Overview
Discover Uganda’s wildest corners and most powerful river landscapes on this unforgettable 8-day journey. Walk with rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary. Meet the Karamojong and Boomu communities who keep Uganda’s cultural roots alive. Explore the untamed savannahs of Kidepo Valley National Park and marvel at the thunder of the Nile crashing through Murchison Falls from the Top of the Falls viewpoint. This trip is designed for travelers seeking more than wildlife those who want connection, culture, and conservation woven into every step.
Comfort Level: Mid-range (customizable)
Difficulty Level: Light to Moderate
Style: Small-group, sustainable, cultural & nature immersion
PRICES PER PERSON
NUMBER OF PAX | PRICES PER PERSON |
2Pax | $3,209 |
4Pax | $2,398 |
6Pax | $2,129 |
Tour Highlights
- Ziwa Rhino Tracking: Encounter Uganda’s only wild rhinos on foot with expert guides.
- Kidepo Game Drives: Traverse remote savannahs teeming with elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes.
- Murchison Falls Adventure: Sunrise game drive, Nile boat safari, and a guided hike to the Top of the Falls for breathtaking views of the Nile squeezing through a 7-meter gorge.
- Cultural Encounters: Cook, dance, and craft with the Kanyanda (Ewaka), Karamojong, and Boomu Women’s Group.
- Scenic Drives through Uganda’s Northern Plains: Witness dramatic shifts in landscape from woodland to dry savannah to riverine delta
Day To Day Descriptions
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Lakeside resort
Settle in with views over Lake Victoria. Your Alpha guide will greet you with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a journey filled with stories and purpose.
Included: Airport transfer
Accommodation: Forest Cottages – Bukoto
Why Forest Cottages?
- Location: Bukoto, Kampala
- Eco Highlights: Nestled within a lush forested area, Forest Cottages offers a serene environment that promotes biodiversity. The use of natural materials in construction and a commitment to preserving the surrounding flora and fauna make it a standout eco-friendly choice.
- Amenities: 27 safari-style rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking a tranquil retreat within the city that emphasizes nature conservation.
Meals: None
Drive Time: ~5.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Forest lodge
Start the day with a visit to the Ewaka Project at Kanyanda, where women and youth preserve traditional Ugandan cooking and farming. Help prepare and enjoy a local meal. Then continue north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an overnight stay in the wild.
Included: Community cooking experience, rhino sanctuary visit
Accommodation: Amuka Safari Lodge
Why Amuka Safari Lodge?
- Location: Within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Nakasongola District.
- Eco Highlights: Constructed using natural materials like timber and stone, the lodge emphasizes sustainability. It supports rhino conservation efforts and offers guided nature walks and bird watching tours.
- Amenities: Features 10 chalets (including family options), a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking an immersive experience in nature with comfortable amenities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate walk | Comfort: Town hotel
Rise early to track rhinos on foot with rangers, learning about Uganda’s rhino reintroduction efforts. After lunch, head to Gulu, a town shaped by resilience, for a relaxed evening.
Included: Rhino tracking experience
Accommodation: African Roots Gulu
Why African Roots Gulu?
- Eco Credentials: Focuses on sustainable hospitality by utilizing local materials in construction and promoting cultural heritage. The hotel supports local artisans and community projects.
- Highlights: Features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and bar. Rooms include balconies with garden views, providing a tranquil environment for guests.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Savannah lodge
Wind through northern Uganda’s open plains to reach Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote wildlife havens. After check-in and lunch, take a gentle nature walk to begin your introduction to the park’s flora and fauna.
Included: Scenic drive, guided walk
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Why Kidepo Savannah Lodge?
- Location: Just 500 meters from Kalokudo Gate, on the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park.
- Eco Credentials: Constructed with locally sourced materials, the lodge features solar-powered amenities and minimal environmental footprint.
- Highlights: Offers 12 self-contained safari tents with private verandas and 9 non-self-contained tents with shared bathrooms. The thatched-roof restaurant and bar provide panoramic views of the Narus Valley.
- Activities: Game drives, cultural visits to nearby Karamojong communities, and guided nature walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Savannah lodge
Embark on an early game drive to catch predators and herds at their most active. Return for lunch and a rest, then visit the Karamojong community for song, storytelling, and insight into a traditional nomadic way of life.
Included: Game drive, cultural encounter
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~7 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: River lodge
Leave the wild north behind and head southwest toward the Nile. Stop en route for a picnic and stretch your legs in Gulu. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the river, ready to explore Uganda’s largest national park.
Included: Transfer through Northern Uganda
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Why Pakuba safari lodge?
- Location: Northern bank of the Nile inside the park
- Why Pakuba Safari Lodge?
- Employs local staff and supports local sourcing
- Operates using solar power and eco-sensitive design
- Offers guided nature walks with community guides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: River lodge
Start with a sunrise game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. After brunch, embark on a boat safari along the Nile to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. End the day with a guided hike to the Top of the Falls, where the full force of the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters—a breathtaking highlight of the entire safari.
Included: Game drive, boat cruise, guided Top of the Falls hike
Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~7 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: None (end of tour)
Spend your final morning with the Boomu Women’s Group near Murchison. Learn how traditional crafts, farming, and cuisine support sustainable livelihoods. After lunch, drive back to Entebbe for your evening departure.
Included: Cultural visit, local lunch, airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation (mid-range)
- All meals as specified
- All park entrance & conservation fees
- All community visits and cultural experiences
- All guided activities (rhino tracking, game drives, boat safari, Top of the falls hike etc.)
- Professional English-speaking guide and driver
- 4x4 private safari vehicle with drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfer
Excluded
- International flights
- Additional nights before/after the trip
- Travel insurance, visa, personal expenses
- Tips ($10 per day recommended)
- Optional extras (e.g. spa treatments, premium drinks)
Comfort & Difficulty
- Comfort: Mid-range (upgradable to luxury) lodges with en-suite bathrooms and local character
- Difficulty: Light to Moderate – walking on natural terrain, some long drives, gentle hikes
Geography
This itinerary spans northern Uganda’s dramatic and diverse landscapes:
- Central Uganda: Wetlands and woodland around Ziwa
- Karamoja Region: Dry savannah and rugged escarpments in Kidepo
- Albertine Rift: Riverine forest, waterfalls, and grassy plains in Murchison
Practical Information
- Group Size: 2–12 people; private or small group
- Guides & Drivers: Highly experienced, conservation-oriented local team
- Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof
- Packing Tips: Sturdy walking shoes, layers for cool mornings, sun protection, binoculars
Communities Encountered
- Ewaka at Kanyanda: Women and youth using food and craft to foster empowerment and sustainability.
- Karamojong: Nomadic herders and artisans preserving centuries-old traditions of resilience.
- Boomu Women’s Group: A cooperative using agro-tourism and local craftwork to uplift families near Murchison.