8 Days Northern Culture and Wildlife Safari.

This 8 day Northern Uganda cultural and wildlife safari offers a premium and well balanced experience, combining the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park with the lush, water-rich landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park, together, these iconic destinations provide exceptional Big Five game viewing, rich cultural encounters, and striking ecological diversity.

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda near the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, spans approximately 1,442 km² of rugged, untouched terrain. Often referred to as “Africa without the crowds,” it is one of the continent’s most remote and breathtaking safari destinations. The park is home to over 77 mammal species, including large populations of buffalo (over 3,000), lions, elephants, and leopards, Rhinos that were recently introduced in the park after a period of 43 years as well as rarer species such as cheetahs and bat-eared foxes.

The landscape of Kidepo is defined by the Narus and Kidepo valleys, where vegetation transitions from open savannah to arid scrubland, framed by dramatic mountain ranges such as Mount Morungole (2,750m). Its semi-arid climate, with temperatures often reaching 40°C and only a short, unpredictable rainy season, contributes to its raw, untamed character. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting approximately 476 bird species, and offers unique activities such as guided hikes and cultural visits to the Ik people, one of Africa’s smallest and most distinctive ethnic groups.

In contrast, Murchison Falls National Park presents a more accessible yet equally spectacular environment. Centered around the powerful Nile River, the park features lush riverine vegetation and the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the river forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream. This setting supports abundant wildlife and provides excellent opportunities for both land and water-based game viewing.

Throughout the safari, guests will also engage with local communities, gaining authentic cultural insights that enrich the overall journey and highlight Uganda’s diverse heritage.

Highlights:

  • Hiking Top of the falls – Murchison Falls National Park.
  • Gaming in both Murchison and Kidepo National Park
  • Scenic road trips from Entebbe – Murchison and Kidepo National Park
  • Nature lovers.
  • All the Big 5 in Kidepo National Park.
  • Hiking Mount Morungole to interact with the IK people.
  • Untamed Wildlife.

                   

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport, after immigration, you will then proceed to the arrivals areas where you will find your driver from Golden Tusk Journey who will be holding a pager/placard with your name on it, he will warmly welcome you to the Pearl, after a quick meet and great chat, he will then put all the luggage in the vehicle and you head to the guest house (10/15 minutes drive)

At the guest house, you will check in and have the afternoon/evening to relax from the jet lag, dinner will be served at your convenient time and rest off.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast basis, dinner on own arrangement.

Day 2 – Transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

After an early morning breakfast at about 7:00am, you will start on your journey to Murchison Falls national park. A branch off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for foot rhino tracking in the only habitat for rhinos in Uganda starts off your safari (optional activity) . After about 2 hours at the sanctuary, you are will be driven to Murchison falls national park with an enroute visit to the Top of the falls, then after proceed to check in at the lodge for dinner and an overnight.

Accommodation: Fort Murchison lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 3- Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River.

Rising early morning you are driven to Murchison falls park headquarters for the first game drive on your Uganda wildlife tour starting at 7:00am. Lasting 2-4hours, Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes make the common sightings of the morning alongside other early risers and bird species. You return to your hotel/lodge for lunch then go for an evening boat cruise at 2:00pm. Below the waterfalls where the boat cruises to makes the starting point for the hike to the top of the thunderous Murchison falls for about 40min to 1h where after you meet your driver guide ready to take you to your lodging facility.

Accommodation: Fort Murchison lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 4 – Drive from Murchison Falls National Park to Kidepo Valley National Park.

After gazing at the gazing at the attraction in Murchison Falls National Park,  following breakfast, you will drive about 7-8 hours to the hidden gem of Kidepo valley far north eastern Uganda, passing through the vast dotted savannah plains, you sight the scenic hills that distinct Acholi land from Kidepo, the traditional homes of the Karamojong known as “manyattas” and the towering Morungole and Moroto mountains. Arriving in the evening, you check in and spend a night at an accommodation around.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 5 – Morning and Afternoon game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Expect to be at Kidepo park headquarters with your driver guide and game ranger for a morning game drive. Driving through a tranquil environment, you go to the Narus river (the permanent source of water in the biome) common for buffalo herds, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and numerous bird species. After lunch, you return to another biome of the Kidepo valley national park for another game drive where you spend the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 6 – Hike/Climb Mount Morungole for the IK people.

After a night of contemplating such a pristine wilderness, you will drive to the foothills of Mount Morungole (2,479m above sea level) where you will start your hike/climb to visit the Ik people. This is one of the smallest tribes in Uganda found on this mountainous region of Karamoja and very diverse with unique cultures. You will spend the whole day with the Ik people and share lunch with the local people. In the evening, you descend from the mountain and return to your lodging facility for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch to be served in the mountains.

Day 7 – Drive from Kidepo Valley National Park to Gulu City.

Early morning have breakfast and then head back to the park for more game viewing with scenic views of the plains, with a chance to sight different species after this activity, proceed back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a hot meal and after embark on a drive out of Kidepo to Gulu town in northern Uganda where you spend the night.

Accommodation: Boma Hotel – Gulu
Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 8 – Start on your Journey back to Entebbe.

A hearty breakfast is the last for your safari this morning as you embark on the drive back to Entebbe. A drive past the countryside offers a chance to understand why this place is home to those who survive here, you arrive in the evening at the end of your wildlife and culture safari in Uganda.

Depending on your outbound flight, you will either spend this night in Entebbe or directly drive to the airport for your onward flight, to be advised.

 

Included in the above safari

  • Accommodation as described
  • Drinking water in the vehicle (1 liter per person per day)
  • All the excursions and activities indicated in the itinerary, under the supervision of an experienced English-speaking walking guide
  • Private 4×4 vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Hiking Mount Morungole to visit the IK people.
  • Hiking Top of the falls.
  • Boat cruise on the Nile river.
  • Park fees at Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Parks.
  • Drinking water in the vehicle all through the safari
  • All transfers.
  • Government taxes

Excluded from the above quote:

  • Uganda Entry Visa fee (to be applied before arrival)
  • International air flights
  • Any optional activity not indicated in above program
  • Laundry Services
  • Gratuities and Tips

 

Visas to be applied at least 3 weeks to arrival time.