This 4 Days Kidepo Valley flying safari transfers you to Kidepo valley national park remotely situated in the extreme north – north eastern corner of Uganda. Aside from saving you the agonizing long drives to Kidepo, the flight offers spectacular views of the changing landscapes and sceneries below. The view of Kidepo’s wilderness from up top is incredible. Some of the animals to see include Elephants, Zebras, Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Lions, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas , Rothschild Giraffes, Bat-eared Fox, Striped Hyenas, Caracals, Cheetahs, among others.
In 2013,CNN Travel ranked Kidepo Valley National Park at 3rd place among Africa’s top national parks, and rated it the best overall for the most beautiful landscapes and great buffalo herds. And once again in 2016,CNN released a head line”Why this hidden gem in Uganda is a top destination for 2016″ It is in fact the only Ugandan national park that features on the list. The irony however is that this overwhelmingly beautiful destination is the least visited of Uganda’s national parks!
This is majorly due to its remote location in the far north – north eastern corner of Uganda. The long driving hours (up to 11 hours) and challenging road conditions have been huge limitations for most visitors that have missed out on arguably Africa’s most pristine and spectacular wilderness. However one can now take a one hour flight from Kajjansi Airstrip near Kampala or Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Highlights of the 4 Days Kidepo Valley flying safari
- 3 Game Drives
- Morning Walking Safari
- Community tour to the Karamajong Native Community
Itinerary For The 4 Days Kidepo Valley Flying Safari
Day 1: Fly to Kidepo Valley National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
Have early breakfast and transfer to Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport for your morning flight to Kidepo Valley National Park. The flight is a little more than an hour, land at Kidepo and transfer to the luxurious Apoka Safari Lodge. Relax and have lunch at the lodge. Set out for a late afternoon game drive into the wilderness. This is a good time to explore the Narus Valley.
Kidepo experiences long dry spells during which the park is completely dry and arid. Only the Narus Valley has pockets of water during this period and so animals congregate here in the late afternoon to drink and cool off. Possible game sightings range from Zebras, Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Kudus, Eland, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Kob and more. By good chance you could also sight Kidepo’s unique small crocodiles from the water sources in the Narus Valley. From the Katurum kopje you have magnificent views across the valley to Morungole Mountains. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation option – Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: 1 Hour
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive
You will wake up to a fabulous breakfast with the spectacular wilderness and beautiful African wildlife right in your view. It is an incredible setting every traveller aspires to have for an African safari experience and you may find it only in Kidepo. Set out for an early game drive into Kidepo Valley National Park. Early morning is a good time for possible sightings of the elusive carnivores that are very active by this time. Kidepo Valley National Park is especially outstanding for its carnivore species many of which are unique to the park including Bat-eared Fox, Striped Hyena, Caracal and Cheetah.
Other carnivores and wildlife you could possibly sight include Lions, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephants, Giraffes, Jackals, Duikers, Kobs, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Zebras, Duikers, Reedbuck, Bush Pig, Serval, and the massive Ostrich among others. You will drive to the Kidepo Valley for an experience of the famous Kidepo River Sand Bed. Continue to Kanangorok Hot Springs near the South Sudan Border. There are lots of beautiful sceneries and unique attractions to savor throughout the game drive. You will travel along with packed lunch and picnic at Kanangorok. Return in the evening to relax, have dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Community Tour
Early wake up for yet another game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo harbors a wide diversity of game and wildlife though a lot of it is quite elusive because of the depreciated numbers from past heavy poaching and wars. Another game drive would do to increase our chances of more wildlife sightings and unique experiences. Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
After lunch you could opt for a drive out of the park and visit one of the native communities for a native experience. The karamajong are one such organized communities and are welcoming to travelers. The Karamajong are very similar to the Masai of Kenya. They have rich cultures and traditions. They will entertain you with their dances, folkore, unique art, and lifestyle.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Early morning walking safari, Return Flight
Early wake up and head out for early morning nature walk. A number of nature walk trails are available that offer brilliant views of lots game and beautiful African wildlife within few meters. Return for breakfast, check out and transfer to the airstrip for your flight back. A driver shall be waiting for you at Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to transfer you to your drop off.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Travel Time: 1 Hours
What is included in your 4 day safari?
- Transport – flight, tour vehicle, driver guide, fuel
- Full board accommodation for 3 nights
- All meals
- Bottled water
- Access fees
- Ranger fees
- Activities – 3 game drives, community tour, walking safari
Safari exclusions
- Gratitude and tipping
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Curio shop purchases
- Phone bill and other personal expenditure