12 day Secrets of the North Uganda

This 12-day Secrets of North Uganda is an off-the-beaten-track adventure safari in Northern Uganda.

Safari highlights

• Sipi Falls Hike and Coffee Tour
• Game safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
• Manyatta Experience in Karamoja plains.
• Rock paintings and Karamoja Cultural Museum
• Kidepo Valley National Park with sprawling savannah wildlife scenes and soaring mountains
• Big 5 game safari and Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls at Murchison Falls NP
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Hand-picked accommodation eco-lodges that support the local community.

 Itinerary 12-day Secrets of the North Uganda

Day 1: Arrival

Embark on your adventure to Entebbe where a representative awaits to whisk you away to your hotel, marking the beginning of your thrilling 12-Day Secrets of East and North Uganda tour. Your home away from home awaits at the charming Papyrus Guest House.

Day 2: To Sipi Falls- Coffee tour

Embark on an adventure starting with breakfast, journeying towards Tororo. Pause to marvel at the majestic Tororo Rock, towering 300 meters above the plains. Next, we venture to Mbale, a town nestled at Mount Elgon’s base.

This area is full of rich heritage and fascinating culture. We will have a lunch stop at Mbale and with beautiful viewpoints on our way we will reach Sipi Village, nestled between mountains and waterfalls.

After lunch, you will have a village coffee tour learning how coffee is processed from the seed to the cup.

Accommodation and Meals at Sipi Heritage Lodge

Day 3: Sipi Falls- Hiking to the waterfalls

After breakfast start with a hike to the enchanting Sipi Falls. Trek down to the base of this renowned cascade, then ascend through rugged paths to discover hidden caves.

Along the way, traverse maize fields, banana groves, and traditional bandas, immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.

Refresh yourself under the falls’ natural shower and marvel at the panoramic vistas of the valley. Witness the splendid sunset painting the Eastern Ugandan plains as you unwind.

Later, retreat to Rafiki Lodge Sipi for relaxation or opt for the thrilling experience of abseiling down the majestic Sipi Falls. Enjoy accommodation and meals amidst the tranquil surroundings of Sipi Heritage Lodge

Day 4: To Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Journey to the enchanting Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Traverse its vast plains, adorned with acacia woodlands and sculpted by ancient rock formations, framed by the majestic Mount Kadam and Mount Napak.

Have a picnic lunch and thereafter explore the small network of wildlife tracks look out for the Roan antelope which is only found here, oribi, klipspringer, hyaenas, ostriches, and leopards, impala, Jackson’s hartebeest, Rothschild giraffes.

Look out for the Cheetahs as well, this is the best place in Uganda to seek out these graceful cats! Later proceed to Karamoja Safari Camp.

Day 5:  Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Moroto

After breakfast, head out for another game safari in Pian Upe before proceeding through Karamoja with stunning views with amazing scenery over the rugged landscape of the east of Uganda and Mount Kadam, which peaks at 3068 meters. Accommodation and Meals at Karamoja Safari Camp.

Day 6: Manyatta Experience and Karamoja Museum

After breakfast, you will head out for a visit to the Manyatta Experience in Karamoja plains. Learn more about the way of life of the local community by visiting a traditional Manyatta homestead. You will get to participate in some of the local community activities.

This local interaction is an unforgettable experience as you learn how to prepare local meals, the songs and dance of traditional folklore, make some crafts from the traditional Karamojong beads, listen to elders’ traditional stories, and play some traditional Karamojong games.

After lunch, you will also visit the Karamoja Cultural Museum situated at the foot of Mount Moroto which is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Karamoja region.

Get to observe the exhibits of the fossils from the prehistory of Karamoja, artifacts from the colonial and pre-colonial history of the region, as well as memorabilia and implements of everyday life from the communities that live in the region.

Later head back to the camp for lunch and relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Karamoja Safari Camp

Day 7: To Kidepo National Park Narus Valley Game Safari

Today you will set off for Kidepo Valley National Park passing through Kotido and Kaabong districts. Kidepo is in the northeastern corner of Uganda and has a true calling to the stunning wilderness.

