en
- Adventure
- 13-day trip
- From €4,650 p.p.
Uganda trip | Unknown Eastern Uganda
This special tour of Uganda introduces you to the unknown east of the country. You will be introduced to unique cultures, special animal species and breathtaking natural beauty. Among others, you will visit Sipi Falls, which consists of three beautiful waterfalls. Near Sipi Falls, where you will take an impressive hike, is also Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. A special park, where few travellers come and thus still offers fine safari experiences. Besides Pian Upe, you will also visit other impressive parks, such as Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. You will thus have plenty of chances to spot many wild animals! Besides all the safari highlights, you will also have the chance to meet some fascinating tribes, such as the IK and Karamojong tribes. Get to know their ancient traditions and how they have adapted their lives to modern times. A very special and versatile trip that will stay with you forever!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Uganda
- Day 2 Boat trip on the Nile
- Day 3 Exciting adventures in Jinja
- Day 4 Impressive hike to the Sipi Falls
- Day 5 A special day on safari in Pian Upe
- Day 6 Meet the locals in Moroto
- Days 7–9 Impressive safari days in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Day 10 – 11 Enjoy game drives at Murchison Falls
- Day 12 Meet chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
- Day 13 Departure from Uganda
Air travel to Uganda
You will arrive in Uganda by intercontinental flight. After collecting your luggage, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide in Uganda. After the warm welcome, your guide will take you to your accommodation. Here you will spend your first night on African soil.
Included:
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight to Entebbe
Boat trip down the Nile
After a relaxing night’s sleep at your accommodation in Jinja, your guide will be waiting for you again. You’ll set off for Jinja, also known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Uganda’. Before arriving in Jinja, you’ll stop off en route to visit the Ewaffe Cultural Centre. You’ll get to know the local Baganda tribe. During your visit, you’ll learn more about the tribe’s traditions and how they have adapted over the years.
You will then continue your journey to Jinja. In the afternoon, a boat trip on the Nile is planned. Near Jinja lies the source of the Nile, Africa’s longest river. Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and, of course, the rich birdlife.
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Visit to the Ewaffe Cultural Centre
• Boat trip to the source of the Nile
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Exciting adventures in Jinja
You have the morning free to spend as you wish in Jinja. This gives you the opportunity to take part in an optional activity. There is plenty to do and experience around Jinja. For example, you can go rafting, kayaking, quad biking, horse riding or even bungee jumping. You can also choose to take a relaxing walk along the Nile.
After this final morning in Jinja, you’ll continue your journey to Sipi Falls, situated in the Mount Elgon region. Upon arrival, you can relax for a while after the long drive. In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a stunning drive through the crater landscape. Enjoy the panoramic views over the Karamojong plains and, of course, the setting sun. You’ll round off the day with a delicious dinner at your accommodation.
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Sundowner drive through the Sipi Falls region
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Impressive hike to Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls are a stunning series of three waterfalls situated on the north-western slopes of the extinct volcano Mount Elgon. These waterfalls are one of the country’s most impressive natural attractions and draw many visitors every year. In the morning, you’ll go on an adventurous hike to see the three waterfalls. During the walk, you might even spot some chameleons!
The highest of the three waterfalls has a drop of around 100 metres. The other two waterfalls, known as Simba Falls and Ngasire Falls, have drops of 74 metres and 85 metres respectively. The waterfalls are fed by the Sipi River, which flows down from the peaks of Mount Elgon and eventually empties into the Kyoga Basin.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit a viewpoint to admire the highest waterfall. There’s also a coffee tour planned, where you’ll learn more about coffee production. As an optional extra, you can even abseil down the highest waterfall – highly recommended!
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Hike to the Sipi Falls
• Coffee tour at a local coffee plantation
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Special safari day in Pian Upe
You’ll set off early in the morning to visit the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This is one of the largest protected nature reserves in Uganda, situated in the Karamoja region in the north-east of the country. The reserve covers approximately 2,800 km² and offers a unique safari experience in a relatively unspoilt area.
The landscape of Pian Upe is varied, featuring vast grasslands, wooded areas and rivers such as the Kadam and Matheniko. These water bodies are essential to the ecosystem and attract a variety of wildlife. The reserve is home to various animal species, including the rare roan antelope, eland, gazelles, ostriches, and even cheetahs and leopards.
A special and, above all, authentic day on safari!
