Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Spend the afternoon recovering from your flight, adjusting to Uganda’s tropical climate, and preparing for your self-drive adventure. Pick up your rental vehicle, review the route with your Safari Drive Uganda representative, and stock up on essentials such as snacks, drinking water, and fuel. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Begin your safari with a scenic drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of about seven to eight hours. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trek — Uganda’s only place to see rhinos in the wild. Continue to the park, crossing the Nile River by ferry at Paraa if necessary, and settle into your lodge. Enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking the savanna or the Nile.

Day 3: Exploring Murchison Falls National Park

Spend the day discovering Uganda’s largest park, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos. In the morning, go on a game drive on the northern banks of the Nile where wildlife sightings are excellent. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the world’s most powerful waterfall. A short hike to the top of the falls is an unforgettable highlight.

Day 4: Game Drive and Relaxation in Murchison Falls

Dedicate another day to game viewing. You can explore different park sectors at a slower pace, focusing on birdlife, scenic landscapes, and perhaps a second boat cruise or a guided nature walk. Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and stargazing by the campfire.

Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kidepo Valley National Park

Today is a full-day drive to Uganda’s remotest and most breathtaking park — Kidepo Valley. The journey, approximately eight hours, passes through Gulu and Kitgum towns before you venture onto the rugged roads of Karamoja. The landscape transforms from lush greenery to wide open plains surrounded by distant mountains. You’ll arrive in Kidepo by late afternoon, check into your lodge or campsite, and enjoy your first glimpse of the park’s vast wilderness.

Day 6: Kidepo Valley National Park – Game Drives

Kidepo is a gem of East Africa, with golden grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. Spend the day on game drives across Narus and Kidepo Valleys, home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, ostriches, and countless antelopes. The absence of crowds makes wildlife viewing especially rewarding. In the evening, relax at your lodge and listen to the distant roars of lions echoing across the plains.

Day 7: Kidepo to Moroto

Depart Kidepo early and drive south through the dramatic Karamoja region, one of Uganda’s most culturally rich areas. The drive to Moroto takes about five hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Karamojong villages and encounter striking mountain scenery. Upon arrival, unwind at your lodge and enjoy a quiet evening in this peaceful town.

Day 8: Cultural Experience in Moroto

Spend the day immersing yourself in Karamojong culture. Visit traditional manyattas (homesteads), learn about their cattle-keeping traditions, and experience local dances. Those with more energy can hike up Mount Moroto for sweeping views of the plains below. The day offers a rewarding glimpse into a community that has preserved its way of life for centuries. Overnight in Moroto.

Day 9: Moroto to Sipi Falls

Leave Moroto and drive southwest to Sipi Falls, located on the foothills of Mount Elgon. The journey takes around five hours. The drive offers a striking change in scenery from semi-arid plains to lush coffee plantations and rolling hills. Upon arrival, settle in at your lodge with spectacular views of the cascading waterfalls.

Day 10: Exploring Sipi Falls

Spend the day exploring the three levels of Sipi Falls with a local guide. The hikes are refreshing, taking you through villages and banana gardens. You can also enjoy a coffee experience — from harvesting to roasting — as Mount Elgon is one of Uganda’s main coffee-growing regions. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Day 11: Sipi Falls to Jinja

Descend from the highlands towards Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. The drive takes about four to five hours. On arrival, check into your lodge along the Nile River. In the afternoon, explore the Source of the Nile or stroll through town. Jinja’s atmosphere is laid-back, with vibrant markets and plenty of riverside cafes.

Day 12: Adventure in Jinja

Enjoy a full day of adventure or relaxation. You can go white-water rafting, quad biking, horse riding, or take a boat cruise at sunset. Alternatively, relax at your lodge and watch fishermen glide along the Nile. Jinja is a perfect place to unwind before completing your safari loop.

Day 13: Jinja to Entebbe

Drive back to Entebbe, a journey of about four hours. Stop in Mabira Forest for a short nature walk if time allows. On arrival, return your vehicle and check in to your hotel for a final evening by Lake Victoria. Reflect on your adventure and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a morning stroll or a visit to the craft markets. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable self-drive journey through Uganda’s Wild North East.

