OVER VIEW
Enjoy an unforgettable 8-day safari through Uganda’s iconic wilderness on our Off the Beaten Track Murchison Falls & Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve Adventure. Experience thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes. T
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
You will be picked up from your overnight accommodation and transferred to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, arriving just in time for a delicious lunch and some relaxation. In the evening, embark on a captivating nature walk through the ranch's scenic trails, which wind through savannahs, woodlands, and marshes.
Along the way, discover diverse flora and encounter fascinating wildlife, including Bushbucks, Oribis, Waterbucks, Warthogs, and Uganda Kobs. Look out for Bush Pigs and playful primates such as Vervet Monkeys and Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, all thriving in this unique sanctuary.
Alternative activity: Birding at the Ranch or Climb Kasozi Rock.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: Ziwa Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Today you will set off for a guided canoe experience after a short nature walk through lush vegetation, you'll board a canoe to navigate through the peaceful Lugogo Swamp, gliding silently across the waters. Look out for the Shoebill Stork, you may also encounter other fascinating bird species such as Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, and Papyrus Gonoleks. Later return for breakfast and relaxation.
After lunch, head out for the Rhino Trekking Session guided by experts who will brief you on essential rules and guidelines, ensuring the safety of both yourself and the rhinos. During this experience, you’ll learn about the sanctuary’s history, its dedicated conservation initiatives, and fascinating insights into the world of southern white rhino.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ziwa Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
The journey from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, offering picturesque views of the countryside and vast savannah landscapes. Along the way, look out for sightings of majestic wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and a variety of vibrant bird species, making the drive a delightful fusion of conservation and scenic beauty.
Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a hearty lunch and have time to unwind.
In the evening, set out on an exciting game drive across the park's diverse terrain, home to Africa’s iconic plains wildlife. Spot lions, graceful giraffes, mighty elephants, buffaloes, elusive leopards, and numerous antelope species. The Delta area, in particular, offers a remarkable chance to observe large herds of giraffes and elephants grazing peacefully against the stunning backdrop of the savannah.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Following a delightful early morning breakfast, immerse yourself in a half-day game drive along the northern bank of the Nile. This safari promises sightings of Uganda’s rich wildlife, including majestic elephants, buffaloes, graceful giraffes, powerful lions, hartebeests, waterbucks, and an array of vibrant bird species.
Later in the day, after lunch, indulge in a serene Nile cruise, navigating towards the base of the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls. Along the journey, look out for lazing hippos, strolling elephants, and sunbathing crocodiles dotting the picturesque shores. Later head back to the lode for relaxation and unwinding amidst the serene ambiance of the Nile’s tranquil waters.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
In the morning, our adventure begins with a visit to the Top of the Falls, offering a breathtaking view of the powerful Nile River as it plunges through a narrow seven-meter crevice, cascading 45 meters below in thunderous splendor. Following this unforgettable scenery, head to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve arriving in time for lunch and relaxation.
You will have an evening nature walk in the reserve from the Albertine Rift escarpment with rewards of the breathtaking views of several antelope species, warthogs, primates and bird species among others.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Today, you will enjoy a bird-watching session in the reserve, where over 460 bird species have been recorded, including Albertine Rift endemic species. Look out for birds such as the black-headed weaver, kingfishers, grey-crowned cranes, northern carmine bee-eater, yellow-billed ox-pecker, stripe-breasted tit, and dwarf honeyguides. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
In the evening, set out for a game safari to spot Uganda kobs, hippos, warthogs, duikers, impalas, bushbucks, and more. Get prepared for a bush dinner this evening at the Lodge.
Optional Activity: Fossil Hunting in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Bush Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
This day journey from Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve to Entebbe offers scenic views of rolling hills, lush countryside, and vibrant local communities. Travel through rural villages and past Kampala, Uganda's lively capital, before following the shores of Lake Victoria to Entebbe arriving in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Depending on your departure schedule, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center to encounter animals you may have missed during your Ugandan adventure. Enjoy a stroll through the center and then savor a relaxing lunch by the beach before departing for your flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Uganda, deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is in the Great Lakes Region in central Africa and boasts an ecological diversity that rivals that of many larger countries. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle. Uganda offers visitors incredible diversity through its multitude of varying ecosystems. Bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains (often called the Mountains of the Moon, the third highest in Africa), the Virunga Mountains, and Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, it's a beautiful country bursting with birds and wildlife.
In no other African destination can one see a comparable variety of primates with so little effort - not just the great apes but also more than ten monkey species. And, if Uganda had primate enthusiasts grinning with satisfaction, it would have birdwatchers doing cartwheels. Uganda is, by far, the smallest of the four African countries in which more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it is particularly rich in western rainforest specialists - undoubtedly the finest birdwatching in Africa.
For most, the highlight is found amongst the forests in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where facing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife encounters you will ever experience. Discover tree-climbing lions around Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek chimps in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, or snatch massive Nile perch up north at Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile cascades through a gap just seven meters wide. Adrenaline junkies will find Jinja simply exhilarating with its white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping activities. Jinja is rapidly emerging as East Africa's answer to the more southerly "adrenalin capital" Victoria Falls.
We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.
Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.
Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$55). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug at least two weeks before your arrival.
You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.
Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.
Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).
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If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 90 days for tourists only. The cost is USD100 per visa. For more information go to: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.
US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road e.g. for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.
Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.
Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:
Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags
Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.), consult your physician first.
Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.
Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.
Diarrhoea / Giardia - Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda, however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.
This is a guide only. Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for the latest information