Uganda's east and far north: the Nile at Jinja, Mount Elgon, the Karamoja plains and Kidepo, ending with rhinos at Ziwa.
This route leaves the usual western circuit and reaches the dry country of Karamoja and the Somali-Masai birds of Kidepo, more than 470 species, many of which are found nowhere else in Uganda.
The roads beyond Sipi are rough, so travel is by sturdy 4×4. In exchange you get quiet landscapes, few visitors, and species that most itineraries miss.
Uganda
Mid-range safari
Comfortable, characterful lodges with good food and friendly hosts.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: active.
Board a motorised canoe at sunrise for the shoebill, then drive east around Kampala to Jinja. Look for rock pratincole and giant kingfisher along the Nile.
Overnight
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A private island on the Nile, surrounded by rapids, just downstream from Jinja.
Cruise on Lake Victoria and the Nile for African finfoot and white-browed coucal, then drive to the slopes of Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. Explore the lodge gardens for montane sunbirds.
Overnight
Sipi River Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Stone cottages in a garden beside the main Sipi waterfall, on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Bird the trails of Kapkwai for Jackson’s and moorland francolin, Tacazze sunbird, black-collared apalis and Hartlaub’s turaco.
Overnight
Sipi River Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Stone cottages in a garden beside the main Sipi waterfall, on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Walk to the three tiers of Sipi Falls, then drive north as the green hills flatten into the dry plains of Pian Upe, with a game drive for cheetah, roan antelope and ostrich.
Bird the morning at Pian Upe for ostrich, Fox’s weaver (Uganda’s only true endemic), secretary bird and Jackson’s hornbill. Continue north to Moroto.
Hike the lower slopes for stone partridge, Verreaux’s eagle, white-bellied go-away-bird and Emin’s shrike. In the afternoon, visit a Karamojong manyatta to learn about pastoral life and dance.
Drive north through Karamoja, past Kotido and Kaabong and granite inselbergs, reaching Kidepo by late afternoon for a sundowner over the Narus Valley.
Overnight
Apoka Safari Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only upmarket lodge in Kidepo, among the boulders of the Narus Valley.
Explore the water-rich Narus Valley for buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and Rothschild’s giraffe. Birders look for Abyssinian roller, Clapperton’s francolin, black-breasted barbet and Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Overnight
Apoka Safari Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only upmarket lodge in Kidepo, among the boulders of the Narus Valley.
Cross the dry Kidepo riverbed toward the South Sudan border for ostrich and secretary bird, then visit Kanangorok Hot Springs and watch for Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon.
Overnight
Apoka Safari Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only upmarket lodge in Kidepo, among the boulders of the Narus Valley.
A last game drive in Kidepo, then the drive south-west out of Karamoja to Gulu.
Cross the Nile at Karuma Falls, then walk with guides to track southern white rhino, watching for Bruce’s green pigeon.
Take an early canoe into the Lugogo swamps for a second chance at the shoebill, then drive to Entebbe.
Overnight
The Boma Entebbe (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A quiet boutique guesthouse in a leafy garden, ten minutes from Entebbe airport.
Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for lakeside birding and great blue turaco, then transfer to the airport.
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A private island on the Nile, surrounded by rapids, just downstream from Jinja.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Sipi River Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Stone cottages in a garden beside the main Sipi waterfall, on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Apoka Safari Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only upmarket lodge in Kidepo, among the boulders of the Narus Valley.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Boma Entebbe (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A quiet boutique guesthouse in a leafy garden, ten minutes from Entebbe airport.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$6,790 | US$5,750 | US$5,405 | US$5,405 | US$5,405 | US$5,405 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$5,960 | US$5,050 | US$4,747 | US$4,747 | US$4,747 | US$4,747 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Lodges at Moroto and Gulu are simple and will be confirmed when you enquire. Sightings of any single species cannot be guaranteed, but the route is built to give you the best chances.
Best time for this trip Nov to Mar
Conditions change sharply: Mount Elgon is cool and damp, Karamoja and Kidepo are hot and dusty (above 35 degrees). Bring a fleece, light breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and strong sunscreen, plus a dry bag for the boats.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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