ziwa rhino sanctuary
Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari 3-Day: Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Tracking Safari
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of Uganda with Winton Africa Safaris‘ 3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari. This carefully crafted itinerary allows you to experience the iconic Big5 game animals, hike to the dramatic top of Murchison Falls, and engage in thrilling white rhino tracking at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Every moment on this Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari adventure has been meticulously designed to provide an immersive experience into Uganda’s most exciting wildlife and scenic destinations. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and exclusive safari activities, this three-day safari promises not only to satisfy the desires of adventure seekers but also to offer unparalleled encounters with Africa’s magnificent wildlife.
3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari – Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Tracking Safari
- Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls and Evening Game Drive
- Day 2: Full-Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive
- Day 3: Early Morning Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for White Rhino Tracking, and Road Transfer to Kampala – End of Safari
Tour Quotation for 2 Persons (Couple) in USD
| Category | 1 Person Sharing | 2 Persons Sharing |
| Budget | US$732 | US$1464 |
| Mid-Range | US$816 | US$1632 |
| Luxury | US$1116 | US$2232 |
Murchison Falls National Park
Detailed 3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls and Evening Game Drive
A Scenic Journey to Murchison Falls National Park
Your 3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your Kampala accommodation as we embark on a 5–6-hour drive to Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls National Park. The road transfer offers an opportunity to witness Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests and traditional rural homesteads. The drive will take you through the lush Luwero Triangle, where the countryside reveals its rich agricultural practices, offering a glimpse of everyday life in Uganda.
Upon arriving at the park, we head straight to one of the most iconic sites in East Africa—the mighty Murchison Falls. This dramatic waterfall is where the Nile River narrows to a mere 7 meters and forces itself through a rocky gorge before plunging 45 meters below into a foaming pool. We will hike to the top of the falls, a moderate trek that allows you to get up close to the roaring waters, with opportunities to take photographs from various vantage points. Along the way, you may spot a variety of bird species and smaller wildlife, such as warthogs and baboons, that roam the surrounding savannah.
Evening Game Drive to Spot the Big5
As the day cools, we set out on an evening game drive through the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards—the famous Big5. Your 3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari guide will expertly navigate the park’s tracks, ensuring you have ample opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The evening is an ideal time to observe predators, as lions and leopards become more active, readying themselves for their nightly hunt. Herbivores such as giraffes, antelopes, and Uganda kobs graze in the golden light of the setting sun, providing breathtaking photographic moments. After this exhilarating drive, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night, in anticipation of another action-packed day.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 2: Full-Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive
Morning Game Drive: Tracking Wildlife in the Golden Dawn
The second day of your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari begins with an early morning game drive, often considered the best time to see wildlife as the animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day. We will explore the open savannah, searching for sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, and more. The park is also home to various other species, including Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Your 3-Day Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari guide will help you track the movement of wildlife, often stopping to allow you to fully observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment. With the rising sun casting a golden hue over the landscape, this morning adventure is bound to leave you in awe.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile River
After a hearty lunch at the lodge, the next phase of your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari adventure takes place on the waters of the Nile. You will embark on a relaxing yet exciting boat cruise that takes you along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks. The river is also a bird lover’s paradise, with frequent sightings of African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. As you approach the falls, the sound of the rushing water grows louder, and you will be able to witness the full majesty of Murchison Falls from a unique perspective. The experience of gliding along the Nile, surrounded by wildlife, with the backdrop of the falls in the distance, is truly one of the highlights of this safari.
Evening Game Drive: The Final Wildlife Chase
The adventure doesn’t end there. Upon returning from the boat cruise, we will set out on another evening game drive to explore more of Murchison Falls National Park. This time, the focus is on tracking nocturnal animals as they begin to stir in preparation for the night. Your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari guide will use their expertise to help you spot elusive species such as leopards and hyenas. The evening sky provides a dramatic setting as the sun sets over the horizon, bathing the savannah in warm, orange light. This final game drive offers one last opportunity to capture unforgettable wildlife moments before we return to the lodge for a peaceful night under the African sky.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 3: Early Morning Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for White Rhino Tracking, and Road Transfer to Kampala – End of Safari
Tracking White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On the final day of your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari, we depart early from Murchison Falls National Park and make our way to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located approximately 2.5 hours from the park. This sanctuary is a conservation success story, as it has been pivotal in reintroducing rhinos to Uganda after they were poached to extinction in the wild. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in their natural habitat.
Here, you’ll engage in an on-foot rhino tracking experience led by a highly trained ranger. Walking through the bush, you will get close to these magnificent creatures, observing them as they graze and interact with their environment. The thrill of being on foot in the presence of these endangered giants is a humbling and unforgettable experience. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife species, including antelopes, monkeys, and an array of birdlife, making this stop a perfect way to conclude your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari Adventure.
Road Transfer to Kampala
After an exhilarating morning at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, we will begin the drive back to Kampala, where your Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari will conclude. As you reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes of the past three days, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Uganda’s natural beauty and wildlife conservation efforts.
- Destination: Kampala City
- Accommodation: End of Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water
Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entry fees to Murchison Falls National Park
- All game drives and boat cruise activities
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Full-board accommodation for two nights
- Bottled water during the safari
- Government taxes and levies
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, tips)
- Travel insurance
Latest Tips to Help You Plan Your Best Africa Safari Experience
About Winton Africa Safaris
Winton Africa Safaris is a premier Uganda Big5 Wildlife Safari operator renowned for delivering exceptional and personalized safari experiences across East Africa. Our commitment to sustainable tourism, expert guides, and luxury service ensures that every guest leaves with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re tracking gorillas in Uganda’s misty forests, chasing the Great Migration in Kenya, or embarking on birding expeditions across Africa’s most biodiverse regions, Winton Africa Safaris tailors each experience to meet your travel dreams. Our dedication to conservation and ethical tourism makes us the ideal choice for those looking to explore Africa’s wonders while contributing to the preservation of its wildlife and ecosystems. Join us for an extraordinary safari adventure where nature’s majesty unfolds before your eyes.
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/= |
