6 Days Wildlife Adventure at Kidepo and Murchison Falls: Unique Cheetahs and Uganda's Stunning Falls

This trip involves viewing one of the most unique cats (cheetah) as well as the most beautiful fall in Uganda (Murchison falls).

Duration: 6 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Kampala – Ziwa Rhino tracking – Gulu

Rhino Fund Uganda - The trip begins from Kampala City or Entebbe with a hotel pick-up at 7.00am. Head north along the Kampala – Gulu highway to the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Sanctuary in Nakasongola for your initial adventures. Located about a 2-hour drive from Kampala. Uganda once had many Rhinos, but extensive poaching and the civil wars of the 1970s and early 1980s led to their extinction. The Sanctuary was created to breed Rhinos that will eventually be reintroduced into Uganda’s National Parks where they once thrived. Ziwa is also home to other wildlife including Oribi, Bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, Monkeys, and over 351 bird species. After rhino trekking, continue the journey northwards, arriving in Gulu in the evening.

Kitgum – Kidepo – Afternoon game drive

Kidepo Valley National Park - After breakfast, set off for Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving in the afternoon. Check in at the lodge, have lunch, and relax. Later, embark on an evening game drive in the pristine wilderness of Kidepo, visiting the Narus Valley in the south of the park. This is the main game viewing area due to its permanent water source, even during long dry spells when the rest of the park dries out. Many animals gather here during the day to drink and cool off; Zebras, Elephants, Antelopes, and large herds of Buffaloes are commonly seen. Return in the evening for dinner and enjoy nightlife around the campfire.

Morning game drive – Afternoon community tour

Kidepo Valley National Park - After an early breakfast, go for a morning game drive in the park. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the rugged horizon and savanna/acacia grasslands, observing many animals as you drive through the two main biomes of Kidepo – from the savanna/acacia grasslands of the Narus Valley in the south to the semi-arid short grass of Kidepo Valley in the north near the South Sudan border. Kidepo is well-known for cats like the Cheetah, Striped Hyena, Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox, and Caracal, some of which are not found in any other park in Uganda. Other fascinating animals in this Park include Lions, Leopards, Zebra, Giraffe, Kob, Topi, Waterbuck, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, and Warthog. The Ostrich is a notable bird here, not found in any other park in Uganda. Don’t miss the famous sand river and the Kanangorok hot springs in the northernmost part of the park.

Kidepo Valley National Park - After lunch, visit a local community of the IK people, who are similar to the famous Masai of Kenya. Learn about their traditions and cultures, unique housing, and artistry (ornaments and crafts). Enjoy a traditional dance presentation before returning to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park - Have an early breakfast, check out of the lodge, and set off for Murchison Falls National Park. Stop in Kitgum or Gulu town for an early lunch, arriving in Murchison in the late afternoon. Relax for the rest of the day at the lodge.

Game Drive – Afternoon boat safari – Murchison Falls hike

Murchison Falls National Park - Start the day with an early snack/tea/coffee at 6.00am and set off for a morning game drive in the park to see plenty of animals, birds, and the Park’s stunning scenery. Explore the vast grasslands in the northern area of the park, where you will encounter a large variety of game. Sightings include Buffaloes, Lions, Uganda Kob, Giraffes, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, Hyena, Leopard, Baboons, Patas Monkeys, and more. Birds are abundant, with the beautiful Carmine Bee-eater and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill being prominent throughout the game drive. The game drive lasts 4 hours before returning to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation until lunch.

Murchison Falls National Park - After lunch, head to Paraa for a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. On this 2-hour relaxing ride, observe plenty of wildlife along the Nile, including Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephants, and other game that come to drink and cool off in the water. Water birds, including cormorants, kingfishers, herons, fish eagles, bee-eaters, and more, are also abundant. When the boat reaches the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, disembark and take a 45-minute hike on a trail from the bottom to the top of the falls. Enjoy the breathtaking views of one of the world’s strongest waterfalls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter cleft between the rocks to explode into the whirlpool below. The river then continues on a calm course filled with plenty of wildlife, as observed during the boat trip. Meet the driver at the top of the falls to transfer back to the lodge.

Murchison – Kampala

Kampala - After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Kampala, stopping at the Kabalega Diners in Nakasongola for lunch. Drive to Entebbe Airport to catch your flight, or if time permits, take a tour of Kampala city if your flight is scheduled for another day. Tour ends.

What's Included