Value+ Midrange Murchison Falls Park 4 Day Big 5 Wildlife Safari
A Value+ Moderately Priced Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park done Hakuna Matata Style-No-Worries.
This Value+ Midrange 4 Day-Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park: Experience the thrill of adventure on this Value+ Midrange 4 Day-Big 5 Wildlife Safari in Murchison Falls Park.
This safari is designed to offer you an exceptional African wildlife adventure, combined with the opportunity to see Rhinos, chimpanzees, explore the magnificent River Nile, and marvel at the awe-inspiring power of the world’s mightiest waterfall, all within just 4 days.
During your safari, you’ll be stay at the highly regarded midrange Pakuba Safari Lodge, which boasts the best location for game drives within Murchison Falls Park.
This safari package goes beyond the Big 5. You’ll also have the opportunity to encounter our close relatives, the chimpanzees, in their natural habitat. Trek through the lush Budongo forests, guided by experienced rangers, and witness the playful antics and remarkable intelligence of these incredible primates. It’s a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level and gain a greater understanding of our shared evolutionary history.
The adventure continues as you explore the legendary River Nile, the lifeblood of Africa. Embark on a mesmerizing boat
cruise along the Nile, where you’ll witness crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks and hippos bobbing in the water. The ever-present birdlife adds a vibrant touch to the scenery, making it a photographer’s paradise. And the grand finale awaits you at Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous display of cascading water. The sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder will leave you speechless.
What sets your safari apart is the incredible value it offers. The package includes all activity fees and permits for chimpanzee encounters, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the adventure without any additional costs. We’ve taken care of everything, except for tips and drinks at the lodge, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your safari experience.
Join us on this safari journey, where you’ll witness the Big 5, encounter chimpanzees, explore the River Nile, and marvel at the magnificent Murchison Falls, all within just 4 days. Our Value+ Midrange 4 Day-Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park is the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and natural wonders, offering you an exceptional African safari experience. Book now and let us take care of all the details, ensuring your safari is truly a Hakuna Matata – a no-worries experience.
Value+ Midrange 4-Day-Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park Highlights:
- Three Game Drives: Where you see Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Lions, Leopards, Warthogs, and more.
- Wildlife Boat Cruise on the Nile: This is undoubtedly the best Wildlife Boat Cruise in East Africa.
- Top of the Falls Hike: This is a 45-minute hike up to the top.
- Rhino Tracking on Foot: Track Rhinos guided by Rangers. Enjoy your stay at Amuka Lodge.
- Stay at the best Wildlife Location Lodge: You will spend two nights at Pakuba lodge- AC – A swimming pool is available.
- Private Safari Vehicle: The 4×4 safari vehicle is just for you. Bottled water is available in the car.
- Experienced – Professional Driver-Guide: It is best to go on a Safari with a local.
Value+ Midrange 4-Day-Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park in Detail:
Day 1 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Depart Kampala or Entebbe at 7:00 am for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The drive time is about three hours through Luwero heading north. We check into Amuka Lodge, which is inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Amuka Lodge:
Enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of Amuka Lodge, where hospitality is our top priority. Amuka lodge provides a friendly and welcoming environment that will make you feel right at home. Your accommodation will be in a charming permanent tented cottage, complete with an ensuite bath, a spacious room, and a private verandah. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a thrilling day of safari adventures.
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, providing a delightful way to cool off and make the most of your free time. Whether you want to take a refreshing dip or simply lounge by the poolside, it’s a wonderful amenity for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Amuka Lodge takes pride in our delectable meals, which are curated under the guidance of our South African management. You’ll be treated to a delightful culinary experience, with many meals prepared on our BBQ grill. Our menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. We understand the importance of accommodating different preferences and ensuring that every guest’s culinary requirements are met.
Amuka Lodge strives to create a memorable and comfortable experience for our guests. From our friendly staff to our well-appointed accommodations and delectable meals, every aspect of your stay is designed to exceed your expectations. Join us for a truly unforgettable safari adventure, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and enjoy the warm hospitality of Amuka Lodge.
Rhino Tracking on Foot:
You will find that Rhino Trekking on foot is a one-of-a-kind experience. You are guided by armed Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers who take you up close to the Rhinos.
