4.9/5

Based on 450+ reviews

4.9/5

Based on 45+ reviews

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6 Day Kidepo Valley and Ziwa Rhinos Safari

  • TRIP OVERVIEW
  • ITINERARY
  • TRIP COST
  • TRANSPORT
  • THINGS TO CONSIDER
TRIP OVERVIEW

Kidepo Valley and Ziwa Rhinos Safari

6 Days 5 Nights

Rates are per person (pp)
Excluding international flights (from/to your home country)

Game Drives in Kidepo Valley

Overview

This is an off the beat track safari to Northern and North eastern Uganda. It will take you to Gulu town located in Northern Uganda to break the long journey to Kidepo. You will later drive to Kidepo valley National Park where you will spend three nights exploring the might Park located and divided into two valleys of Narus and Kidepo National Park. On your return journey, you will spend one night at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track White Rhinos.

Tour Summary

  • Day 01: Drive to Gulu town in Northern Uganda
  • Day 02: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park for an evening game drive
  • Day 03: Morning and evening game drives in Narus Valley
  • Day 04: Morning game drive in Narus Valley and afternoon visit to Kidepo Valley
  • Day 05: Drive to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Day 06: Rhino tracking and transfer to Entebbe International Airport

Things To Consider

  • Accommodation is Inclusive
  • This kidepo safari is guided by new normal post lockdown SOPS
  • Small Group Safari: Max 6 People per group
  • Tour Can Depart any day
  • Tour can be customized
  • Solo travelers can join this tour
  • Age Limit: 15 years and above

ITINERARY

Arrival

  • You’ll be picked up from the airport (or hotel)
  • Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for extra cost

Day 1: Kampala-Gulu

After breakfast, you will drive to Gulu town in Northern Uganda. On the way, you may decide to visit Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track white rhinos or do it on your return journey. You will have an opportunity to cross river Nile and ofcourse kaluma falls before proceeding to Gulu town for overnight. We stop in Gulu town to break the would be long journey to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Drive time: 6-7 hours

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: African Roots Gues house Gulu (Budget) or  Boma Hotel Gulu (Midrange)


Day 2: Gulu-Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast preferably very early in the morning, drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. On your way, you will enjoy some scenic views of the few hills that separate Acholi Land and Karamoja, you will not miss the great Manyatas on the way, cross some few seasonal rivers and arrive Kidepo Valley National Park in time for Lunch, relaxation and an evening game drive in Narus Valley.

Drive time: 3-4 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: Kidepo Savannah Lodge(Budget) or Adere Safari lodge(Midrange) or Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury)


Day 3: Game drives in Narus Valley

After a warm cup of tea/coffee, drive to Narus Valley for your morning game drive. Narus Valley is popular for mammals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes antelopes, zebras and birds. Being the only permanent water point, many animals come to Narus valley to drink water and feed. Its where you will find the largest buffalo herds than you can find anywhere on planet earth. Chances of spotting big cats hunting are very high as well. If lucky, you may spot the rare cheeters too. Return to the Lodge for lunch, relaxation and then return to Narus Valley for an evening game drive.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: Kidepo Savannah Lodge(Budget) or Adere Safari lodge(Midrange) or Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury)


Day 4: Game drive in Narus and Hotsprings visit in Kidepo Valley

After breakfast, drive to Narus valley to do an extra game drive to trace wildlife that you could have missed on the two game drives done earlier on. Kidepo valley National Park are the best and you wont be disappointed. The park has observation points with binoculars and it will be your pleasure to use one of them. Return to the Lodge for Lunch, short relaxation and then drive to Kidepo Valley to visit the hot springs, the Ugand-Sudan boarder and if lucky spot the giant Ostriches which are found in this place but have been seriously poached by Sudanese. There seasonal rivers on this side so if it is a rainy season, get ready to be interrupted for few hours. Return to the lodge for overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: Kidepo Savannah Lodge(Budget) or Adere Safari lodge(Midrange) or Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury)


Day 5: Kidepo Valley-Zziwa Rhino

After breakfast, you will drive from Kidepo Valley National Park to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking (That is if you did not visit Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to Kidepo Valley National Park. You will stay at Amuka Safari Lodge.

Drive time: 7-8 Hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: Amuka safari lodge


Day 6: To Kampala-Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the wild to track the few white rhinos in the sanctuary. White rhinos were poached to extinction and they are now being re-introduced in Uganda and by tracking them, you will be contributing to their conservation efforts. Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your international departure flight out of Uganda.

