7-Day Murchison & Kidepo Wilderness

Tour Overview

Two of Uganda's wildest parks in one week: rhinos at Ziwa, the mighty Murchison Falls, then the remote Narus Valley of Kidepo with Karamojong cultural visits. This 7-day private safari visits Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park.

Highlights: Ziwa Rhino Ranch entry incl. rhino trek on foot; Murchison launch cruise to the falls; Karamojong manyatta visit; Game drives in the Narus Valley.

Best time to go: Kidepo is best in the dry season, Sep-Mar, when game gathers in the Narus Valley.

Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):

Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $2,081 · Midrange $3,933 · Luxury $9,062.

• Murchison Falls NP (2 nights): Budget – Fort Murchison; Midrange – Pakuba Safari Lodge; Luxury – Paraa Safari Lodge
• Kidepo Valley NP (3 nights): Budget – Kidepo Savannah Lodge; Midrange – Adere Safari Lodge; Luxury – Apoka Safari Lodge
• Gulu (1 night): Budget – Gulu town hotel; Midrange – Gulu mid-range hotel; Luxury – Best available hotel in Gulu

Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Ziwa to Murchison

Rhino trek at Ziwa, then Murchison. Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 2: Murchison game drive & launch

Game drive and launch cruise to the falls. Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 3: Murchison to Kidepo

Long drive north-east via Gulu and Kitgum (8-9 hrs). Overnight: Adere Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 4: Narus Valley

Morning and afternoon game drives: lion, buffalo, elephant, Jackson's hartebeest, ostrich. Overnight: Adere Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 5: Kidepo Valley & culture

Kidepo valley and Kanangorok hot springs; Karamojong homestead visit. Overnight: Adere Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 6: Kidepo to Gulu

Drive back to Gulu. Overnight: Gulu mid-range hotel (midrange) or similar.

Day 7: Gulu to Entebbe

Drive south to Kampala/Entebbe.

Inclusions:

• Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide and fuel
• Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
• Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
• Ziwa Rhino Ranch entry incl. rhino trek on foot
• Murchison Falls park entry (2 days)
• Murchison launch cruise to the falls
• Nile ferry crossings at Paraa
• Kidepo Valley park entry (3 days)
• UWA ranger-guides on game drives
• Karamojong manyatta visit
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All government taxes

Exclusions:

• International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
• Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
• Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
• Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
• Optional activities and anything not listed
• Single room supplement (on request)

How to Get There:

Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 5 to 6 hours by road from Kampala (with Ziwa on the way), or a domestic flight to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrip.