Sipi Falls and the Nile: a 6-day adventure trip in eastern Uganda
Eastern Uganda’s adventure loop: the source of the Nile and white-water rafting at Jinja, then waterfall hikes, abseiling and Bugisu coffee farms at Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
The trip in brief
A boat trip to the source of the Nile at Jinja
A full day on the river: rafting, kayaking or stand-up paddling
Hikes to all three Sipi waterfalls with a local guide
A Bugisu coffee farm visit, from bean to cup
Views across the plains from the slopes of Mount Elgon
No gorilla or chimpanzee permits needed
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
Your driver-guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel by Lake Victoria.
Day 2: Jinja and the source of the Nile
Drive east to Jinja, take a boat to the point where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, and end the day on a sunset cruise.
Day 3: A day on the Nile
White-water rafting on the Nile below Jinja, or a calmer day of kayaking, stand-up paddling or a riverside cycle ride.
Day 4: Jinja to Sipi Falls
Drive through Mbale to Sipi on the slopes of Mount Elgon, with an evening walk to a viewpoint over the main falls.
Day 5: The three waterfalls and a coffee farm
Hike to all three Sipi waterfalls with a local guide, then visit a small Bugisu coffee farm to pick, roast and taste. Abseiling beside the main falls is optional.
Day 6: Mount Elgon walk and return to Entebbe
Take a short morning walk on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, then drive back to Entebbe for your flight.
This is a starting point. Your agency adjusts the route, lodges and pace with you. You can add a night at Lake Mburo or a few days in Murchison Falls.
Usually included
A private driver-guide and 4x4 vehicle
Accommodation at the comfort level you choose
Local guide and community fees at Sipi
The activities in the day-by-day plan, agreed in your quote
Not included
International flights
Visas and travel insurance
Rafting or abseiling if you add them later
Tips, drinks and personal spending
Good to know
Rafting on the Nile is run by private operators and suits most fit beginners with a safety briefing. Minimum ages and grades vary, so your agency confirms the right option for your group.
Sipi Falls sits just outside Mount Elgon National Park. If you add a hike inside the park, entry is US$35 per adult per day for foreign non-residents under the Uganda Wildlife Authority 2027–2028 tariff. See our full guide to Uganda Wildlife Authority fees.
See also our Sipi Falls guide and how to get around Uganda.
Places on this trip
Plan this trip
Permit and park entry prices for 2027–28 are on our Uganda park fees page. To get two tailor-made quotes for this trip, send one short request.
Other Uganda trip ideas
Gorillas and chimpanzees (7 days)
Shoebill and Albertine Rift birding (12 days)
Uganda and Rwanda gorillas (9 days)
Uganda highlights (10 days)
Kidepo and the wild north (7 days)
