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Off the Beaten Track Safari in Uganda

OVER VIEW

This unforgettable 14-day Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari Adventure, explores the hidden gems of East and Northern Uganda! Begin your journey with a mesmerizing visit to Sipi Falls, where cascading waters meet sweeping views of the Karamoja plains. Venture into the wild and untamed Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, home to elusive cheetahs and stunning savannah landscapes.

Feel the thrill of encountering the Big Five as you traverse the vast, untouched plains of Kidepo Valley National Park, where the spirit of the Karamojong people echoes in every breeze.

Dive deep into Uganda’s vibrant culture, breathtaking natural wonders, and adrenaline-packed activities as we journey through rugged terrains. Marvel at the thunderous power of Murchison Falls, explore the hidden beauty of Lake Albert Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, and immerse yourself in moments that redefine adventure.

This remote safari experience is a transformative journey filled with excitement, discovery, and memories to last a lifetime. Blaze your trail through Uganda’s best-kept secrets and uncover the extraordinary at every turn!





SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike to the stunning Sipi Falls while supporting the livelihoods of local Arabica coffee growers.
  • Spot unique wildlife at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.
  • Experience authentic Karamoja culture with a visit to a traditional Manyatta
  • Witness breathtaking wildlife and rugged mountain scenery in Kidepo Valley National Park.
  • Discover ancient art and cultural history in Karamoja’s rock paintings and Cave Exploration
  • Discover the Big Five and cruise the Nile at the iconic Murchison Falls National Park.
  • Explore Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve that lies between the breathtaking Blue Mountains of the Congo and Lake Albert. 




  • ITINERARY
  • WHAT TO PACK
  • INCLUDES
  • TRAVEL INFORMATION
  • REQUEST A QUOTE 
ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: To Sipi Falls - Coffee Tour

After breakfast, we journey towards Tororo, pausing to marvel at Tororo Rock, a towering formation that commands a 300-meter elevation above the plains. Our route continues to Mbale, a town at the base of Mount Elgon, renowned for its rich heritage and captivating culture.

Enjoy a delightful lunch in Mbale, surrounded by picturesque viewpoints along the way, before we proceed to Sipi Village. This charming settlement is positioned amidst cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains, offering a serene retreat. In the afternoon, indulge in an enlightening Arabica coffee tour, experiencing the process of coffee production from seed to cup.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Sipi Falls- Hiking to the waterfalls  

After breakfast, embark on a captivating hike to the enchanting Sipi Falls. Begin with a nature walk to the base of this renowned waterfall, then continue with a challenging ascent to explore a series of caves.  The journey begins with a leisurely nature walk that leads you to the base of the majestic waterfall, where the rushing waters cascade down rocky cliffs amidst lush greenery.

As the trail ascends with a moderate climb, journey through picturesque landscapes adorned with maize fields, verdant banana plantations, charming bandas, and traditional thatched-roof huts- homesteads. You'll encounter additional cascades of Sipi Falls, each offering its own unique charm and scenic allure. Take in the inspiring sights and sounds of nature, pausing to cool off under the refreshing spray of the falls, and admire breathtaking views overlooking the valley below.

Optional Activity- You may participate in a thrilling abseiling experience down the mountainside, descending alongside the famous Sipi Falls.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 4: To Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Today, you'll journey from Sipi Falls to the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, immersing yourself in its vast plains. These plains are a tapestry of wilderness, rolling savannahs, and acacia woodlands, adorned with weathered rock formations. In the backdrop stand the majestic Mount Kadam and Mount Napak.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on an exploration of the reserve's network of wildlife tracks. Look out for the rare Roan antelope, alongside oribi, klipspringer, hyenas, ostriches, leopards, impala, Jackson’s hartebeest, and Rothschild giraffes. Make sure to watch for cheetahs as well, this reserve offers the best opportunity in Uganda to spot these graceful cats. Later, continue your journey to your place of overnight stay.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Karamoja Safari Camp.

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 5: Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve - Game Drives  

After breakfast, head out for game safaris in Pian Upe before proceeding through Karamoja with stunning views with amazing scenery over the rugged landscape of the east of Uganda and Mount Kadam, which peaks at 3068 meters. Later head back for relaxation at the camp. 


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Karamoja Safari Camp

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 6: Manyatta Experience and Cave Exploration 

After breakfast, you'll venture into the Karamoja plains for an enriching Manyatta Experience. Immerse yourself in the traditional way of life by visiting a local Manyatta homestead. Engage in various community activities that offer an authentic glimpse into the culture. Participate in tasting the local meals, enjoy the rhythmic songs and dances of traditional folklore, craft traditional Karamojong beads, listen to elders' captivating stories, and join in traditional Karamojong games. This interactive experience promises unforgettable insights into the community's heritage.


After lunch, head for Cave Exploration. The Napendio cave, revered by locals, houses ancient rock paintings that depict scenes of wild animals and the early human inhabitants of the area. Nearby, the Napedet cave provides a glimpse into the past with its cooking stones dating back decades ago. The cave’s walls are adorned with art featuring elands, warthogs, and giraffes, and the view from the cave is simply breathtaking.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Karamoja Safari Camp

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 7: To Kidepo National Park Narus Valley Game Safari

Head out through Kotido’s stunning landscapes to Africa’s wilderness oasis. Arrive at the premier park- Kidepo Valley National Park for a delectable lunch and serene relaxation. Along the way, you get to pass the seasonally dry Kidepo River, on a good day, you can spot large troops of baboons close to the riverbed. Depending on the time you might head towards the northern part of the park at the Kanangorok hot springs.

