Uganda Active Adventure - 7 Days

Highlights

• Go ziplining and whitewater rafting in the rainforest
• Leap off a platform on a bungee jump over the Nile River
• Hike to waterfalls, tour coffee fields, and explore caves 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Optional Activities

Welcome to Uganda! This beautiful nation in East Africa offers many attractions. It boasts the world's second-largest freshwater lake (Lake Victoria) and is home to highland ecosystems protecting many species of primates, including the rare mountain gorilla. Its diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for adventure, which is what you'll experience on this weeklong tour.

You'll arrive in Entebbe, which sits on a peninsula at the north end of Lake Victoria. This city is known for its friendliness and laid-back atmosphere, which you'll notice upon arrival when you meet your driver. After transferring to your hotel in the city, you can head out for a self-guided walking tour. Perhaps take a stroll along the lakeshore, go shopping at Victoria Mall, and sample the local cuisine. Try the tilapia, the tastiest fish in the country.

Day 2: Transfer to Jinja, Zipline & Sunset Boat Ride

In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the two-hour ride east to the lakeside town of Jinja. During the trip, you'll travel inland for a stop at the Mabira Forest. Covering 120 square miles (300 sq km), this is Uganda's largest surviving natural rainforest. Comprising this ecosystem are over 300 tree species that are a habitat for butterflies, primates, mammals, and exotic birds like ibises and cormorants.

Rather than a nature hike, though, you'll be spending your time in the forest experiencing a fun zipline adventure. Upon arrival at the activities camp, you'll receive a briefing and your safety equipment. Then you'll soar over the rainforest canopy on a network of five ziplines that stretch 820 feet (250 m) across the River Musamya. As you fly across the treetops, keep an eye out for forest-dwelling mammals like grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys.

Day 3: Full-Day Whitewater Rafting on the Nile

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for your full-day whitewater rafting experience. It begins with a transfer by vehicle up the banks of the Nile to the headquarters of Raft Uganda. On arrival, you'll receive a safety briefing and receive your life jacket and helmet. Then, along with your rafting guide, you'll proceed to the put-in, where thrilling whitewater rapids await.

After a brief tutorial from your guide, you'll head out on the river, following the Nile north for 13 miles (21 km). Along the way, you'll pass over thrilling Class IV and V rapids. This adventure isn't for the faint of heart, but there's nothing to worry about—throughout the ride, a rescue team on kayaks will be following your raft. Around 5 pm, you'll reach the end of the route, where a delicious meal with beer and soft drinks awaits. Once you've eaten, you'll transfer by vehicle back to Jinja.

Day 4: Quad Biking & Bungee Jumping

In the morning, you'll embark on more adventure activities on land and air. First up is a two-hour off-road excursion on quads (four-wheeled motorbikes). The route you'll follow will take you to remote areas outside of Jinja along the Nile. During this scenic ride, you'll pass rural villages, forests, and sugar cane plantations as you enjoy the stunning river scenery.

After the quad adventure, you'll enjoy another exciting river activity—this time over the Nile. Along with your guide, you'll transfer to a bungee platform that rises 141 feet (43 m) over the water and will strap into a harness. You can choose to jump with the bungee tied to your ankles or around your waist. Whatever you decide, try not to look down before you make the leap. Once you do leave the platform, you'll soar through the air in one of the most exciting activities on the planet. 

Day 5: Transfer to Kapchorway, Sipi Falls & Caves

Meet your guide this morning and embark on a four-hour drive east to the town of Kapchorwa, located near the border with Kenya. The scenic drive will take you past stunning areas like the Busitema Forest Reserve, where you can stop and see the resident baboons. Another highlight of the trip is a stop just before Kapchorwa at the great Sipi Falls. A three-hour hike through the forest leads to these falls, which plunge 328 feet (100 m) over a mountain into a lagoon below.

When you've returned from the falls, you'll transfer to a cave outside of Kapchorwa, where you'll meet a group of Sebei people. The Sebei are an ethnic group and the ancestral inhabitants of eastern Uganda. During this cultural experience in the cave, you'll meet the tribespeople, learn about their customs, hear some campfire storytelling, and listen to their traditional songs. You can even join in their dances and try some authentic warrior snacks. Afterward, you'll continue on to Kapchorwa and should arrive at your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 6: Coffee Experience, Waterfall Hike

Put on your hiking boots because this morning, you'll transfer outside of Kapchorwa for a full-day trekking tour around the region's most stunning locals. It begins with a guided countryside walk through local villages and amid banana plantations. Eventually, you'll arrive at a local coffee farm and homestay. Coffee is Uganda's largest export crop, and most of the beans are cultivated by small-holding farmers like your host. After a tour of the fields, you'll sit down with your host for a delicious lunch washed down with a cup of joe.  

Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe, Depart

Unfortunately, you've enjoyed the last of your adventures in Uganda—for now. Wake up early for the six-hour drive from Kapchorwa back to Entebbe and the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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