12 Day Budget Gorilla Safari
Murchison Falls · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi Impenetrable
From $4,010 pp in a group of 4
6 days · Uganda
6 Day Safari to Kidepo Valley in Uganda
Circle eastern and northern Uganda in six days from Jinja and the Nile source through Sipi Falls and a community coffee walk to remote Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa's most dramatic wilderness areas. Eastern waterfalls, coffee country, and remote Kidepo savanna are paced as one guided road journey with meal stops built in.
from$3,960pp
- 6days
- 1country
- 4travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
- Sezibwa Falls
- Mabira Forest
- Sipi Falls
- Kidepo game drives
Jinja sits where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, while Sipi Falls drops through Kapchorwa District with views toward Karamoja plains. Kidepo Valley National Park in the far northeast offers open savanna, rocky outcrops, and over 70 mammal species plus rich birdlife.
Before you go
Sipi Falls trekking involves several hours on steep foothill paths; Kidepo drives use long road days with early starts. A reasonable fitness level helps, but no prior safari experience is required.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Entebbe International Airport (Kampala hotel pickup available)
- Length
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Group size
- Up to 4 travellers
- Vehicle
- Guided 4x4 safari transport
- Book ahead
- Please ask at least 7 days ahead
Day by day
The itinerary
Each day shows where you spend it, with today's sunrise and sunset there.
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Day 1: Jinja, Sezibwa, Mabira, Nile source
Jinja
After early breakfast, drive east via Kampala with a stop at Sezibwa Falls for hiking and cultural stories, then a two-hour Mabira Forest trek tracking grey-cheeked mangabeys, birds, and forest wildlife.
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Day 2: Sipi Falls and coffee communities
Sipi Falls
Drive through Mbale to Sipi Falls for a three to four hour trek visiting all three waterfalls with views toward Karamoja plains.
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Day 3: Drive to Kidepo Valley
Kidepo Valley
Early breakfast, then a long scenic drive north to Kidepo Valley National Park with lunch en route.
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Day 4: Game drive and Karamojong visit
Kidepo Valley
Early morning game drive for elephant, leopard, warthog, ostrich, buffalo, giraffe, lion, and Narus Valley birdlife.
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Day 5: Hot springs walk and evening drive
Kidepo Valley
Breakfast, then a nature walk with a brief drive toward Kanangorok Hot Springs through rocky landscapes where ostriches are often seen.
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Day 6: Return to Kampala
Kampala
Breakfast from 0600hrs, check out, and drive back to Kampala with lunch en route and scenic stopovers to stretch.
Sipi Falls, plunging over a red cliff.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $3,960 each, $7,920 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,960 | $3,960 |
| 2 | $3,960 | $7,920 |
| 3 | $3,960 | $11,880 |
| 4 | $3,960 | $15,840 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip. No group discount is listed, so the price per person is the same for every group size.
The detail
What is included
Included
- All internal airport transfers on the tour
- All meals
- Fully guided safari in a 4x4 vehicle
- All accommodations listed in the itinerary
- All permits and park entry fees
- Ground transport between Jinja, Sipi, and Kidepo
Not included
- Laundry services
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Transport to and from the meeting point if you do not use the included airport or hotel pickup
Nights and arrival
Where you stay and how you get there
Where you stay
Nights one and two use tourist lodges in Jinja and at Sipi Falls, including Hotel Paradise on the Nile and Sipi River Lodge, with en suite or lodge-standard rooms and meals after full activity days. These eastern stops keep drive times sensible for Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest, the Nile source boat ride, and the three Sipi waterfalls trek.
Getting there
Your guide picks you up around 0700hrs on day one from Entebbe International Airport or your Kampala hotel for the drive east toward Jinja. Your guide tracks arrival timing so the road transfer toward the first park or meeting point starts smoothly after you land.
Good questions
Questions about this safari
How long are the driving days?
Day three to Kidepo is a full-day transfer with lunch en route, and day six returns south to Kampala with stops. Eastern days one and two are shorter hops between Jinja and Sipi.
Are park fees included for Kidepo?
Park entry and the guided activities listed for Kidepo Valley are included in the safari package. Your guide handles park paperwork during the tour.
What fitness is needed for Sipi Falls?
The Sipi trek runs three to four hours up and down Mount Elgon foothills to three waterfalls. Sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness make the walk more enjoyable.
Where do we meet on day one?
Pickup is around 0700hrs from Entebbe International Airport or a Kampala hotel before you travel. Share arrival flight details so the guide can meet you after immigration.
What lodges are used?
Hotel Paradise on the Nile hosts night one in Jinja, Sipi River Lodge night two, and Kidepo Savannah Lodge tent nights three to five. Comparable alternatives are offered if a named lodge is unavailable.
Is the coffee community walk included?
Day two includes time for optional walks through local communities and coffee farmlands near Sipi after the waterfall trek. Your guide coordinates timing around lunch at Sipi River Lodge.
What wildlife might we see in Kidepo?
Kidepo is known for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, ostrich, and varied antelope, plus hundreds of bird species on drives and walks. Wildlife is never guaranteed on a single drive but the park is among Uganda's strongest wilderness destinations.
What should I pack?
Pack neutral safari clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for early Kidepo mornings. Good walking shoes are important for Sipi Falls and Mabira Forest.
Do I need a visa for this safari?
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, Rwanda, or Zambia depending on your route. Check current requirements for your passport nationality before you travel.
Are park and trekking permits included?
Your safari includes the park entries and trekking permits listed in the tour inclusions for the days on your itinerary. Wildlife sightings vary by day; your guide knows recent patterns in each sector you enter.
Read before you book
Guides for this safari
- Short Uganda safaris of 3 to 6 days Every shorter trip in one list.
- What a Uganda safari costs Every Uganda trip priced, and what the price covers.
- Best time to visit Uganda Dry and wet months, park by park.
More answers are on our safari questions page and in what guests say. We also arrange flights, hotels and insurance.
How payment works: the balance is due one month before your safari, a reservation made within 45 days of arrival is paid in full when it is confirmed, and a card payment carries a 3.9% service charge. The full wording is in our terms and conditions.
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