6 Day Pian Upe and Kidepo Wildlife Safari in Uganda

This 6-day Uganda safari combines Sipi Falls, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and Kidepo Valley National Park for travellers who want a quieter, wilder side of the country, far from the usual southern circuit. It is ideal for visitors who value open landscapes, low-crowd game drives, and the chance to see wildlife that is harder to find elsewhere in Uganda. You begin with a gentle hike at Sipi Falls on the Mount Elgon foothills, then continue into the wide savannah of Pian Upe, known for big skies, plains game, and the possibility of species like cheetah and roan antelope.

You finish in remote Kidepo, one of Uganda’s most scenic parks and home to wild ostriches and excellent predator sightings. The itinerary includes guided game drives, a Karamoja community experience, and a visit to Kanangorok hot springs, with private transport and an experienced driver guide throughout.

Safari highlights

Best for travellers seeking remote wilderness
Route summary: Sipi Falls, Pian Upe, Kidepo, return to Entebbe
Signature experiences, big skies, rare plains wildlife, hot springs, culture
Sipi Falls hike on the Mount Elgon foothills
Pian Upe game drives, chance of cheetah, roan antelope, ostrich
Karamoja community visit for dance and storytelling
Kidepo game drives in Narus Valley
Kanangorok hot springs drive, rugged landscapes, and birdlife

What is Included and Excluded

included

Private transport and guiding
Park entry and activities are listed
Accommodation and meals plan

Not included

International flights, visas, insurance, tips

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Sipi Falls, afternoon hike

Depending on your location, set off as early as possible to reach Sipi Falls at a good time for the hike. It’s about a 6-7 hours’ drive with an en-route lunch from Kampala. Sipi Falls is located in the foothills of Mount Elgon national park nearing the Kenya border in Kapchorwa district, and it consists of 3 waterfalls, with the highest fall dropping at 100m. Depending on your ability, you can hike to 2 of the waterfalls or hike all the 3 falls. After hiking, meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay, Sipi River lodge for Luxury/Sipi Valley Hotel for mid-range/Lacam lodge for budget option

Day 2 Sipi to Pian Upe, afternoon game drive

After breakfast, check out of the lodge early to embark on your journey to Pian up wildlife reserve. It is about a 5-6 hours’ drive en route to lunch. Upon arrival, proceed on an afternoon/ evening game drive to find some of the Park’s residents such as Ostriches, Cheetah. Hyenas, and all the other species of antelopes. Thereafter, connect to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay at your own set up tent near the park headquarters or Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas for budget option, or stay at Karamojong Overland Camp for mid-range option.

Day 3 Pian Upe game drive, Karamoja community visit

After your breakfast, set off for a morning game drive in the savannah plains to search for reserve residents, including the cheetahs, Uganda’s only population of the Roan antelopes, the Elands, Zebras, Hartebeests, Oribis, Gunther’s Dik Dik, Uganda Kobs, Buffaloes, blue and Common Duiker, and Impalas. Return for lunch and later afternoon; visit a local Karamoja community close to the park for a rare cultural experience in dance and drama performances, and also be able to learn more about the community. Before nightfall, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay

Day 4 Pian Upe to Kidepo, evening game drive

After your breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is located in the far North-Eastern part of Uganda, taking about 5-6 hours’ drive. The drive is spectacular with great views of the countryside as you approach the Karamonja region. You will have lunch upon checking into your lodge, you will be cleared at the entry, and proceed to your accommodation for check-in. Kidepo is very beautiful with incredible views of the mountains and hills. Connect for an evening game drive in Narus valley to find some of the animals like the elephants, zebras, buffaloes and many more. Return to the lodge for dinner, which will be served at your convenience

Accommodation and meals

Luxury option – Apoka Safari lodge/Adere Safari lodge
Mid-range option – Kidepo Savannah lodge/Nga Moru Wilderness Camp
Budget option – Apoka Rest Camp

Day 5 Kidepo game drive, Kanangorok hot springs

After breakfast, drive to the wild for your morning game drive and explore the park in Narus Valley. After lunch, drive for a game drive in Kidepo valley in anticipation of seeing some of the animals, the Ostrich birds, and also visit the hot springs of Kanangorok before you return to your lodge. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge as above

Day 6: Return to Entebbe, long drive planning, and stops

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on your journey back to Kampala/Entebbe. It’s a 10-12 hours’ drive from Kidepo to Kampala with an en-route lunch. You will be dropped off at a location you advise in Kampala, and then be dropped off at Entebbe airport for your departure flight back home.
Enquire Now