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The 3 days Uganda big five safari leads visitors to Uganda’s oldest and largest Protected Area, Murchison falls National Park gazetted in 1952 within the North-western corner of the country. This 3840-square kilometer National Park offers an opportunity of encountering four of the big five animals (lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes) whole the fifth and most sought-after animal (Rhinos) are found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the Central district of Nakasongola.

3-days-uganda-big-five-safari

Highlights of the 3 days Uganda Big five safari

  • Rhino tracking.
  • Game drive with chances of encountering four of the big five animals and other wildlife species of the Park.
  • Plethora of bird species.
  • Transport by a customized 4WD Vehicle.
  • Hike to the top of the falls.
  • Launch cruise to the bottom of the Murchison falls.

Summarized itinerary of the 3 days Uganda Big five safari

Day 1: Drive to Murchison falls National Park through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 2: Game drive and afternoon launch cruise.

Day 3: Return to Kampala.

Detailed itinerary of the 3 days Uganda Big five safari

Day 1: Drive to Murchison falls National Park through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Our company driver shall meet and pick you up from your place of residence in Kampala or Entebbe at 6:30am after breakfast as well as briefing on the safari. Your interesting journey will involve going through the Kampala-Luwero-Nakasongola-Gulu highway but several stopovers. Your first stop will be in Nakasongola district where you shall branch off to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see one of the big five animals. Your visit to the Sanctuary will involve tracking the endangered Southern white Rhinos for 1-2 hours but most excitedly encounter other wildlife species at the site such as the Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, duikers and common elands among others.

Have lunch en-route (at Kabalega Diners) and proceed with your journey through the Kafu River, branching off to Masindi road and to the Park through one of the Park entrance gates. Be welcomed by the olive baboons and other wildlife species of the Park. Drive through the Park to the starting point for the Hike to the top of the Murchison falls. Later head for check in, dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight at:

  • Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.
  • Midrange: Murchison River Lodge or Heritage Safari Lodge.
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 6-7 hours.

Day 2: Game drive and afternoon launch cruise

Be up as early as 6:00am for breakfast and set out for the early morning game drive by 6:30am so as to catch-up with the nocturnal animals and other early risers of the Park especially Lions, leopards, jackals, serval cats, spotted hyenas and others. Even before you hit some of the game tracks, you will have encountered the elephants, buffaloes hence bringing your dream of seeing the big five animals true. Continue with the game drive while spotting the Defassa waterbucks, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Jackson’s hartebeests, Topis, Rothschild giraffes, Uganda kobs and Oribis among others. After 3-4 hours’ game drive, return to the Lodge for Lunch.

In the afternoon (2:00pm to be precise), set off for a relaxing launch cruise along the Nile River lasting 2-3 hours where you will expect Hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs and warthogs along the banks of the River. Also, don’t miss out the African fish eagles, Pied Kingfishers, Cattle egrets, Malachite kingfishers, Hornbills, African fish eagles, herons and many other bird species along the banks, within the nearby wetlands while others flying freely in the skies. This Launch cruise will lead you to the bottom of the beautiful Murchison falls where you will be marveled by how large masses of water pass through a narrow gorge of only 7 meters before falling into the magnificent devil’s cauldron and creating a breathtaking rainbow on the top. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight at:

  • Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.
  • Midrange: Murchison River Lodge or Heritage Safari Lodge.
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Meal Plan: Full board.

Day 3: Return to Kampala

Have breakfast and set out for another game drive that will increase your chances of seeing four of the big five animals. Check-out of the Lodge and return to Kampala with lunch en-route.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.

Travel time: 6 hours.

Your 3 days Uganda big five safari includes;

  • Transport by a customized 4WD Vehicle plus fuel fees.
  • Meals as per the meal plan.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Ranger/guide fees.
  • 2 nights’ accommodation.
  • Bottled water.
  • Relevant Government taxes.
  • Game drives.
  • Launch cruise fees.
  • Hike to the top of the falls.
  • Rhino tracking fees.
  • Driver/guide allowances.

Your 3 days Uganda big five safari excludes;

  • Personal expenses such as tips (to driver, ranger, waiters/waitresses and receptionists), souvenirs, other shopping, cigarettes, beverages, laundry fees and telephone expenses.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Visa fees.
  • Domestic and International airfares.

Packing list for your 3 days Uganda big five safari

Don’t forget to come along with;

  • Long and short-sleeved shirts.
  • Pair of shorts.
  • Rain jacket.
  • A sweater.
  • Hiking boots.
  • Wide-brimmed hat.
  • Insect repellant.
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, hand sanitizer and many others.
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