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Full-day game drives in the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Meet the locals in Moroto
Once again, you start the day early! A final game drive through Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is planned. This is the last chance to spot some of the special animals. After this safari, you will leave for Moroto, where you will spend the next night in a comfortable tent. In the afternoon, a Community Experience is scheduled. You will visit the local villages - this may be possible by bicycle. You will meet the locals as well as their livestock. After this special experience, you will return to your accommodation, where you will enjoy a relaxing evening.
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Morning game drive in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
• Community experience
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Impressive safari days in Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, your guide will be waiting for you again and will take you to Kidepo Valley National Park. This remarkable park is situated in the far north-east of Uganda. As the journey to the park is quite long and there are no proper dining options along the way, you will be provided with a packed lunch from the hotel in Moroto, which you can enjoy en route. Upon arrival at the park, you’ll set off straight away on a game drive. So keep your eyes peeled – who knows what you might spot during the drive! The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish, and you can relax and recover from the long drive. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner.
You’ll spend the next few days entirely in Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy game drives in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are at their most active. Take in the stunning natural surroundings and, of course, the wildlife that roams this area. You’ll have the chance to spot many animals during various game drives. These include lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and large herds of buffalo. Kidepo is also home to the Somali ostrich.
You’ll also enjoy a cultural experience accompanied by a guide. You’ll meet the IK tribe. This is the smallest tribe in Uganda. They are hunters and gatherers, similar to the Bushmen, and are more cultured than the Karimojong. They prefer to cover themselves with blankets all day rather than wear clothes. A truly special encounter!
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota LandCruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
• Cultural experience with the IK tribe
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Enjoy game drives in Murchison Falls
You’ll leave Kidepo early in the morning and set off for Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most beautiful parks. After a journey of around 7 hours, you’ll arrive at Murchison Falls National Park. On the way to your lodge, you’ll go on your first game drive. Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and the stunning location. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served.
You’ll spend the whole of the next day in the park. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll set off with your guide to explore the park, whilst keeping an eye out for the various wild animals that inhabit it. Make the most of the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural habitat. After the morning game drive, you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, a lovely boat trip on the River Nile is on the programme. During the boat trip, you can spot animals such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles and waterbucks. There are also many rare bird species to be seen here. After the boat trip, you can hike to the top of the waterfall! You’ll be able to view the waterfall – from which the park takes its name – from various vantage points from the boat. You’ll then return to the lodge, where dinner will be waiting for you.
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota LandCruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
• Boat trip to the waterfall, including a hike to the top of the waterfall
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Meet chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
You’ll leave the stunning Murchison Falls behind and travel to the extraordinary Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. On the way, you’ll stop off at Budongo Forest. This is a fascinating jungle, home to many birds and primates. The main attractions are the chimpanzees, which you’ll try to spot whilst on a walk. It’s a truly special experience to spot the chimpanzees in their natural habitat!
After this unforgettable experience, you’ll head to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll spend your final evening in Uganda!
Includes:
• Private safari in a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
• Chimpanzee trek
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Accommodations
The Boma Hotel Entebbe
The Boma Hotel in Entebba is located on the outskirts of the city, just five minutes away from Entebbe International Airport. The Boma has six bedroom decorated with African themes. The restaurant is in a beautiful spot overlooking the lake. In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast here.
Your stay: 1 night
Jinja Nile Resort
Jinja Nile Resort is situated in a good location, near Bujagali Falls, Jinja Temple and the source of the Nile River. Jinja Nile Resort has 140 private rooms with a small sitting room and a private balcony overlooking the Nile. The resort also has a swimming pool, tennis court and restaurant.
Your stay: 1 night
Sipi Heritage Lodge
The Sipi River Lodge is set in beautiful natural surroundings, close to Sipi Falls and consists of the main house and six detached accommodations. Each carefully designed with African-style wooden furniture and features a private veranda. Private bathrooms are equipped with showers.
Meals...
The Sipi River Lodge is set in beautiful natural surroundings, close to Sipi Falls and consists of the main house and six detached accommodations. Each carefully designed with African-style wooden furniture and features a private veranda. Private bathrooms are equipped with showers.
Meals are served in the cosy restaurant. Coffee lovers can enjoy the rich, locally produced coffee served by the kitchen. Freshly packaged coffee is sold at reception. Shared areas include a comfortable reading room, an airy veranda and a bar serving beer, wine and a fine selection of single malt whisky. There are a variety of activities in the area, including hiking, coffee tours, bird watching, climbing/abseiling and mountain biking.