You are very close to the Rhinos and come within ten meters of the massive animals and have great opportunities to take pictures. The trek is about two hours long.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a Rhino conservation project. Rhinos were wiped out during Uganda’s turbulent times. A sizeable portion of the Rhinos will soon be released into the wild, and Rhinos will once again be in Uganda’s parks or wildlife reserves.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a vast reserve heavily guarded against potential poachers. It is home to Rhinos, an abundance of wildlife, and a great birding destination.
Read more about Rhino Trekking here.
Lugogo Swamp Boat Ride in search of the Shoebill:
During the late afternoon, get ready for an incredible adventure as you go on the Lugogo Swamp Boat Ride in search of the legendary Shoebill. As the late afternoon sets in, we venture into Lugogo Swamp, a part of the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This guided boat ride offers you the opportunity to encounter one of Africa’s most coveted avian treasures—the elusive Shoebill.
Lugogo Swamp stands out as one of Uganda’s premier locations for observing this ancient and captivating bird species. The Shoebill, aptly named for its distinctive and hefty bill that Arab Traders likened to a flying shoe, is a truly remarkable creature. Although once classified as a stork, it is now recognized as closely related to pelicans, adding to its uniqueness and allure.
During the boat ride, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the Shoebill in its natural habitat. Often, you’ll find these magnificent creatures standing still for extended periods, patiently scanning the water or mud below, ready to strike at a lungfish. It’s a mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
As you explore Lugogo Swamp, keep your eyes open for other fascinating water and swamp birds that call this area home. The diverse avian species will captivate you with their beauty and unique behaviors. Additionally, you may also have the chance to spot some of the swamp’s resident mammals, such as the graceful sitatunga antelopes and the elusive bush pigs, adding an extra element of excitement to your adventure.
Enjoy this boat journey into the heart of nature, where you’ll have the chance to witness the majestic Shoebill and discover the remarkable diversity of Lugogo Swamp’s birdlife and wildlife. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity—book your Lugogo Swamp Boat Ride today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Read more about the Shoebill here.
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner:
Day 2 – Murchison Falls Park:
This morning we head for Murchison Falls Park. This is a three-hour-plus drive to Pakuba Lodge, which will be your safari home for the next two nights.
Pakuba Lodge:
Afternoon Game Drive:
Be ready for an adventure as we embark on an Afternoon Game Drive in search of the magnificent Big 5. Having already encountered the Rhinos, it’s time to set our sights on Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes, creating the perfect opportunity for unforgettable wildlife encounters in Murchison Falls Park.
During the game drive, spotting Elephants and Buffaloes is almost guaranteed, as they roam these lands in abundance. However, uncovering the elusive Lions and Leopards will require a keen eye and the expertise of our experienced guides. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Ugandan Wildlife Authority Ranger, your safety, security, and guidance are ensured throughout the journey.
Your driver-guide and the Ranger will provide invaluable insights into the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park, enriching your understanding of the fascinating creatures you encounter. With each turn, a new surprise awaits, as you discover different animal species and witness their natural behaviors in their pristine habitat.
After the excitement of the game drive, we return to the comfort of Pakuba Lodge, where you can indulge in a delicious dinner and unwind from the day’s adventures. The lodge provides a serene and inviting atmosphere, ensuring a restful evening to recharge for future explorations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3 – Murchison Falls Park:
Morning Game Drive:
Sunrise Game drive this morning. Game drives will take place on different tracks most of the time. We will do our best to make sure that you spot the Big 5 animals.
Option – Sunrise Nile Breakfast Cruise:
Instead of the morning Game Drive, you can choose a Sunrise Breakfast cruise where your meal is prepared on board by a chef. This has become a prevalent notion for many.
Nile Wildlife Boat Cruise:
After lunch, it is one of the highlights of your Murchison Falls National Park Safari, the boat launch trip up the Nile River. You are slowly moving along the riverbank, viewing crocodiles, an abundance of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and many birds, including the fish eagle, storks, and so much more. The boat moves gently up the river and stays on the left-hand side so that you see most of the animals who come to the river. Herds of Elephants cooling off, Hippopotamus frolicking, crocodiles just dozing in the African sun.
Then there are the Murchison Falls, which are a remarkable display of the power of nature. The river is 50 meters above the falls, moves down through a 6-meter gorge, and falls 43 meters, the sound is loud, and the sight makes one realize how dynamic nature can be. The water at the bottom of the falls is churning. Any vegetation is mulched by the force of the water resulting in large sheets of foam, not from pollution but from the river’s power.
There is a bank on the river filled with Nile crocodiles basking in the afternoon sun. Just down from there, you can see a group of hippos frolicking in the water of the Nile. There are thousands of hippopotami to be found here, birds in abundance.
