Overview:
This 08-Days Big Five Safari in Uganda takes you on an exploration of White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the stunning Murchison falls renown as the world’s most powerful waterfall located in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Mburo National Park. You will expect to see a spectacular array of wildlife species both aquatic and non-aquatic such as White Rhinos, Giraffes, Antelopes, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Nile crocodiles, Hippos among others.
Price/Rates
Budget-level – Price/Rates per person:
1 Person – $ 2,570
2 Persons – $ 1,760
3 Persons – $ 1,605
4 Persons – $ 1,445
5 Persons – $ 1,415
6 Persons – $ 1,335
Domestic and International flights not included.
Accommodation before and after the safari tour not included (we can arrange it for you at additional cost)
Highlights:
- Track White Rhinos in their natural habitat at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Have a chance to walk to top of Murchison Falls at Murchison Falls National Park
- Participate in afternoon & morning game drives at Murchison Falls National Park where you will expect to view animals like elephants, buffaloes, Lions, bush pigs, antelope’s families among others.
- Go for a 3 - hours boat safari upstream on the Victoria/Nile River to the falls where you will pass by breathtaking scenery, as well as many crocodiles, hundreds of hippos, buffaloes, water birds, monkeys & other animals that come down to the Nile
- Have a chance to visit Amabere caves & participate in a guided walk-in nature, hill climbing, birds viewing among others or go for crater lakes & plantation walk
- Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Stand in between 2 hemispheres at the same time & take enough photos at the 2 equator lines in Uganda
- Track Tree Climbing Lions at Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park where you expect to see a number of wildlife if time allows
- Go for relaxation & Boat/Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
- Participate in afternoon & morning game drives at Lake Mburo National Park
- Go for a 3 - hour’s walking safari on Lake Mburo at Lake Mburo National Park
- Enjoy the Nature of Uganda while staying in the best budget-level or mid-level or High-level accommodations these National Parks in Uganda have to offer
- Among others
Itinerary:
Have breakfast and transfer to Murchison Falls NP. The drive will take you through the Luwero Triangle and Budongo Forest in the Western arm of the Rift Valley, where you will also be rewarded with splendid countryside views.
You will arrive at Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, order lunch and enter the territory of Southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained rangers will guide you through the bush. You will have the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
You will proceed on a game drive, expecting to see several animals (keep your fingers crossed for lions and leopards). The game track network converges at Delta Point, where the Nile flows north out of Lake Albert; this is a convenient place to stop for refreshments and view water birds and distant hippos.
After your afternoon (sunset) game drive, you will check in to Fort Murchison Lodge for your dinner and overnight stay.
Fort Murchision Lodge is set on the eastern banks of the slow flowing Albert Nile, Fort Murchison Lodge revokes the idea of a well maintained isolated outpost from times where Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and legendary explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. Built in the right spot and inspired by the historical background, Fort Murchison Lodge is unlike any other in Uganda. The massive tower, the earth colored walls, the touch of Swahili style… will impress you from your arrival up to your departure!
Lunch, Dinner + drinking water are included.
Your safari breakfast will be served before the day breaks so that you can start your morning game drive as the sun comes up. Sunrise is the best time for wildlife spotting as animals tend to be the most active during the “golden hours”, when the first rays of sunshine come to rest on the savannah. Elephants, buffaloes & several species of antelope are some of the characters you may come across today, & if you’re lucky, you may even spot a lion or leopard.
You will return for lunch in the afternoon & go for a 3-hours boat safari upstream on the Victoria Nile to the falls where you will pass by breathtaking scenery, as well as many crocodiles, hundreds of hippos, buffaloes, water birds & animals that come down to the Nile. The boat will drop you near the waterfall for your hike (1-1.5 hrs) up to the top of the falls.
You will go for a short sunset game drive & return to the lodge for dinner & overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + drinking water are included.
On this day, you will enjoy your last sunrise & breakfast in this beautiful National Park in Uganda with a walk to top of Murchison Falls for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Here is your chance to see the beauty of the Nile perfected. Marvel at the immensely powerful falls, caused by the 50m-wide Nile being funnelled into a 7-metre cleft in the rocks. Dropping 40 metres with a thunderous roar, the falls create a beautiful rainbow and an impressive plume of spray-they were once described as the most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile along its 6700-kilometre length.
