Rift Valley Wonders & Adventure Trail: A 10-Day Journey into Uganda’s Wild and Scenic Heart
An Immersive Itinerary through Uganda’s Great Rift Valley, with Where to Stay
From the untamed wilds of Kidepo to the dramatic beauty of Sipi Falls, this carefully crafted 10-day tour takes you across the Albertine Rift’s landscapes, cultures, and wildlife treasures. With authentic lodges and eco-friendly stays included, you’ll rest in places that heighten the wonder of your surroundings.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Activity:
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to Kampala. Depending on arrival time, relax at your lodge or take an optional walk around the serene outskirts of the capital.
Where to Stay:
Cassia Lodge – Located on Buziga Hill, it offers panoramic views of Lake Victoria and a peaceful ambiance to unwind after your flight. The swimming pool and restaurant provide beautiful sunset views.
Day 2: Journey North – Road Trip to Kidepo Valley National Park
Activity:
Set off early for the long and scenic drive northward to Kidepo. Experience changing topographies—from lush plains to semi-arid savannah—as you approach Uganda’s most remote and wild national park. Enjoy a short evening game drive before settling in.
Where to Stay:
Kidepo Savannah Lodge – A mid-range lodge just outside the park, offering en-suite safari tents with uninterrupted views of the savannah and the Narus Valley. The open-air dining area is perfect for evening storytelling around the campfire.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Kidepo – The Untouched Wilderness
Activity:
Spend the entire day exploring the vast and pristine Kidepo Valley. Venture deep into both the Narus and Kidepo sectors in search of lions, cheetahs, ostriches, and giant buffalo herds. Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs and return with a memory card full of photos and a heart full of awe.
Where to Stay:
Apoka Safari Lodge – If you desire luxury in the wilderness, this is it. Handcrafted cottages with outdoor bathtubs, incredible views, and personalized service make it a splurge-worthy stay in Africa’s last great wilderness.
Day 4: Cultural Encounter – A Day with the Ik People
Activity:
Hike into the highlands bordering South Sudan to visit the Ik people. It’s a rugged but rewarding cultural trek, filled with panoramic views and authentic interactions with one of Uganda’s most unique communities. Return to your lodge by evening.
Where to Stay:
Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Return for another peaceful evening. Reflect on the day under the starlit skies, with only the calls of distant wildlife interrupting the silence.
Day 5: Road to Murchison – Through Gulu and Across the North
Activity:
Depart early from Kidepo and begin the scenic journey southwest to Murchison Falls National Park. Stop over for lunch in Gulu town, then continue through northern Uganda’s vast open roads to reach your lodge near the Nile River.
Where to Stay:
Pakuba Safari Lodge – Located within the park and along the Nile’s banks, it offers stylish rooms with frequent sightings of giraffes, elephants, and antelopes right from your veranda.
Day 6: Wildlife and Water – Safari and Boat Cruise in Murchison
Activity:
Morning game drive across the northern savannahs where lions, leopards, and Uganda kobs roam. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile leading to the thunderous Murchison Falls. Watch as the world’s longest river squeezes through a 7-meter gorge with breathtaking force.
Where to Stay:
Twiga Safari Lodge – Nestled near the Nile, this eco-lodge blends rustic elegance with modern comfort. Perfect for a riverside sundowner after a thrilling day in the wild.
Day 7: Scenic Drive to Fort Portal – Via Rift Valley Vistas
Activity:
Leave Murchison and head southwest toward Fort Portal, following the dramatic contours of the Albertine Rift Escarpment. Stop for scenic views and photo opportunities along the way. Arrive in Fort Portal by evening for a cozy night in Uganda’s most charming highland town.
Where to Stay:
Kibale Forest Camp – Set in a lush forest near Fort Portal, this eco-lodge is quiet, inviting, and close to the Crater Lake region. Tents and cottages provide comfortable forest-living with campfires in the evening.
Day 8: Crater Lakes and the Amabere Caves – Folklore and Nature
Activity:
Begin with a tour of the scenic Crater Lakes—sparkling turquoise waters nestled in ancient volcanic hollows. Later, visit the mystical Amabere Caves and waterfalls, steeped in local folklore tied to the Bachwezi Kingdom. End the day with a short hike and lakeside relaxation.
Where to Stay:
Ndali Lodge – A high-end colonial-style lodge perched on the rim of a crater lake. The views are simply unmatched, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s a soulful place to rest amid nature.
Day 9: Travel to Sipi Falls – Into the Elgon Highlands
Activity:
Drive east through Uganda’s beautiful countryside to the foothills of Mount Elgon. Upon reaching Sipi, embark on a guided hike to all three levels of the falls. The trail takes you through farms, villages, and ridges offering expansive views of the Karamoja plains below.
Where to Stay:
Sipi River Lodge – Overlooking one of the waterfalls, this boutique lodge combines rustic architecture with comfort. The wooden cottages are immersed in nature, with views of the cascading water and chirping birds.
Day 10: Return to Kampala – Departure via Entebbe
Activity:
After breakfast and a final walk around Sipi, begin your return drive to Kampala. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred directly to Entebbe for departure. Along the way, reflect on the extraordinary places and people that made this journey unforgettable.
Where to Stay (Optional Late Departure):
2 Friends Beach Hotel (Entebbe) – A lovely beachside hotel perfect for freshening up before your evening flight. Offers day rooms, meals, and a relaxing setting by Lake Victoria.