The journey down the river slowly begins and more opportunities for viewing animals before you return to your lodging for dinner and an evening of rest, don’t miss spotting some storks, eagles, egrets, and many other birds. There are also a variety of primates to be found on the shores. Enjoy the Nile.
Top of the Falls Hike:
Option: Disembark at the bottom of the falls and hike up the sides with UWA and hike the trail Winston Churchill took on his 1907 journey through Uganda. This is the most powerful waterfall in the world, and you can sense that as you feel the ground tremble beneath you. The trail takes about 45 minutes, and your driver/guide meets you at the top of the falls, from where you return to Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Please Note: The Top of the Falls Hike may not be available due to high-water conditions.
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest:
After morning and breakfast, we take you on a morning game drive afterwardwe we move to Budongo Forest, which is in the greater Murchison Falls Park conservation area. Drive-Time to the Forest is 1 1/2 hours. Check-in at the Budongo Eco-Lodge, the only lodge inside the Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
After Lunch, it is your time with a Chimpanzee Troop in the Forest. Budongo Forest is a Jane Goodall Chimpanzee research area in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Chimpanzee Trek itself lasts three to four hours, during which you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour with a Chimpanzee Troop. Budongo Forest is renowned as one of Uganda’s best areas for Chimpanzee trekking, offering a unique chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
As you venture through Budongo Forest, keep your senses alert for the sights and sounds of the forest. Listen to the rustle of leaves and the calls of the chimpanzees as you navigate the lush surroundings. Your experienced guides will provide insights into the chimpanzees’ behavior, ecology, and the importance of their conservation.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest is a confident and awe-inspiring experience that allows you to connect with these intelligent creatures and gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Join us on this remarkable journey, and let the magic of Budongo Forest captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Chimpanzee Trekking Wear and Gear:
- Daypack: Carry a sturdy daypack to hold your essentials.
- Water: Bring at least one liter of water to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Energy snacks: Pack some nourishing snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Hat: Protect your head from the sun with a hat.
- Hiking boots: Wear well-worn hiking boots for comfort and stability.
- Thick socks: Opt for thick socks and tuck your long trousers into them to prevent insects from entering.
- Long-sleeved shirt: Wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from scratches and insect bites.
- Light rain jacket: Carry a lightweight rain jacket in your daypack, as weather conditions can change.
Return to Kampala early evening hours and your lodging; if you need advice on a hotel in Kampala – ask us… as the Big 5 Wildlife Safari-Murchison Falls Park comes to an end after having seen the most powerful waterfall on earth, the River Nile, the abundant wildlife, and tracked Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest and Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and hopefully got a look at the Big 5 on this safari with the added plus of chimpanzee trekking all on a Value+ Midrange Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch
What is included in your 4-Day – Big 5 Wildlife Safari Murchison Falls Park?
- Full-Board stays at safe, secure quality Lodges: We choose welcoming, friendly, and hospitable quality lodges for your Safari. You have your private ensuite bathroom. Many Lodges in Savannah Parks have swimming pools, including midrange lodges.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Meals: We can accommodate vegetarians and vegans on a safari. Additionally, there are kid-friendly meals for families with children. Kosher Friendly meals can also be provided, while strict kosher requirements cannot be met.
- Chimpanzee Permits: Permits are included in the Safari.
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle equipped with Pop-Up Roof: You have an experienced driver-guide that will guide you on a Safari through the Pearl of Africa. The vehicle has a refrigerated unit, and bottled water and fruit snacks are available on longer drives.
- WiFi Router: We can make arrangements for a MiFi Router for you, which would give you access to the internet even in your cottage since, at most lodges, WiFi is available only in the leading club. You would incur a small charge for the use and data of a MiFi Router.
- AMREF-Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance: Your Well-being is foremost on our mind, and we automatically include emergency air-evac insurance.
I have not included: Visas, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Tips, drinks at lodges such as Alcoholic drinks and sodas, and optional listed activities.
What is a Value+ Midrange Safari?
Our Value+ Safaris are private, full-service Safari using quality, midrange lodges with ensuite rooms or cottages. Our Value+ Hakuna Matata Safaris come with a full-board meal plan and a private safari vehicle with your experienced driver guide, who will introduce you to Uganda, its primate, wildlife, and Ugandan culture.
We are fully committed to keep you safe on your Safari in Uganda.
