Overview
4 Days in Uganda to explore its magical countryside – Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, gives you a chance to see the Big Five and stunning landscape including the mighty Murchison Falls. The tour offers maximum time to explore the destinations on game drives, a boat cruise, and rhino tracking.
The 4 Day safari is meant to start and end in Kampala.
Highlights
- Scenic drive
- Rhino tracking
- Game drives
- Visit the top of the falls (option: hike to the top of the falls)
Itinerary
We shall be glad to know that you have landed in the “Pearl of Africa” and our safari driver will welcome and transfer you to your booked hotel in Kampala. After you have checked in, he will give a briefing of your 4 Days safari and leave after communicating the departure time for the next day. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Meal plan: Dinner
By 6:30 a.m., you should be up and ready for breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter, you will meet your safari driver, check out and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The road trip takes you through the plains of Nakasongola where you may spot some herds of long-horned cattle grazing. On arrival at the rhino sanctuary, you will meet the ranger guide to take you around in search of the rhinos. Once they are spotted, you will have a precious moment to learn some facts about the mammals, take photos, and generally enjoy the fresh air of the natural environment.
Drive to the restaurant for lunch and proceed with the journey to Murchison Falls National Park where you will arrive in the evening and check in to your lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meal plan: Full board
An early morning breakfast at the lodge and head out for a game drive around the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park. From hippos that are returning to the water as it gets to dawn, to savannah birds, and many grazers which also attract predators, the game drive has a lot to offer. It is almost a guarantee to see animals such as giraffes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, buffaloes and warthogs. A lucky day offers sightings of a lion, leopard, and hyena.
After the game drive, you will drive back to the lodge and relax. Later, have lunch, and go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile. This will take you to the bottom of Murchison falls with sightings of several bird species, hippos, and crocodiles en-route. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal plan: Full board
The last day of your 4-day safari starts with breakfast at your leisure, then check out of the lodge and drive to the top of the falls. Watching the falls from the top comes with a particular charm that makes the whole experience magical. After a short while here, you’ll drive out of the park and back to Kampala. An en-route lunch and arrival at Entebbe International Airport in the evening.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of safari
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation:
- 3 nights in comfortable lodges or camps (full board) within or near Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Transportation:
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide.
- Transfers between destinations, including to and from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls.
- Park Fees:
- Entry fees to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
- A guided rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the white rhinos in their natural habitat.
- Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park:
- Morning and afternoon game drives in Murchison Falls National Park to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes.
- Boat Cruise on the Nile River:
- A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, offering a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
- Hiking to Murchison Falls:
- A guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nile River as it plunges through a narrow gorge.
- Services of a Professional Guide:
- The safari includes the services of an experienced driver/guide who will provide insights about the parks, wildlife, and culture throughout the trip.
- Meals:
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your stay at the lodges and camps.
- Bottled Water:
- Complimentary bottled drinking water during the safari.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance:
- Basic travel insurance coverage for emergency evacuation during the safari (if needed).
Excludes
- Excludes:
- International Flights:
- Flights to and from Uganda (to Entebbe International Airport) are not included.
- Visa Fees:
- Visa costs for entry into Uganda (if applicable) are not included in the safari package.
- Personal Expenses:
- Items such as souvenirs, personal shopping, laundry, phone calls, and any extra meals or drinks.
- Optional Activities:
- Any additional activities, such as cultural visits, hot air balloon rides, or extra boat rides not included in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic Beverages:
- Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages beyond what is included with meals or in the accommodation package.
- Gorilla Permits:
- Gorilla trekking permits are not included, as this safari does not include a visit to Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.
- Travel Insurance:
- Personal travel insurance is not included. It is recommended that you arrange comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
- Tips and Gratuities:
- Tips for the guide, lodge staff, and park rangers are not included.
- Medical Costs:
- Any medical expenses incurred during the safari (e.g., treatment for illnesses or injuries).
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 4 Days Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari: FAQs for 4 Days Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari
. What is included in the 4 Days Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari?
- The safari includes accommodation (full board) for 3 nights, transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, park fees for Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a rhino tracking experience, game drives in Murchison Falls, a boat cruise on the Nile, a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, meals, and the services of a professional guide.
2. Do I need a visa for Uganda?
- Yes, depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Uganda. It is advisable to check visa requirements before traveling. Visas can typically be obtained online through the Uganda Electronic Visa Application or upon arrival at the airport.
3. What should I wear for the safari?
- It’s recommended to wear comfortable, light-colored clothing for the game drives and hiking. Long sleeves and pants can protect against insects and the sun. Sturdy hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential for your comfort.
4. Can I see rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Yes, during your visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you will have the chance to go on a guided rhino tracking experience to observe the white rhinos in their natural habitat.
5. How strenuous is the hiking to Murchison Falls?
- The hike to the top of Murchison Falls is moderate in difficulty. It involves a short walk of about 1 to 2 hours, but the terrain can be uneven and steep in some places. Comfortable walking shoes and good physical condition are recommended.
6. What wildlife can I expect to see at Murchison Falls National Park?
- Murchison Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of birds. A game drive gives you the opportunity to spot these animals in their natural environment.
7. What is the best time to go on this safari?
- The best time to visit is during Uganda’s dry seasons from June to September and December to February when the roads are more accessible and wildlife is easier to spot. However, this safari is available year-round.
8. How long is the boat cruise on the Nile River?
- The boat cruise on the Nile River usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours. It offers stunning views of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, while you also get a unique view of Murchison Falls from the water.
9. Is the safari suitable for children?
- The 4 Days Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari can be suitable for children, but it’s important to note that the game drives and rhino tracking can be quite long. Children should be comfortable with outdoor activities and walking. The minimum age for rhino tracking is 12 years old.
10. Is tipping included in the safari price?
- No, tipping is not included in the safari price. It’s customary to tip your guide, lodge staff, and park rangers if you are satisfied with their services. The amount varies depending on personal preference and group size.
11. Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Uganda?
- It’s highly recommended to consult with your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Uganda. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda, and you may also need vaccinations for diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and malaria prophylaxis.
12. Can I extend my safari to other destinations in Uganda?
- Yes, you can extend your safari to other areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. You can ask your tour operator for suggestions and customize your itinerary.
13. What is the accommodation like during the safari?
- The safari includes stays at comfortable lodges or camps within Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The accommodations are typically equipped with modern amenities, en-suite bathrooms, and offer a high level of comfort after your daily activities.
14. How far is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from Murchison Falls National Park?
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Murchison Falls National Park, and the drive takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the road conditions.
15. What happens if I don’t spot any rhinos or other wildlife?
- While sightings are highly likely, there’s always a chance that some animals may be elusive or in less accessible areas. Your guide will do their best to ensure that you have the best possible experience, but the safari operates in natural environments, so animal sightings are never 100% guaranteed.