You will immediately start your journey from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park through Fort Portal town. Fort-Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Mountains and tea fields along the way with other several stopovers for beautiful scenery, landscape viewing among others before reaching Fort Portal for your lunch at Fort Portal Garden Restaurant.
In the afternoon after your lunch, you will go for a guided Crater Lakes & Plantation Walk. The landscape south of Fort Portal is dotted with picturesque crater lakes, some over 400m deep. These crater lakes are breathtakingly beautiful to behold, and offer one of the best hiking places in the area. The hikes lead you through several crater lakes, villages, tea plantations and waterfalls.
After your guided Crater Lakes & Plantation Walk, you will check in to Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Community Campsite for dinner & overnight stay.
Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve was established in 1991 to protect the ancient forest habitat which surrounds the volcanic crater lake. It is one of the few crater lakes in the region which has retained its lush forest habitat. It is extremely rich in biodiversity and supports a variety of birds and primates, including the Great Blue Turaco, black and white colobus, and the endangered Uganda red colobus.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + drinking water are included.
After breakfast, you will go for a community walk deeper into the forest on a swamp walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to 8 primate species, over 200 bird species, butterflies & various reptiles. The vegetation in this swamp is also a key attraction to the plant lovers. Some travelers also come to this jungle swamp to study the different plant types that the swamp holds. Some of the dominant plant species in this swamp include common papyrus, polita fig trees & wild palms.
You will return for lunch and transfer to Queen Elizabeth for an afternoon (sunset) game drive, where you can expect to view animals like elephants, buffaloes, lions, bush pigs, and antelope families, among others.
After your afternoon (sunset) game drive, you will check in at The Bush Lodge for dinner & your overnight stay.
The Bush Lodge forms an excellent base for your safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is built along ecological principals, the safari tents and bandas designed and spaced in such a way to maximize privacy and enhance the safari aspect of the lodge. Surrounded by Queen Elizabeth National Park and bordering the Kazinga channel, the lodge has a truly unique setting. Animals literary roam in and out the camp and sounds of hippo’s and hyena’s complement your star lit dinners.
Chimps tracking at Kibale is optional at an additional fee of $250.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water are included.
Early in the morning, you will set out for a game drive in the park. Queen Elizabeth's diverse ecosystem of grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop, provide excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephant, defassa waterbuck, Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck.
You will return for lunch, and later in the day, when the sun is high in the sky and the animals make their way to the river for a drink, you will head to Kazinga Channel for an exciting boat safari. You will spot more hippos today than you can imagine. Herds of elephants and buffalos will also wander to the shoreline to bathe in the cooling waters. It will be a wonderful experience.
You will go for a short sunset game drive and return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water are included.
On this day, you will wake up early & have your breakfast then go for morning (sunrise) Game drive at Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Instead of scanning your eyes across vast savannah grasslands, look up & you might find something lurking in the sycamore-fig trees.
After your Game drive, you will then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi where you can enjoy a scenic drive to view the beautiful and varied countryside. Lake Bunyonyi ("place of many little birds") is in southwestern Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, and it is close to Rwanda's border. Scientific literature generally quotes a maximum depth of 40 m (130 ft). Still, some tourist guides and locals insist it is much deeper at about 900 m (3,000 ft), making it the second-deepest lake in Africa.
After lunch, you will take a canoe/boat ride on the scenic Lake Bunyonyi. This lake is the only one where you can ride a canoe to visit all the 29 islands on this lake, including the floating island and Punishment Island, where young girls who got pregnant before marriage would be dumped & left to die.
You will check in to Itambira Island, Seeds of Hope Hotel (tree house cottages) or Bunyonyi Overland Resort (cottages) for your relaxation, dinner & overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water are included.
After an early breakfast, you will leave Lake Bunyonyi & drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Kabale Town. You will be welcomed into the park by various herds of zebra, buffalo, Eland, and antelope as they graze in the savannah grass.
You will arrive in the afternoon, have lunch & go for afternoon game drive where you will be assured of spotting Zebras, Buffalos, Impalas, Warthogs, Waterbucks among others. Also, when it comes to the birds, you will view the malachite kingfishers, African Fish eagles, blue headed weavers, Rufous long tailed starlings, Herons, pelicans, the rare shoebill as well as the cormorants.
