Eastern Treasures
Chase waterfalls in the highland mist, ferry out to a Lake Victoria island of ancient rock art and campfire stories, then unwind beside the Nile — discover Uganda beyond the National Parks with the East's hidden side, all in nine days.
Eastern Treasures gives you nine days in a part of Uganda most people skip. The trip starts in the highlands of Mount Elgon, where you'll hike through coffee farms and river gorges to three spectacular waterfalls along the Sipi River. From there you descend to the shores of Lake Victoria and take the ferry out to Dolwe Island, a small and largely unvisited community where the main draws are ancient rock paintings, a sacred rock called Mwango, and evenings around a campfire with locals. The trip closes with a night at Kipling Lodge on the banks of the Nile in Jinja, one of the most picturesque spots in the country, before the drive back to Entebbe. This is a trip for the truly curious!
Curated by Ugandan adventurists for like-minded visitors, this trip will make you fall in love with the country through the eyes of those who call it home. Book below!
Trip Highlights:
Explore the best of Uganda beyond the National Parks, including striking landscapes, immersive culture and ancient history.
Active tourism – run, hike and boat your way across Uganda and experience a country in motion!
Authentic, off-the-beaten path itineraries, with the option of inviting like-minded Ugandan adventurers to be part of your trip.
Carefully selected accommodations offering comfort and views.
Your 9-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Arrival and transfer to Explorers Hub Hotel, Kampala
Optional afternoon walk (depending on time of arrival)
Day 2: Kampala Run & Transfer to Sipi Falls
Guided Kampala Morning Running Tour (substitute with a more leisurly walking tour if preferred)
After breakfast, depart on a scenic drive through eastern Uganda toward the beautiful highlands of Sipi Falls.
Overnight at Rafiki Lodge (or similar)
Day 3: Exploring Sipi Falls
Today you will explore the three spectacular Sipi waterfalls on a guided hike through lush vegetation, coffee farms, and local villages.
You will choose between two afternoon activities: an immersive coffee farm experience or the exhilirating abseiling beside the falls.
Day 4: Mbale City and Busia
Descend from the highlands and travel to bustling Mbale for a cultural and market tour and lunch.
Continue to the border town of Busia where you will spend the night at Green Gardens (or similar).
Day 5: Mbale City and Busia
Rise early and transfer to the ferry landing site to board MV Sigulu ferry across Lake Victoria.
Arrive at Dolwe Island and check in at La Fang Eco Resort.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the poolside, taking a quad bike around the surrounding dirt roads, or a sunset stroll to a nearby village beach.
Day 6: Discovering Dolwe Island’s Cultural Heritage
Discover the island’s cultural and natural heritage including ancient rock paintings and sacred Mwango Rock.
In the evening enjoy storytelling around a campfire.
Day 7: Return to mainland, relax by the Nile
After a relaxing morning, return to the mainland and travel to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.
Overnight at Kipling Lodge with sweeping views of the Nile.
Day 8: Nile River and Return to Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast by the Nile and an optional community walk or kayaking tour of the Nile River, returning for lunch.
Drive back to Entebbe and overnight at ViaVia Entebbe.
Day 9: Departure from Entebbe.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Trip Costings
Note: Further group discounts are available, please indicate below. Optional 10% add on to subsidise a Ugandan adventurer to join your journey at a locally affordable rate.
1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
1 Single Room
1 Doube Room
1 Double + 1 Single Room
2 Double Rooms
2 Doubles + 1 Single Room
$3,570pp
$2,110pp
$1,910pp
$1,660pp
$1,470pp
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and professional driver/guide
✔ All meals and water throughout the trip
✔ Accommodation in mid-range lodges as listed
✔ All activities mentioned in the itinerary
✔ A personalised welcome gift from us to you
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ International flights to/from Uganda
✘ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✘ Ugandan visa (guidance offered upon booking)
✘ Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips
Booking Enquiry for the Eastern Treasures Adventure Package
Please register your interest in the Eastern Treasures Adventure Package here. A member of our team will then share a personalised offer with you.
Why do we offer a 10% contribution to subsidise local travel?
We offer guests the option to add a 10% contribution to their booking to support a Ugandan adventure and travel enthusiast to join the journey at a locally affordable rate. This is part of our commitment to making tourism in Uganda more inclusive and accessible to domestic travellers. Through the Rustic Expeditions Foundation, this contribution helps subsidise local participation, opening up travel experiences that would otherwise be out of reach to many Ugandans.
It also adds a meaningful dimension to your own journey, offering the chance to experience Uganda alongside a local travel enthusiast, and to see the country through a different perspective.
Who We Are
Rustic Expeditions Ltd was founded by two friends who met through their shared love of hiking and running. Majority Ugandan-owned and female-led, we hold a deep passion for showcasing our country’s incredible landscapes, cultures and outdoor experiences, putting Uganda on the map as Africa’s next adventure capital. Find out more here.