Your stay: 3 nights
Kara-Tunga Safari Camp
Kara-Tunga Safari Camp is located in Moroto, at the heart of Uganda's Karamoja region, nestled on the slopes of Mount Moroto. The camp offers a blend of traditional and modern design, featuring ensuite apartments, rooms and safari tents with private verandahs and solar-heated showers. Guests can enjoy à la carte dining...
Kara-Tunga Safari Camp is located in Moroto, at the heart of Uganda's Karamoja region, nestled on the slopes of Mount Moroto. The camp offers a blend of traditional and modern design, featuring ensuite apartments, rooms and safari tents with private verandahs and solar-heated showers. Guests can enjoy à la carte dining at the onsite restaurant. The camp also provides cultural experiences and outdoor adventure tours through Kara-Tunga Tours.
Your stay: 1 night
Kidepo Savannah Lodge
On the edge of one of Uganda's most beautiful national parks is Kidepo Savannah Lodge. The lodge is inspired by the Savannah environment, its grasslands, rocky formations and by the Karamajong tribe with their manyattas and colourful blankets. Accommodation comprises luxury independent safari tents and...
On the edge of one of Uganda's most beautiful national parks is Kidepo Savannah Lodge. The lodge is inspired by the Savannah environment, its grasslands, rocky formations and by the Karamajong tribe with their manyattas and colourful blankets. Accommodation comprises luxury independent safari tents and comfortable camping tents. Available activities for guests include game drives and nature walks in the Lamoj Mountains and Kidepo River Valley.
Your stay: 3 nights
Sambiya River Lodge
Sambiya River Lodge is located in Murchison Falls National Park in Masindi. The lodge features cottage accommodations that are equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including a private veranda. Guests can enjoy food at the onsite restaurant where they can overlook the lodge's watering...
Sambiya River Lodge is located in Murchison Falls National Park in Masindi. The lodge features cottage accommodations that are equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including a private veranda. Guests can enjoy food at the onsite restaurant where they can overlook the lodge's watering hole on the outdoor terrace. Additional facilities and services include a swimming pool, a bar, Wi-Fi access, a forest swing, and parking facilities.
Your stay: 2 nights
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Located in the Nakasongola district in Uganda's Central Region, just 170 km northwest of Kampala, the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch covers a vast area of 70 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. This extraordinarily beautiful savannah and swamp area is home to the only wild...
Located in the Nakasongola district in Uganda's Central Region, just 170 km northwest of Kampala, the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch covers a vast area of 70 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. This extraordinarily beautiful savannah and swamp area is home to Uganda's only wild rhinos, with as many as 19 southern white rhinos roaming freely in the reserve.
Although the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is primarily a rhino sanctuary, it also houses a diverse range of other animals and birds, including leopards, bushbucks, hippos, monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles and the rare shoebill. Visitors can look forward to a range of outdoor activities, including rhino tracking, bird watching and guided nature walks.
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
Entebbe
Entebbe is not far from Uganda's current capital and has much to offer its visitors. For instance, you can take a walk in the fields and forests of the Botanical Gardens or along the beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria. Or visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to some of Uganda's remaining chimpanzees.
Lake Victoria, Uganda
The vast Lake Victoria, covering 6.5 million hectares, is three times the size of Wales and is shared by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. As one of Africa’s ‘Great Lakes’, it is known worldwide as both the largest lake in Africa and the source of the mighty Nile.
The lake’s waters are teeming with fish, including shimmering shoals of colourful cichlids and large Nile perch, which are highly sought after by anglers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as excellent fishing, wildlife spotting and sampling local dishes in restaurants with phenomenal views of the lake.
Along the shores, visitors may encounter wildebeest, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and chimpanzees. Beautiful islands such as Ssese, Bulago and Entebbe are just waiting to be explored.
