Tarec Gorilla Safaris - 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari

9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari

Mabamba Swamp · Murchison Falls · Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary · Kidepo Valley — Uganda's most distinctive wildlife landscapes combined in one remote northern journey.

Mabamba Swamp shoebill canoe experience
Murchison Falls boat cruise
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary walking safari
Kidepo Valley wildlife
Uganda wildlife - Kidepo Valley National Park

9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari

From $3,250 / person

Experience some of Uganda's most distinctive wildlife landscapes on this 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari, combining the wetlands of Mabamba Swamp, the powerful Murchison Falls, rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see a wide range of Uganda without spending the entire trip in one region.

9 Days / 8 Nights Private Safari Entebbe Start & End Remote Northern Circuit
Safari Highlights
Shoebill Canoe Experience
Mabamba Swamp, Lake Victoria
Birdwatching Around Lake Victoria
Papyrus wetlands & waterbirds
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest national park
Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Northern sector of Murchison
Victoria Nile Boat Cruise
Hippos, crocodiles & waterbirds
Top of Murchison Falls
The Nile squeezed through a gorge
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Walking rhino tracking experience
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote wilderness
Narus Valley Game Drives
Permanent water sources attract wildlife
Karamojong Cultural Experience
Traditional homes, dance & customs
Scenic Drive Through Northern Uganda
Rural communities & changing landscapes
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
With professional guide
Safari Overview
Main Destinations
Mabamba · Murchison Falls · Ziwa · Kidepo
Safari Style
Private wilderness & cultural safari
Main Activities
Shoebill canoe · game drives · Nile cruise · rhino tracking · cultural visits
Starting Price
From US$3,250 per person based on 2 travelers
Why This Is an Ultimate Uganda Safari

This itinerary brings together four very different sides of Uganda.

Mabamba introduces you to Uganda's wetland and birding environment, particularly the search for the shoebill. Murchison Falls provides classic savannah wildlife, river scenery and the spectacular Nile waterfall.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary adds a walking rhino experience to the safari — one of the most practical places to include rhino tracking when traveling through northern Uganda. Kidepo Valley finishes the journey in one of Uganda's most remote wilderness areas, with dramatic landscapes and a very different wildlife experience.

The result is a safari that combines birding, rhino tracking, game drives, river experiences, waterfalls and cultural encounters in one journey.

Recommended Accommodation
Night(s)LocationRecommended Lodges
Days 1–2Murchison FallsPakuba Safari Lodge / Tilenga Safari Lodge / Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 3ZiwaZiwa Rhino Sanctuary accommodation / nearby lodge
Days 4–7Kidepo ValleyKidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Day 8GuluBomah Hotel Gulu / Gulu Grand Hotel / similar

Accommodation is subject to availability; a comparable alternative will be proposed if the preferred property is fully booked. Upgrades to luxury properties are available on request.

9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari itinerary

Detailed 9-Day Itinerary

9 Days / 8 Nights · A private Uganda wilderness safari

From Entebbe to Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls, Ziwa and Kidepo Valley, then back through Gulu. Follow the day-by-day timeline below.

9 Days Private Guide Shoebill + Rhino + Kidepo 8 Nights Accommodation
Full 9-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp – Murchison Falls
Early departure · Shoebill canoe at Mabamba · Drive north to Murchison

Your safari begins in Entebbe or Kampala with an early departure toward Mabamba Swamp. At Mabamba, you will board a traditional canoe and navigate through the papyrus channels in search of the shoebill stork. Mabamba is a Ramsar wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria and is recognized for its important shoebill habitat and diverse birdlife.

After the wetland experience, continue north toward Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on your arrival time, you may continue directly to your lodge or enjoy a short evening activity.

Mabamba Swamp shoebill canoe experience
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Activities: Shoebill canoe at Mabamba Swamp · Drive north
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Tilenga Safari Lodge / Twiga Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Morning game drive · Afternoon Victoria Nile boat cruise

Wake up early for a morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. The morning is an excellent time to explore the savannah while wildlife is active. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and, with luck, lions and other predators.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Victoria Nile for a boat cruise toward the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise provides a different perspective of the park, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous waterbirds along the river.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Victoria Nile boat cruise - Day 2
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Activities: Morning game drive · Victoria Nile boat cruise
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Tilenga Safari Lodge / Twiga Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Game Drive – Top of the Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Morning game drive · Top of the Falls · Transfer south to Ziwa

Start the morning with another game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. After the game drive, begin your journey south toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Depending on the timing, visit the top of Murchison Falls before leaving the park. Here, the Victoria Nile is forced through a narrow gorge, creating one of Uganda's most dramatic landscapes.

