6 Days Safari Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Park

1. Cultural Walks
2. Visiting the top of the Murchison Falls
3. Tracking Rhinos
4. Game drives
5. A launch cruise
6. Birdwatching

Day 1: Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit the top of the Murchison Falls

A Guide/Driver from Mission Africa Safaris will pick you from the airport or your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala and brief you about the tour. You will then start the journey to the park. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park is interesting because you will be passing through amazing countryside. Passing through this part of Uganda provides an opportunity to observe the locals working in their farms or doing business by the roadside. You may ask the Guide to stop briefly for you to buy some of the tasty local fruits. Tropical fruits are naturally sweat and nutritious because they are exposed to more direct sunlight. As you continue your journey to the Murchison Falls, you will notice that there are a lot of pastoral communities by the roadside.  These pastoralists sell their milk products by the roadside at very reasonable prices for Ugandan’s returning from long trips to the countryside

Once you reach Nakasongola, you should prepare for a long stop at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Unfortunately, the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place where one can spot Rhinos in Uganda. Uganda once had over 1000 Rhinos roaming freely in the open plains. Extensive poaching wiped them out from the national parks. When less than 8 remained in the wild, they were transferred to this sanctuary for greater protection. The sanctuary now has about 20 individuals and there is a plan to transfer them to the national parks once their numbers grow. The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a large facility with amazing opportunities for nature walks, birding and primates viewing. As you tour the facility, you will be in the company of researchers and game rangers who will share with you all that you need to know about Rhinos. Lunch is served immediately after touring the sanctuary. After lunch, you will then continue your journey to the park where you will go straight to the top of the Murchison falls. Your Dinner and overnight can be at Chobe safari lodge or Paara safari lodge for Luxury. The mid-range lodge is Pakuba safari lodge or Murchison river lodge. If you are traveling on budget you can stay at Budongo eco lodge, Sambiya river bandas or Red chillis.

DAY 2: Game Drive at the Northern end of the park – Boat cruise at the bottom of the Murchison Falls 

You should wake up early in anticipation of a great day of activity. Take heavy breakfast and then prepare to be taken for a game drive at the northern side of the Murchison Falls National Park. Expect to see Uganda Kobs, giraffes, elephants, lions, the Topi and other antelopes. The game drive should go on for three hours after which you will return for lunch and relaxation. The boat ride on the river Nile is in the afternoon.

You will spot large elephants bathing in the river, water bucks, bush bucks, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes and countless water birds. The key thing about the boat ride is that it ends at the foot of the Murchison Falls. Prepare to be amazed by a great view of the Murchison Falls. You will clearly see as the Nile river drops 50 meters down from a narrow gorge producing a thunderous roar. After this amazing part of the day, you should return to your lodge for dinner and overnight in Paara Safari lodge or Chobe safari lodge for Luxury travel. For mid-range travel, you will stay at or Murchison river lodge or Pakuba safari lodge. As a budget traveler, you should be very comfortable in Red-Chilli, Sambiya river bandas and Budongo Eco-lodge.

DAY 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

After all the fun at the Murchison Falls National Park, it’s time to depart and prepare for the next adventure. Have breakfast and wait for the Guide/Driver to start the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. You will stop in Kitgum to have lunch. This will be a long journey but we hope that the amazing countryside will keep you engaged and alert. The landscape is always changing as you pass through pockets of diminishing forest, savannah grasslands and water bodies. Much of Northern Uganda was a no go area 15 or so years ago. The Joseph Kony Rebellion deeply affected the people and landscape. You will notice vast areas without human settlements because whole communities had to abandon their villages for fear of the dreaded Kony.

Arrival is in the evening. If you choose to sleep in tents, then you will go to the park headquarters and check your tents as you prepare for the night game drive. During the night game drive, you will look out for hunting lions, leopards and night birds. After completing your night game drive, you will return to your tent for dinner. Those who wish to spend the nights in standard cottages will stay at Apoka Rest camp or Apoka Lodge (Luxury).

DAY 4: Game Drive in the morning at the Narus Valley – Visit the local Karamojong community

Wake early in the morning and take breakfast as you wait for the Guide to take you for the game drive. The game drive will be done at the Narus Valley before the sun comes up. The Narus valley is named after its only permanent water source – the Narus River. The valley is home to the largest herd of buffaloes in the world.

Look out for leopards, cheetahs and lions before they go into secluded areas to escape the suns heat. Cheetahs, Wild dogs and ostriches can only be seen in Kidepo Valley National Park while in Uganda. The game drive also offers opportunities to see jackals, waterbucks, zebras, bushbucks, hyenas, jackals, klipspringers, elands and Jackson’s hartebeests among other antelopes. Kidepo Valley like most national parks in Uganda is a birders paradise. The ostrich is the largest but you will also encounter rare species that are only seen in semi-arid regions. Prepare your camera and binoculars for a truly amazing birding experience and look out for secretary birds, Bustards and the Karamoja Apalis.

