Nile Rapids to Rugged Wilderness: Jinja to Kidepo Safari

(Entebbe/Arrival, Jinja,  Sipi, Moroto, Kidepo Valley N.Park, Entebbe/Depart)

Safari Itinerary

Tour Overview: This 8-day safari takes you through the lesser-explored treasures of Eastern Uganda, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the source of the Nile in Jinja to the breathtaking Sipi Falls, the rugged mountains of Moroto, and the wildlife-rich Kidepo Valley National Park, this itinerary provides a unique experience of Uganda’s eastern regions.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Relax after your journey and enjoy the lakeside views.

Day 2: Entebbe to Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Travel Distance: 120 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Arrive in time to explore the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its journey. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a boat cruise on the Nile. Spend the night in a riverside lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the river.

Day 3: Jinja to Sipi Falls

Travel Distance: 195 km (approximately 4-5 hours)

Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Sipi Falls, located on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk to explore the three stunning waterfalls that make up Sipi Falls. The walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, coffee plantations, and plains below. In the evening, relax at your lodge, taking in the beautiful sunset over the falls.

Day 4: Sipi Falls to Moroto

Travel Distance: 220 km (approximately 5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Mount Moroto Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Moroto, the cultural heart of the Karamoja region. The journey takes you through rugged landscapes, with views of the distant mountains and traditional Karamojong villages. Upon arrival, you can take a cultural tour to learn about the customs and lifestyle of the Karamojong people, one of Uganda’s most traditional ethnic groups.

Day 5: Explore Moroto & Surroundings

Accommodation: Mount Moroto Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the Moroto area. Visit the Tepeth and Karamojong communities to gain insight into their unique ways of life, traditional dances, and crafts. You can also take a hike up Mount Moroto for spectacular views of the surrounding plains and valleys. This day offers a deep dive into the culture and landscapes of Eastern Uganda.

Day 6: Moroto to Kidepo Valley National Park

Travel Distance: 150 km (approximately 4-5 hours)

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and wild national parks. The park is known for its stunning scenery, open savannahs, and rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of buffalo. Arrive at your lodge in time for an afternoon game drive, where you might encounter some of the park’s famous residents.

Day 7: Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Kidepo Valley National Park. Start with an early morning game drive in the Narus Valley, known for its high concentration of wildlife. In the afternoon, take a game drive to the Kidepo Valley, where you can visit the seasonal Kidepo River and possibly see ostriches, cheetahs, and other wildlife. The day concludes with a sundowner at a scenic spot in the park.

Day 8: Kidepo Valley to Entebbe & Departure

Travel Distance: 560 km (approximately 9-10 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, embark on a long drive back to Entebbe, passing through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Uganda. You’ll make several stops along the way for breaks and lunch. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening for your onward departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you might choose to spend another night in Entebbe (additional cost).

This 8-day itinerary provides a unique adventure through the hidden gems of Eastern Uganda, blending cultural experiences with wildlife encounters.