10-Day Kidepo & Savannah Explorer Safari (Midrange Safari)
Destinations: Kidepo Valley National Park • Murchison Falls National Park • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Pian Upe Game Reserve • Karamoja Region
Safari Style: Midrange lodges and tented camps with scenic views, personalized service, and authentic safari experiences
Ideal for: Private travelers, couples, families, and small groups seeking off-the-beaten-path adventure and classic Big Five encounters
Uganda’s Wild Frontier Awaits
This 10-day safari takes you deep into the untamed beauty of Uganda’s northeastern and northwestern wilderness. From the remote valleys of Kidepo, often called Africa’s most scenic park, to the thunderous Murchison Falls and the rhino-rich plains of Ziwa, this itinerary is designed for travelers who crave raw nature, cultural depth, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. You’ll meet lions lounging on rocks, elephants roaming golden savannahs, and communities preserving ancient traditions.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Kidepo Valley NP, home to cheetahs, ostriches, and large lion prides
- Cultural immersion with the Karamojong and Ik communities
- Scenic drives through Uganda’s wild northeast and Albertine Rift
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Boat cruise and game drives in Murchison Falls NP
- Optional nature walks and crater lake exploration
- Midrange lodges with panoramic views, local cuisine, and wildlife proximity
- Ideal for seasoned travelers seeking Uganda’s most remote and rewarding safari circuit
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Kidepo Valley NP | Lions, cheetahs, ostriches, rugged landscapes |
| Narus & Kidepo Valleys | Game drives, scenic viewpoints |
| Karamoja Region | Cultural visits with Karamojong and Ik tribes |
| Pian Upe Game Reserve | Rare antelopes, birding, wilderness walks |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | On-foot rhino tracking |
| Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Karamoja → Kidepo → Murchison → Kampala (~1,500 km total)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights to Kidepo Airstrip and Pakuba (Murchison) available
- Transfers: All ground transfers provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof and bottled water
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala → Pian Upe Game Reserve
Activities:
- Scenic drive to Eastern Uganda via Mbale and Sipi region
- Afternoon nature walk in Pian Upe to spot elands, hartebeests, and birds
Accommodation: Karamoja Safari Camp / UWA Bandas
Amenities: En-suite rooms, solar lighting, local meals, Wi-Fi (limited)
Day 2: Pian Upe → Moroto (Karamoja Cultural Experience)
Activities:
- Transfer to Moroto town with views of Mount Kadam and Mount Moroto
- Afternoon cultural visit to a Karamojong homestead with storytelling and dance
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp
Amenities: Cultural décor, en-suite rooms, local cuisine, community guides
Day 3: Moroto → Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities:
- Scenic drive to Kidepo via Lokichar and Kalenga Gate
- Sunset game drive in Narus Valley to spot lions, buffaloes, and elephants
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Rest Camp
Amenities: Tented cottages, hot showers, restaurant, wildlife views
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives in Kidepo
Activities:
- Morning game drive in Kidepo Valley to spot ostriches, cheetahs, and giraffes
- Afternoon drive to Kanangorok Hot Springs and scenic viewpoints
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Ik Community Hike & Relaxation
Activities:
- Guided hike to meet the Ik people on Mount Morungole (moderate fitness required)
- Afternoon relaxation or optional nature walk near lodge
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 6: Kidepo → Gulu (Transit Day)
Activities:
- Scenic drive from Kidepo to Gulu town with lunch en route
- Evening leisure at lodge or optional town walk
Accommodation: Acholi Inn Hotel / Bomah Hotel
Amenities: En-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi, air conditioning
Day 7: Gulu → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls
Activities:
- Guided rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Transfer to Murchison Falls NP and visit the top of the falls
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison
Amenities: Riverside views, pool, en-suite rooms, restaurant & bar
Day 8: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning game drive in northern Murchison to spot giraffes, lions, and elephants
- Afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 9: Optional Nature Walk & Leisure
Activities:
- Optional guided nature walk or birding near lodge
- Afternoon leisure or visit to Boomu Women’s Cultural Village
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 10: Murchison → Kampala
Activities:
- Scenic drive back to Kampala with lunch en route
- Optional stop at the equator monument or craft market
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Rain jacket (especially March–May or Oct–Nov)
- Moderate fitness for Mount Morungole hike
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 9 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Rhino tracking, game drives, boat cruises, cultural visits
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Karamoja Safari Camp | Pian Upe | Solar lighting, local meals, nature trails |
| Kara-Tunga Safari Camp | Moroto | Cultural décor, en-suite rooms |
| Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Kidepo | Tented cottages, wildlife views |
| Murchison River Lodge | Murchison Falls NP | Riverside deck, pool, solar power |
Ready to Explore Uganda’s Wild Northeast & Savannah Heartlands?
This midrange safari offers the perfect blend of remote wilderness, cultural depth, and classic game viewing, ideal for private or group travelers.