Big Five, Kidepo, & Cultural Safari
7-Day Big Five, Kidepo, & Cultural Safari
Safari Overview
7-Day Big Five, Kidepo, & Cultural Safari
This 7-day safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s wildest and most beautiful places. You’ll explore famous national parks, search for the Big Five animals, and discover the rich culture of northern Uganda’s tribes. Start your adventure tracking wild rhinos on foot and enjoying the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge. Spend a full day in Murchison Falls National Park on game drives and a boat safari to see elephants, lions, hippos, and many birds.
Next, travel to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, a place with breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife found nowhere else in Uganda. Here, you’ll go on exciting game drives and can even choose a walking safari to experience nature up close.
Explore the Karamoja region, home to the vibrant Karamojong tribe, traditional villages, and stunning mountains like Mount Moroto. You’ll have the chance to visit a real Karamojong village or hike the mountain for spectacular views.
Continue to the lush area near Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls, where you can hike among waterfalls and learn about local coffee farming. The adventure ends in Jinja, on the shores of Lake Victoria, where the Nile River begins its long journey across Africa. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip to the Nile’s source before returning to Kampala or Entebbe.
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Special about this trip
- Track wild rhinos on foot
- Marvel at the powerful Murchison Falls
- Spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and hippos on thrilling game drives
- Cruise the Nile River and see hippos up close
- Discover the wild beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park
- Experience a walking safari for close animal encounters
- Visit an authentic Karamojong village and meet locals
- Hike Mount Moroto for stunning mountain views
- Explore magical Sipi Falls and learn about coffee farming
- Take a relaxing boat trip to the Source of the Nile
What's included
- Park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities (unless marked optional)
- Accommodation (as listed in the itinerary)
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Drinking water provided
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Rhinos and Murchison Fallsl
Your adventure begins with a morning meet-and-brief at your accommodation in Entebbe at 8:00 AM, or alternatively in Kampala at 9:00 AM, depending on your preference.
Once everyone is ready, you’ll set off for Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Nakasongola, located approximately 170 kilometers from Entebbe or 140 kilometers from Kampala. The drive takes about three hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s countryside along the way. En route, there will be a brief stop at the bustling Luweero Market, a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and take in some local flavors. You’ll arrive at Ziwa around midday.
This ranch is home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and serves as an important conservation hub. Nestled on over 7,000 hectares of protected land, Ziwa is not only a sanctuary for the southern white rhino but also supports populations of Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and a wide variety of birdlife.
After checking in at the Ziwa Information Center and a short briefing, you’ll embark on an exhilarating guided walk into the bush in search of these majestic, prehistoric animals. Since the rhinos roam freely across the reserve, spotting them often involves a bit of tracking—an exciting part of the experience.
As you move through the grasslands with your ranger, there’s a high chance of encountering other wildlife, making the walk even more rewarding. After this unforgettable wildlife experience, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Ziwa Guesthouse before continuing your journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive from Ziwa to Murchison takes approximately three hours, covering around 140 kilometers. As you approach the park, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of rolling savannahs and riverine forests, with the mighty Nile River slicing through the park’s heart.
Upon arrival, you’ll head straight to one of the park’s most iconic sites—the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile River, having journeyed from Lake Victoria, is dramatically forced through a narrow seven-meter-wide gorge, crashing down 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below.
The walk to the top provides breathtaking views from several vantage points, where you can truly feel the power of the falls and witness the spray, thunder, and beauty of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls. If time permits, you can also take a short walk down the trail to gain a full perspective of the entire waterfall.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll make a short stop for photos at the top of the falls before heading to your safari lodge within or near the park. After checking in, you can relax and unwind, followed by dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. This marks the end of your first day, filled with unforgettable encounters and the raw power of nature—an incredible start to your Ugandan journey.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping
Middle class: Murchison River Lodge
Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2: Lions, elephants and hippos during the safaris
Today is entirely dedicated to discovering the diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. From the golden plains of the savannah to the glistening waters of the Nile, you’ll explore the park by land and river—two very different but equally unforgettable perspectives.
