Uganda & Kenya – Mount Elgon & Rift Valley Nature Escape
9-Day Mount Elgon & Rift Valley Nature Journey
Waterfalls, caves and forest trails on both sides of Mount Elgon, then Lake Naivasha and a walking or cycling safari in Hell's Gate.
Tour Overview
This nine-day trip is about walking and scenery rather than game drives. You explore waterfalls, caves and forest trails on Mount Elgon on the Ugandan side, cross into Kenya for the mountain's other side, then head to the Rift Valley for Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate. Driving distances are short, and there's only one border crossing. It suits active travellers, nature lovers and repeat visitors to East Africa.
Trip Highlights
Mount Elgon, Uganda
Waterfalls and forest trails with a guide.
Mount Elgon, Kenya
Caves, viewpoints and trails on the mountain's other side.
Lake Naivasha
A boat ride on the Rift Valley lake.
Hell's Gate
A walking or cycling safari in the national park.
Plan Your Elgon & Rift Valley Trip
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll check lodge availability and send you a quote.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Entebbe
Your guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and takes you to a hotel near Lake Victoria. Dinner is included, and then you rest before the drive east.
- Airport pickup
- Hotel near Lake Victoria
Entebbe → Mbale & Mount Elgon
You drive east to Mbale, at the foot of Mount Elgon. The afternoon is free to enjoy the cooler highland climate.
- Drive to Mbale
- Free afternoon in the highlands
Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda
A guide takes you on a nature walk to waterfalls and along forest trails in Mount Elgon National Park. You can add optional visits to local communities.
- Guided walk to waterfalls
- Forest trails
- Optional community visits
Mount Elgon → Kenya
You cross into Kenya and continue to the Mount Elgon area on the Kenyan side. We handle the border logistics for you. The afternoon is free, or you can take a short exploratory walk.
- Border crossing
- Drive to Kenyan Mount Elgon
- Optional short walk
Mount Elgon, Kenya Side
You explore caves, viewpoints and forest trails on the Kenyan side of the mountain, which gives you a different view of the same mountain.
- Caves and viewpoints
- Forest trails
Mount Elgon → Lake Naivasha
You drive south into Kenya's Rift Valley, where the landscape opens out into wide views and lakeside scenery, and stay at Lake Naivasha.
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Lakeside evening
Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate
In the morning you take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon you explore Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bike.
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Walking or cycling in Hell's Gate
Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
You drive to Nairobi at a relaxed pace. The afternoon is free, or you can add an optional city experience.
- Drive to Nairobi
- Optional city experience
Depart Nairobi
After breakfast you transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home.
- Airport transfer
What's Included
Included
- 8 nights at midrange lodges and hotels
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle and professional guide
- All park and conservation fees
- Guided nature walks and hikes
- Lake Naivasha boat excursion
- Border crossing logistics and assistance
- Airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees (Uganda and Kenya)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $3,950 | Private vehicle and guide |
| 2 travellers | $3,150 | Per person |
| 3 travellers | $2,850 | Per person |
| 4 travellers | $2,650 | Best group value |
Before You Book
Good to Know
- Pace: Driving distances are short, there's one border crossing and the focus is on walking and scenery rather than game drives. There are far fewer animals than on a classic safari.
- Fitness: Easy to moderate. Expect guided walks and hikes on forest trails and hillsides, which can be muddy and steep in places. Bring waterproof walking boots and a rain jacket.
- Flights: Fly into Entebbe and out of Nairobi. Both flights are your own and aren't included.
- Visas: You need visas for Uganda and Kenya, or an East Africa Tourist Visa. Requirements depend on your nationality, so check before you travel.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Uganda. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, so see a travel clinic before you go. Travel and medical insurance is strongly advised.
- Where you'll stay: Midrange lodges and hotels. Upgrades are possible on request.