Murchison falls wildlife and Rhino trekking

Safari Plans

• Day 1 Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

  i. Safari Commencement – 6:00am The adventure begins early as a professional driver–guide from Hear Nature Safaris picks you up from your preferred location then head north via the Kampala–Gulu highway, passing through bustling roadside towns, open savannah landscapes along the way. The journey offers scenic views and cultural snapshots of everyday life in central Uganda

  • ii. Arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – 10:00 AM (approx.) Arrive at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is Uganda’s only home to wild rhinos established in 2005 to reintroduce rhinos after decades of extinction in Uganda, the sanctuary now protects over 30 southern white rhinos in a secure, natural habitat. After a briefing by sanctuary rangers, you’ll set out for an exciting on-foot rhino tracking experience where you’ll walk through open bushland and savannah guided by expert rangers. This up-close wildlife encounter allows you to observe these massive creatures as they graze, rest, or roam, while learning about their behavior, threats, and conservation journey. Morning hours are ideal for tracking, as rhinos are often more active and visible before the heat sets in.
  • iii. Optional Nature Walk or Birdwatching – 12:00 PM For those interested in exploring more of the sanctuary, an optional guided nature walk or birding excursion is available. Ziwa is a haven for nature lovers, home to over 200 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Abyssinian ground hornbill. The peaceful walking trails offer opportunities to see other small mammals like bushbucks and warthogs in their natural setting.
  • iv. Lunch at the Sanctuary – 1:00 PM Settle in for a delicious and refreshing lunch at the sanctuary’s Lodge restaurant surrounded by forest and wildlife sounds. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes while soaking in the calm, untamed beauty of Ziwa.
  • v. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park – 2:00pm After lunch, resume your safari with a drive toward Murchison Falls National Park, entering through the Kichumbanyobo Gate in the southern sector. As you pass through the Budongo Forest Reserve, look out for baboons, monkeys, and tropical birdlife. The drive through the forest is shaded and serene, offering a peaceful transition from savannah to wilderness
  • vi. Arrival & Entry – 3:00 PM (approx.) Upon entering the park, enjoy a slow, scenic drive toward your lodge. You may spot warthogs, bushbucks, or even elephants along the way. Check in at your selected lodge inside or near the park, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and soak in the natural ambiance of Uganda’s oldest and most iconic national park.
  • vii. Top of the Falls Hike – 3:30 PM After arrival, head to the Top of Murchison Falls, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. Here, the mighty Nile River funnels through a 7- meter-wide gap in the rocks before crashing down 43 meters into the gorge below.
  • viii. Dinner & Overnight at the Lodge – 7:00 PM Dinner is served at the lodge, offering a mix of Ugandan and continental dishes prepared fresh with local ingredients. After a long and adventure-filled day, unwind under the stars and sleep to the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife a peaceful and authentic end to your first day in the wild.
• Day 2 Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drive & Boat Cruise

  i. Early Breakfast at the Lodge – 6:00am Rise early to the calls of birds and distant wildlife. Enjoy a hot breakfast at the lodge as the day begins, with fresh coffee, tea, fruits, and a light morning meal to prepare you for the adventure ahead.

  • ii. Morning Game Drive – 6:30am After breakfast, head out for a scenic game drive through the vast savannah landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. Led by your professional guide, this drive takes you across rolling plains and acaciadotted woodlands in search of Uganda’s iconic wildlife. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, and large herds of Uganda kob. With luck, you may spot lions or elusive leopards in the golden morning light. The cooler hours of the morning offer the best chances to see animals when they’re most active. Keep your camera ready this is one of the best photographic windows of the day
  • iii. Return to the Lodge & Leisure Time – 11:00am After your game drive, return to the lodge for some rest. You can take time to relax by the pool, enjoy a drink on the deck, or explore the lodge’s surroundings before lunch.
  • iv. 1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge Enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by the lodge’s chefs. Whether it’s local flavors or international cuisine, meals here are designed to refresh and refuel you in the middle of your safari day.
  • v. Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls 2:00am In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. As the boat glides upstream, you’ll pass pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, elephants, and an abundance of birds from African fish eagles to kingfishers and bee-eaters.
  • vi. Evening Game Drive En Route to the Lodge – 5:00PM After the boat cruise, enjoy a relaxed evening game drive as you head back to the lodge. This is a prime time to see animals becoming active again after the heat of the day. With the sun beginning to set, the park glows in warm light, perfect for wildlife photography and peaceful sightings.
  • vii. Relaxation at the Lodge – 5:30PM Arrive at your lodge and take time to freshen up, enjoy the views, or simply rest after a full day of activity. Some wildlife may be visible right from your room or lounge area, adding to the experience.
  • viii. Dinner and overnight – 7:00PM Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, under thatched roofs or the open sky depending on your lodge. Enjoy a delicious meal and toast to a day filled with unforgettable safari moments before retiring for a restful night.
• Day 3Other Activities in the Park & Departure.

  i. Early Breakfast at the Lodge – 7:30am Start your final safari day with a relaxed early breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, or tea and more as the park slowly stirs to life around you.

  • ii. Morning Game Drive (Optional) – 8:00am Head out for a short and easy-paced morning game drive. This final drive offers a chance to capture any missed sightings and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere. You may encounter giraffes browsing, elephants crossing, or antelopes grazing in the soft light a perfect safari send-off.
  • iii. Depart Murchison Falls National Park – 11:00am Begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, driving back through Masindi town and passing lush countryside, traditional farms, and bustling roadside markets. The journey offers scenic stops and a final look at Uganda’s rich rural landscape.
  • iv. Lunch Stop En Route – 1:00pm Enjoy a lunch break in Masindi or along the way (restaurant depending on your route and time), where you can stretch your legs and relax before completing your trip.
  • v. Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe – 5:00 to 6:30 PM (approx.) Arrive back in Kampala or Entebbe in the early evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day safari experience with Hear Nature Safaris. From rhinos and roaring waterfalls to vast savannahs and serene river cruises, this trip captures the heart of Uganda’s wild beauty.