At first light, after an early breakfast, you’ll set out on a thrilling morning game drive across the northern sector of the park. This area, located northwest of the Nile, is known for its rolling grasslands and dense populations of iconic African wildlife. As the sun rises over the horizon and a cool breeze lingers in the air, the savannah begins to stir with activity—this is the perfect time for game viewing.
Your jeep safari takes you through terrain dotted with Borassus palms, whose fruits are favored by savannah elephants. This region is prime habitat for a variety of species, and you’ll be on the lookout for lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffalo, warthogs, antelopes, and vast herds of elephants. Birdlife is abundant, with everything from saddle-billed storks to ground hornbills gracing the plains. One of the highlights of the drive is a stop at the Nile, where you’ll witness large pods of hippos basking in the morning sun or wallowing in the water.
After the game drive, you’ll return to your lodge to rest and enjoy lunch before heading out again in the afternoon—this time on the water.
The boat safari along the Nile offers an entirely new view of the park and its wildlife. As you slowly cruise upstream toward the base of the falls, you’ll pass riverbanks teeming with life. Hippos grunt from the shallows, crocodiles slide from the banks into the river, and waterbirds dive and fish in the shallows. Monkeys chatter in the treetops, and elephants are often spotted on the banks, drinking and cooling themselves in the river. Buffalo, waterbucks, and other animals frequently come down for an afternoon drink, providing fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
The climax of the journey is the approach to the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow, gorge before plunging into a churning pool below. It’s a breathtaking sight—both in scale and sound. The entire boat trip lasts approximately three hours, offering ample time to soak in the surroundings and capture memories. If you’ve opted for a private boat safari, this experience becomes even more personal and flexible. With a smaller vessel and your own guide, you’ll be able to get much closer to wildlife, pause longer at key sightings, and set your own pace as you glide up the Nile. As the day winds down, your boat will return to the jetty, and you’ll be transferred back to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping
Middle class: Murchison River Lodge
Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3: Kidepo Valley National Park
You will leave your lodge early in the morning, just before the sun rises. With a cup of tea to warm you up, you’ll head back into the park for one more game drive.
You may spot lions, and if you’re lucky, even a leopard. After some wildlife viewing, you’ll stop near the Nile River for a bush breakfast. While your guides prepare the meal, you can take a short walk along the river to look for hippos and maybe a crocodile or two. Once you finish breakfast, the game drive continues through the far northeastern part of Murchison Falls National Park, which is well-known for having many elephants. Then, you’ll exit the park through this side and begin your journey toward northern Uganda.
Your first stop is Gulu, a town about 140 kilometers from the northeastern gate of Murchison. This drive takes around 2.5 hours. Here, you’ll stop for lunch and take a short break. After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the far northeast of Uganda. This is a long drive—about 250 kilometers from Gulu—and takes around 4.5 hours.
The road is rough in some parts, but the views are beautiful. On the way, you will see hills, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and small villages with traditional manyattas—round huts made of mud and thatch. The area is very peaceful and full of natural beauty.
As you get closer to Kidepo, the landscape starts to look like a scene from The Lion King movie. You might even see a lion lying on a rock, just like Simba. Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the Karamoja region. This area is not only beautiful but also rich in tribal culture. The people here live in traditional ways, and it’s one of the few places in Africa where you can still see and learn about authentic tribal life. If you are interested in culture or like active travel like hiking or mountain biking, Kidepo is a great place to stay for a few days.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Lazy Camping
Middle class: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Semi-luxury: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Safari in the Kidepo Valley National Park
You will wake up early to begin your morning safari while the air is still cool. This is the best time to see animals, especially lions, which often rest on the rocks in the morning sun. You may even get a photo that looks like a scene from The Lion King.
