PEARL IN THE WILD SAFARI
10 days / 9 nights
This takes you on an Ultimate 10-day and 9 Nights Uganda safari full of adventure, from white-water rafting in Jinja and hiking to Sipi Falls, to spotting big cats in Kidepo Valley and rhino tracking en route to Murchison Falls. You’ll Explore Uganda’s top adventure and wildlife destinations while immersing in rich cultural traditions of the Ik, and Acholi people.
Where the Nile Begins
Depart Kampala in the early morning after breakfast for a scenic drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda and birthplace of the Nile. Upon arrival, take a boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, where you’ll drift past islands, birdlife, and riverside monuments before stepping onto the symbolic spot where the Nile begins its long journey north.After lunch, gear up for an unforgettable white-water rafting experience on the Nile. Whether you choose gentle rapids or full-throttle thrills, expert guides will lead you safely through surging channels and breathtaking meanders.As the day winds down, check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Into the Highlands
After a relaxed breakfast, your journey continues eastward on a scenic drive covering approximately 200 kilometers. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing stop at Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s last remaining tropical rainforests perfect for stretching your legs, fresh air, and photo opportunities. You’ll then proceed to Mbale, a vibrant town nestled at the foothills of Mount Elgon. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, with the option to detour briefly to Wanale Ridge, a cultural and scenic gem offering sweeping views and insight into the traditions of the Bagisu (Bamasaba) people. After lunch, the road climbs higher into the highlands of Kapchorwa, a cool, peaceful town perched dramatically along the Elgon escarpment. Arrive in the early evening at your lodge and spend the evening unwinding with dinner and an overnight stay.
Sipi Falls
This morning after breakfast, lace up your boots for a guided hike to explore Sipi Falls—a trio of cascading waterfalls that carve through lush hillsides and rugged escarpments. Your trail winds through local villages, terraced farmlands, and scenic viewpoints where the falls crash into the valley below. The 3 to 4-hour hike offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and memorable photo stops. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch near one of the waterfalls before continuing into the afternoon with a thrilling 100-meter abseil beside the main fall, led by expert guides and framed by dramatic cliffside views. Later, return to your lodge by evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Into the Wild North
After an early breakfast, depart Sipi Falls and head north toward the untamed wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. This scenic 8–9 hour journey (approx. 370 km) takes you through sweeping highland vistas and into the vast, rugged landscapes of northeastern Uganda.Make your first stop near Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, a sprawling semi-arid savannah home to ostriches, elands, and zebras. By midday, arrive in Moroto town for a refreshing lunch with panoramic views of Mount Moroto. From here, continue through the striking terrain of Kotido and Kaabong, where traditional manyattas dot the horizon and Karamoja’s raw beauty unfolds.Arrive in Kidepo Valley by late afternoon. Check in at your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay under the stars of Uganda’s wild north.
Giants of the Narus Valley
Rise with the sun and head out for a game drive through the Narus Valley, where wildlife gathers at permanent water sources. This is big game territory so you'll go in search of buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes. This is the only place in Uganda where you might spot cheetahs, striped hyenas, and caracals, making every sighting feel like a rare treasure.In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Karamoja’s rich culture with a community visit to a traditional Manyatta homestead. Learn about their pastoralist lifestyle, tools of daily life, and warrior traditions.This is a perfect afternoon for you to feel more connected to culture.later in the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Hiking Mount Morungole
After an early breakfast, lace up for one of Uganda’s most exhilarating treks—the Mount Morungole hike. This 7–8 hour round-trip journey winds through rugged terrain, climbing forested slopes and narrow ridgelines to reach Nakale Viewpoint at 2,475 meters above sea level. Along the way, sweeping vistas open over Kidepo Valley and the wild northern frontier of Uganda. At the summit lies Nakale, the highest village of the Ik people, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into their mountaintop community, known for its authentic preservation of traditions and daily life. You’ll carry a packed lunch to enjoy along the trail. Later in the evening, descend back to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Acholi cultural Experience
After breakfast, depart from Kidepo for a 270 km journey toward Gulu, Northern Uganda’s cultural heartbeat. Your first stop will be in Lagoro, Kitgum, for a Shea Butter Experience, a hands-on introduction to the age-old art of shea butter processing, guided by local women who preserve this eco-friendly tradition. Continue on to Agago District, a cradle of Acholi heritage, where you’ll witness the Bwola Dance, a regal performance once reserved for royal courts and ceremonies. After lunch in Agago, journey through open plains and scattered homesteads. Arrive in Gulu by early evening, check into your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Murchison Falls
Your journey kicks off after breakfast as you head southwards toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through scenic countryside dotted with traditional homesteads and lush farmlands.At Ziwa, embark on a guided rhino tracking walk, where you'll observe these gentle giants in their natural environment. This sanctuary is Uganda’s only home for wild rhinos and plays a vital role in restoring rhino populations in the country.After the walk, enjoy a relaxing lunch before continuing your drive toward Murchison Falls National Park,an additional 2 to 3 hours, including a stretch of dirt road through the park's savannah landscape.Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and check in. Spend the evening unwinding, soaking in the serene beauty of the wilderness, and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Murchison Falls Game Drive
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive on the Northern bank of the Nile. This area teems with wildlife, and you’ll likely spot giraffes, elephants, Uganda kobs, oribi, lions, and possibly leopards. The open savannah, dotted with borassus palms, provides excellent visibility and photo opportunities.Return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest.In the afternoon, board for a cruise along the Nile. The journey upstream toward the base of Murchison Falls offers thrilling views of hippos wallowing in the water, sunbathing crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife that includes bee-eaters, herons, and fish eagles.Later, take a guided hike to the top of the falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow cleft in the rock with a deafening roar. This is one of Uganda’s most iconic natural wonders, standing above it offers an awe-inspiring perspective of the river’s power.Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and your final overnight stay.
Kampala
With hearts full of memories, we begin our 234 km journey back to Kampala after breakfast, expecting to arrive by afternoon.
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Transport
- English speaking community guides
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All Acholi Experiences & activities
mentioned in the itinerary - Hiking
- Local Souvenirs
EXCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Airfare to and from Uganda
- Visa’s
- Travel Insurance
- All beverages except tea, coffee or juice taken at breakfast where breakfast is
included. - Tips, gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Any activity, meal or accommodation
NOT mentioned in the itinerary.
WHAT TO BRING?
- There is no power supply in the village so please charge you cameras and phones to the brim before departure.
- Comfortable walking and hiking shoes.
- Sunglasses, hats and sunscreens.
Spending money for additional activities, there are no banks where we are going. - Beddings and toiletries for personal use during the trip.
- Additionally, carry a torch or a solar-powered light for nighttime, as there is no power supply in the area.
- Camping tents and sleeping bags. (Optional)
BASIC TERMS
This is a conscious tourism experience that will have your perspectives challenged and broadened as you experience a new culture and hopefully gain fresh insights. Here are a few things you should know;
- We do our absolute best to keep to the Programme and timings but sometimes the weather/animals/roads/slow rhythm of village life gets the better of us!
- Respect of the community and local culture is paramount. We recommend modest clothes that covers the knees for the ladies to avoid discomfort for the locals and some very long uncomfortable stares.
- Taking of photos with consent from parties involved is also to be observed. We do not recommend taking photos of children during the experience
- Hill trail can be rough and the rock is pretty sun exposed during dry seasons, we recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants
- In the rural area , only pit latrines (hole in the ground) are available.
