5-Day Kidepo & Rhino Trekking Safari
Rhinos, Cheetahs and more
Destinations: Uganda (Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kidepo Valley National Park)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brief Overview | Combine rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. This itinerary adds a extra day to include the only place in Uganda where you can see and “track” wild white rhinos on foot—a unique prelude to Kidepo’s spectacular wildlife. |
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Drive to Kitgum via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Morning (7:00 AM): Pick up from your hotel or residence, briefing.
- Late Morning: Drive north, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (2-3 hours):
- Track white rhinos on foot with armed ranger (30-60 minutes)
- Learn about rhino conservation in Uganda
- The sanctuary has successfully reintroduced rhinos that were extinct in Uganda
- Over 30 rhinos now live here
- Mid-day: Lunch at Ziwa or near Luwero.
- Afternoon: Continue drive north through remote vegetation to Kitgum town.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive Kitgum, check into hotel, dinner.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bomah Hotel Kitgum or similar
Day 2: Kitgum – Transfer to Kidepo Valley NP – Game Drive
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Early cup of tea/coffee.
- Morning (7:30 AM): Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park (2-3 hours).
- Mid-day: Arrive Kidepo, check into lodge, lunch.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive along Narus Valley:
- Herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas
- Possible cheetah sightings
- Excellent photography in golden evening light
- Evening: Return to lodge, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Kidepo lodge (see options)
Day 3: Kidepo Valley NP – Full Day Game Drives & Karamojong Village
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Morning game drive (3-4 hours):
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs
- Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, reedbuck
- Ostriches in northern sector
- Mid-day: Return to lodge for brunch/rest.
- Afternoon: Visit Karamojong Manyatta community (2 hours):
- Learn about nomadic pastoralist culture
- Traditional dancing and singing
- Local crafts
- Evening: Dinner, optional night game drive if staying in private concession.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same lodge
Day 4: Kidepo Valley NP – Hot Springs & Wildlife Viewing
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Breakfast.
- Morning: Game drive to Kanangorok Hot Springs (on South Sudan border):
- Unique geothermal area
- Wildlife attracted to the oasis
- Remote and spectacular scenery
- Mid-day: Picnic lunch in the bush.
- Afternoon: Relaxed game drive exploring different park sectors.
- Evening: Sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoint.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same lodge
Day 5: Kidepo – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Early breakfast, check out.
- Morning: Final game drive (2-3 hours) or optional nature walk.
- Late Morning: Begin long drive back to Kampala/Entebbe (8-10 hours).
- En Route: Lunch stop in Gulu or Karuma.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Drop off at Kampala or Entebbe Airport.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle | Uganda visa ($50) |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (4 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Park entry fees | Alcoholic drinks |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary track ($50) | Tips for guides and staff |
| Karamojong cultural visit | Laundry services |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Premium drinks |
| Hot springs visit | Optional activities |
| Bottled water throughout | |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
June-September for optimal wildlife viewing.
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Lightweight neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige), long pants (4), long-sleeved shirts (4), shorts (2), t-shirts (3), fleece for cool mornings, wide-brimmed hat, swimwear (lodges may have pools) |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes (game drives), sandals/flip-flops |
| Gear | Binoculars (essential), camera with zoom lens (200-400mm), extra batteries, power bank, flashlight/headlamp |
| Health | DEET repellent (30%+), sunscreen, lip balm, personal medications, anti-malarial, wet wipes, hand sanitizer |
| Documents | Passport (6+ months validity), Uganda e-visa, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, cash (USD) |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, bandana (dust protection) |
RECOMMENDED LODGES
| Category | Lodges/Camps | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bomah Hotel (Kitgum), Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Basic hotel in Kitgum, comfortable camp in Kidepo |
| Mid-Range | Kidepo Savannah Lodge (deluxe) | Comfortable, good service |
| Luxury | Apoka Safari Lodge | Ultimate Kidepo experience |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What’s special about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
A: It’s the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos (white rhinos). After civil war made rhinos extinct in Uganda, Ziwa has successfully bred over 30 individuals.
Q: Is rhino tracking difficult?
A: Easy—you walk on foot with armed rangers for 30-60 minutes. The terrain is flat savannah. No special fitness required.
Q: Can I combine Kidepo with Murchison Falls?
A: Yes, extend by 2-3 days to include Murchison Falls on the return journey.