12-Day Mount Elgon Adventure Kidepo to Murchison Falls safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Touch down in Entebbe and feel the warm Ugandan welcome as you're transferred to your cozy accommodation at 2Friends Entebbe. Settle in and relax after your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner onsite, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Journey to Mount Elgon National Park via Kampala and Mbale

After a hearty breakfast, begin the scenic drive eastward towards Mount Elgon National Park. Break your journey with a lunch stop and an awe-inspiring visit to the cascading Sipi Falls, where the mist and rainbows create magical views. In the evening, unwind at Lacam Lodge or Sipi River Resort, savoring local flavors with dinner.

Day 3: Hiking to Piswa Camp

Rise early for breakfast before starting your hike along the Kapkwata Trail. Ascend from 2190m to 2850m, passing through enchanting bamboo forests, heathlands, and moorlands. The trail offers spectacular vistas—perfect for photography and quiet reflection. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay at Piswa Camp.

Day 4: Trekking to Hunters Cave Camp

After breakfast, continue your climb through the dramatic calderas of Mount Elgon. Marvel at the giant Lobelia Elgonensis plants, soak in the Hot Springs, and explore the breathtaking Suam Gorge. This day combines natural wonders with invigorating trekking. Dinner and overnight await at Hunters Cave Camp, where tranquility meets mountain charm.

Day 5: Summit Wagagai Peak and Descend to Mude Camp

Today’s highlight is the ascent to Wagagai Peak, standing at an impressive 4321m. From this vantage point, soak in panoramic views of the caldera’s edge and surrounding landscapes. Your descent takes you via Jackson Summit and Jackson Pool, ending the day with a comfortable dinner and rest at Mude Camp.

Day 6: Descend to Budadiri and Return to Lodge

Start early for your descent down Sasa Trail towards Budadiri, reflecting on your mountain adventure. Once you reach Budadiri, your safari vehicle will take you back to the lodge for a restful evening at Sipi Lodge, preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Day 7: Drive to Moroto via Pian Upe Game Reserve

Head northeast through Pian Upe Game Reserve, where a morning game drive offers glimpses of Uganda’s wild side. Continue to Karamoja for an engaging evening community and cultural tour—an authentic experience connecting you with local traditions and hospitality. Overnight stay at Karatunga Lodge.

Day 8: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park, often called Uganda’s best-kept secret. Set off on an evening game drive to spot zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, and uniquely, Uganda’s only cheetahs and ostriches. Spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the savannah at Savanna Game Lodge.

Day 9: Full Day Game Drives in Kidepo Valley

Explore the remote beauty of Narus River Valley with morning and evening game drives or a safari walk. This park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 475 species, and a wildlife haven for giraffes, lions, elephants, and more. The vast, untamed landscapes offer endless photo opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Return to Savanna Game Lodge for another night under the stars.

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Drive south to Murchison Falls National Park, entering from the north. Enjoy a game drive through savannah dotted with Borassus palms, spotting buffaloes, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and elephants. As you settle in at Pakuba Lodge, prepare for the sights and sounds of one of Uganda’s most famous parks. Dinner and overnight here.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Return to Entebbe

Begin the day with an early game drive through the park’s rolling plains. Witness elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, and possibly lions or leopards in their natural habitat. After this wildlife spectacle, make your way back to Entebbe for your final night at 2Friends Entebbe, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

Day 12: Departure with Optional Activities

Your Ugandan adventure concludes today. Depending on your flight schedule, choose from optional activities such as a Mabamba Shoebill tour to spot the elusive shoebill stork, a peaceful stroll through the botanical gardens, or a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a closer look at native species. Then, transfer to the airport for your departure.

 Tips for Your Ugandan Adventure

Pack comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight layers, and a good camera for the diverse landscapes. Embrace the local culture with an open heart and enjoy the warm hospitality. This trip blends rugged adventure with cultural richness and stunning wildlife encounters—truly a journey to remember.