Morning: Start your journey with a drive from Kampala to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you will embark on an exciting rhino tracking tour, where you will get up close with these majestic creatures under the guidance of an expert ranger. Zziwa Sanctuary is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, home to species like the shoebill stork. You can add a birding tour or a nature walk through the wetlands for a more immersive experience.
Afternoon: Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the sanctuary before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park.
Evening: Check into your lodge within the park, ready for a safari adventure tomorrow.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe Lodge/ Nile Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodg/Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge/ Heritage Safari Lodge
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
Morning: Kick off the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the park. The open savannah is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, alongside giraffes, hippos, and antelopes.
Afternoon: After lunch, embark on the famous boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a range of birdlife such as fish eagles and kingfishers.
Evening: Disembark for a short hike to the top of the falls and experience the power of the Nile crashing through the narrow gorge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Budongo Forest
Morning: Head to the Budongo Forest Reserve for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Kaniyo Pabidi. Walk through the lush forest and spot primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys and various bird species like the chocolate-backed kingfisher and yellow-footed flycatcher.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest, followed by more **birding** in this rich birding paradise or a peaceful nature walk.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bakers Lodge
Midrange: Budongo Eco Lodge
Budget: Boomu Cultural Village Stay
Day 4: Fishing and Cultural Village Visit
Morning: Spend the early hours trying your luck at fishing in the Nile, a hotspot for Nile perch and tiger fish. This activity is both thrilling and rewarding, with professional guides on hand to assist.
Afternoon: After the fishing expedition, drive to the Boomu Women’s Cultural Village for a traditional lunch and cultural interaction. Learn about local farming, cooking, and crafts from the Bunyoro community.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
Morning: Set off for the scenic drive north to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular and remote parks (about a 7-hour drive). You’ll pass through small towns and rolling hills, providing a glimpse of rural Uganda.
Evening: Arrive in Kidepo and settle into your lodge, surrounded by the untamed wilderness.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget: Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
Day 6: Game Drives and Cultural Experience in Kidepo Valley
Morning: Take an early morning game drive across the vast plains of Kidepo, where you’ll see lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, and zebras. The stunning scenery and solitude of this park make it one of Africa’s hidden gems.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Karamojong community, a pastoral group known for their cattle herding traditions. Learn about their way of life, try your hand at traditional spear-throwing, and enjoy their energetic dances.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget: Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
Day 7: Transfer to Sipi Falls and Coffee Tour
Morning: Depart from Kidepo early and make your way to **Sipi Falls**, located on the foothills of Mount Elgon (about 6-7 hours).
Afternoon: Upon arrival, take a guided **hike to Sipi Falls**, visiting all three waterfalls and marvelling at the breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, engage in a **coffee tour**, learning about the traditional methods of coffee growing, harvesting, and roasting from local farmers.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Midrange: Lacam Lodge
Budget: Noah's Ark Lodge
Day 8: Sipi Falls and Return to Kampala
Morning: Enjoy a morning nature walk to explore more of the beautiful Sipi Falls area or try abseiling down the waterfall for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Afternoon: Depart for Kampala, concluding your 8-day safari adventure through Uganda’s most diverse and captivating landscapes.
Highlights of the 8-Day Tour: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Trekking to see endangered white rhinos
Murchison Falls National Park: Game drives, boat cruise, and hike to the top of the falls
Budongo Forest: Chimpanzee trekking and birding
Fishing in the Nile and visit to the Boomu Cultural Village
Kidepo Valley National Park: Game drives and cultural interaction with the Karamojong
