8 Days Eastern Uganda Safari Circuit

This 8 days eastern Uganda safari circuit goes way beyond your expectations, as you traverse entire eastern Uganda. The safari comprises of a city tour, visiting the source of the Nile, hiking Sipi falls and Mount Elgon. You will also visit the Ancient paintings at Nyero rocks in Kumi plus a visit to Pian-Upe game reserve. Before you proceed for a remarkable game viewing opportunity at Kidepo valley National park, located in Karamoja Region.

Expect very scenic views during the drive up to the destinations of interest. The accommodation ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury depending on your choice.

Detailed Itinerary: 8 days Eastern Uganda Safari

Day 1: Pick up and city tour.

Upon arrival our company representative will welcome you to the pearl of Africa. After that, he will drive you to the lodge where you will enjoy a mouth-watering meal for your lunch before heading out for a city tour around Kampala.

City excursion: visit the museum, craft village and Kabaka’s lake. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Transfer to Sipi falls. Via Jinja source of the Nile.

Start your day with a hot cup of coffee, then check out of the lodge for a drive to Mbale. Hike Mount Elgon and Sipi falls. The journey goes through a tarmac road via one of the oldest natural forests in the country, Mabira Forest. Buy some roasted chicken and bananas. Proceed with the drive while enjoying the scenic view of the magically suspended bridge above River Nile in Jinja.

You will make a stopover at the Nile. Visit the source of the (white) Nile. This is the point where River Nile which is the longest River in the world starts its 3monthhs journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Thereafter, enjoy a mouthwatering lunch and embark on the journey to Mbale as you grasp the eye-catching views of the sugar plantations and rice gardens.

Upon arrival, check-in to your lodge for dinner and overnight waiting for the hiking challenge the following day

Day 3: Hiking the Mount Elgon. Coffee tours in the evening.

After breakfast, you will pack your hiking shoes, enough water, perfect hiking attire and move to the trailhead where the hiking will begin, the activity starts with a briefing session for few minutes then followed by a hike following a specified trail. Mount Elgon has four trail heads that expose hikers to beautiful plantations and the sweet melodies of the birds. And if you become lucky, you will spot a few primates playing, and some small mammals.

Alternatively, you can take a trail that leads to the Sipi falls, home of the three amazing waterfalls. This magnificent creature gives you sweet thundering sounds as well as stunning views, very perfect for photography.

In the afternoon, have lunch then head for a guided coffee tour in the nearby coffee plantation. Here, the guides will take you through coffee growing and processing exercise, you will practically get involved in some stages of preparing organic, from the garden to the cup.

Mount Elgon region is recognized for being one of the best Coffee producing areas in the entire East Africa. After all is done, return for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Mbale city, the largest urban area in Eastern region is recognized as the “Coffee capital of Uganda”

Day 4: Transfer to Pian – Upe Game reserve. En-route tour at Nyero rock paintings.

After having a very sumptuous breakfast at the lodge, you will checkout with all your luggage and transfer to Pian Upe Game reserve. This is Uganda’s second largest protected area home to several gem and wildlife species. This marks the most spectacular scenery and wildlife of this 8 days eastern Uganda safari. It is a 7-hour drive with a stopover at Nyero rock painting in Kumi district where you will spot ancient art of paintings with words that has never been read by anyone.

The experience will open your minds to unforgettable thoughts. Continue with the drive to Pian-Upe game reserve, few kilometers from Kidepo National park. The entire drive takes you through amazing views of some rolling hills along the way, dotted grass thatched houses and green plantations along the way.

Lunch will be enroute before arriving at the destination for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Pian-Upe game reserve to Kotido for an exclusive Karamojong cultural tour.

Start your morning with a cup of coffee before heading for a game drive where you will have chances of spotting numerous mammals such as the Uganda Kobs, the Antelopes, giraffes and many more that relocate from Mount Elgon.

In addition, you will also sight numerous bird species and any other wildlife. Have a break after the three-hour game drive experience.

Thereafter, have an early lunch then proceed for an encounter with Karamojong cattle warriors. They will take you through thrilling cultural dances and song, the jumps and the energy used is the center of concentration, stories, and exhibitions of the herding items as well as showing you the local cows. End the day with dinner and night stay.

Day 6: Proceed to Kidepo national park. Evening game drive.

After breakfast, pack your belongings, checkout of the lodge and drive northwards to Kidepo national park, Uganda’s untouched wilderness with majority of flora and fauna.

The 3-4-hour drive will have a stopover for lunch before heading for an evening game drive where you have chances of spotting the night watchmen. There are chances to encounter either lion, leopard, African buffalo, zebras and many more of the mammals and bird species. After, having dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Morning game drive, visit to the Kanangorok hot springs and Manyatta tour in the evening.

After having breakfast early in the morning, Visit the eye-catching Kanangorok hot springs situated a few kilometers from the park. Time to enjoy the stories and demonstrations that will be done besides taking photos and boiling an egg up to the point of eating.

After, drive back to the lodge for lunch and refresh. Visit the Manyattas in the evening for an exciting encounter, stories and performances till the time when you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Kidepo N/Park – Kampala via Gulu town.

After breakfast, pack all your luggage and set off for a 9-10-hour drive to Kampala for your flight back home.

Enjoy the drive as you watch the amazing plantations, trees and the rolling hills. Upon reaching Gulu, have a view of the magnificent Karuma falls, then lunch before proceeding with the journey with a possible stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary if time allows. Whilst at Ziwa, you can embark on 1 hour on foot rhino trekking experience. Then, proceed with drive to Entebbe international airport for your flight back home.

End of the 8 Days Eastern Uganda Safari Circuit.