As you proceed you will pass through the mountainous landscape as you drive through the Kotido region to reach one of Africa’s premier wilderness parks arriving in time for lunch and relaxation.

After lunch, we get to explore the savannah plains on the floor of the Narus Valley, across a backdrop of the surrounding rugged hillsides. This is an excellent time for a game safari as you look out for a variety of game herds including Burchell’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, African buffalo, and Grant’s gazelle as you drive.

Along the way, you get to pass the seasonally dry Kidepo River, on a good day, you can spot large troops of baboons close to the riverbed.

Depending on the time you might head towards the northern part of the park at the Kanangorok hot springs. This area is particularly known for the flocks of ostrich found in the region.

It’s also the best place to look out for cheetahs. Later head back to your camp. Accommodation and Meals at Kidepo Savannah Lodge.

Day 8:  Kidepo Valley Park Nature Walk and Community Visit

Today head out to the savannah plains in the heart of the Narus Valley where you will be joined by a Wildlife Authority ranger for your walking safari.

This is a great way to immerse yourself in wildlife to truly experience this unique savannah by getting up close and personal with nature.

Your ranger will help you track animals on foot in the savannah plains, explaining more about the park and its biodiversity and history.

Lookout for game herds including the Burchell’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, and Rothschild’s giraffe.

In the evening, you will have a community visit to the Ik people on the top of Morungole Mountain. Get immersed in the cultural experience as the people share their cultural activities.

Here you will spend a wonderful evening with the Karamajong people and have an insight into their way of life and beliefs, traditions, and norms.

This is an opportunity to participate in the traditional dances and songs of the indigenous local people as well.

Accommodation and Meals at Kidepo Savannah Lodge.

Day 9: Transfer from Kidepo Park – Murchison Falls National Park

Today depart from your lodge as the sun rises over the savannah leaving behind the wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park and drive through the stunning rugged scenery of mountains and plains passing through Kitgum town onwards to the hub of northern Uganda, Gulu town.

Continue on your journey to reach Murchison Falls National Park heading to your accommodation for relaxation.

Accommodation and Meals at Fort Murchison.

 Day 10:   Game Safari and Boat Cruise

Experience the untamed beauty of the Victoria and Albert Nile savannah plains today as you venture into the heart of wildlife territory. Amidst the majestic palm trees and serene Acacia tree woodlands, a world of wonders awaits.

Look out for Rothschild giraffes, lions, hippos, elephants, herds of buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, Uganda kob, warthog, and waterbuck and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the elusive leopard!

Stop at the hippo pool nestled along the Victoria Nile delta, where these magnificent creatures laze in the shallow waters.

After lunch, embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise along the mighty river Nile, tracing its path to the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls waterfall.

As you meander upstream passing hippos pods lazing in the water, look out for crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, elephants, and Uganda kob on the riverbanks.

To a bird watcher’s delight, there is a multitude of birds that can be spotted including the Red-throated and  Northern-carmine Bee-eaters nesting on the Nyamusika cliffs.

On reaching the base of the falls you’ll marvel at the spectacle of the White Nile surging through a 7-meter wide gap in the rock face, cutting through Fajao Gorge, and falling 43 meters into the river below, before it meanders off through the savannah plains of the park.

Accommodation and Meals at Fort Murchison

Day 11: Murchison Falls National Park – Entebbe

After breakfast, head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a 2-hour Rhino Trekking Session. Thereafter have lunch and proceed back to Entebbe arriving in the evening.  Accommodation and Meals at Papyrus Guest House.

Day 12: Departure

At the end of your East African Adventure, depending on your flight details, you will have a relaxation day in Entebbe before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home.

Included in the Secrets of the North

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
• Mineral water in the vehicle,
• Services of an English speaking Driver/guide,
• Accommodations mentioned in the itinerary,
• Meals
• All Park Entrance Fees,
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Ferry or boat crossing fees where applicable.

• International Airfares; Excess baggage charges;
• Ugandan Entry Visa Fees
• Shopping charges for Curios and Crafts,
• International Airport Departure Taxes,
• Optional activities unless specified as included,
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included