This area is particularly known for the flocks of ostrich found in the region. It’s also the best place to look out for cheetahs. Later head back to your camp. Alternatively, you may have a nature walk experience in the Narus Valley. 


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 8: : Kidepo Valley Park Nature Walk and Community Visit

Today, venture into the heart of the Narus Valley, where the vast savannah plains await your exploration. Accompanied by a Wildlife Authority ranger, embark on a walking safari, a remarkable opportunity to intimately connect with the wilderness and its inhabitants.

Your knowledgeable ranger will guide you through the savannah, shedding light on the park’s rich biodiversity and storied history. Keep your senses sharp as you track various game herds, including the majestic Burchell’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, and the elegant Rothschild’s giraffe.

As the day transitions to evening, delve into a cultural immersion with a visit to the local community. Spend a captivating evening among the Karamajong people, gaining invaluable insights into their customs, beliefs, and way of life.

Participate in traditional dances and songs, embracing the vibrant heritage of the indigenous community. This experience promises to be a captivating blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable encounters.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge. 

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 9: Kidepo Park - Murchison Falls National Park

Today depart from your lodge as the sun rises over the savannah leaving behind the wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park and drive through the stunning rugged scenery of mountains and plains passing through Kitgum town onwards to the hub of northern Uganda, Gulu town. Continue on your journey to reach Murchison Falls National Park, the place for The Greatest Waterfall on the Nile. heading to your accommodation for late lunch and relaxation.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Fort Murchison

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 10: Game Safari and Boat cruise to Bottom of the Falls

Today get to explore the wildlife tracks, along Victoria and Albert Nile savannah plains dotted with a backdrop of palm trees and pockets of Acacia tree woodlands. Look out for Rothschild giraffes, lions, hippos, elephants, herds of buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, warthog, and waterbuck and if you're lucky, you'll spot the elusive leopard! Get a stop over at the hippo pool on the Victoria Nile delta, where you can see hippos wallowing in the shallows across the water.

After lunch, embark on a boat cruise to navigate the course of the river Nile to the thundering base of Murchison Falls waterfall.  As you meander upstream passing hippos pods lazing in the water, look out for crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, elephants, and Uganda kob on the riverbanks. To a bird watcher's delight, there is a multitude of birds that can be spotted including the Red-throated and carmine bee-eaters nesting on the Nyamusika cliffs.

On reaching the base of the falls you’ll marvel at the spectacle of the White Nile surging through a 7-meter wide gap in the rock face, cutting through Fajao Gorge, and falling 43 meters into the river below, before it meanders off through the savannah plains of the park.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Fort Murchison

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 11:Murchison Falls to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve

After breakfast, transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Lake Albert passing through the great escarpments of Biso arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. After lunch head out on an expedition for fossils that have existed for generations. Fossil hunting allows tourists to go out on an expedition for fossils that have existed for generations in the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. 


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge.

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 12: Nature walk and Night Game Drive 

Today you will start your day with a guided nature walk in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. The nature walks will start from the Albertine Rift escarpment which rewards tourists with breathtaking views of several antelope species, warthogs, primates, and bird species among others. Later return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

After a bush early dinner, enjoy a night-guided game drive through the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. Look out for leopards, hyenas, bush babies, civets, and also warthog, bushbuck, and waterbucks that continue their feeding activities throughout the night.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge.

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 13:  Transfer back to Entebbe onwards for your departure flight  

Today you will have a bush breakfast and then depart for Entebbe passing through vast plains and passing some markets selling a variety of tropical fruits and will lunch en route arriving in the early afternoon for relaxation at Papyrus Guest House.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:  Departure   

Today you will set off for the airport for your onward flight back home.

WHAT TO PACK

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes

INCLUDES

Included in the Itinerary

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • All Nature walks 
  • All Community Visits
  • All Boat Cruises 
  • All Game Drives
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle
  • English-speaking Guide
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees.



Excluded in the Itinerary

  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Uganda, deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is in the Great Lakes Region in central Africa and boasts an ecological diversity that rivals that of many larger countries. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle. Uganda offers visitors incredible diversity through its multitude of varying ecosystems. Bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains (often called the Mountains of the Moon, the third highest in Africa), the Virunga Mountains, and Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, it's a beautiful country bursting with birds and wildlife.

In no other African destination can one see a comparable variety of primates with so little effort - not just the great apes but also more than ten monkey species. And, if Uganda had primate enthusiasts grinning with satisfaction, it would have birdwatchers doing cartwheels. Uganda is, by far, the smallest of the four African countries in which more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it is particularly rich in western rainforest specialists - undoubtedly the finest birdwatching in Africa.

For most, the highlight is found amongst the forests in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where facing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife encounters you will ever experience. Discover tree-climbing lions around Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek chimps in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, or snatch massive Nile perch up north at Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile cascades through a gap just seven meters wide. Adrenaline junkies will find Jinja simply exhilarating with its white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping activities. Jinja is rapidly emerging as East Africa's answer to the more southerly "adrenalin capital" Victoria Falls.

We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.

Entry Requirements:

Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.

Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.

Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$55). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug at least two weeks before your arrival.

You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.

Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.

Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.

Visa Exempt Countries:

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

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East Africa Tourist Visa:

If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 90 days for tourists only. The cos