The 4 Day Murchison Big Five Safari will take you down the Nile to two major safari parks, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park.
In Africa, the big five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros (both black and white species), elephant, and Cape buffalo.
The term “big five game” (usually capitalized or quoted as “Big Five”) was coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Subsequently the term was adopted by safari tour operators for marketing purposes.
The term is used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size – African Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape buffalo, and the white Rhino. The big five are among the most dangerous, yet most popular species for big-game hunters to hunt.
Day 1: Rhino Sanctuary and Sunset Views
On your way to Masindi from Kampala, branch off in Nakitoma – Nakasongola for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to view the rhinos walk followed by a picnic lunch.
Continue up to the Park, check in to your accommodation and take a sunset cruise on the River Nile or drive to the top of the falls where you can view both Murchison and the smaller Uhuru falls as the sun slowly descends.
Day 2: Game Drive and Launch Trip
Make the most of the morning by taking the 7am ferry (if staying on the south bank) to begin your game drive in Buligi. The area is home to many lions, as well as elephants, giraffes and other wildlife. After lunch, embark on the three-hour launch trip to the base of the Falls. Cruise past huge hippo pods, crocodiles, bathing buffalo and numerous aquatic birds adorning the north bank on the way to the mighty waterfall.
Day 3: Birding on the Delta and Game Drive to the Top of the falls
Birders will be in for a thrilling experience during the boat ride to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, where the River Nile meets Lake Albert. Have your binoculars ready for the rich bird life including the shoebill stork, Goliath heron and grey crowned crane. Alternatively, spend your morning relaxing at your lodge, cooling off in the pool, or taking a cultural walk to Mubako community with a local guide.
After lunch hop in the car for a game drive along the newly opened Tebito track, finishing with a short walk down to the top of the falls on the north bank. Spend the night in a lodge in Budongo Forest.
Day 4: Chimp Tracking or Birding in Budongo Forest
Meet our distant cousins! Gets an early start to catch chimps leaving their nests in the Budongo Forest, looking out for other primates and forest bird species along the way?
Alternatively, walk with an experienced guide along the renowned “Royal Mile” for some spectacular birding – over 360 species inhabit this forest.
In the afternoon, as you leave the Conservation Area, take a detour to Boomu Women’s Group just outside Kichumbanyobo park gate to discover a little about life in northwestern Uganda, and learn about the local culture, music and crafts.
End of Safari
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For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after you have arrived for the safari.