8 days Mount Elgon, Murchison falls & Kidepo tour gives you more of Uganda than what you expect, enabling you to explore Mountain Elgon National Park for a hike to Sipi Falls. You will also visit and explore Jinja with a boat ride to discover the Source of River Nile. Then continue to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking and a safari game drive in Murchison Falls.
The 8 days Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls and Kidepo tour highlights Kidepo Valley National Park, a completely different world of vast plains, in spring view from every vantage point. The park has a lot of wildlife as you drive through it. Kidepo Valley offers breathtaking open savannah which is surrounded by spectacular mountain landscape nowhere to be seen in Africa!
Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s second biggest national park and one of Africa’s finest wilderness area. So, this Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls and Kidepo tour is ideal for visitors seeking for abundant wildlife on a Uganda safari.
Mount Elgon Murchison Falls Itinerary:
Day 1: Kampala – Sipi Falls Mt. Elgon Park
Our driver guide shall pick you up from your hotel or place of residence in Kampala ready for a drive eastwards of the country arriving in Mbale town for a mid-morning stretch and a cup of coffee, after which we shall proceed to Sipi Falls. You will arrive and check in, and then have lunch afterwards.
After lunch, we will take a local guide to trek on the foothills of Mount Elgon where we shall find Sipi Falls, a paradise full of flowers, birds, waterfalls and creeks. At least three (3) waterfalls can be visited here. Walking in this area must feel like being Adam or Eve, so, prepare yourself for a beautiful full day in paradise!
Overnight stay and meals at Mount Elgon Hotel / Sipi River Lodge / Lacam Lodge. Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner.
Day 2: Visit the waterfalls – Jinja
After breakfast, you will take on an excursion and visit the three (3) waterfalls. The guided walk to the waterfalls is outstanding, so you can be certain that you will pass more picturesque waterfalls, plantations and caves. Local villagers will be sure to greet you with jambo and beaming smiles.
If you are feeling brave, one of the waterfalls is even perfect for that early morning shower. When you come back, you will enjoy a nice cup of warm Mount Elgon coffee which will be waiting for you! Thereafter, you will proceed to Jinja via Kakira with a visit and discovery of the source of River Nile while on a boat trip along the mighty River Nile.
Overnight stay and meals at Jinja Nile Resort / Source of the Nile Hotel or Surjios Guest House. Meal Plan Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Jinja – Murchison Falls National Park Travel Time +5hrs
Begin the panoramic drive north-west through the famous Luwero Triangle and travel to Masindi via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Project. You will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino trekking, and afternoon lunch. After lunch, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Overnight stay and dinner at Parra Safari Lodge (luxury facility), Murchison River Lodge (mid-range facility) or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Part of Mount Elgon Murchison Falls
Begin the day with a cup of African coffee ready for a wildlife game drive. Your guide will help you spot giant African elephants, lions, cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, bushbucks, Bohor reedbuck and hyenas. If you are lucky, you will also see the leopard. Return to the hotel for breakfast and lunch.
After lunch, you will go for a boat safari in Murchison Falls upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just tens of meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron”. En-route, marvel at the toothsome hippos, crocodiles and over this 17km stretch you may see elephants, waterbucks and Uganda Kobs. This is also a zone for many bird species including Goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the rare shoebill stork.
Right at the foot of the falls, you will leave the boat and start your – quite heavy, hike to the top of Murchison Falls (approx. 1 hour). See where the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Your driver/guide will be waiting for you right here to bring you back to the lodge.
Overnight stay and dinner at Para Safari Lodge (luxury facility), Murchison River Lodge (mid-range facility) or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Kidepo Travel Time +7hrs
Start the panoramic drive northwards to Kidepo Valley National Park via Gulu – Lira, with lunch en route. Sightseeing en route is much rewarding through the countryside and village settings. The park is a completely different world of vast plains, in spring views from every vantage point. It has a lot of wildlife as you drive into the park.
Kidepo Valley offers breathtaking open savannah which is surrounded by spectacular mountain landscape nowhere to be seen in Africa! Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s second biggest national park one of Africa’s finest wilderness areas. This day is dedicated for a wildlife game drive in the Narus valley, in search for lions, Jackson hartebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, leopard and cheetah among others.
Dinner and overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge (high end), Ng’a Moru Camp (Mid range) Apoka Rest Camp (Budget facility) Meal plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Kidepo – Part of Mount Elgon Murchison Falls
After your early morning breakfast, catch the sun rise behind the mountain before flooding the valley and then set off for the game drive to the ostrich farm. It’s not a man-made occurrence, but given the massive number of birds, one would compare it to a farm. Along the way we shall also be able to view large herds of African elephants, cape buffalos, giraffes, lions and then the Kanangorok hot springs.
You will get your lunch at Apoka Safari Lodge, and then another evening game drive experience for wildlife and game viewing.
Dinner and overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge (high-end), Ng’a Moru Camp (mid-range) or Apoka Rest Camp (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Full Day Kidepo
After an early morning breakfast, today is dedicated for a visit to the Ike Community (at Karenga and Kapedo), to learn and share their lifestyle. Learn about their traditional living, way of life and if possible engage in their day to day activities.
Dinner and overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge / Nga’moru Wilderness Camp / Kidepo Savannah Lodge. Meal Plan Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Kidepo National Park – Kampala/Entebbe Out Travel Time +10hrs
After an early breakfast, return to Kampala and Entebbe with your lunch en route. In case you have your flight in the late evening you will be dropped off to the airport or to your choice hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Meal Plan: breakfast & lunch.
Flying Option From Kidepo Valley National Park
You may opt to fly from Kidepo Valley National Park to Entebbe at an additional fee. Departing at 1500 arriving Entebbe at 1630
Mount Elgon Murchison Falls Inclusions and Exclusions:
Includes
- All ground transfers in a 4×4 safari Vehicle
- Hike to Sipi Falls
- Visit to 3 other waterfalls Mount Elgon
- Visit the Source of the Nile
- Boat ride
- Ziwa Rhino Trekking
- Ferry crossing fees
- Hike to Top of the falls
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fees.
- Game drives
- Enroute lunches
- Guides Allowance
- Community/Cultural Visits
- Guides fees
Excludes
- Expenses of personal nature like: premium drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, cigars, personal insurance, shopping bills etc