Day	Route / Destination	Approx. Distance (km)	Drive Time (hrs)
1	Arrival in Entebbe	–	–
2	Entebbe → Murchison Falls National Park (via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)	310 km	7–8 hrs
3	Murchison Falls National Park (Exploration)	0 km	–
4	Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drive & Leisure)	0 km	–
5	Murchison Falls → Kidepo Valley National Park (via Gulu & Kitgum)	430 km	8–9 hrs
6	Kidepo Valley National Park (Game Drives)	0 km	–
7	Kidepo Valley National Park (Further Exploration)	0 km	–
8	Kidepo Valley → Moroto	170 km	5–6 hrs
9	Moroto (Cultural Experience)	0 km	–
10	Moroto → Sipi Falls (via Nakapiripirit & Kapchorwa)	210 km	5–6 hrs
11	Sipi Falls (Exploration & Coffee Tour)	0 km	–
12	Sipi Falls → Jinja	230 km	4–5 hrs
13	Jinja (Adventure & Leisure)	0 km	–
14	Jinja → Entebbe (via Mabira Forest)	120 km	3–4 hrs

Summary

• Total Distance: ~1,950 km
• Driving Days: 8
• Average Drive Duration on Travel Days: 4–6 hours
• Rest/Activity Days: 6 (Murchison, Kidepo, Moroto, Sipi, and Jinja)
• Route Overview: Entebbe → Murchison Falls → Kidepo Valley → Moroto → Sipi Falls → Jinja → Entebbe

This itinerary is designed for experienced and adventurous travellers seeking an authentic journey through Uganda’s wild and less-visited northeast. The route blends scenic drives, cultural immersion, and outstanding wildlife encounters—perfect for those who enjoy independence, open landscapes, and true off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Vehicle and Road Conditions:

Roads in northern and eastern Uganda can be rough and dusty, especially after rains. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is essential. Safari Drive Uganda provides well-maintained Land Cruisers and Hilux Double Cabins, each equipped with a roof tent, camping gear, fridge, recovery tools, spare tyres, and GPS navigation maps. Drivers should be comfortable with gravel roads, river crossings, and occasional potholes. Avoid driving at night due to livestock and limited signage.

Driving Support and Safety:

Safari Drive Uganda offers 24-hour local assistance, a preloaded GPS, and detailed briefing at pick-up to ensure you feel confident navigating the remote Karamoja and Kidepo regions. Local people are friendly and helpful, but always ask before taking photos. Fuel stations are limited north of Mbale, so refuel whenever possible—especially in Moroto, Gulu, and Murchison Falls.

Travel Pace and Duration:

The Wild North-East route is best enjoyed at a slow, flexible pace, ideally with two to three nights at each major destination. This allows time to explore, rest, and enjoy meaningful interactions. While driving distances may not seem long, the rough terrain can make progress slower than expected. Avoid packing too much driving into a single day.

Alternative Options:

Travellers who prefer a less rugged adventure can skip the long drive to Kidepo and instead spend more time at Murchison Falls National Park, Sipi Falls, or Jinja for a mix of wildlife, waterfalls, and relaxation. Alternatively, you can fly into Kidepo Valley Airstrip and collect a rental vehicle from nearby lodges to shorten the route.

Best Time to Go:

The best travel periods are the dry seasons — December to March and June to September. These months offer good road conditions and excellent wildlife viewing. The rainy seasons (April–May and October–November) bring lush scenery but make certain routes, particularly around Karamoja and Kidepo, challenging.

Cultural Etiquette:

The Karamojong and Ik communities are among Uganda’s most traditional groups. Visits are rewarding but should be done respectfully, preferably with a local guide who understands the customs. Carry small tokens like school supplies instead of cash gifts, and dress modestly in rural areas.

Health and Packing Tips:

Carry sufficient drinking water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and malaria prophylaxis. Mobile network coverage can be limited in Kidepo and parts of Karamoja, so download offline maps in advance. Always keep some Ugandan shillings in cash, as card payments are rarely accepted in remote towns.

Accommodation Choices:

Safari Drive Uganda partners with hand-picked lodges and campsites offering a blend of comfort and wilderness immersion. Most stops on this route—like Sipi Falls, Moroto, and Kidepo—have excellent mid-range lodges and designated camping areas with hot showers, meals, and local hospitality. Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak seasons.

Responsible Travel:

Respect wildlife and local communities by minimizing plastic use, keeping to marked tracks, and following Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regulations inside national parks. Never feed animals, and maintain safe distances during game drives.

Final Advice:

Start early each day to make the most of daylight driving hours.

Always inform Safari Drive Uganda of your intended route for logistical support.

Bring both warm clothing (for Sipi and Moroto nights) and lightwear for hot lowlands.

Keep an open mindset—this region rewards patience and curiosity with some of the most spectacular landscapes and authentic encounters in all of East Africa.