Eastern Circuit

Overview

The Eastern Circuit is one area every holidaymaker or enthusiastic nature lover on Uganda safari shouldn’t miss to explore or should consider a must-visit. Combining the Western Circuit and the Eastern Circuit, remarkably rewards travel energies with adventures of a lifetime.

The Eastern Circuit entirely exposes you to Uganda’s or East Africa’s adventure experiences-it is a region to discover something unique from the usual. Think of world-class adrenaline adventures on the Source of the Nile, mountaineering, hiking the Sipi Falls or exceptional wildlife encounters, authentic African cultural experiences/amazing people and think not beyond the Eastern Circuit!

The Eastern Circuit is a long stretch of exploration for holidaymakers on Uganda safari. The circuit includes the only Source of the Nile in Jinja, Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park among other significant tourist sites.

Attractions/activities on the Eastern Circuit

The Source of the Nile

The Source of the Nile in Jinja should be a must-visit on Uganda safari in the Eastern Circuit. Yes, John Hanning Speke discovered it earlier in 1858 and a Uganda safari tour with us is a great opportunity for you to have an in-depth exploration about this iconic attraction and natural wonder. The Nile River is considerably one of the longest rivers on planet earth, stretching up to about 6853kms and features dazzling white waters, lush vegetation, beautiful bird species and generally conducive weather conditions.

There are plenty of exciting activities and experiences to enjoy while on the Nile River Jinja. These include white water rafting-a great water adventure that shouldn’t be missed on the source of the Nile River Jinja. You may need 1 day, 2 days or 3 days to have an ultimate white water rafting experience here. The experts take you through instructions before you set off to challenge yourself with one of the greatest water rapids/grades.

Bungee Jumping

One of the thrilling adventure experiences for the strong-hearted ones. Bungee jumpers are released from a 12m steel structure on top of a 44 cliff above the mystical Nile-extremely a mesmerizing experience. Only persons above 13 years are eligible. You get to enjoy views of the surrounding areas and later, dive and kiss the mystical waters of the Source of the Nile.

Kayaking

Another tremendous water sport that you should consider a must-do while on Eastern Circuit expedition. Go experience the Grade 5 rapids, one of the most challenging grades taking you through a great wave chain challenge. It is possible to take a single day Kayak, multi day kayaking encounter or half day white water kayaking expedition.

Quad biking

This is done on the existing tracks/trails along the Eastern banks of the source of the Nile River. The trails link up to the nearby villages, farms and the downstream till you get to Bujagali. A day Quad biking experience begins from 8:30am till 5:00pm and doesn’t limit how many can participate in it. Bikers go through free training and sessions prior to setting off for actual riding experience. Children between 7 and 12 years can get supervised Quad biking experience and for persons above 12 can embark on 1 to 2 hours Quad biking adventure.

Birding

The source of the Nile has interesting birds to keep an eye on while on birding tour. On bird watching, expect to come across African openbill storks, Hadada ibis, Kingfishers, African darters, cormorants, blue headed weavers, herons and others.

Horseback riding

Horseback excursions are amazingly the best and the Eastern Circuit expedition offers you a great chance to experience something unique while touring the Nile River banks in Jinja. Horseback riding is done in the morning/afternoon or on sunset trips.

Boat cruise/jet boating

These distinct experiences are enjoyable on the source of the Nile River Jinja. They are distinct from white water rafting and specifically, a boat cruise lets you explore one of the beautiful islands while jet boating takes you through one of the great rapids.

Mount Elgon

Located in Eastern part of Uganda, Mount Elgon makes up part of the Eastern Circuit. Mt. Elgon is a volcanic mountain, home to world’s widest volcanic base spreading 4000sq.kms and hikers trek to Wagagai its highest peak to enjoy mesmerizing views. It is from Mt Elgon where Mountain Elgon National Park takes its name, a home to duikers, elephants, birds and a significant population of primates including red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.

While on Eastern Circuit expedition in Mt. Elgon National Park, expect to engage in numerous experiences including mountaineering/volcano hiking, bird watching, cave exploration, game viewing, nature walks, camping, sport fishing.

Visit the Sipi Falls

The cascading triple Sipi Falls are a must-visit while on Eastern Circuit. These are set outside Mt. Elgon National Park just on the volcano’s edge, Kapchorwa district. Hiking to Sipi Falls gets you an excellent view of the 3 falls, the Karamoja Plains, and the beautiful slopes of Mt. Elgon and a lot more. The highest of the 3 Sipi Falls drops at an elevation of 100m, followed by 75m falls and the third fall is 85m high.

Other than hiking the Sipi falls, birding, mountaineering on Mt. Elgon/game viewing, you can also combine your experiences with the Gishu cultural experiences. The Gishu/Bagisu are known for their Kadodi cultural dances and the Imbalu, the traditional circumcision ceremony that takes place after each even year.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Uganda is another exceptional destination you should expect to explore while on Eastern Circuit safari. This is a 2275sq.kms expansive reserve lying suitably in North-Eastern Uganda and together with the Bokora and Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, Mount Elgon N/Park; they make up the extensive Mountain Elgon Conservation Area in Eastern Uganda.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve-one of the Eastern Circuit destinations is a home to diverse savanna species. The reserve hosts remaining population of cheetahs, African bush elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, the Rothschild giraffes, spotted hyenas, leopards, rock hyrax, olive baboons, duikers, Uganda Kobs, Klipspringers, crested porcupines, mountain Reed bucks.

Pian Upe’s bird species include among others ostriches, superb starlings, Karamoja apalis, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, fox weaver bird and a lot more. The reserve is a perfect place for Uganda safari holidaymakers to participate in game drives, birding tours, nature walks, community tours or mountain climbing /hiking to Napedet Cave.