This itinerary connects two of Uganda’s most dramatic northern parks — remote, rugged Kidepo Valley and the Nile’s power at Murchison Falls — using light aircraft to link them efficiently rather than the long road distance between them.
Detailed Itinerary
Entebbe to Kidepo by Air
Kidepo sits far enough northeast that flying is the only realistic option: a scheduled light aircraft from Kajjansi airstrip near Entebbe covers the roughly ninety-minute route north, often with a brief stop at another northern strip en route, landing on Kidepo’s dirt airstrip in time for an afternoon game drive through the Narus Valley.
Full Day Kidepo Game Drives
A full day in the Narus Valley’s rugged, rocky landscape, tracking cheetah, ostrich and species distinct from anywhere else in Uganda, with morning and late-afternoon drives bracketing a relaxed midday break at camp.
As above
Fly to Murchison Falls
A second short flight, this time south-west to Murchison Falls, connecting two of Uganda’s most visually striking but geographically distant parks without the long road transfer between them. Afternoon game drive across the delta plains on arrival, tracking lion, elephant, giraffe and buffalo.
Nile Boat Cruise
A full morning boat cruise upriver along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where the entire river forces through a gap barely seven metres wide before a 43-metre drop, hippo, crocodile and strong birdlife along the banks throughout the approach.
As above
Top of the Falls Hike and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
A short guided hike to the top of the falls for the view straight down into the gorge, then the drive south toward Entebbe with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Uganda’s only wild rhino population, southern white rhinos reintroduced after local extinction in the 1980s, tracked on foot with an armed ranger. Overnight near Kampala or Entebbe ahead of the following day’s departure.
Kampala or Entebbe area lodge
Departure
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Park entry fees (both parks) | ~$40 per person per day, per park |
| Light aircraft transfers | Required, quoted separately |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers wanting two of Uganda’s most visually striking parks without a gorilla permit, or as an add-on to an existing gorilla trip in the south.
Tour Includes
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Boat cruise, rhino tracking & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- Light aircraft fares
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Connecting Uganda’s Two Most Dramatic Northern Parks
Kidepo and Murchison Falls sit at opposite ends of Uganda’s north, each offering a genuinely different kind of drama — Kidepo’s rugged, remote wilderness against Murchison’s raw river power. Flying between them keeps this a comfortable single week rather than a road-trip-dominated itinerary.
What to Pack
Comfortable layered clothing for both parks, closed shoes for game drives and the top-of-the-falls hike, sun protection, and a light rain jacket for the boat cruise.
Is this itinerary good for photography?
Genuinely excellent — both parks offer dramatic, uncrowded scenery and strong wildlife density, a real draw for travellers prioritising photography specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why fly between the parks rather than drive?
The road distance between Kidepo and Murchison Falls is genuinely long — flying keeps this a comfortable 6-day trip rather than a 9+ day one dominated by driving.
Can gorilla trekking be added to this itinerary?
Yes, though given the geography it works better as a separate southern extension than a tight combination — we’ll help sequence it.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.