The park is very big and full of different kinds of land—hills, flat plains, and small rivers. This makes it a great home for many animals and birds. Some animals in Kidepo are not found anywhere else in Uganda, such as bat-eared foxes, striped hyenas, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs, ostriches, and sometimes wild dogs. You may also see elephants, leopards, buffalo, and many types of antelopes. Kidepo is also a paradise for bird lovers, with almost 500 species of birds recorded in the park.
After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll go out again for another game drive. Many animals start moving again at this time, after resting in the shade during the hottest part of the day. It’s another great chance to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park.
If you like walking and want a different kind of adventure, you can choose a walking safari instead of the afternoon jeep safari. You’ll walk with a trained ranger, who will keep you safe and show you interesting things along the way. During the walk, you’ll enjoy the quiet of the savannah, hear the sounds of nature, and look for animals on foot. You may walk among borassus palms and follow the paths of seasonal rivers, where animals often come to drink.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Lazy Camping
Middle class: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Semi-luxury: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: The Karamoja Region and Mount Moroto
As the sun rises, you will go on one last short game drive in Kidepo. Then, you will begin your journey south through the wild and beautiful Karamoja region.
As you drive through this area, you’ll see tall volcano-like mountains rising from the wide savannah plains. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages and round traditional homes called manyattas, built by the Karamojong people. This part of Uganda is very remote and feels untouched. Few tourists visit here, which makes it a special and peaceful place.
In the afternoon, you will arrive near the town of Moroto, located at the base of Mount Moroto. You’ll spend the night at a comfortable camp close to a local village. This area is home to several tribes, including the Karamojong, the Tepeth, and the Ikk. You will get the chance to learn about their way of life and traditions.
You can choose between two activities this afternoon:
Visit a Karamojong Manyatta (Traditional Village)
With the help of a local guide, you’ll visit a real Karamojong manyatta—a village made up of small round houses built from mud, wood, and grass. When you arrive, you’ll see people going about their daily lives: milking animals, making yogurt, grinding sorghum, cooking local food, and even building huts. You might get the chance to join in some of the daily work, play traditional games, or try to carry water or a calabash (a traditional container) on your head. Every visit is different because you are not following a set program—you’ll simply join in with whatever is happening in the village at the time. This makes the experience natural, fun, and very real.
Mount Moroto Hike (Optional)
If you enjoy walking and nature, you can choose to go on a hike at Mount Moroto instead. This 10-kilometer hike starts from Moroto town and goes up the slopes of the mountain. As you walk, you’ll pass by beautiful views of the Karamoja plains and may see small villages of the Tepeth people, who live on the mountain. The trail is steep and rocky in some places, so it’s best for people who enjoy moderate physical activity. Your reward will be incredible views and peaceful nature, far from the busy world.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Karamoja Safari Camp (Half Board)
Middle class: Karamoja Safari Camp (Half Board)
Semi-luxury: Karamoja Safari Camp (Half Board)
Luxury: Karamoja Safari Camp
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6: Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls
This morning, you have two options: You can either stay in Karamoja for a morning adventure by motorbike or mountain bike, or you can leave early and drive straight to Sipi Falls near Mount Elgon for a full day of hiking. If you choose to stay in Karamoja a bit longer, you can explore the beautiful area around Moroto in a fun and active way, before continuing the drive to Sipi in the afternoon.
Option 1: Morning Adventure in Karamoja (Optional)
Mountain Bike Tour in Karamoja (Optional)
You can choose to explore Karamoja on a mountain bike, riding through peaceful villages and along old colonial roads. This is a great way to meet local people, see the land up close, and learn about the nomadic Karamojong culture. The ride is fun, flexible, and gives you real contact with everyday life in Karamoja.
Boda-Boda Tour in Karamoja (Optional)
Another exciting choice is to take a boda-boda (motorbike taxi) tour through the region. You’ll ride on the back of a motorbike with an experienced local rider and guide. The word “boda-boda” comes from “border to border” and has become a popular form of travel in Uganda. Like the bike tour, you’ll pass through villages, meet people, and stop to explore interesting places along the way. After your chosen activity, you will continue your journey to Sipi Falls.
