7-Day Uganda Safari: Murchison Falls & Kidepo Valley National Parks

7-Day Uganda Safari: Murchison Falls & Kidepo Valley National Parks

Experience the wild beauty of northern Uganda on this 7-day safari, combining the iconic Murchison Falls with the remote, wildlife-rich Kidepo Valley. From rhino tracking to boat cruises, game drives, and cultural encounters — it’s an adventure packed with nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Day 1: Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park

• Start your day early in Kampala and embark on a scenic drive north, covering about 180 kilometers to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• At the sanctuary, enjoy a guided walking safari where you’ll track and observe majestic white rhinos in their natural habitat.
• After this memorable experience, have lunch at Amuka Lodge within the sanctuary grounds.
• Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic park.
• Check-in and relax for the evening at your chosen lodge:

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

• Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
• Set off for a morning game drive through the park’s vast savannas. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalos, Uganda kobs, oribis, warthogs, and other antelope species.
• Return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of leisure time.
• In the afternoon, head out for a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Look out for crocodiles, hippos, and a wide array of bird species like the rare shoebill stork.
• Afterward, return to your lodge and unwind for the evening.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kidepo Valley National Park

• After breakfast, check out and begin the long but scenic drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, located in Uganda’s remote northeast.
• Pass through rolling hills, forests, and traditional villages, offering glimpses into the daily lives of Uganda’s rural communities.
• Arrive in Kidepo, check into your lodge, and relax after your journey.

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
  • Mid-range: Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
  • Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 4: Full Day Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

• After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in the untouched wilderness of Kidepo. The park boasts elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and endemic species like the Kidepo bushbuck.
• Explore both Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley, guided by a ranger who’ll share insights about the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
• Return to your lodge in the evening to relax and share stories around the campfire.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
  • Mid-range: Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
  • Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 5: Karamoja Cultural Experience

• After breakfast, head out for a cultural tour in a nearby Karamojong village.
• Learn about the community’s unique way of life, traditional homesteads (manyattas), livestock-centered culture, local dances, and colorful attire.
• Engage in conversations, watch performances, and even taste traditional foods.
• Return to your lodge in the afternoon and relax.

Overnight at:

• Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
  • Mid-range: Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
  • Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 6: Kidepo to Masindi

• After breakfast, bid farewell to Kidepo and begin your journey to Masindi, passing through stunning landscapes and charming villages.
• Stop for lunch at Karuma Guesthouse (near Karuma Falls), a perfect midway break before reaching Masindi.
• Arrive in Masindi, check in, and relax for the evening.

Accommodation options in Masindi:

• Budget: New Court View Hotel
  • Mid-range: Masindi Hotel
  • Luxury: Kabalega Resort Hotel

Day 7: Masindi to Kampala or Entebbe

• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Masindi.
• Check out from your lodge and start your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, depending on your departure plans.
• The drive offers scenic countryside views, passing through rural markets and small trading centers.
• Estimated drive time is 8–9 hours.

Final Thoughts

As the sun sets on this remarkable adventure, you’ll carry memories of golden savannas, misty mountain valleys, and the warmth of Uganda’s people. From the thunderous falls of Murchison to the raw, untamed wilderness of Kidepo, this safari will leave you forever connected to Uganda’s wild heart.