3 Days Kidepo Valley Safari from Kampala

3 Days Kidepo Valley Safari from Kampala: Wildlife, Remote Wilderness and Savannah Adventure.

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Route: Kampala – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo Valley National Park

Start and end: Kampala

Nature safari type: Private wildlife safari

Vehicle: 4×4 safari car

Lodging options: budget, midrange, or luxury, depending on availability

Tour operator: Chopper Tour and Travel

Overview

Sometimes safaris are memorable for the sites they visit and sometimes for the trip itself. Our 3-day safari to Kidepo Valley Safari from Kampala is a combination of both, as it will take you on a northern Uganda adventure to some of the best wildlife sites in the country.

Kidepo is located in the rugged Karamoja area, and it boasts extensive savannah plains, mountain escarpments, wildlife and a characteristic dry country landscape. Kidepo is different from other Uganda national parks in that it is not a primate destination but an excellent choice for a traditional African safari with wildlife viewing on open plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and lions.

With Chopper Tours and Travel, this short safari is designed for travellers who want to experience Kidepo by road while making the most of their limited time. The safari includes a journey from Kampala, two nights near the park and a dedicated wildlife viewing day in the Narus Valley.

Please note that this is a rather adventurous and fast trip where the travel by road takes a lot of time in both directions. If you would like to spend more time on wildlife viewing, we suggest you consider the fly-in or extended safari option.

Highlights of the 3 Days Kidepo Valley Safari from Kampala

Journey by road from Kampala to northern Uganda.
Two nights near Kidepo.
Game drives early in the morning and late in the afternoon in Narus Valley.
Chances to look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and lions.
Bird watching and photography in the wide spaces of Kidepo.
Cultural interaction with Karamojong people (optional).
Private safari tour with a driver guide.
Accommodation choices according to budget requirements.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park – Exploring the Wilds of Uganda

Activities: Road transport, sightseeing, and lodge check-in

Meal: Lunch and dinner, as per package and travel plans

The day starts early as we pick you up at your hotel or home in Kampala, and our experienced driver/guide from Chopper Tour and Travel Company greets you and briefs you about the safari programme before departing.

Drive in a northerly direction across the beautiful Ugandan landscape, seeing more than just the capital city as you pass through the countryside, the small villages, agricultural lands and even northern towns as we head towards the Karamoja region.

Take some stops to have breakfast or refreshments and lunch depending on when you depart and how your travel arrangements have been made. Continue your Uganda trip until you reach Kidepo Valley National Park, where the scenery becomes more and more rugged and the huge savannah becomes visible.

Arrive in the late afternoon/evening, depending on the road and weather conditions, check in at your lodge, and have your dinner.

However, a game drive after sunset is possible only when one arrives sufficiently early and can arrange for this activity in a safe manner. Otherwise, you must take some rest before having a long day ahead of watching wild animals.

Day 2: Full Day Wildlife Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Activities: Game drives in the morning and afternoon

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Arise early and have breakfast. After that, head to Kidepo to participate in a game drive in the morning. This is the day of major wildlife viewing on your safari. Spend time touring the Narus Valley, which is one of the most famous regions in Kidepo, where tourists can view game.

Tour the park game tracks using the guidance of your driver-guide through grassy plains, woodlands and rocks as you watch elephants crossing the plains, large herds of buffaloes, giraffes feeding among scattered tree species, zebras grazing and various antelopes moving in the savannah. Lions can be seen lying down at rocky areas or hunting.

This morning’s game drive will provide you with a good opportunity to view the birdlife in the park and capture images of some of the amazing landscape of Kidepo. With the help of your guide, you will be able to spot some wildlife and know how the animal life adapts to seasonal conditions in this region.

Return to your lodge for lunch and a midday break. In the afternoon, take a further game drive along a different game track. The good lighting makes it perfect for taking photos, while the tranquil environment enables one to enjoy the park besides viewing different species of animals.

In case time and arrangements are available, an optional cultural visit to a neighbouring Karamojong community can be planned. It must be arranged in advance and can substitute some of the afternoon wildlife activities.

After returning to your lodge for dinner and spending the second night at the Kidepo region

Day 3: Departure and return to Kampala

Activities: Breakfast, optional short morning game drive, and transfer

Meals: Breakfast and lunch (depending on package)

After breakfast, check-out from your lodge and begin the trip back from Kidepo Park to the south across the Karamoja area to Kitgum. If you wish to have some early morning wildlife viewing, a short morning game drive may be possible with prior confirmation, depending on departure time. Then drive further northwards towards Gulu.

Make a stop in Gulu for lunch and rest before continuing the drive to Kampala. Relax and observe the scenery of the route with some more comfort stops.

On arrival in Kampala, your driver/guide will drop you off at your hotel or any other agreed place. This will mark the end of your 3 days Kidepo Valley Safari with Chopper Tour and Travel.

END OF THE SAFARI: KAMPALA, UGANDA

Inclusions to Your Safari Package

The private 4 x 4 game viewing car is as per the itinerary agreed upon.
Driver/guide from Chopper Tours and Travel.
Pick up and drop off in Kampala.
Overnight stay for two nights.
Meals
Entry fees to Kidepo Valley National Park if included in the quotation.
Game drives and vehicle cost per agreement.
Drinking water during game drive activities.

Exclusions

Airfare and visa fees.
Travel insurance.
Cultural activities.
Alcohol.
Tips and gratuities.
Accommodation before/after the tour.
Personal expenses and laundry.