Self-Driving To Jinja and Sipi Falls

One of the most recommended weekend gate-away in Uganda are Jinja town and Sipi falls. Often at times, someone might recommend that you go in for public transport. Unfortunately, the time lug, the cleanliness in public transport is often wanting.

Self drive tours are recommended for this matter. However much they are more expensive compared to public transport, but a tour is not simply about the destination but the journey itself.

In a self drive tour, you have the opportunity to stop at any point you feel like during your journey. It also gives you a proper plan for your itinerary; since it is you in the driving seat!

For purposes of enriching your Self driving tour to Jinja and Sipi falls, here are a few things to put in consideration;

Departure Point

Your trip is likely to begin from either Entebbe or Kampala; depending on where your point of inception is; your departure time will highly be affected. We recommend that you set off from Entebbe town as early as 6:00am or 6:30am and before 8:00am for the case of Kampala.

Destinations to Consider on your Trip

The eastern route has a number of options to consider for your self- drive trip;

• Ssezibwa falls
• Mabira Forest
• Jinja Town
• Sipi Falls Hikes

Ssezibwa Falls

The Eastern route is one of the roads in Uganda with the highest concentration of traffic jam; it might take you about two hours from Kampala to Ssezibwa falls and about two and a half hours from Entebbe.

Ssezibwa falls is one of the most scenic falls Uganda has to offer. Located along Kampala Jinja high way, out 19 kilometers from Mukono; the destination offers camping opportunities, community tours, and hikes.

The main activity would be the view of the falls, the calmness and stillness in the environment surrounding the waterfalls.

Mabira Forest

Mabira forest is located 22km from Ssezibwa falls. It might take you between 30 and 40 minutes to get to this forest.

The forest offers; nature walks, birding opportunities, Zip-lining and forest mountain biking. There are also opportunities of spotting a few wildlife species such as duikers, bushbucks, and squirrels on a lucky. Monkeys are in abundance including but not limited to; Grey Mangabeys, red tailed monkeys among other species.

Jinja Town

Jinja town is located about 33km from Mabira forest. It might take you about 45minutes to one hour to reach Jinja town. The town offers a number of activities including but not limited to; white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horse rides, trip to the source of the Nile, Itanda falls among several other activities.

In order to save extra time on your trip, you might have to choose only one or two activities in Jinja town before proceeding to Sipi falls. However white water rafting is both a half day and full day activity thus, you might have to leave out most of the other destinations in order to carry out this activity.

In case you only have limited time for instance, only two days; we would recommend visit and boat ride at the source of the Nile and may be a visit to Itanda falls.

Sipi Falls

Sipi falls is located about 200km from Jinja town. It might take you between 3hours and 3^1/₂ hours to reach Sipi falls. Sometimes tourists opt for a night in Mbale instead of spending the night in Kapchorwa town.

Sipi falls offers a number of activities including but not limited to hikes to the bottom and top of the three falls. Hikes to raised point to see Sipi falls from a distance, abseiling, community tours among several activities.

The main activity in Sipi falls is often the hikes to one or two falls. It might take you up to 6 hours to explore all the three waterfalls.

Rough Itinerary for a 2day Jinja-Sipi Tour

We recommend carrying a few fruits with you the cooler box or fridge along with a few snacks to crunch on during your travel.

Day 1 Itinerary: Jinja and Sipi Falls

6:30 am to 8:30am Transfer from Kampala to Ssezibwa Falls

8:30am to 10:00am Tour at Ssezibwa Falls

10:00am to 10:30am Transfer to Lugazi for Breakfast

10:30am to 11:00am Breakfast

11:00am to 11:30am Transfer to Mabira forest

11:30am to 1:30pm Nature walk in Mabira forest along the falls (It can take less than two hours)

1:30pm to 2:30pm Transfer to Jinja for Lunch

2:30pm to 3:00pm Lunch

3:00pm to 3:30pm Transfer to Source of the Nile

3:30pm to 5:30pm Boat cruise, and tour around the source of the Nile

5:30pm to 7:00pm Transfer to your place of accommodation in Iganga town, relax and reflect on the photos of the day, have your dinner, and also prepare to set off early for Sipi falls the next day.

Day 2 Itinerary: Jinja and Sipi Falls

6:00am to 6:20am pack your luggage in the car

6:20 am to 6:50am Breakfast

7:00am to 9:30am Transfer to Sipi Falls

9:30am to 10:00am Break fast

10:00am to 10:30am hiking starting point

10:30am to 2:00pm Hiking in Sipi Falls

2:00pm to 2:45pm Transfer to Restaurant and Lunch

2:45pm to 8:30pm Transfer to Kampala