3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari

Uganda is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, and the 3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari provides the perfect opportunity to experience both. This short yet action-packed tour offers the chance to witness the majesty of Murchison Falls National Park, home to the iconic Murchison Falls, as well as visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary. The safari combines thrilling game drives, boat cruises, and the chance to see Uganda’s Big Five, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Murchison Falls. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour will give you a taste of Uganda’s rich wildlife heritage.

Additional Information:

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit provides a rare opportunity to see rhinos in Uganda, as these majestic animals were previously extinct in the wild in the country. The sanctuary is part of the effort to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s protected areas, and during the tracking, a guide will lead you on foot to the rhino enclosure, where you can observe the rhinos up close.

For the game drives and boat cruises, it is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography. Binoculars can also enhance your birdwatching experience during the safari.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport or your Kampala hotel, you will be greeted by your guide, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through the picturesque Ugandan countryside. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. This sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to get up close with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

After your visit to Ziwa, continue your drive to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the early evening. Check into your lodge and relax, taking in the serene surroundings of the park. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a brief evening game drive or simply unwind before the excitement of the next day.

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species. Your guide will take you to the best game viewing spots, offering opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready as you might encounter lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants grazing, or buffaloes taking a drink at one of the park’s watering holes.

After your game drive, return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The boat cruise offers a completely different perspective of the park, giving you the chance to view wildlife along the riverbanks. Expect to see large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, and numerous bird species, including the majestic African fish eagle. The highlight of the cruise is reaching the base of Murchison Falls, where you can marvel at the dramatic sight of water thundering through a narrow gorge. The boat ride offers fantastic photo opportunities, with the lush, green scenery providing a perfect backdrop for wildlife sightings.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, where you can reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.

On your final day, you will start the morning with a visit to the Top of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the Nile River as it forces its way through a narrow gap, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The sight of water plunging 43 meters into the river below is awe-inspiring and provides plenty of opportunities for photos. You’ll have a chance to take a short hike along the falls, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the river below.

After visiting the falls, you will embark on your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you can either catch a flight back home or spend an additional night in Kampala. The journey will take approximately 5-6 hours, allowing you to reflect on the memories and experiences from your safari adventure.