This itinerary is built specifically around Uganda’s most dramatic water features — the Nile’s thunderous plunge at Murchison Falls and the three-tiered Sipi Falls series on the slopes of Mount Elgon — alongside a genuine savannah game-viewing stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Detailed Itinerary
Entebbe to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Stop
The drive north from Entebbe runs via Kampala’s Northern Bypass and the Kampala-Gulu highway, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot — Uganda’s only wild rhino population, southern white rhinos reintroduced after local extinction here in the 1980s. From Ziwa it’s a further stretch north, crossing the Nile at Karuma Bridge to reach Murchison Falls by evening.
Nile Boat Cruise and Game Drive
An early game drive across the park’s northern delta plains for lion, elephant, giraffe and buffalo, then an afternoon boat cruise upriver to the base of the falls, where the Nile forces through a gap barely seven metres wide before a 43-metre drop, hippo and crocodile density high along the banks throughout.
As above
Top of the Falls Hike, Transfer Towards Sipi
A short guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls for the view straight down into the gorge, then a long drive east toward Mount Elgon and the Sipi Falls area, through changing scenery as the savannah gives way to Uganda’s eastern highlands and coffee country.
Sipi Falls Guided Walk
A guided walking circuit taking in all three tiers of the Sipi Falls series — a genuinely less-visited waterfall system than Murchison, with strong views back across the surrounding coffee-growing hills and, on clear days, the Karamoja plains beyond.
As above
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
A long transfer south and west back across the country, arriving at your Queen Elizabeth lodge in the evening with time to rest before the following day’s activities.
Kazinga Channel Cruise and Game Drive
A morning boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel for hippo, crocodile and birdlife, then an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains for elephant, buffalo and Uganda kob.
As above
Return to Entebbe
Road transfer back to Entebbe, roughly five to six hours, timed against your onward flight.
Permits & Costs
| Park entry fees | ~$40 per person per day, per park |
| Sipi Falls guided walk | Included in tour price |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want Uganda’s scenic and geological highlights alongside wildlife, without a gorilla or chimpanzee permit — this is one of our few itineraries requiring no primate permit at all.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Boat cruise, hikes & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Sipi Falls: Uganda’s Less-Visited Waterfall Series
The three-tiered Sipi Falls, on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, see far fewer visitors than Murchison Falls despite genuinely striking scenery across the surrounding coffee-growing hills. A guided walking circuit takes in all three tiers, with strong views back across the Karamoja plains on clear days.
What to Pack
Comfortable layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes for the Sipi circuit, sun protection, and a light rain jacket for the boat cruise.
Is Sipi Falls worth the extra travel time?
For travellers interested in Uganda’s scenery beyond its parks, genuinely yes — the coffee-growing hills and waterfall series offer a distinct character from anywhere else on a standard itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this itinerary suitable if I’m not trekking gorillas at all?
Yes — it’s specifically designed as a no-permit-required alternative for travellers prioritising scenery and general wildlife over primates.
How strenuous is the Sipi Falls walk?
Moderate — a guided walking circuit on established trails, considerably less demanding than gorilla trekking terrain.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.