10-Day 'Pearl of Africa' Budget Safari Itinerary

Safari Highlights

• Adventure Capital: Exploring Jinja, the source of the Nile River, and its adrenaline-pumping activities.
• Mountain Views & Waterfalls: Hiking to the majestic Sipi Falls in the eastern highlands.
• Rhino Tracking: A walking safari with the highly endangered White Rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary.
• Mighty Murchison: Witnessing the power of the Nile River as it explodes through Murchison Falls.
• Big Game Drives & Water Safari: Classic game viewing and the famous boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Equator Experience: A mandatory photo stop at the official Equator crossing line.
• Plains & Zebras: Game drives, walking safaris, or cycling alongside Zebras and Elands in Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 1: The Adventure Capital – Entebbe to Jinja

Your journey begins as you depart Entebbe heading east towards Jinja, the historic town known as the adventure capital of East Africa and, most notably, the Source of the River Nile.

The drive takes you through Kampala and then along the Kampala-Jinja highway, offering views of bustling markets and rural life. Along the way, you’ll stop at the scenic Ssezibwa Falls, a cultural heritage site revered by the Buganda Kingdom, believed to have been born of a woman. You can take a short guided walk to learn about its legends and history.

Upon arrival in Jinja, you will check into your budget accommodation. The afternoon is dedicated to the Nile: a serene boat cruise to the official Source of the Nile where the world’s longest river begins its epic journey from Lake Victoria. For a budget alternative to the boat, you can enjoy the viewing point from the river banks.

• Optional Budget Activity: White Water Rafting on the Nile (Half or Full Day) or Bungee Jumping (High budget) can be done on this day or the next.
• Drive Time: Approx. 3-4 hours.
• Overnight: Budget Lodge/Hostel in Jinja.

Day 2: Eastern Wonders – Jinja to Sipi Falls

After breakfast, we continue the journey further east towards the towering cliffs and lush surroundings of Mount Elgon National Park and the famous Sipi Falls.

The drive is scenic, taking you through Mbale town and into the eastern highlands. We are heading for the three spectacular waterfalls that collectively form Sipi Falls. Upon arrival, you will check into your simple, local lodge with a breathtaking view of the main falls.

The main activity for the afternoon is a guided hike to the three Sipi Falls. This walk takes you through local farmlands, small caves, and past the refreshing waterfalls, allowing for a close-up experience with the dramatic landscape. The hike is moderately challenging but highly rewarding.

• Optional Budget Activity: Participate in a guided coffee processing tour to learn about the journey from bean to cup, as this region is famous for its Arabica coffee.
• Drive Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
• Overnight: Budget accommodation at Sipi Falls (e.g., Sipi River Lodge Bandas or a local guesthouse).

Day 3: Journey North – Sipi Falls to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today is primarily a driving day as we shift from the East back toward the center-north of Uganda. After an early breakfast, we begin the long drive towards the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The route is long but offers a change of scenery as you traverse diverse regions of Uganda. Lunch will be a picnic en route or at a simple local stop. The focus of the day is to position you for the next morning’s activity.

We will arrive at the sanctuary or a nearby guesthouse in the late afternoon.

• Optional Destination (Hot springs): Due to time and distance constraints for a 10-day itinerary that includes all your listed destinations, the popular Semuliki Hot Springs in the far west are omitted to maintain the shortest-distance-first route. Traveling to Semuliki would add an extra 2-3 days of significant driving.
• Drive Time: Approx. 7-9 hours.
• Overnight: Budget accommodation near Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 4: Rhino Tracking and to the Mighty Falls – Ziwa to Murchison Falls National Park

We start the day with an unforgettable experience: Rhino Tracking. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will walk on foot through the bush to observe the endangered Southern White Rhinos in their natural habitat. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see Rhinos in the wild, making it a critical "Big Five" experience.

After tracking, we have a quick lunch and then complete the final leg of the drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular conservation area. We enter the park, checking into your budget camp or lodge near the Nile River.

• Drive Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.
• Overnight: Budget Camp or Lodge within or near Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 5: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Boat Safari

It's a full day of adventure in Murchison Falls. We start with an early morning Game Drive on the northern bank of the Nile. The savannah plains here are home to a wide range of wildlife, including four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes), Rothschild's Giraffe, Jackson's Hartebeest, Uganda Kob, and many others.

