ziwa rhino sanctuary
Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari – 2 Days Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tour
Winton Africa Safaris offers an exhilarating 2-Day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari through some of Uganda’s most spectacular natural wonders, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes. This short but action-packed safari takes you to Murchison Falls National Park—Uganda’s largest and most iconic conservation area—and the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the country’s white rhinos. Over two exciting days, you’ll witness the raw power of the Nile River at Murchison Falls, cruise along its wildlife-rich banks, and embark on game drives and rhino tracking expeditions. Perfect for travelers short on time but looking to maximize their 2-Day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari experience, this tour is a perfect blend of adventure and conservation awareness.
2-Day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Scenic Road Drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top, Boat Cruise and Evening Game Drive, & Night Game Drive
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls, White Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary, Afternoon Drive Back to Kampala – End of Safari
Detailed 2-Day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Scenic Road Drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top, Boat Cruise, Evening Game Drive, & Night Game Drive
An Early Start and Scenic Journey to Murchison Falls
Your 2-Day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari adventure kicks off bright and early with a scenic 5–6-hour drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. As you journey through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, you will pass through the lively Luwero District, where you’ll get to see vibrant roadside markets and sprawling farmlands. The rolling landscapes offer an authentic glimpse of rural Uganda, from its agricultural richness to the daily lives of its people. As you approach Murchison Falls National Park, the surroundings shift to vast savannah grasslands, thick woodlands, and shimmering river views.
Upon arriving at the park, we’ll head directly to the top of the mighty Murchison Falls. This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges dramatically into the waters below. You’ll take a guided hike to the top, where the thunderous sound of the falls will fill the air, and mist will rise around you. This is one of the most scenic and iconic spots in Uganda, perfect for photography and taking in nature’s raw power.
Afternoon Boat Cruise: A Journey Along the Nile
After experiencing the falls from above, the adventure continues with an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River. This leisurely boat ride offers unparalleled opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo. Keep your camera ready for fantastic shots of birdlife, including the elegant African fish eagle, kingfishers, and the elusive shoebill stork. As the boat approaches the base of Murchison Falls, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the sheer force and beauty of the falls from a unique water-level perspective.
Evening and Night Game Drives: The Quest for the Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari
As the sun sets, we’ll embark on an evening game drive through the savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. This is prime time to spot predators such as lions and leopards, as they emerge from the shade to begin their nightly hunts. Other species you’re likely to encounter include elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. The open landscape, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, creates a magical backdrop for wildlife viewing.
After dinner, the adventure continues with a thrilling night game drive. With the aid of spotlights, your Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari guide will help you track nocturnal animals like hyenas, aardvarks, and night birds. The night comes alive in the African bush, offering a different perspective on wildlife behavior and movement under the stars. The night game drive adds an extra layer of excitement and discovery to your Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari, as you witness the activity of the park’s nocturnal inhabitants. This full day of exploration ends with an overnight stay in one of the park’s well-appointed lodges, where you can relax and prepare for more excitement on the second day.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls, White Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary, Afternoon Drive Back to Kampala – End of Safari
Morning Game Drive: Last Chance for the Big 5
The second day of your Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari starts with another early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This is the optimal time to see wildlife in action, as the cool morning air encourages animal activity. The game drive will take you across the savannah, woodlands, and riverine areas, where you’ll have a final chance to spot the Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos (which you’ll track later in the day at Ziwa). Giraffes gracefully roam the plains, while herds of antelopes, including Uganda kob and hartebeest, graze peacefully. The morning hours provide excellent lighting for photography, capturing the animals and landscape at their best.
After a fulfilling morning drive and breakfast at the lodge, we begin our journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, about a 2-hour drive from Murchison Falls.
White Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only location where white rhinos can be seen in their natural habitat. Dedicated to the conservation and reintroduction of rhinos, this sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to track these endangered animals on foot, under the guidance of Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari expert rangers. The tracking experience is exhilarating, as you venture through the bush, listening to the sounds of the wild, until you come face-to-face with the magnificent rhinos.
As you observe the rhinos up close, you’ll learn about the vital conservation efforts that are helping to increase their population in Uganda. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to other species such as bushbucks, oribis, and a variety of bird species, making it a rich area for wildlife enthusiasts.
Afternoon Drive Back to Kampala – End of Safari
After the rhino tracking adventure, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch before starting the road Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari journey back to Kampala. This scenic drive offers a final opportunity to take in the beauty of Uganda’s countryside. You’ll arrive back in Kampala in the late afternoon or early evening, where your incredible two-day Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari comes to an end. Though short, this tour is filled with unforgettable moments, from the thunderous power of Murchison Falls to the quiet majesty of rhinos at Ziwa. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience offers a perfect snapshot of Uganda’s natural treasures.
- Destination: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Kampala City
- Accommodation: End of Business
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch En-route, Drinking Water
Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation for one night in Murchison Falls National Park
- Park entry fees to Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat cruise on the Nile River
- All game drives (day and night)
- Rhino tracking fees at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Bottled water throughout the safari
- All meals as per the itinerary
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
Conclusion
Winton Africa Safaris’ 2 Days Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda Big Five Wildlife Safari is an ideal option for travelers seeking an intense yet compact wildlife experience. Over the course of two days, you’ll explore Uganda’s largest national park, marvel at the mighty Murchison Falls, enjoy game drives in search of the Big 5, cruise along the iconic Nile River, and track white rhinos at the Ziwa Sanctuary. This short safari packs in incredible wildlife encounters and memorable scenic highlights, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
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Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees
| Category | Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) US$ | Foreign Residents (FR) US$ | Rest Of Africa (ROA) US$ | Citizens of East African Member States (EAC) |
| Adults | 45 | 35 | 30 | |
| Children | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Ugandan Pupils and/ or Students (Groups) | NA | NA | NA | 3,000/= |
| Tertiary Institutions/ Universities | NA | NA | NA | 5,000/= |
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Entrance & Activities Fees
| Category | Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) US$ | Foreign Residents (FR) US$ | Citizens of East African Member States (EAC) |
| Entrance Fees | 20 | 20 | 10,000/= |
| Rhino Tracking | 30 | 20 | 20,000/= |
| Nature Walks | 20 | 20 | 20,000/= |
| Bird-Watching | 20 | 20 | 20,000/= |
| Shoebill Tracking | 25 | 20 | 20,000/= |
