7-Day Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls Safari

In addition to visiting the Source of River Nile at Jinja and Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda, the 7-day safari gives you a chance to visit other beautiful landmarks in Uganda including; Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls National Park, and chimpanzees at Budongo forest. The tour is designed to start in Entebbe/Kampala.

Tour Highlights
Explore the Source of River Nile at Jinja and visit Sipi Falls at Mount Elgon National Park

Discover the true African wilderness in Kidepo Valley National Park

Cruise down the River Nile on a boat tour and marvel at Murchison Falls

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest

Gaze upon the only wild rhinos in Uganda at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Enjoy game drives in Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Park

Day 1: Pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala and drive to Sipi Falls with a scheduled stopover at the Source of River Nile at Jinja

We start the day with a pick-up in Entebbe or downtown Kampala. You have a short stopover at the Source of River Nile at Jinja for sightseeing and taking photos. We then continue the drive eastwards to Sipi Falls/Mount Elgon. Enjoy the Sipi Falls river walk in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Sipi Falls.

Day 2: Transfer from Sipi Falls to Kidepo Valley National Park

In the early morning, we will drive from Sipi Falls to Kidepo Valley National Park. It’s a fascinating drive filled with views of Mt. Elgon landscape and coffee farms, Pian Upe game reserve, the Karamajong cattle corridor and manyatas, and Mount Moroto. The drive is estimated to take about 6-7hrs. Dinner and overnight at Kidepo Valley.

Day 3: Full day of game drives at Kidepo Valley National Park

Spend the day enjoying game drives to spot several wild animals in Kidepo Valley National Park. The popular game viewing in Kidepo Valley open savannah includes elephants, buffalos, lions, zebras, and giraffe. If interested and time allows, visit the Ik people of northeastern Uganda to learn about their culture and way of life.

Day 4: Transfer to upper Murchison Falls National Park for overnight

We will drive from Kidepo Valley National Park in the early morning and head westwards to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive to Murchison Falls will go through northern Uganda towns of Kotido and Kitgum. Arrival at upper Murchison Falls is scheduled in the early evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Game drives, Nile riverboat cruise, and top of the falls tour at Murchison Falls

Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as we embark on a game drive in the park to spot elephants, lions, giraffe, and other wildlife. This Murchison Falls safari does not stop on the land because, in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if we’re lucky, we’ll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds. We will see for ourselves the point where the River Nile joins Lake Albert, which is one of the major highlights of this trip. Feel the immense power and force of the falls as the spray hits your face and you listen to the deafening roar of the water. At the end of the boat trip, we will hike the famous ‘Top of the Falls’ where we have spectacular views of the Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for the budding photographers. We will return to our lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

​Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking experience at Budongo forest

You will head to the Budongo forest immediately after breakfast for the chimpanzee experience. If you are lucky on the trek, you might encounter other primates in the Budongo forest. These include the colobus monkey, olive baboon, and red-tailed monkey. Return to the lodge after trekking for relaxation and dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe/Kampala via Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Entebbe through the Ziwa rhino sanctuary to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the early 1980s and the Ziwa site is being used as a breeding site for black and white rhinos. During our 2 hours at the sanctuary, we will see these creatures roaming around the 7,000 hectares of land and see their daily interactions.

As we leave the rhinos behind, we will proceed to Entebbe town, on the shore of Lake Victoria. Check in at the guest house for overnight or proceed to Entebbe airport departures and travel to your next destination.

INCLUDED
Meals (as per itinerary)
All permits (chimps $90)
Drinking water when in the safari vehicle
Park entrance fees
NOT INCLUDED
Visas, tips, and costs of a personal nature
Medical and travel insurance
WHAT TO BRING
Hiking boots
Garden gloves
Rain jacket or poncho
Long-sleeved shirt/blouse
Cameras and extra batteries
Hat/cap and sunglasses
Pair of binoculars
Flashlight (torch)
Mosquito repellent
Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars/bites

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Age restriction: 15-80 years old
A valid passport is required on the day of travel
This tour is not wheelchair accessible
We advise against people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions participating on this tour
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level