Drive time: 3-4 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch


TRIP COST

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

This is a private safari and can be booked by an individual or a group of people. Please contact our Safari consultants for a quote

TRANSPORT

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

Safari Vans

STANDARD: 4X4 SAFARI VAN

Our standard mode of transport is by road and we use 4×4 Safari Vans customized for game viewing and photography. Each safari van comes with a professionally trained driver guide and fuel for the whole safari. Our Safari vans have viewing hatches and each client is entitled to a window seat. Our Vans can take up to eight people. We also have 4×4 Super Customs very comfortable and stable on the road. These carry up to 5 people with their luggage. We also have 4×4 RAV 4 for a group of two people

Safari land cruiser

UPGRADE: 4X4 LUXURY SAFARI LANDCRUISER

We have luxury latest Land Cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as your smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed of a window seat.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.
  • Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impentrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
  • Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.
  • Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.
  • Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,
  • Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.
  • Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.
  • Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Landcruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.
  • Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most preffered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.
  • Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek, See regulations here.
  • Chances of Seeing the Gorillas:  The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.
  • Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it  and communicate to your guide.
  • Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation,  the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens
  • Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cutural experience, Nature walks, Community visits.  All these can suppliment your gorilla trek in Bwindi.
  • Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.
  • About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla famillies in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

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Read the real stories and experiences shared by fellow travellers who've travelled with Encounter Africa Safaris.

GOOGLE REVIEWS (Over 40+ Reviews)

Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
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Laura Gooch
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We had the most amazing trip with Encounter safaris. Dennis helped plan our itinerary to match some specific requests and Patrick our driver was kind, knowledgeable and fun! Our trip included visiting the Gorillas, chimpanzees and Murchison Falls - an unforgettable trip. Thank you!
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Daniel C
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We recently completed a memorable trip organized by Encounter Africa, traveling from Kigali, Rwanda to Entebbe, Uganda, and overall, the experience was overall excellent. Right from the start, everything was well-organized, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned. The lodges selected for our stay were generally of a high standard, offering comfort, great service, and beautiful surroundings. There was one exception during the trip where a lodge didn’t meet expectations, but we were very impressed with how quickly and professionally Encounter Africa responded. They changed the accommodation immediately without fuss, showing a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. A major highlight of the trip was our guide, Richard (Instagram: @richardmrtravels). Richard was nothing short of fantasti....knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help. Whether we had questions about the places we visited, needed assistance with logistics, or just wanted to learn more about the region, Richard was our go-to person. He’s highly recommended if you want a top-notch guide who truly cares about your experience. The gorilla and chimpanzee tracking excursions were absolutely unforgettable—well coordinated, with expert local trackers, and truly one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters. The only downside of the trip was the standard of transport provided. The vehicle’s air conditioning was not functioning properly, which made some of the longer drives uncomfortable, especially during the hotter parts of the day
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Anthony Maestri
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Patrick was our tour guide and he was nothing short of amazing. He helped to make my wife and my honeymoon unforgettable. He made us feel totally comfortable and and was a pleasure to get to talk with and learn more about Uganda. Without hesitation I recommend his service. Uganda will hold a special place in our heart, in my ways because of Patrick’s level of service and caring nature. The chimp trekking and gorilla hiking were a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t hesitate to use this company and make sure to ask for Patrick!
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Juma Taremwa
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Calm and organized
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Ghazal
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Well organized and reliable company. Everything was planned to our fullest satisfaction. I can recommend this company anytime🦍❤️
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Nick Presser
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Incredible safari company that I will happily use again. If I could give 6 stars I would. Monica is a true standout in the office, and I appreciate her and her work so much. Obed is a wonderful guide and feel so lucky to have been paired with him.
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Nelson Mugisha
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Staff are friendly and helpful

TRIP ADVISOR (Over 450+ Reviews)

