Explore Uganda's Eastern Frontier Rafting the Nile, Hiking in Sipi & Wildlife in Kidepo
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
8 Days Eastern Uganda Safari Adventure
Quick Overview
An 8-day Eastern Uganda Safari Adventure where you will raft the rapids of the Nile, hike in stunning Sipi Falls, and watch wildlife in the perfect wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park.
On this safari, you will get to go on a journey to explore Uganda’s eastern frontier, starting from Jinja – the source of the Nile, and going all the way to Kidepo Valley National Park in the Northeastern extreme of Uganda.
Your Eastern Uganda safari will start with our representative meeting you at the Airport and welcoming you to Uganda. You will then go to Jinja town – east of Kampala where you will explore the source of the Nile River and the city. Your highlight of Jinja is white water rafting through the Nile’s grade 5 rapids.
From Jinja, you will continue to Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon for a hike to explore the popular waterfalls and learn about the culture that makes Mt.Elgon coffee the best in the world through a coffee experience tour with the locals.
After Sipi, you will go north to Kidepo Valley National Park for a wildlife viewing extravaganza along with an authentic cultural experience of the Karamojong people. Kidepo is regarded as one of Africa’s purest (untouched) wildernesses and is Uganda’s most isolated, and your experience of the park is going to be special.
Highlights
Destinations: Jinja town, River Nile, Mbale town, Sipi Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Activities: Boat ride to the source of the Nile, half-day water rafting, Sipi Falls walk, Sipi community walk, Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park, Karamojong community visit and safari walk.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
Arrival in Uganda. Drive to Jinja, Boat ride to the source of the Nile
Today in the morning, you will arrive at Entebbe airport. You will be met by our airport handling assistants who will assist you with immigration clearance. Upon completing your emigration formalities, you will exit the airport and be handed to our waiting safari guides. You shall immediately start your journey by road to Jinja town. This will take you approximately 3 hours. Jinja town is best known for the source of the Nile where the river starts its 4000-mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria. After lunch, you will take a 2-hour boat ride to the source of the Nile. Look out for the monuments along the ride. You may step out of the boat for pictures at the source of the Nile. Afterwards, you will drive to your lodge on the River Nile for the night.
Accommodation
- Budget: Gately on the Nile
- Midrange: Haven Lodge
- Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge
Half-day water rafting on the Nile
After breakfast, you will drive to the rafting agency offices for an initial briefing. You will be fitted out with life jackets and helmets before heading off downriver to the start point. Once down at the river’s edge, you will receive a detailed safety briefing and demonstration before launching into the river for some practical instruction. The rafting carries through meanders of the Nile through beautiful scenery and challenge points selected for an enthralling but safe adventure. The clients shall choose the intensity of rapids they want to undertake. After lunch, you will relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nile.
Accommodation
- Budget: Gately on the Nile
- Midrange: Haven Lodge
- Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge
Drive To Sipi Falls Via Mbale Town
After breakfast at leisure, you shall check out from your accommodation to drive to Mbale town. The drive takes only 3 hours. Mbale town is located in the foreground of Mountain Elgon – an extinct volcano. Here you may have a tour around the town and to Wanale Ridge, the cultural grounds for the Bamasaba people famous for biennial circumcision ceremonies. You shall proceed to Kapchorwa at the base of Mt. Elgon overlooking Sipi waterfalls. You will then proceed to your accommodation and check in for the night.
Accommodation
- Budget: Lacam Lodge
- Midrange: Mbale Resort Hotel
- Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Sipi Falls Hike & Coffee Community Tour
From the lodge, you shall walk to Sipi Falls. These are a series of 3 waterfalls. You shall walk to the base of the falls and relax while taking a dip in the cool water of the falls, located at the base of Mt Elgon. Along the walk, you will also be able to visit a coffee farm on the slopes of Mt. Elgon. Coffee farming is the leading economic activity in the region. At the farm, you will be introduced to the local methods of coffee growing, harvesting, processing and post-harvest handling. Return to your lodge later in the evening.
Accommodation
- Budget: Lacam Lodge
- Midrange: Mbale Resort Hotel
- Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Drive To Kidepo Valley National Park
In the morning, you will set off from Kapchorwa to Kidepo Valley National Park. Sometimes referred to as the true African wilderness, this park is one of the remotest and least explored tourism destinations in Uganda. It is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and rich local cultures of the surrounding Karamojong communities. The journey to Kidepo Valley by road will take 5-6 hours and you will arrive in the evening and check in to your accommodation.
Accommodation
- Budget: Savannah Kidepo Lodge
- Midrange: Nga’Moru Camp
- Luxury: Apoka Lodge
Morning Game Drive & Kanangorok Hot Springs
You will have a full-day game viewing at the park. After your breakfast, you will head into the park to encounter different residents of the park including the Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, Zebras, Lions and many other different animal and bird species. You will have a ranger guide to assist you in spotting animals. Kidepo Valley has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species. Wildlife is most active in the Narus Valley during early mornings and late afternoons. The southerly Narus Valley contains the park’s only permanent water points and wildlife congregates in this area for much of the year. Look for buffalo and elephants in the swamps along the valley floor, giraffes and eland on the drier slopes above and scan the rock outcrops for lions. You will also drive to Kanangorok Hot Springs through some magnificent landscapes. At the springs, you will take a walk around the area. You will search the expansive plains for ostriches and secretary birds.
Accommodation
- Budget: Savannah Kidepo Lodge
- Midrange: Nga’Moru Camp
- Luxury: Apoka Lodge
Nature Walk And Karamojong Community Tour
Kidepo Valley National Park offers an opportunity for nature hikes and walks. These last between 2 to 4 hours and vary in intensity. Therefore, visitors can choose for their suitable trail.
The Lomej Mountains can be reached on foot in four hours, the hike starts at 7 am. Shorter guided walks of around two hours can be taken through the Narus Valley extending over a 5km radius from Apoka Tourism Centre. Visitors can also wander along the splendid Kidepo River Valley between banks of attractive Borassus palm forests. Walks are guided and guarded by ranger guides to ensure safe encounters with wildlife. The walks also present a perfect bird-watching opportunity.
In the evening, you will have a community walk to the local Karamojong communities that live around the park. These communities are some of the few in the country whose cultures have been less diluted by changing times. You will get an opportunity to visit their homesteads made of sticks and thatched – known as manyattas. Here you will see the tools they use in their daily lives including those they used for hunting. They will also narrate to you through a local guide about their pastoralist way of life. Later you will take part in their traditional dancing and singing as you conclude this tour.
Accommodation
- Budget: Savannah Kidepo Lodge
- Midrange: Nga’Moru Camp
- Luxury: Apoka Lodge
Return To Entebbe
Checking out of the lodge very early in the morning, you will start a long road trip from Kidepo to Kampala. You will carry packed lunch from the lodge and drive to Kampala - with a few brief sightseeing stops along the way.
Arrive in Kampala in the evening. You shall be dropped off at your preferred residence or the airport in case of a departure flight on the same day.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last day
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
