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8 Days from$1565 p/p in USD -
DeparturesYear Round
Destinations
Uganda,
Tour Type
Guided, Large Group, Small Group
Safari Standard
Budget
Tour Overview
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago. Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent. Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. In addition to hiking up Mt Elgon, you experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Nile River at Jinja.
General Information
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Safari types:Guided Safari, Mountain Safari, Walking Safari
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You will visit:Mount Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls, Jinja
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Wildlife:Birds
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Activities:Hiking, Village Visit, White Water Rafting, Cultural Experience
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Getting around:4x4 Safari Vehicle
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Start/end:Start in Entebbe, end in Entebbe
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Minimum age:12
Price Per Person – USD
From USD 1,565 per person
What's Included
- Accommodation & meals
- All activities
- Entrance fees
- 4×4 vehicle
- Guides & drivers
- Porters
What's Excluded
- Flights & visas
- Arrival accommodation
- Personal expenditure & tips
Disclaimer
- This itinerary is owned and delivered by ‘The Shuttle Hospitality‘
- All prices are ‘From’ and may vary at the time of booking
- Display price is usually based on two people sharing
- ‘The Shuttle Hospitality‘ reserves the right to change the content and price of the itinerary
- All itineraries are subject to availability
Day by Day Overview
Having been picked up from the airport the previous day, we set off for Kapchorwa district after breakfast where Sipi River Lodge is located. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda, which lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. Have lunch in Mbale and drive to the lodge where you can relax.
On this day you have a variety of activities to choose from such as a hike to the Sipi waterfalls or guided walks around Sipi village to learn about the culture of the people. The people in this area are called the Bagisu who speak a dialect of the Lumasaba language called Lugisu, which is fully understandable by other dialects, and is also understood by the Bukusu. The Bagisu or Bamasaba undergo a circumcision ritual called the Imbalu, which is held every two years during August.
After a night at the lodge we drive you to the trail head at Budadiri / Bumasola, and from there you start your ascent of Mt Elgon. The first stretch on the trailhead snakes up through the hillside communities above Budadiri. Ascending further, the trail enters the National Park and straight away climbs the Wall of Death! Although conjuring horrifying images, this is simply a steep section where UWA has constructed a series of ladders, ramps and boardwalks through the cliffs. A strenuous first day leaves you to rest and make camp at Mude caves camp (1770m – 3500m).
On the second day you leave the camp for the summit at Wagagai and then head back to the camp (3500m – 4321m – 3500m). The Wagagai peak is the unobvious high point of the Caldera, the edge of the crater rim and requires walking a few km around the rim with spectacular views out towards Kenya and across the expansive, echoey plains of the Caldera. The walk back to Maude camp is fairly short allowing the opportunity to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and explore lake pools dotted around the hill.
On day 3 you head back to Bumasola after reaching the peak of Mount Elgon called The Summit of Wagagai where we will pick you up and drive you back to Sipi River Lodge for a hot shower, some hearty food and a well deserved drink for having hiked to the top of the mountain.
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will travel to Jinja rafting base. A tour to the River Nile will take you through another life of adventure. In Jinja, activities include white water rafting, bungee jump, horseback safaris, quad biking as well as village visits (which can all be arranged).
On arrival at the rafting base, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow rafters and guides while enjoying a tea or coffee with our delicious rafting breakfast. Rafting is a physical activity so make sure you eat up. After an initial briefing, you will be fitted out with life jackets and helmets before heading off down river to the start point. Once down at the river’s edge, you will receive a detailed safety briefing, As the river meanders through beautiful scenery, we guide the rafts into the mighty challenges of some of the biggest and safest white water rafting in the world. We stop before all the rapids to explain to you the planned route through so as to ensure maximum fun and safety. If at any time you feel you would prefer to join the safety boat or where possible, walk around and then rejoin the raft, this is absolutely fine. Calm stretches of water separate the rapids – perfect for getting your breath back, taking a swim and enjoying the scenery.
Early in the morning after breakfast you will travel back to Kampala/Entebbe airport from Jinja in the eastern part of Uganda. You will have a stop over at the Sezibwa Falls for lunch before arriving in Kampala/Entebbe Airport in the late afternoon.