Option 2: Drive Early to Sipi Falls for a Full-Day Hike
If you skip the morning activity in Karamoja, you can leave early for Sipi Falls to enjoy a full day of hiking and exploring this beautiful area.
Travel Details
- Distance from Moroto to Sipi Falls: About 180 kilometers
- Travel time: Around 2 hours
Sipi Falls Hike & Coffee Experience
Sipi Falls is located on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, close to the Kenyan border. The area is green, peaceful, and full of life. It feels like a natural paradise, with beautiful streams, flowers, chameleons, and traditional Ugandan villages. The region is famous for its coffee plantations, and you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of Mount Elgon and the Karamoja plains.
The Sipi Falls area has three main waterfalls, each different in size and beauty. With your local guide, you’ll hike along village paths, through lush vegetation, and across hills with amazing views. During the walk, you may see local farmers, playful children, and colorful flowers. You may even spot a chameleon hiding among the coffee plants.
If you have time and energy, you can hike to all three waterfalls, and even take a swim in the river or a shower under one of the falls, so bring your swimsuit and a towel! The full hike takes most of the day, but you can also do a shorter walk if you prefer—just talk to your guide.
During the hike, you’ll enjoy a local Ugandan lunch and take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery. To end the day, you’ll visit a local coffee processing center, where you’ll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, dried, roasted, and turned into the drink we all know. This is a great way to see how coffee supports the local economy and to appreciate the hard work behind every cup.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Moses Homestay (Breakfast)
Middle class: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Waterfall cottage (Full board)
Luxury: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Waterfall cottage (Full board)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7: Jinja and the Source of the Nile
After breakfast, you will leave Sipi Falls and begin the return journey towards central Uganda. Your main stop for the day is Jinja, a lively town located on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria, where the Nile River begins its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
The drive from Sipi to Jinja takes about 4 hours (approximately 190 kilometers), passing through beautiful countryside, small towns, and green hills along the way. You’ll arrive in Jinja around midday, just in time for lunch at a local restaurant near the river.
After your meal, you’ll enjoy a short boat trip to the famous Source of the Nile. This peaceful cruise takes you to the exact spot where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, beginning its 6,650-kilometer journey through Africa. The guide will share a little history along the way, including stories of the European explorers who came here in search of the river’s source. It was John Hanning Speke who finally confirmed this as the beginning of the Nile in the 19th century.
Jinja itself is a charming town with a mix of colonial buildings, markets, and tropical scenery. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into one of Uganda’s most interesting destinations, popular with travelers who enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
After your visit to the Source of the Nile, you’ll continue your journey to end your tour: If you’re heading to Kampala, you’ll arrive around 6:00 PM. If your final stop is Entebbe, you’ll reach around 7:00 PM (The drive from Jinja to Kampala/Entebbe takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.)
Optional Extension: Stay Longer in Jinja
If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can choose to stay an extra night in Jinja. This town is full of fun and relaxing activities. You can go white-water rafting, kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding on the Nile. If you prefer a slower pace, you can enjoy a sunset cruise, visit local markets, or relax in a riverside lodge surrounded by nature.
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Trip Information
Difficulty
This safari is not physically strenuous, but it can be long and tiring due to early morning starts, warm daytime temperatures, and extended drives—some of which take place on rough, bumpy roads.
While a high level of fitness is not required, you should be prepared for full days of travel, wildlife viewing, and occasional short hikes. If you choose to join walking safaris or hikes, such as those around Mount Moroto or Sipi Falls, a moderate level of fitness and a good pair of comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
In northern Uganda, where much of this safari takes place, the climate is generally hot and dry, especially in areas like Kidepo Valley and Karamoja. Daytime temperatures can reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), while nights are cooler and more comfortable.
Rainfall is relatively low, though brief showers can occur, particularly between April and October. Lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are essential for your comfort in this environment.