Excellent rating
Based on 473 reviews
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Cannot think of the words. Awe inspiring and empowering All I can say is wow, but I will say a lot more. From the first contact with Denis at HQ at the numerous enquires and changes along the way this group at Encounter Africa Safaris have been fantastic. Then touching base with Godwin Amanya at Kisoro to do the Gorilla experience was awesome. What a great guy and host and I will never forget his suggestion to go and visit the local village and the Batwa community. Truly inspiring❤️❤️❤️
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Stephen Davis
4 November 2025
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Gorilla/chimpanzee trekking We took a 14-day tour of Uganda – with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking – and are absolutely thrilled! The whole organization was perfect from start to finish. Everything went smoothly: Transfers, accommodation, meals and activities were excellently coordinated.The highlight was of course the encounters with the gorillas in Bwindi National Park and the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest – an unforgettable experience we will never forget.Our guide deserves special praise. He was not only extremely competent and experienced, but also incredibly friendly, helpful and flexible. Thanks to his warm nature we felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip. He told us a lot about nature, wildlife and life in Uganda and made the trip very special.We can fully recommend this tour – it was a perfectly organized, varied and unforgettable trip through a beautiful country with warm people.
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Patrick F
25 October 2025
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The trip of a lifetime. This was the adventure of a lifetime. Being able to be so close to these majestic animals in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Our trip was only two days in duration and in hindsight I would have loved to have done a two day trip. Our trek into the forest was a relatively short one and with only eight people in the group was just the perfect number.Our driver/ guide Jason was the perfect host being so knowledgeable about the gorillas and the local communities surrounding the forest. Our consultant Denis whom we communicated with from the very start of of this experience was nothing short of excellent!! The communication at all times was professional, informative and quick. At times during our hour spent with the gorilla family I had to pinch myself to remind me that this was actually for real and not some excellent wildlife documentary. Words and pictures don’t really convey the remarkable experience that this was. If you are reading this then I would encourage you to have this experience for yourself. Encounter Africa Safaris we’re 5 star from begin to end.
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Donald A
23 October 2025
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Solo Female Traveler in Uganda - Exceptional experience while feeling safe Being a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly cared for in both the planning and the actual vacation. Denis and the Encounter Africa Safari Team helped me decide on how to book my trip within my budget and with hotels that don't penalize you for staying alone. Beyond that, they provided last-minute changes (about a week before) to what I wanted to see. When my driver arrived, it was a VERY early transfer from a different tour group in the high Bwindi Mountains. Huge shout out to Patrick (my driver), he was very knowledgeable, and has such PASSION for what he does. Not as someone who just bogs you down with all the information in his head (which he was able to answer all my many, many, many many questions) but truly wants to know what would make your vacation the BEST one, what you care about seeing, and provides a view of Uganda through a local's eyes and why it is beautiful to them. He helped me see beyond just the incredible experiences of the Safaris, Nile, Kazinga Channel, and White Water Rafting - but also the people, locations that are off the beaten path, and what truly makes Uganda special and unique in so many ways. I hope to return soon! Thank you for making this investment in memories worth every penny, and for helping me feel safe and respected by both the company staff and every person in the hotels and those we met along the way.
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Culture Trekking
21 October 2025
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Fantastic tour We had the most amazing experience with Encounter Safaris. Denis understood all our requirements and planned the perfect trip for us. Patrick was the best guide (I wish we could bottle his laugh and take it back to England). He was super knowledgeable, answered all our questions and made us feel really comfortable and relaxed.I would definitely recommend Encounter safaris to friends and family and we REALLY hope to be back.
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Laura22015
11 October 2025
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Best trip ever Best tour of my life!!! Very organized and my transportation Godwin was amazing. I learned so much about Rwanda and Uganda before the trip even started. When we did the hike, I felt very safe due to the guides and rangers and they were all very knowledgeable. Worth every penny
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Jordan Spriggs
26 September 2025
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An Amazing Safari Experience in Uganda This was my very first safari in Uganda and it was truly unforgettable. Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes are simply breathtaking, and every day felt like a new adventure.A special thank you to our guide Patrick, who was absolutely outstanding – knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate. He made the whole experience smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable.I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Highly recommended!
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Tristan L
17 September 2025
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An unforgettable immersion in the heart of Ugandan nature 🌿 An unforgettable stay in Uganda! The observation of gorillas and chimpanzees will remain in my memory. The Jeep rhino tour with a private guide was amazing. Everything was perfectly organized, respectful of nature and animals. A magical experience that I recommend 100%!A thought also for our guide Patrick who was simply perfect
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Alexandre R
17 September 2025
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Professional, Responsive, and Reliable – Excellent Experience with Encounter Africa Safaris We had a fantastic experience with Encounter Africa Safaris in Uganda. From the very beginning, their communication was fast, clear, and professional. Monica, in particular, was incredibly responsive and helpful — she answered every question promptly and with genuine care, which gave us great peace of mind while planning our trip.We chose the two-day, one-night itinerary starting and ending in Kigali, with a border crossing into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Everything ran smoothly from pickup to drop-off at Kigali Airport.Our driver, Edgar, was outstanding — calm, friendly, and extremely skilled behind the wheel. Navigating the rough, winding gravel roads to Bwindi is no small task, but Edgar handled it with ease and confidence. We always felt safe and well taken care of, even in the most remote areas.The logistics were smooth, the planning thoughtful, and the overall experience was exactly what we hoped for — efficient, well-organized, and stress-free.If you're considering a safari or gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, I can highly recommend Encounter Africa Safaris for their professionalism, personal touch, and great team.
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Yalie'00
16 September 2025
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Amazing experience I did the 3 day gorilla experience from Kigali and the whole trip was fantastic. From the initial planning with Denis who answered ALL my questions and queries. I was a little nervous about booking directly and online however the company was really professional. I was picked up in Kigali by Godwin and then taken to the Genocide museum then we had a beautiful dive through the Rwandan and Ugandan countryside. I stayed at the Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge where the staff were really friendly and with beautiful views of the forest from my bungalow. The gorilla trekking was such a great experience, we got to spent an hour with a family of about 15, I still cannot believe how close we were. On the trip back to Rwanda I had time to drop in at Bunyonyi Lake and did a 2 hour boat trip before being dropped back at Kigali Airport. I enjoyed the whole trip, Godwin took great care of me. I will return again in the future and definitely recommend. Thank you to the Encounter Africa team.
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lillypilli
12 September 2025

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