Murchison Falls National Park is popular for its diverse game viewing and the iconic Murchison Falls. The park is endowed with lots of game including four of the "big five" (elephants, lions, bufallos and leopards). The Rhinos (which complete the
list of the "big five") that once graced the park were phased out by poachers who killed them for their horns. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was set up near Murchison Falls National Park to reintroduce the Rhinos in Uganda.The sanctuary now breeds tens of Rhinos that are available to visitors. You shall track the rhinos before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park for a hike to the Murchison Falls, then do an early morning game drive for great wildlife sightings and finally the boat ride on River Nile which is ideal for game viewing at close encounter. You have a great chance to view all the "big five" in their unpolluted natural surroundings.
Highlights
- 2 hours Rhino Tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- 4 hours Game Drives
- 3 hours Boat Ride on River Nile
- Top of the falls
- Optional Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
Itinerary
Pick-up from your hotel or residence or preferred pick-up point is at 7.00am. Your driver shall brief you on the day's program after which you embark on the 6 hours journey to Murchison Falls National Park. You shall make a stopover in Luwero to pick some fruits (oranges, pineapples, passionfruits) then continue through Nakasongola to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. At the sanctuary you receive a briefing from the ranger regarding the rhino project and then proceed to trek the sanctuary. In addition to the rhinos the sanctuary has more wildlife including monkeys, antelops, hippos and crocodiles. After 1 to 2 hours of rhino tracking and wildlife viewing you continue to Masindi town for lunch at Masindi Hotel or Court View Hotel. After lunch drive out of Masindi town and continue to your lodge where you check in for dinner and overnight.
Accommodations:
-Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Sambiya River Lode
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (lunch and dinner)
Travel time: 6 hours (Kampala to Murchison)
Day 2 - Game Drive and Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile
Have early morning breakfast at about 6.30 and set out for the Game Drive by 7.00am. This is the ideal timing to catch the nocturnals and hunters before returning to their hideouts as well as the early risers. Murchison Falls National Park is crossed by River Nile dividing it into the South and North Sections. The North section has a higher population of animals hence more preferred for game drives. In case your lodge is on the Southern section you shall drive to the ferry crossing and get to the other side to start the game drive. Traverse the major game trails especially around the Paraa area and view lots of wildlife including among others giraffes, elephants, jackals, buffalos, lions, warthogs, Jackson's Hartebeests, antelops, hyenas, waterbucks, and the much elusive leopards. The game drive lasts about 4 hours after which you return to the lodge for your lunch and relaxation. Later at about 2.30pm you set out for the boat ride on Victoria Nile. River Nile is habit for several water animals including lots of hippos and crocodile. Several animals come to the Nile to drink water, cool off and refresh and others to eat fresh grass along the banks. The boat ride is ideal for close encounter wildlife viewing. Expect to sight lot of buffalos, elephants, antelops and a cocktail of birds. The ride takes you to the base of the Murchison Falls and you could hike to the top for breathtaking views of these beautiful falls. After this thrilling wildlife boat ride you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3 - Morning Game Drive (OR Chimpanze Tracking) & Travel back to Kampala.
This being such a big game park, actually the biggest in Uganda, you shall wake up to another game drive. Expect to increase your game count and view lots of other beautiful wildlife. At about 11.00am check out of the park, drive to Masindi town for lunch at Masindi Hotel or Court View Hotel and then proceed to Kampala where you are expected to arrive at about 6.00pm.
Alternatively you could leave out this game drive and instead opt for a morning chimpanzee tracking experience at Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest. Budongo Forest is located at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park and is known to habor a number of primates including habituated chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons and lots of forest birds.
Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast and lunch)
Travel time: 6 hours (Murchison to Kampala)
Additional Information
2 Breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Bottled water
- Private safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking gude
- Accommodation in self-contained cottages for two nights
- Park access fees.
What you carry:
- Sun glasses
- Camera gear
- Light and heavy clothes
- Hiking boots
NOTE:Avoid dressing in blue,white and black clothes as they may attract tse-tse flies.
