This 12 days adventure starts with a scenic four-day hike up Mount Elgon, once Africa’s tallest mountain. Here, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and fascinating plant life far from the crowds in the better-known mountains of East Africa. Then, immerse yourself in an authentic village experience before enjoying an exciting safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
Our Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide. Check in to your accommodation and acclimate to the relaxed atmosphere of Entebbe, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. If you’re eager to start exploring immediately, we can suggest a range of activities to kick off your Ugandan adventure. Opt for a leisurely bicycle tour of the town, explore the lush botanical gardens, embark on an excursion to track the elusive shoebill stork in Mabamba swamp, or soak up the vibrant ambiance as you stroll along the bustling streets of the local market area.
Day 2 – From Entebbe to Bududa
Embark on an early morning departure from Entebbe as you journey towards Mount Elgon. The scenic drive leads you through the bustling capital city of Kampala, across the majestic Nile River, and amidst picturesque tea plantations, expansive swamps, charming villages, and lush farmland. As you approach Bududa, the ascent to higher altitudes treats you to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Upon reaching Bududa, you will meet your guide who will lead the hike to Wagagai, the highest peak of Mount Elgon. You spend the night in Bududa.
Day 3 – From Bushiyi Trailhead to Dubi River Camp
The guide meets you at Riverine Resort for an early breakfast, and after check-out, hop on a “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) to Bushiyi, about 11 kilometers away. This is right on the border of Mount Elgon National Park, where we meet park rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, who are responsible for the park. After ensuring all the paperwork is in order, the journey truly begins! We start at 1900 meters above sea level, trekking through forest and bamboo forest to Shiloko Cave Camp. There, we take a break and have lunch before continuing to Dubi River Camp at 3560 meters above sea level, where we set up camp for the night.
Day 4 – Dubi River Camp to Wagagai Peak to Mwongogo Cave Camp
Starting early morning, the hike going towards Wagagai, the highest peak of Mount Elgon, at 4321 meters above sea level. The hike takes you through fantastic landscapes and rare flora. Enjoy the marvelous views of both Uganda and Kenya from the top of the mountain. At this altitude, it’s important to take it slow, ensure that you drink enough water and keep snacking. From Wagagai, you’ll pass the idyllic Jackson’s Pool, before descending to Mwongogo Cave Camp at 3800 masl.
Day 5 – Mwongogo Cave Camp to Tutum Cave Camp
Today’s hike is the journey’s longest, to Tutum Cave Camp at 2667 masl. The path winds up and down, through the idyllic Mubiyi Rocks, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Simu Valley. After breaking for lunch at Kajeri Camp, you’ll proceed to Tutum and pitch your tent just outside the cave, which is the biggest in the Mount Elgon massif.
Day 6 – Tutum Cave Camp to Sipi Kakwai Gate
The last day in the mountains offers a relatively easy hike of about four hours. Upon arrival at Kapkwai Sipi Gate, you will be picked up by your driver, and taken to Kapchorwa, where you’ll check in at the Home of Friends guest house. Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, cold drinks and delicious food!
Day 7 – From Kapchorwa to Alakara
It’s time to travel from the mountain to the large plains of Teso and Karamoja that you’ve been viewing from Kapchorwa. You will stop in the regional capital Soroti for lunch and an opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the town’s market area, before continuing to Alakara Guest House in the small village of Kobulin. Here, you will be welcomed like an old friend, and enjoy a delicious dinner around the campfire.
Day 8 – Alakara
Explore the life and rhythm of village life. Today is for relaxing, with opportunities for activities like village walk, visit to the cattle market, a traditional cooking workshop, or maybe learning a traditional dance?
Day 9 – To Murchison Falls NP
The journey continues north to Murchison Falls National Park, a drive of 8-9 hours, where you will enjoy the views of villages, roadside markets, farms, school children in their bright uniforms, fishermen casting their nets, shepherds driving their herds of cattle and goats and a lot more. As you approach the national parks, there are good chances of seeing elephants, giraffes, antelopes and other animals long before entering the park gates!
Day 10 – Safari
After a long drive the day before, you’ll enjoy a lazy morning, and get ready for a boat safari after lunch. The boat ride takes you along the shores of the mighty river Nile, and provides opportunities to see hippos, the huge Nile crocodiles, elephants, giraffes and antelopes coming down to the shore to drink. The park also boasts a stunning 556 bird species- and you will see many of them during the boat ride! At the bottom of Murchison Falls, you get off the boat and enjoy a hike of about 30 minutes to the top of the falls. Murchison Falls is one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, where the river narrows into a seven meter narrow gorge, and plunges 45 m straight down. At the top of the falls, enjoy the cool shower from the water, and head back to the lodge in time for dinner.
Day 11 – Safari
Wake early for a magical morning game drive in the park. Here you stand a good chance of seeing four of the “big five” in one day! Other species include hyenas, ugnada cob, jacksons hartebeest, warthogs, oribi, and many more. Indeed, the park is home to an impressive 144 mammals! After nightfall, head back out into the park to explore the nocturnal life of the animals.
Day 12 – To Entebbe
On the way back to Entebbe you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where dedicated staff have worked diligently for almost 20 years to build up a sustainable rhino population in Uganda, after this mighty creature was extinct in the country during the brutal wars of the 1970s and 80s. On a walking safari you come close to the animals, and learn more about their behaviour, as well as the effort of building up a population that in time will be reintroduced into the wild. After rhino trekking and lunch, you proceed to Entebbe, from where you will get your flight out of Uganda.
