Highlights
- Go on a game drive through Murchison Falls National Park to spot Big Five wildlife
- Cruise by boat along the Nile River to the top of the powerful Murchison Falls
- Trek to see wild white rhinos in their natural habitat at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Go quad biking along the Nile River and take a boat cruise to the source of the Nile
- Discover the local history and delicious street food on a city tour of Kampala
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Entebbe, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 2 | Game Drive & Boat Ride at Murchison Falls | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Jinja via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Jinja |
| Day 4 | Quad Biking, Coffee Experience, Source of the Nile Boat Tour | Jinja |
| Day 5 | Kampala City Tour & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will meet you for your transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, where you'll head out on a thrilling game drive. Soak up the pristine savanna as you explore diverse habitats and spot the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife, such as giraffes, hartebeests, bushbucks, jackals, hyenas, oribis, Uganda kobs, and many others.
Your experienced guide will provide insights into the animals' behaviors and the significance of the various habitats you pass through. They'll also ensure you have plenty of opportunities to capture some stunning photographs of the wildlife and landscapes, so be sure to bring your camera along for the ride.
Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Ride at Murchison Falls
Your day begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation, setting off once again on a game drive through the diverse landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. Keep watch for the remarkable wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, lion, and various antelope species. Your skilled guide will take you to the best spots for sightings and share fascinating facts about the park's flora and fauna throughout the drive.
Next, board a boat for a cruise along the Nile Delta, where you can spot the rare shoebill stork. As you sail along the tranquil waters, your guide will provide insights into the surrounding ecosystem and the resident bird species. Later, continue to the top of the impressive Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically narrows and plunges down a 148-foot (45 m) drop. Feel the force of the water as you take in the spectacular views and snap photos of the powerful cascades. Following the game drive and boat cruise, return to your accommodation for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Day 3: Transfer to Jinja via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, your driver will take you to the town of Masindi, where you'll visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see the endangered southern white rhino in the wild. Six white rhinos were introduced to Ziwa in 2006, and since then, they've had 26 births, bringing their present population up to 32. After arriving, you'll receive a briefing about the rhinos, then head off on a rhino trekking experience. Your experienced ranger will guide you through the bush on foot in search of the rhinos.
As the rhinos are free to move around the 27 square mile (70 sq km) sanctuary, you'll track the rhinos to wherever they are located that day. Once you find them, you'll have an hour to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat. After the rhino trekking experience, hit the road again, stopping for lunch before arriving at your accommodation in Jinja in the evening. Set on the shore of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake), Jinja is located at the source of the Nile and is famed for its beautiful landscapes, whitewater rapids, and wildlife.
Day 4: Quad Biking, Coffee Experience, Source of the Nile Boat Tour
This morning, head off on a two-hour quad biking experience in Jinja, exploring remote areas along the banks of the Nile River. Ride through rural villages, forests, and sugar cane plantations while enjoying the stunning landscapes. Prior experience is not required, as a free session is provided before each trip, ensuring all riders feel comfortable and confident on their quad bikes. The experienced guides will tailor the trip to suit each rider's ability, ensuring everyone gets the most out of this exciting experience.
Next, embark on a one-hour scenic hike through the local banana plantations, arriving at a traditional homestay for an authentic coffee experience. You'll be warmly welcomed by a local resident who will guide you through the entire coffee-making process, from bean to cup. After your aromatic coffee experience, head back to Jinja, enjoying a local lunch along the way.
The thrills continue later in the day with a boat ride to the source of the mighty Nile River, where it spills from Lake Victoria and flows rapidly northward toward the Mediterranean Sea. You'll have the unique opportunity to taste water from two of the world's largest water sources and witness the incredible power of the world's longest river in Africa as it begins its iconic journey.
Day 5: Kampala City Tour & Depart
This morning, your private driver will take you from Jinja to Entebbe International Airport, stopping in the capital Kampala along the way for a city tour. Set on the edge of Lake Victoria, Kampala is rich in history and culture. Your tour will start with a visit to the Uganda Museum, then you'll take a 30-minute boda boda (motorcycle taxi) ride through the streets, soaking up the sights and sounds of Kampala. Stop to taste Kampala's famous snack, the "rolex," a vegetable omelet rolled up in chapati (flat bread). It's called a rolex because it can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
Later, enjoy a local lunch of luwombo, a traditional Ugandan dish cooked in a banana leaf pouch. After lunch, admire Kabaka's Palace with your local guide sharing its royal history. From there, visit Idi Amin's torture chambers, with your guide sharing the history of the former dictator and his horrific crimes. If you have time before your flight, head to a local craft market to shop for souvenirs. When it's time to depart, your private driver will transfer you to the airport. Safe travels!
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