Destinations
Kidepo
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda along the borders with Kenya and South Sudan, is one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas. Covering 1,442 square kilometers and with altitudes from 914m to 2,750m, the park offers dramatic landscapes unlike any other in East Africa. Known for vast buffalo herds and diverse wildlife, it was named Africa’s top park for scenic beauty by CNN in 2013. Visitors can spot rare species like ostriches, pygmy crocodiles, cheetahs, and other unique mammals among its 77 species, along with 475 types of birds.
The park is fed by the Narus and Kidepo rivers, which dry up in the dry season, leaving pockets of water and wetlands that attract wildlife. The dry Kidepo River’s bed of white sand, lined with borassus palms, provides a striking setting for scenic walks. Community visits with the Karamojong and Ik people reveal rich, preserved cultural traditions. Kidepo’s dramatic landscapes—flat valleys framed by rugged hills and mountain ranges—capture the essence of the ``True African Wilderness.`` Game drives reveal abundant wildlife, including Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, elands, hartebeests, lions, hyenas, and the park’s notable buffalo herds, among the largest in Africa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey from Kampala to the Heart of Kidepo
Your adventure kicks off, with an early morning departure from Kampala, heading north through Uganda’s diverse landscapes toward Kidepo Valley National Park. Along the way, we’ll take a break in Masindi for lunch, offering a chance to stretch, relax, and enjoy some local flavors.
As you approach Kidepo, a breathtaking, ridge-like panorama unfolds, stretching into the distance and blending into the horizon. This wild and rugged landscape will set the stage for your unforgettable days in Kidepo.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Kidepo’s Untamed Wilderness
After an early start, head out for a full day exploring the wildlife-rich Narus Valley, where the park’s only dry-season water source attracts an incredible variety of animals. Be on the lookout for buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by Kidepo’s 475 species, including birds of prey like the Karamoja Apalis and Clapperton’s francolin.
In the Northern Kidepo Valley, where the terrain is drier, you’ll have the unique opportunity to spot ostriches in their natural habitat. End the day back at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 3: Mountain Hike and Cultural Encounter with the Ik Tribe
Today, experience a one-of-a-kind cultural and natural excursion as you hike Mount Morungole to meet the Ik tribe. High on the mountain slopes, the Ik people live a traditional way of life, preserving their unique customs and fascinating history. Spend time with an Ik family, discovering their customs, traditions, and stories before returning to your lodge.
Day 4: Scenic Journey Back to Kampala
After a memorable experience in Kidepo, embark on the scenic drive back to Kampala, taking in the last of Uganda’s beautiful northern landscapes along the way.
Optional Stopover, Break up the journey with an additional night in Gulu, allowing you more time to relax and explore the region’s distinctive charm before concluding your adventure back in Kampala.
