10-Day Uganda Kidepo, Karamoja & Mount Elgon Safari
Uganda's remote northeast: wild savannah at Kidepo, Karamojong culture, quiet reserves and a finish on Mount Elgon.
Go beyond the expected.
A long and rewarding safari for travellers who want to go beyond the usual circuit. It travels from the Nile at Karuma to Kidepo's open valleys, crosses Karamoja to meet its communities and quiet reserves, and ends on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Facilities are simpler than elsewhere, and distances are long.
- Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Visits to Karamojong communities in Karamoja
- Drives through Matheniko, Bokora and Pian Upe wildlife reserves
- Guided walks on Mount Elgon National Park
- A real sense of remote, uncrowded Uganda
What's included
Included
- All accommodation as specified
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Guided activities as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe
Entebbe
Arrive and transfer to your accommodation, with time to rest and meet your guide for a briefing on the days ahead.
Day 2 North to Karuma
Karuma Wildlife Reserve
A long drive north, with a stop at Karuma Wildlife Reserve and the Nile at Karuma Falls, before continuing towards Kidepo.
Day 3 Arrive at Kidepo
Kidepo Valley National Park
Reach Kidepo Valley National Park in time for an afternoon game drive across its open savannah and mountain-ringed valleys.
Day 4 Kidepo game drives
Kidepo Valley National Park
A full day of game drives in the Narus Valley and beyond, looking for buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, ostrich and many birds, with an optional visit to hot springs.
Day 5 Into Karamoja
Karamoja
Leave Kidepo for Karamoja, a semi-arid region where the Karamojong keep livestock and preserve distinctive traditions. Meet a community and learn about daily life.
Day 6 Matheniko and Bokora
Matheniko Wildlife Reserve and Bokora Wildlife Reserve
Drive through Matheniko and Bokora wildlife reserves, with birdwatching and chances to see antelope and other wildlife. Facilities are limited, so days are simple and flexible.
Day 7 Pian Upe
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Continue south to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve for a game drive and walk across dry savannah, before heading towards Mount Elgon.
Day 8 Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon National Park
Reach the slopes of Mount Elgon and its waterfalls for guided walks through farmland and forest, with cool air and wide views after the dry north.
Day 9 Mount Elgon hike
Mount Elgon National Park
A longer guided hike into the park's forests and moorland, at a pace to suit your group, with time to rest before the final drive.
Day 10 Return and departure
Entebbe
Drive back to Entebbe through Jinja for your onward flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
Ready to plan this Safari?
Start with the places and experiences that matter to you. We will shape the Safari around them.
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Questions about 10-Day Uganda Kidepo, Karamoja & Mount Elgon Safari
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time — we shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari — book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. The drier months (roughly December–February and June–September) are generally easiest for trekking and game viewing, while the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower lodge rates. Gorilla trekking is possible in any month, since it happens in rainforest regardless of season.
What wildlife is Uganda known for?
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas — it holds roughly half of the world’s remaining population — alongside strong chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and over 1,000 recorded bird species, an exceptional figure for a country of its size.