Our 4 days Kidepo safari to Kidepo Valley National Park, Africa’s true wildernesses offers game drives, Ik and Karamojong cultural immersion. Situated in the semi-arid Karamoja region in northeast along the border with South Sudan and Kenya Turkana land, Kidepo landscape comprises of rock kopjes and rugged hills such as Mount Murongole dotting the open savanna plains. The park has one wet season in a year so wildlife is sustained by permanent Narus river and associated swamps and water pools in the Narus valley. The seasonal Kidepo river is associated with Kanangorok hot springs.
The unique thing about Kidepo valley national park is the unique wildlife and culture of the Karamojong people including Ik who live on Mount Murongole. Some of Kidepo’s wildlife species that aren’t found anywhere else in Uganda include cheetahs, Aardwolf, striped hyenas, black backed jackals, and ostriches among other birds like Karamoja Apalis. There are over 70 mammal species and over 400 bird species, making for one of the best game viewing places. Narus valley attracts abundant wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, common elands, impalas, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, elephants, and huge buffalo herds of 1,000 buffaloes. Lions tend to stay on the rock kopjes, which are a must-visit attraction in Kidepo. The Kidepo valley is known for leopards, giraffes, and birds due to its wooded grasslands.
The stunning scenery, the Karamajong culture and wildlife all combined to offer a remarkable safari experience of life time for for a keen photographer on this 4 days Kidepo safari.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Long drive to Kidepo Valley national park
Meet at an agreed pick-up point, have a short briefing and depart for Kidepo Valley National Park. (we recommend departure 6:30am). While the journey from Kampala to Kidepo is famously long, it’s also key to note that the drive is fascinating. With a lot to explore while undertaking the 10-hour in your 4×4 safari vehicle.
Hot lunch will serve en route most preferably Gulu town and we proceed further to the north through Kitugum to Kidepo. While on the road, watch out the residents digging with the rudimentary tools such as the hand-held hoes in the maize farmlands. Children and adults looking after cattle, ladies cycling for miles to fetch water, the local dress cord. Dinner and overnight at the edge of the park.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savanna Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Full day Exploring Kidepo Wildlands
An early breakfast will be served and head out to traverse the vast plains of Kidepo national park. The Park is blessed with abundant wildlife and famous for its masses of buffalo herds that range in hundreds to thousands.
Apart from Pian Upe wildlife reserve, cheetahs have also been sighted in Kidepo though on rare occasions. Other wildlife to look out for include, the African elephants. The cape buffalos’ herds and masses that can only be found here than anywhere else on the African continent. Furthermore Zebras, Jacksons Hartebeests, Rothschild Giraffes, Elands and many bird species such as Verreauxs Eagle, Kori bastard, common ostrich, Karamoja Apalis can be sighted in this park. We will dedicate this day for game drives both morning and evening discovering several tracks in search of big game. Enjoy the serine beauty of Kidepo and her rugged blue mountains that make it perfect for photographic moments, and capturing the memories. Dinner and overnight at the Camp
Accommodation: Kidepo Savanna Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 3: Extra day exploring Kidepo
Depending on you experience the previous day, you will agree with your guide what time to have your breakfast, then head out for a game drive or visit the local community for a cultural insight of the Karamajong people. We recommend you do a morning game drive and visit the local community mid-morning. Where you will be able to find them going on with their everyday life.
In the afternoon, you can rest or conduct another game drive looking for more wildife. Kidepo is prime game viewing parks with animals like the African elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Elands, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas and several bird species including, Verreauxs Eagle, Kori bastard, common ostrich, Karamoja Apalis among others.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savanna Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 4: Depart from Kidepo to Entebbe
After breakfast, we will depart Kidepo very morning and head back to Kampala/Entebbe. On your way, you will have a short stop for photographic moments at Aruru falls before the Gulu town where we will have our hot lunch before heading off to Kampala.
See all Uganda tours or our trending 8 days Uganda Classic Budget Safari
Kindly note that this is a long drive and time keeping is crucial
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Lunch
Included
- 4×4 customized Safari vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- 3 Nights at Kidepo Savanna lodge
- Meals en route
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- English speaking driver guide
- Drinking water
Excluded
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuity
- Anything not mentioned in this itinerary