Continue toward Ziwa and check in at your accommodation.

Top of Murchison Falls - Day 3
Main Destination: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Activities: Morning game drive · Top of the Falls · Transfer to Ziwa
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accommodation / nearby lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Ziwa Rhino Tracking – Kidepo Valley
Guided rhino tracking on foot · Long scenic drive north to Kidepo

After breakfast, take part in a guided rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Rhino tracking is done on foot with trained guides, giving you an opportunity to observe southern white rhinos in their natural environment. Ziwa is particularly convenient for a northern Uganda safari because it lies along the route between Kampala and Murchison Falls.

After the rhino experience, continue north toward Kidepo Valley National Park. This will be one of the longer driving days of the safari, but the scenery changes considerably as you travel toward the Karamoja region.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Ziwa rhino tracking - Day 4
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities: Guided rhino tracking on foot · Scenic drive to Kidepo
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kidepo Valley National Park – Narus Valley Game Drive
Morning Narus Valley game drive · Afternoon game drive

Wake up early for your first major wildlife experience in Kidepo. Head into the Narus Valley, one of the park's key wildlife areas. The valley attracts wildlife because of its permanent water sources, particularly during the dry season. Look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators.

Kidepo offers a very different safari atmosphere from Murchison. Its remote location, rugged mountains and open savannah create a wilderness experience far from Uganda's more frequently visited safari routes.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive.

Narus Valley game drive in Kidepo
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives in Narus Valley
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kidepo Valley – Karamojong Cultural Experience
Morning game drive · Afternoon Karamojong community visit

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive through Kidepo. Depending on wildlife movements and your interests, your guide can explore areas around the Narus Valley and other accessible sections of the park.

In the afternoon, visit a local Karamojong community. Learn about traditional homes, livestock keeping, local customs, traditional dances and everyday life in Karamoja. This cultural experience adds an important human dimension to the wildlife safari.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Karamojong cultural experience
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities: Morning game drive · Karamojong cultural experience
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Kidepo Valley National Park – Game Drive
Full day of wildlife · Different sections of Kidepo · Optional night game drive

Today is dedicated almost entirely to wildlife. Set out early for another game drive and explore a different section of Kidepo Valley National Park. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, your guide will look for opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hartebeests, jackals and predators.

Kidepo is also an important destination for birdwatchers, with a variety of dry-country species that are less commonly encountered elsewhere in Uganda.

An optional evening or night game drive can be arranged where available and subject to the applicable park rules and fees.

Kidepo Valley game drive - Day 7
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Activities: Full-day game drives · Optional night game drive
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Kidepo – Gulu
Scenic travel day · Northern Uganda countryside · Gulu arrival

After breakfast, leave Kidepo and begin the journey south toward Gulu. This is primarily a scenic travel day.

The journey gives you an opportunity to experience northern Uganda beyond the national parks, passing through rural communities and changing landscapes.

Arrive in Gulu in the afternoon or evening and relax at your hotel.

Northern Uganda scenery - Day 8
Main Destination: Gulu
Activity: Scenic drive through northern Uganda
Accommodation: Bomah Hotel Gulu / Gulu Grand Hotel / similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Gulu – Kampala/Entebbe
Return drive south · Kampala hotel or Entebbe airport drop-off

After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your departure flight, the safari can end at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport.

For international flights, we recommend allowing sufficient time between your road transfer and flight departure.

Return to Kampala/Entebbe - End of safari
Main Destination: Kampala / Entebbe (End of Tour)
Drop-off: Kampala hotel or Entebbe International Airport
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari pricing

Rates & Pricing

From $3,250 / person

Pricing for this 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari depends on travel dates, accommodation category, season, vehicle requirements, and whether clients use road transfers or a domestic flight for the Kidepo section. Your personalized quotation will clearly show the accommodation, meals, permits, activities and transport included.

Private Safari Entebbe Start & End 8 Nights Accommodation Based on 2 Travelers
Indicative Price Per Person
Number of TravelersSuggested Price Per Person
1 TravelerUS$4,250
2 TravelersUS$3,250
3 TravelersUS$2,850
4 TravelersUS$2,600
5 TravelersUS$2,450
6 TravelersUS$2,300

Important: The final price should be adjusted according to accommodation category, season, vehicle requirements and whether the clients use road transfers or a domestic flight for the Kidepo section. These are indicative pricing estimates and should be confirmed against current park and activity fees before booking.