Once you are done with the game drive, you will be taken for lunch as you prepare for the next activity. The afternoon activity is a cultural experience with one of Uganda’s most famous indigenous tribes in Karena and Kapedo. The Karamojong are one of the tribes that have not embraced modern cultures wholly. They are nomadic pastoralists whose lives are centered around their cattle. The Karamojong believe that all cattle in the world belong to them. They believe that all cattle in other communities or countries where stolen from them in the past. Cattle rustling by the Karamojong to seize back their lost cattle from other tribes caused insecurity in the region 15 years ago. When they learnt how to use guns after seizing them during one of the government takeovers, they became a menace to neighboring tribe. The current government was forced to disarm them eventually bring peace to the region.

While with the Karamojong, you will learn about their ancient culture and their love for their animals. You can buy beautifully made beads and other crafts for souvenir from them or take part in their afternoon dances. Overnight and Dinner will be at the Luxury Apoka Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest camp or one of the UWA tents for budget travelers.

DAY 5:  Morning Game Drive –  Visit Hot springs

Wake early for your breakfast and go for the second game drive in another section of Kidepo. This time you will go and see Kidepo’s famous hot springs. Expect to encounter ostriches around the area. Their numbers are threatened by poachers from South Sudan but the park authorities seem to be doing a good job of protecting them. Watch out for the animals previously mentioned and others you might not have seen previously. Get out of the car and go for a nature walk in the company of a ranger to discover the beautiful scenery and amazing landscape of Kidepo Valley National Park. After the game drive and nature walk, you will start the Journey to Kitgum from where you will spend the night. Dinner and overnight will be in Kitgum.

DAY 6: Departure for Kampala

Wake up early at your leisure depending on your flight schedule and take breakfast as you prepare for the journey back. The Guide/Driver will begin the journey back to Kampala through Nakasongola, Masindi and Luwero.

End of the Tour

The Tour Includes:

1. Full board accommodation for five nights
2. An English Speaking Guide/Driver and his allowance
3. Transport in a 4X4 with a roof that can be opened for wildlife viewing
4. Fuel for the vehicle throughout the safari
5. Cultural visit while in Kidepo Valley National Park
6. Rhino tracking
7. Park Entrance fees
8. Any ferry transfers
9. Game drives

The Tour Excludes

1. Visas
2. Air booking and Tickets
3. Travel Insurance
4. Extra luxurious alcoholic drinks
5. Tip to the hotel staff, park rangers or our guides
6. Laundry and other things of a personal nature

Budongo Eco Lodge: This lodge is budget lodge built in the middle of Budongo forest. The lodge gives you a feeling of being close to nature and out in the wild. It is a favorite for those who have come for birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking and visiting the research facilities in the forest. Budongo Eco Lodge is managed by the Uganda Lodges group. Budongo Eco Lodge has Eco-cabins and dorm rooms which are all Eco-friendly. The cabin rooms are very spacious and designed with verandahs overlook the beautiful forest. There is a restaurant which serves both local and international cuisines depending on order. The cabins have double and twin bed and are equipped with sitting areas, private bathrooms, showers and working tables. The four dormitory rooms on the other hand are for larger groups. Each room has 2 double-Decker beds with a mosquito net. The rooms have a common showers and bathrooms running hot and cold water. Those who love art can visit the Budongo Craft Shop and check out an excellent collection of art pieces from Ugandan artists including necklaces and handmade postcards.

Sambiya River Lodge: Sambiya River Lodge is budget Eco-lodge built very close to the Murchison Falls itself and the River Sambiya. The atmosphere around the lodge is that of tranquility and charm. The lodge has 26 double rooms that can accommodate individuals or families. Each of the rooms (cottages) are self-contained with mosquito nets, bathrooms, working tables and a verandah for relaxation. A large swimming pool is available for use throughout the day while Free Wi-Fi can be accessed from most parts of the lodge. Guests can purchase something easily from the lodge if they have Visa or MasterCard’s. The lodge employ people from the area and also supports Anaka Women’s Group by helping promote their artwork. Expect excellent service from the lodge staff if you choose to stay here.

Apoka Safari Lodge: This Luxury lodge arguably the best Lodge while touring Kidepo Valley National Park. Ten large rooms were built to give the ultimate comfort using local products and craftsmen. All the rooms give a breathtaking view of the national park and the vast savanna. Each room has a veranda, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, beautiful carpets, extra clean towels and dressing gowns. You will not miss your room back home while staying in Apoka Safari Lodge. The stone bathtubs here are large enough for an entire group or family. Moreover, there is a swimming pool that is curved out of a big rock where all residents can have fun as they share stories about their Uganda adventures.