion.
Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Day 4: Morning game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park; afternoon cultural tour.
Day 5: Return to Entebbe, departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe Airport, Kampala City Tour
Karibu! Hello, and welcome to the “Pearl of Africa”. Upon arrival at the Airport, our Airport representative will be ready to meet and greet you and hand over your bags to the field guide for a transfer to Kampala City. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Overnight accommodation at;
- Kampala Serena Hotel or Sheraton Hotel Kampala (high-end).
- Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel (midrange).
- Yellow Haven Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Depends on the time of arrival
Day 2: Kampala City Excursion
This morning, after breakfast, your safari driver will pick you up from the Hotel and head for a City excursion. Start the tour with a visit to the thrilling Uganda National Museum, which features exhibits of ethnological and natural history of Uganda as well as its heritage. You will learn more about the country’s cultural and historical heritage and later refuel with a local lunch.
In the afternoon you will visit the Kabaka’s Palace in Mengo, home to Buganda Royalty to learn about its history. The original Palace was destroyed in May 1966 Battle of Mengo Hills at the climax of the struggle between King Muteesa II and Milton Obote for power. Time and energy permitting, you will visit Idi Amin’s torture chambers and close the day with a tour of the local craft market.
Overnight accommodation at;
- Kampala Serena Hotel or Sheraton Hotel Kampala (high-end).
- Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel (midrange).
- Yellow Haven Hotel (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Activities: Uganda Museum and Kabaka’s Palace tours.
Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
On this day, you will make the epic journey from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park, a natural and wilderness gem in Northeastern Uganda. This 1442-square-kilometer Protected Area is renowned for its outstanding wildlife and beautiful volcanic landscapes that include Mount Moroto. You will find different ecosystems (savannah plains, rock kopjes, Valleys, and woodlands) within this Park, a sanctuary for unique wildlife species that include cheetahs.
Along the full day’s scenic drive, you will make a stop in Gulu for lunch before continuing to Kidepo Valley National Park. Get settled on arrival, enjoy a relaxed dinner and rest before the next day’s adventure.
Overnight accommodation at;
- Apoka Safari Lodge or Adere Safari Lodge (high-end).
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge (midrange).
- Zebra Safari Lodge (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Travel time: 9-10 hours.
Day 4: Morning game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park; afternoon cultural tour
Early morning, have breakfast and depart your Safari lodge for your half-day excursion into the Kidepo Valley National Park, which is arguably Uganda’s most spectacular and untouched game Sanctuary. It is one of the least famous and visited Savannah National Park in the country. Here, you can easily view an array of animals including African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, impalas, Rothschild’s giraffes, warthogs, blue monkeys, and big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Other animals you will come across during the game drive include spotted hyenas, Klipspringers, side-striped jackals, Giant elands, Jackson’s hartebeests, zebras, bat-eared foxes, and others. This Protected Area is also rich in birdlife with about 475 recorded species, including Ostriches, and others.
In the afternoon, you will visit a local Karamojong village to learn about their nomadic lifestyle. These pastoralists are famous for their bravery, as they co-existed with the region’s wildlife for centuries. This tour offers an authentic cultural experience and a way of meeting local people, with opportunities to take stunning photographs. In the evening, you will return to the Lodge where you can relax on your porch, swim in the pool, view animals from the lounge, or enjoy a drink in the bar before dinner and overnight.
Overnight accommodation at;
- Apoka Safari Lodge or Adere Safari Lodge (high-end).
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge (midrange).
- Zebra Safari Lodge (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Activities: Game drives and Karamojong cultural visit.
Day 5: Return to Entebbe, departure
After an early breakfast, return overland to Entebbe, to connect with your flights home or onward. You can also opt to fly back to the Airport in the afternoon or add a day room to your safari package to rest and refresh before an overnight flight (this comes at an additional cost).
Our five-day Kidepo Valley Park Tour includes;
- Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari Jeep Land Cruiser.
- Park ranger fees.
- Services of a full-time English-speaking professional safari guide.
- Bottled water.
- Park entry fees.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- 4 nights’ accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of the safari.
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Karamojong cultural tour.
Our five-day Kidepo Valley Park Tour excludes;
- Domestic and International flights.
- Visa fees.
- Laundry fees.
- Telephone calls.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Tips/Gratuities (to Park Rangers, safari guides, Lodge staff, and others).
- Extra activities not included on the itinerary.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Travel and medical insurance.
