itinerary

Rhinos & Rapids: The Murchison Adventure

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Murchison Falls National Park

Duration
4 days
Destinations
2
Decorative Wave Shape

Itinerary overview

This is the best short Uganda safari itinerary because it gives you an opportunity to see the Big5 Wild animals of Africa. These are Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffaloes.

Timeline

  • Entebbe > Kampala city

    Start / Day 1
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Day 2
  • Murchison Falls National Park

    Day 3
  • Murchison Falls National Park > Entebbe

    Day 4 / End
Locations

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place with Rhinos in the wilderness, in Uganda. Due to high poaching in the 1970s & 1980s, all Rhinos in Uganda where killed for their horn. In 2004, a program was established to reintroduce Rhinos in the country. 4 Rhinos from Kenya & 2 Rhinos from USA, where imported into the Uganda and settled in Ziwa Sanctuary for breeding. This program has been successful, the Rhinos settled in well, did breed and gave birth to different generations to a tune of 37 Rhinos at present. A visit to this sanctuary gives you a memorable experience of tracking these Rhinos, on foot. Plus your entrance fees supports the conservation program of breeding more Rhinos, which will later be reintroduced in some savannah parks of Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Locations

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest park in Uganda and the most visited because of its diversity in nature (Budongo Forest, River Nile and Savanah grass), many wildlife species that include Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, Leopards, hippos, crocodiles, etc plus over 500 species of birds. The icing of this park is the Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful water fall as the whole of River Nile squeezes itself through two rocks just 9meters apart. It’s a breathtaking safari whenever you visit this park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day One (1)
  • Arrive at Entebbe Airport.

  • Pick up from the airport by our driver guide.

  • Transfer to Kampala City which is 1 hour drive.

  • Check in a hotel for the night.

Day Two (2)
Day Three (3)
  • 6 am Breakfast.

  • 6:30 am Game drive in Murchison falls National Park. Animals likely to be seen are elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, leopard, antelopes, etc.

  • 10:30 am Back to the lodge, relax, swim, etc.

  • 12 pm Lunch

  • 1 pm Transfer to River Nile.

  • 2 pm Have a 3 hour safari boat on River Nile seeing animals like Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. You will also be able to see the bottom of Murchison falls.

  • 5 pm Drive to visit the top of the magnificent Murchison water falls.

  • Later transfer back to your lodge. Dinner, camp fire and sleep at leisure.

Day Four (4)
  • Have enough rest.

  • 9 am Breakfast

  • 10 am check out and transfer back to Kampala.

  • Drop off at the Entebbe Airport.

Accommodation

Options in Kampala City

Budget

Eliana Hotel

Hotel Eliana, situated on Ntinda-Kiwatule Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a blend of comfort and convenience. The hotel features elegant rooms, including Executive, Twin, Deluxe, and Standard options, each equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Mid-range

Fair Way Hotel

Fairway Hotel & Spa, located on Kafu Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a tranquil retreat with expansive lush gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel provides a variety of rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.

High end

Serena Hotel

The Kampala Serena Hotel, located on Kintu Road in central Kampala, Uganda, is a 5-star establishment set amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. The hotel features 186 guest rooms, including 14 suites, each adorned with African artwork and private balconies offering garden views.

Options in Murchison Falls National Park

Budget

Ikorom Safari Lodge

Ikorom Safari Lodge, located near the Tangi Gate of Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, offers a blend of traditional African design and modern comfort. The lodge features 12 grass-thatched cottages, each with en-suite facilities, providing options for single, double, twin, triple, and family accommodations.

Mid-range

Sambiya River Lodge

Sambiya River Lodge, situated in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, offers guests a serene retreat amidst lush landscapes. Located just a 20-minute drive from the top of the iconic Murchison Falls, the lodge provides convenient access to the park's main attractions.

High end

Paara Safari Lodge

Paraa Safari Lodge, established in 1954, is located in Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. The lodge overlooks the Victoria Nile, where the river narrows to a six-meter-wide gorge and cascades 43 meters down at Murchison Falls.

Transportation

Safari vehicles

Transport will either a Toyota tourism Van or a Toyota tourism Landcruiser according to the fee option, you will choose.

The Toyota tourism Van is a 4x4 minivan that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Toyota tourism Landcruiser is a 4x4 SUV that is ideal for 7-8 passengers. Both vehicles are equipped with pop-up roof, fridge, charging ports and AC. The vehicles are well maintained and have a professional driver. They are also equipped with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

toyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruisertoyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruiser
Important Travel Information

What to carry

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend packing the following items:

Comfortable closed shoes
A pair of open shoes
Light clothes for the sunny days
A few warm clothes because sometimes it gets a bit cold at night
Insect repellant
Sun glasses / hat / cap
Sun creams
Emergency pills in case you have any medical conditions
Camera or good smart phone with storage space
Anti – malaria drugs

Frequently asked questions

During Your Trip

Lodges & Accommodation