Accommodation Plan
Night(s)LocationProperty
Days 1–2Murchison FallsPakuba / Tilenga / Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 3ZiwaZiwa Rhino Sanctuary accommodation / nearby lodge
Days 4–7Kidepo ValleyKidepo Savannah Lodge / Apoka Safari Lodge / Adere Safari Lodge
Day 8GuluBomah Hotel Gulu / Gulu Grand Hotel / similar
Optional Add-Ons & Upgrades
Fly-In to Kidepo
Reduce the long road journey (increases price)
Luxury Accommodation Upgrade
Available throughout the itinerary
Night Game Drive at Kidepo
Subject to park rules and fees
Extended Kidepo Stay
Additional game drives and birding
Inclusions of 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari

What's Included in Your 9-Day Safari

Transparent Pricing · No hidden costs

We believe in full transparency. Below is exactly what is included in your 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari — and what is not.

Transport Park Fees Activities Accommodation
What's Included
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Fuel and transportation throughout the safari
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as indicated
  • Murchison Falls National Park entry
  • Murchison game drives
  • Victoria Nile boat cruise
  • Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary experience
  • Kidepo Valley National Park entry
  • Kidepo game drives
  • Mabamba Swamp canoe/boat experience
  • Karamojong cultural experience
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Uganda visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry
  • Tips
  • Souvenirs
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Domestic flights unless specifically included
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari
Getting There - 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari

Getting There

Entebbe / Kampala · Start and end point

This 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari begins in Entebbe or Kampala. Most travelers arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and are met on arrival. The safari travels through Mabamba Swamp, north to Murchison Falls and Ziwa, east to remote Kidepo Valley, then returns south through Gulu to Kampala or Entebbe.

Entebbe (EBB) Airport Transfers Included Private 4×4 Vehicle
Travel Information
From Entebbe Airport
Met on arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
Destinations
Mabamba · Murchison Falls · Ziwa · Kidepo Valley · Gulu
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Drier periods are generally attractive for wildlife viewing. Kidepo should be planned with road conditions in mind, particularly during heavier rainfall.
Mabamba Shoebill
A good opportunity to search for the shoebill, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Kidepo Access
A fly-in option can reduce the long road journey and is available at extra cost.
What to Pack
Comfortable hiking shoes · Neutral-coloured clothing · Light rain jacket · Sun hat · Sunglasses · Sunscreen · Insect repellent · Binoculars · Camera · Power bank · Reusable water bottle · Personal medication · Passport and travel documents
Safari Pace & Difficulty

This is a varied safari with some longer driving days — particularly between Ziwa and Kidepo (Day 4) and between Kidepo and Gulu (Day 8). The Mabamba shoebill experience involves a seated canoe on calm wetland channels. Rhino tracking at Ziwa is a gentle walk on flat terrain with trained guides. Game drives in Murchison and Kidepo are vehicle-based with occasional stops at viewpoints.

Comfortable with long travel days is helpful. Travelers preferring to reduce the driving time can request a fly-in option for the Kidepo section.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 9-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It combines several major Ugandan experiences without requiring travelers to organize separate transport between destinations.
Can I fly to Kidepo?
Yes. A fly-in option can be considered for travelers who want to reduce the long road journey to and from Kidepo. This would, however, increase the overall safari price.
Will I see a shoebill at Mabamba?
Mabamba is an important shoebill habitat and offers a good opportunity to search for the bird, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I track rhinos on foot?
Yes. The Ziwa experience involves guided rhino tracking and provides a very different experience from seeing wildlife from a safari vehicle.
Is Kidepo worth adding to a Murchison safari?
Kidepo changes the character of the safari considerably. It adds a remote northern wilderness experience, but travelers should be prepared for the longer road journey.
Can this safari be customized?
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your arrival and departure flights, accommodation budget, preferred activities and whether you want to include domestic flights.
Otaremwa Barack — Tarec Gorilla Safaris

Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team

Licensed Safari Operator · Uganda · Rwanda · Tanzania · Kenya

We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.

Local Experts Licensed Guides Responsible Tourism 24/7 Support
Company Details

Tarec Gorilla Safaris

Kampala, Uganda
info@tarecgorillasafaris.com
+1-602-727-3006 (US) · WhatsApp
tarecgorillasafaris.com

We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.

TAREC Gorilla Safaris – Footer