In the afternoon, we embark on the famous Boat Safari on the Nile River to the base of the Murchison Falls. This cruise offers incredible wildlife viewing, with hundreds of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, and countless waterbirds. The boat sails right up to the "Devil’s Cauldron," where the entire Nile River is forced through a 7-meter gorge.

• Optional Activity: An optional hike to the Top of the Falls after the boat trip provides a spectacular view of the powerful cascade.
• Overnight: Budget Camp or Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 6: Westward to the Rift Valley – Murchison to Queen Elizabeth National Park Area

Today is a long but scenic transit day as we travel southwest, skirting the Albertine Rift Valley to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

The drive takes us through Fort Portal, the charming town nestled near the Rwenzori Mountains, which is one of the most beautiful towns in Uganda. The views of the rolling tea plantations and the distant 'Mountains of the Moon' are spectacular. We'll have lunch in Fort Portal.

We continue past the famous Crater Lakes region before arriving at the area near QENP in the late afternoon.

• Drive Time: Approx. 7-8 hours.
• Overnight: Budget Camp or Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park (e.g., in the Mweya or Kazinga Channel area).

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

We dedicate the day to exploring Uganda's most famous park, QENP. The day begins with an early morning Game Drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for their abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards (if lucky), elephants, warthogs, and vast herds of Uganda Kobs. The low morning light provides excellent photography opportunities.

In the afternoon, we take the highlight activity: a two-hour Boat Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is a wildlife haven, featuring the world's highest concentration of hippos, as well as buffaloes, elephants, and a phenomenal array of bird species.

• Optional Budget Activity: A brief stop to see the Salt Lakes/salt mining area in the Katwe explosion crater region.
• Overnight: Budget Camp or Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 8: Southern Route and Transfer – Queen Elizabeth to Lake Mburo National Park

We continue the journey south, completing the safari loop back towards the capital. The drive takes us through the southern sector of QENP, known as the Ishasha Sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. A slow game drive through this sector provides a chance to spot these magnificent predators lounging in the fig trees (sightings are not guaranteed).

After Ishasha, we head east towards our final wildlife destination, Lake Mburo National Park. This park is uniquely different, featuring rolling hills and acacia woodland, and is the only place in the area to see Elands and Burchell's Zebras.

• Drive Time: Approx. 5-7 hours.
• Overnight: Budget accommodation in or near Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 9: Walking Safari & Final Game Viewing – Lake Mburo Exploration

Lake Mburo offers the unique opportunity to get out of the car. We start the day with an early morning Guided Nature Walk or Walking Safari. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can walk through the park to get incredibly close to the animals like zebras, impalas, and buffaloes.

After breakfast, you can opt for a short game drive or a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

• Optional Budget Activity: Instead of a walking safari, you can choose a Cycling Safari on designated trails to explore the park actively.
• Drive Time: Short internal park drives.
• Overnight: Budget accommodation in or near Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 10: The Equator and Departure – Lake Mburo to Entebbe

Your final day begins with a leisurely breakfast. We depart from Lake Mburo and head back towards Entebbe.

Midway through the journey, we make the classic stop at the Uganda Equator Line. This is a great opportunity for photos and to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also local craft shops where you can pick up souvenirs.

We continue the drive, arriving back in Entebbe in the late afternoon for your post-safari dinner or a transfer to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your outbound flight, concluding your 10-day Ugandan adventure.

• Drive Time: Approx. 4-5 hours to Entebbe.

Inclusions (Budget Focus)

• Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing throughout the 10 days.
• Guide: Experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
• Accommodation: 9 nights of budget accommodation (simple guesthouses, budget camps, or clean community lodges).
• Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) throughout the safari.
• Park Fees & Activities:
  • All National Park Entrance Fees (Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo).
  • Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Boat Cruise to the Source of the Nile (Jinja).
  • Sipi Falls Waterfall Hike.
  • Game Drives (Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo).
  • Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth).
  • Guided Nature Walk/Walking Safari (Lake Mburo).
  • Equator Stop.
• Water: Complimentary bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.

Exclusions (Items for Client to Budget)

• International Flights: All international flights to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
• Visa: Uganda Tourist Visa (currently $50 USD, subject to change).
• Optional Activities:
  • White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, or other optional activities in Jinja.
  • Sipi Falls Coffee Tour.
  • Tips for the guide/driver and lodge staff (recommended).
• Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, travel insurance, souvenirs.
• Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and other non-complimentary drinks at the lodges.
• Accommodation in Entebbe: The night before and after the safari are not included.

Destinations