Tour Overview
Visit Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda to and see the big four and track the chimpanzees of Budongo Forest. Better even complete the big five safari by visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Southern White Rhinoceros. Spend 3 nights in either Pakuba Safari Lodge for Midrange travelers while those that opt for luxury will spend in 3 nights in the iconic Paraa Safari Lodge. We also cater for premium travellers at the Nile Safari Lodge.
Included/Exclude
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fee
Tour Plan
7:00 AM: Depart from Kampala. Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled and stocked with snacks and water for the journey. The drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is approximately 3 hours (176 km / 109 miles) via the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
11:00 AM: Arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Register and meet your ranger guide for rhino tracking.
11:30 AM: Rhino tracking begins. Enjoy a 1-2 hour walk where you can observe rhinos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers bird watching opportunities and you might see other wildlife.
Late Morning:
1:00 AM: Depart Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and head towards Murchison Falls National Park. The drive is approximately 2-3 hours (130 km / 81 miles).
Lunch:
1:30 PM: Have lunch en route at a local restaurant or picnic spot. Alternatively, you can bring packed lunches to eat along the way.
Afternoon:
3:00 PM: Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park. Proceed to the top of Murchison Falls for a short hike and photo session. The view of the Nile River plunging through a narrow gorge is spectacular and a must-see.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Check into your lodge (Pakuba Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge). Both lodges offer comfortable accommodations and great amenities.
Dinner:
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.
8:00 PM: Relax and unwind. Take in the night sounds of the African bush and prepare for an early start the next day.
6:30 AM: Embark on a morning game drive. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and leopards. Early morning is the best time to see the animals when they are most active.
Breakfast:
9:00 AM: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
Late Morning:
10:30 AM: Leisure time to relax at the lodge. You can enjoy the pool, take a guided nature walk, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Lunch:
12:30 PM: Lunch at the lodge’s restaurant.
Afternoon:
2:00 PM: Take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This boat trip is one of the highlights of the park, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The cruise also provides a different perspective of the powerful Murchison Falls.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Return to the lodge and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
7:00 PM: Dinner at the lodge.
8:00 PM: Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the lodge’s amenities and the serene environment.
6:30 AM: Set out for another morning game drive to explore different areas of the park and spot wildlife you may have missed the previous day.
Breakfast:
9:00 AM: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Late Morning:
10:30 AM: Enjoy leisure time at the lodge. You can opt for additional activities such as bird watching, visiting the local community, or just relaxing.
Lunch:
12:30 PM: Lunch at the lodge’s restaurant.
Afternoon:
2:00 PM: Rest and enjoy the lodge amenities, or participate in optional activities like a guided nature walk or a visit to a local community project.
Evening:
7:00 PM: Head out for a night game drive. This nocturnal adventure offers a chance to see animals that are active at night, such as leopards, hyenas, and bush babies.
Dinner:
9:00 PM: Return to the lodge for a late dinner.
10:00 PM: Overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.
6:00 AM: Depart from your lodge and drive to Budongo Forest Reserve. The journey takes about 1.5 hours (80 km / 50 miles).
Chimpanzee Tracking:
7:30 AM: Arrive at Budongo Forest Reserve. Register and attend a briefing session on chimpanzee tracking.
8:00 AM: Begin chimpanzee tracking. The tracking usually lasts between 2-3 hours, during which you will trek through the forest to find and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Late Morning:
11:00 AM: Complete the tracking experience and relax with some refreshments.
Lunch:
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Budongo Eco Lodge or a packed lunch.
Afternoon:
1:30 PM: Depart Budongo Forest Reserve and begin the journey back to Kampala. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours (225 km / 140 miles).
Evening:
6:30 PM: Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon or early evening. Drop off at your preferred location.
Additional Tips
Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, water bottle, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, light clothing for the day, and warm layers for the evening.
Health Precautions: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and carry any personal medications. It’s also advisable to carry a first-aid kit.
Communication: Mobile network coverage can be spotty in some areas. Consider carrying a portable charger and ensure your phone is fully charged before setting out each day.
Money: Carry some cash for tips and purchases at local markets or for any extra activities not covered in your package.
Tour Duration
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