Uganda · Rafting

5-Day Safari to Jinja, Sipi Falls and Mabira Forest with Rafting

5 Days Round trip from Jinja Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the iconic Source of the Nile in Jinja
02 Experience grade 4 and 5 whitewater rafting on the Nile
03 Hike the three Sipi waterfalls for scenic views of Lake Kyoga and Mount Elgon
04 Enjoy an Arabic coffee tour and make a fresh cup of coffee
05 Explore Mabira Forest with a nature walk and zip-lining adventure

Embark on a 5-day adventurous safari to Jinja, Sipi Falls, and Mabira Forest. Visit the iconic Source of the Nile, experience grade 4 and 5 whitewater rafting on the Nile rapids, and hike to the top of the beautiful Sipi Falls for scenic views of the surrounding area. Along the way, interact with local communities, enjoy an Arabic coffee tour, and end your journey with a nature walk and zip-lining adventure in Mabira Forest.

At the top, you will enjoy clear scenic views of Lake Kyoga, Mount Elgon, the Karamoja plains, and the surrounding area.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Jinja, Mount Elgon National Park, Lake Victoria

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Jinja and Visit the Source of the Nile

After breakfast at your home, our guide will meet you at the agreed meeting point. He will brief you about your adventure before you embark on your journey to Jinja. Jinja is 80 km from Kampala, and the journey takes 3-4 hours through the impressive landscapes of the city outskirts, towns, and markets, where you will see people going about their daily lives before entering the sugarcane plantations of Lugazi and the tropical rainforest of Mabira.
On arrival, you will relax and settle in for lunch. You will then be transferred to the Source of the Nile, one of the most iconic places in Africa - the point at which the Nile River exits Lake Victoria to commence its long journey north to the Mediterranean Sea. The Source of the Nile is a quiet, beautiful place filled with palm trees and fantastic tropical plants. As you walk down the steps towards the river, you can smell the flowers, hear the gurgling water, and watch local fishermen throw their nets into the water. The boat ride is a rewarding adventure, offering opportunities to spot many birds, including beautiful kingfishers, before you retreat for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Whitewater Rafting on the Nile River

After breakfast, you will go for whitewater rafting, where you will first be briefed and given rafting gear. The opportunity to raft on the longest river on Earth is amazing, and it is one of the best things to do in Uganda. The activity takes you into the middle of the river while passing through chaotic and turbulent rapids.
The Nile rapids in Jinja are graded 4 and 5, offering some of Uganda's best whitewater rafting experiences. These rapids flow with more volume and power than those on the River Zambezi. After the activity, you will retreat for lunch and relaxation. Later in the evening, you will have dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Transfer to Sipi Falls and Community Encounter

After breakfast, you will embark on a 196 km journey to Sipi Falls, which takes about 3-4 hours. On arrival, you will have lunch and then enjoy a community encounter where you will meet the locals, interact with them, and get to know their way of life, as well as their music, dance, and drama. You will later return for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Hike the Three Waterfalls and Go Abseiling

After breakfast, you will meet the guide for a briefing and then start hiking the falls. You will be given a walking stick before the hike begins. Hiking the three waterfalls takes 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level. The hike to the top is about 7 km and involves steep ascents, climbing ladders, and passing through local farms. It is advisable to have good hiking boots with a firm grip on the ground.
At the top, you will enjoy clear scenic views of Lake Kyoga, Mount Elgon, the Karamoja plains, and the surrounding area. There will be opportunities to take great photos and videos. Sipi Falls are arguably the best place for abseiling, and the guide will arrange it on a certain section of the main Sipi Falls. After the activity, you will retreat for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 05

Arabic Coffee Tour and Mabira Forest Adventure

After breakfast, undertake a coffee tour that takes you to a local coffee farm. You will visit the coffee plantations and head to the processing centre, where you will remove the husks, roast the beans, produce a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy it.
After the activity, retreat for lunch and then embark on a drive to Mabira Forest for an adventurous encounter in the trees. You will undertake a nature walk in the forest and go zip-lining before driving back to Kampala.