Uganda
Uganda, the 'pearl of Africa', as it was called by Winston Churchill, is characterised by a relatively dry and flat savannah in the north, with green mountains in the west, and vast, dense and lush forests in the central region. The country is home to an amazingly wide range of African wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla that can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A popular spot for wildlife spotting is Queen Elizabeth National Park with ondare among others four of the Big Five, a group of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix by rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding. Uganda also has a friendly population, a growing cultural scene and a capital full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants. It is easy to see why Uganda has gained a reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country'.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is a national park in north-western Uganda that stretches inland from the shores of Lake Albert. The White Nile flows from east to west right through the park. The 3,860 km² park is named after Murchison Falls, which in turn are named after the Scotsman Roderick Murchison, founder of the Royal Geographical Society. The park is home to Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, lions, various species of antelope (including the ‘Uganda kob’), and a wide variety of birds.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Situated north of Kampala in Uganda’s Nakasongola District, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in the country where wild rhinos can be found. The sanctuary is currently home to twenty-two southern white rhinos and offers activities such as rhino tracking, shoebill stork tracking, canoeing, birdwatching and night walks. Visitors may also encounter various other animal species, including the Ugandan kob, oribis, bushbucks and waterbucks.
The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork is one of the most sought-after birds in Uganda, and the reserve is one of the few places where they can almost always be seen. Discover more than 300 bird species along birdwatching trails through forests, marshes and savannahs, and take a guided night walk. Here you’ll experience extraordinary nocturnal sounds and sights, such as a beautifully clear starry sky and various nocturnal animals.
Nakitoma
Situated north of Kampala, the small Ugandan village of Nakitoma is best known for its surrounding natural scenic beauty and its protected wilderness areas. The world-renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a popular highlight of the Nakitoma Area. This 70 square-kilometre private reserve is home to 19 southern white rhinos, as well as leopard, hippo, crocodiles, bushbuck and over 350 species of bird. The town also serves as a convenient base to explore the surrounding national parks of Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the beautiful Lake Albert.
Jinja
Jinja is Uganda's second largest city and is known for the fact that the source of Nile starts here. Here you can go rafting on the Nile. But also kayaking, quad biking, mountain biking or horse riding in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Mount Elgon
Elgon is the oldest and largest volcano in East Africa and is a caldera volcano. The mountain is separated by the border to Kenya with Mount Elgon National Park in both countries. The area is great for hiking. This combines well with Koitobos, Kenya's highest peak at an altitude of 4200m.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Due to its vast differences in altitude, Kidepo National Park not only boasts breathtaking views but also offers a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Of the 80 mammal species recorded in 1971, no fewer than 28 were found exclusively in Kidepo, including the cheetah, dik-dik and oryx. With 465 different bird species, Kidepo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Characteristic species that can be spotted here include the ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird and giant ground hornbill. Kidepo National Park comprises the Narus Valley in the south-west of the park and the Kidepo Valley in the north-east. Both valleys are divided by the Narus and Kidepo Rivers, which, however, are dry for most of the year.
The region is home to two distinct tribes: the Karamajong and the Ik (pronounced ‘iek’). The Karamajong are a semi-nomadic group whose livelihood depends mainly on their livestock. They are notorious amongst other tribes for their possession of weapons and their firm belief that all livestock in the area belongs to the Karamajong tribe. The Ik, on the other hand, live in isolation in the high mountains on the border between Uganda, Kenya and Sudan. They are cut off from the outside world, with no radio, television, telephone or electricity.
Moroto
The town of Moroto is set in the Northern Region of Uganda, at the foot of the 3,083-metre high Mount Moroto. The town is known for its cultural tourism, natural surrounding scenery, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore Mount Moroto and the surrounding forest reserves of Pian-Upe, Bokora, and Matheniko - which protect a variety of habitats. Dry montane forest and dry savanna are inhabited by an array of species, including 220 bird species, a collection of monkey and wild cat species, and many more. Visitors can explore the network of scenic trails traversing the area, learn about the way of life of the nomadic Karamajong people, and browse a variety of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Other commonly spotted species in the area include hyenas, buffalos, dik-dik, and the Greater and Lesser Kudus.
Uganda trip | Unknown Eastern Uganda
We offer this itinerary from €4,650 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Accommodation in comfortable and atmospheric lodges, tented camps and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• Private transport and safaris with an English-speaking private guide/driver throughout the trip
• All transfers, as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including gorilla trekking
• Drinking water in the car
• National park entrance fees (camping fees, concession fees, park fees)
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution towards positive impact of €50 per person via the Avila Foundation
• Visit to the local Baganda and IK tribes
• Hike to the Sipi Falls
• Cycle tour through Moroto
• Walking safari
Not included
• Intercontinental flight to and from Uganda
• Tourist visa (can only be applied for online)
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Meals and excursions not specified
• All meals in cities
• Personal expenses/tips
• Contingency fund contribution (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)