Food And Drink
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local Ugandan dishes, including matoke (steamed green bananas), cassava, beef and chicken stews, fresh fish, millet bread, and flavorful vegetables. For those who prefer familiar cuisine, most lodges also offer Western-style meal options to suit different tastes.
If you have any dietary requirements, these will be shared with your guide based on the information provided at booking. However, we recommend reminding your guide on the first day of your trip to ensure your needs are fully accommodated.
Most accommodations are booked on a full-board basis, meaning all meals are included. The exception is your stay in Entebbe, which is typically on a bed and breakfast basis unless you request otherwise.
During your safari, you’ll have the chance to enjoy bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners under the stars for a truly memorable dining experience.
Bottled water is provided throughout the safari. Other beverages such as sodas and juices are usually available at the lodges at your own expense.
Accommodation
This itinerary includes a mix of accommodations, from comfortable lodges to optional luxury stays. All safari lodges offer en-suite facilities, though simplicity varies by budget tier.
While in Entebbe or post-trip in Jinja (optional), hotel standards are generally higher but still subject to occasional power or water outages, as Uganda is a developing country. Hotels accept both Ugandan Shillings and US Dollars, though having cash on hand is advised, especially in rural areas.
Transport
You’ll travel in custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, designed for panoramic game viewing and comfort during long-distance journeys across Uganda’s varied terrain. While on safari, you can expect some long but scenic drives between destinations.
The drive from Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary takes approximately 3 hours, followed by another 3 hours to reach Murchison Falls. From Murchison to Kidepo Valley National Park via Gulu, the journey takes about 7 to 8 hours.
The drive from Kidepo to Moroto is around 4 to 5 hours, and from Moroto to Sipi Falls takes roughly 2 hours. Continuing from Sipi Falls to Jinja, the journey lasts about 4 hours, and finally, from Jinja to Entebbe, the drive takes 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Although these travel days are not focused on wildlife viewing, they offer excellent opportunities to experience the beauty of Uganda’s countryside, observe daily village life, and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes.
Luggage
Soft bags are preferred over hard suitcases, as they are easier to store in safari vehicles. Your main luggage will be securely kept either in the vehicle or at your lodge during the trip. It’s important to carry all valuables—such as your passport, money, and electronics—on your person at all times. A small daypack is also recommended for daily activities, hikes, or cultural visits, allowing you to keep essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera easily accessible.
How Do I Get There?
Your trip begins and ends in Entebbe, Uganda, and you should plan to fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Major airlines serving this route include KLM, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Delta, with common connections through Amsterdam, Brussels, Doha, or Dubai.
Airport transfers are provided at any time of day or night to accommodate your arrival. Due to the length of most international flights and time zone adjustments, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least one day before your safari begins to rest and acclimatize.
On your final day (Day 7), please ensure your departure flight is scheduled for after 6:00 PM, as earlier flights are not feasible due to the travel time from Jinja or Kampala back to Entebbe.
Money & Budgeting
Uganda’s official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), though US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels, lodges, and for tourist services.
Be sure to bring clean, crisp USD notes issued after 2013, as older or damaged bills are often not accepted. While some upscale hotels and lodges may accept credit or debit cards, this is not guaranteed—particularly in rural areas—so it’s important to carry enough cash for incidental expenses, tips, and purchases along the way.
ATMs are available in major towns such as Entebbe, Gulu, and Jinja, but are not accessible in remote regions like Kidepo and Moroto, so plan your withdrawals accordingly.
Tipping
Tipping in Uganda is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated and can make a meaningful difference to those providing your services. As a general guideline, we recommend tipping your safari guide or driver around $5 to $10 per person, per day, depending on the level of service and your satisfaction.
For hotel staff, such as porters or housekeeping, a tip of $1 to $2 per service is appropriate. If you’re traveling in a group, tips can be pooled and given collectively. Ultimately, tipping is at your discretion and should reflect the quality of the experience you received.
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