This is an off the beaten track safari to Northern Uganda and North Eastern Uganda. It will take you through Gulu town located in Northern Uganda on the long journey to Kidepo Valley National park which has some of the most amazing scenery in Uganda. The park covers an area of about 1,440kms and has been described as one of the top three parks in Africa. You will be able to enjoy the park and its unique Savannah and wilderness which is divided into two valleys of the Narus famous for its rock climbing lions, Buffalos, Zebras and so many other animals. With luck, you will spot cheetahs. Besides game drives in the Narus Valley, you can go for a guided bush walk with an armed ranger and also visit the Karamojong communities to explore their traditions and way of living.
MEAL PLAN: FULL BOARD MEALS.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS: APOKA SAFARI LODGE, ADERE SAFARI LODGE
Entebbe International Airport /Kampala
One the first day of the safari you will be picked up by our driver from your hotel or place of residence and embark on a long drive to Kidepo valley National park. From Kampala to Kidepo National Park takes approximately 10 hours’ drive. While on this journey, you will enjoy scenic views of a few hills that separate Acholi land and Karamoja region, you will also not miss great Manyantas, cross a few seasonal rivers and changing cultures as you drive to different regions. You will have an en-route lunch in Gulu and arrive at the park late evening at your booked lodge for dinner and an overnight.
This day you will have early morning breakfast and then go for an early morning game drive in the Narus valley which is popular for mammals like Buffalos, Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Antelopes, Jackson fives and numerous bird species. If you are lucky you will also spot the rare cheetahs. You will then drive to Kidepo valley to visit the hot springs, the Uganda-Sudan border and if you’re lucky you will find the giant ostriches which are in this place but have been poached by the Sudanese. There are seasonal rivers this side too and if it’s a rainy season, you will be interrupted for a few hours. You will later return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation then later go for another game drive to catch the animals that you might have missed in the previous two game drives. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Visiting these communities will complete your experience in Kidepo valley National park. The Karamojong communities gather in villages which are fenced to avoid intruders and wild animals. Their dances and unique cultures are worth a visit while in Kidepo. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Karamojong homesteads known as the Manyatta. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with the elders and get to know more about their culture and lifestyle. You can also involve in their daily activities like grazing and milking cows in case you’re interested. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at the lodge at own leisure.
After breakfast, say farewell to the lodge staff and drive back to Kampala. You will be dropped off at the Airport or place or your booked hotel.
