This 6 Day Combined Kidepo Valley Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure allows visitors to bypass long road journeys, maximizing time within the park. This is a well-curated safari with an exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park known for its rugged landscapes, vast savannas, and abundant wildlife, Kidepo offers a unique safari experience combining solitude and breathtaking natural beauty. Wrap up your trip with encounters with magnificent Gorillas and other wildlife, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
Safari Highlights:
- Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Batwa Community Visit.
- Karamojong Cultural Experience.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Scenic Flight to Kidepo Valley National Park – Evening Game Drive.
After breakfast at 0600hrs, your journey begins with a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo airstrip(Depart: 0800 – Arrival: 1000).This scenic route grants views over the rolling landscapes of northern Uganda. The flight takes around 2 hours, saving you from the long, rugged road trip. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the expansive grasslands and dramatic mountains that define Kidepo Valley National Park. After settling into your lodge, take some time to relax and acclimate. In the afternoon at 1500hrs, you’ll embark on your first game drive to explore the park’s captivating landscapes and wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffaloes. This initial game drive offers a taste of the region’s biodiversity and sets the stage for more thrilling wildlife encounters in the coming days. As the sun sets over the vast plains, enjoy a refreshing sundowner experience at a scenic spot within the park. Afterward, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner featuring local Ugandan flavors.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Karamojong Cultural Experience.
Our first full day in Kidepo Valley National Park begins with an early morning game drive in one of the least-crowded parks, providing an undisturbed safari experience. This morning game drive will take you into the heart of the Narus Valley, known for its high concentrations of wildlife. You will encounter some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and lions. Unique to Kidepo Valley is the chance to spot rare species, such as the cheetah and the African wild dog, seldom seen in other Ugandan parks. After our morning game drive, we head to the Karamojong community. The Karamojong people are semi-nomadic herders with a rich cultural heritage. You will engage with the locals, witnessing traditional dances, participating in storytelling sessions, and learning about their unique way of life. This cultural encounter provides a deeper understanding of the region and its inhabitants, enriching our safari experience.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Scenic Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Begin your final day with an early morning game drive at 0600hrs, a last opportunity to spot any elusive wildlife. The cooler morning hours are ideal for animal sightings as creatures are more active before the day heats up. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast before your transfer back to the airstrip to connect with your charter flight to Bwindi. This flight will take you directly to a remote Kihihi airstrip near the gorilla sanctuary (Depart: 1000 – Arrival: 1200). This scenic flight provides spectacular aerial views of the expansive forests, mountains, and valleys of the Virunga and Bwindi regions. Upon arrival and landing, a short transfer will take you to a luxurious safari lodge.
At 1500hrs., you will visit the Batwa, known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury) Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Afternoon at Leisure.
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch. You will spend your afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Return Flight to Entebbe – Departure.
On the final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being transferred to the airstrip to board your return flight to Entebbe(Depart: 1000 – Arrival: 1200). This flight allows you to take in the last breathtaking views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests and glistening lakes. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will catch an international flight back home. Enriched with unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the pearl of Africa.
End of the 6 Day Combined Kidepo Valley Safari and Gorilla Trekking.
The 6 Day Combined Kidepo Valley Safari and Gorilla Trekking includes;
1. All Gorilla trekking permits.
2. All Park entrance fees.
3. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
4. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
5. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
6. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
7. Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
8. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
9. Batwa Community Visit.
10. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Exclusions.
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
3. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
4. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
5. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.