After your afternoon game drive, you will check in to Hyena Hill Lodge for your relaxation, dinner & overnight stay.
Hyena Hill Lodge is located on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park close to Sanga gate. Hyena Hill Lodge has beautiful views of Lake Mburo National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + drinking water are included.
On this day, you will enjoy your last sunrise in this beautiful side of Uganda with a guided walk-in nature (walking safari with a guide) where you will spot Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi, Antelope, Cape buffaloes among others on close range. If the time and conditions allow, you will take the trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo National Park.
After your walking safari (guided walk-in nature), your guide will drive you across the beautiful sceneries back to Kampala or Entebbe or drop you off at Entebbe International Airport 3 hours before your departure time with a stopover at the equator for equator experience and photos moments.
Please make sure your flight departure is after 6 pm at the very earliest. For flights departing before 6 pm, you will need an extra night in Entebbe, which we can help arrange for you at an additional cost.
Please note: You can also choose an alternative departure route (at an additional cost), or fly to Entebbe.
Did we hit all the items on your travel bucket list for this safari? If not, don’t worry. We specialize in tailor-made tours and can customize this program to create your dream trip. Contact us to create your personalized program.
Breakfast, Lunch + drinking water are included.
Please note: Kindly, get in touch for a more detailed itinerary/quote. You can write to us through info@ecovictours.com, ecovictours@gmail.com, reservations@ecovictours.com or +256783089658 (Phone + Whatsapp).
Inclusive in this Package are:
- All Park entrance fees.
- White Rhinos Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Top of Murchison Falls Walk at Murchison Falls National Park.
- Morning, Afternoon & Sunset Game drives at Murchison Falls National Park.
- Boat safari on Delta River/Albert Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park.
- Guided walk in Nature at Amabere Caves, Nyakasura, Fort Portal Tourism city OR Guided walk in Nature at Crater Lakes & Plantations.
- Guided walk in Nature at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (KAFRED).
- Morning, Afternoon & Sunset Game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Boat/Canoe ride on the beautiful scenic Lake Bunyonyi.
- Morning, Afternoon & Sunset Game drives at Lake Mburo National Park.
- Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park.
- Equator Experience & Photo moments.
- Park Ranger.
- All en-route meals.
- Vehicle Park entry fees.
- All relevant Government Taxes.
- Full Board Accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full-time English-speaking Driver/Guide.
- Ground Transportation by a 4×4 Safari Van or Land Cruiser vehicle fully fuelled.
- Airport transfer.
- Bottled drinking water on all days en-route.
Exclusive in this package are;
- Chimps Tracking/Trekking at Kibale National Park optional at additional fee of $250 per person and OR at Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kalinzu Forest Reserve is optional at additional fee of $150 per person.
- Airfares (International Air tickets and airport taxes).
- Visa Fees.
- Personal Insurance.
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages), tips, laundry, telephone, tips, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
- Accommodation on your first night before the safari start & last night after the safari in Uganda.
- Any other items which are not included in the above itinerary.
FAQs
If this is your first time in Uganda or your first time on a safari, this packaging list below can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your safari. If you do forget a few things, don’t worry, you can buy them from the city here before you start your safari.
Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – Khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best if you dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.
- Rain poncho (lightweight).
- Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm.
- Long-sleeved shirts (light weight).
- Shorts.
- Long trousers.
- Underwear.
- Socks.
- Sleepwear.
- Travel towel.
- Waterproof trousers.
- Sturdy hiking boots or sandals.
- Sun hat.
- Sun glasses.
- T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change).
- Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept).
- Rain coat and rain trousers (during rainy season Mar – May and Oct – Dec).
- Valid passport.
- Yellow fever vaccination records/certificate.
- Uganda visa.
- Copy of flight itinerary.
- Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
- Personal medical/dental insurance cards.
- Credit card (Visa and Master cards are most widely accepted).
- Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2009 or later)
- Cameras & memory cards.
- Binoculars.
- Sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizers and wet wipes.
- Insect repellent and any necessary medications must be brought by you either from your home town or Kampala.
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc).
- Malaria tablets.
- Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
- Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc.
- Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket.
- Porters are available to hire if needed when going for Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees tracking.
- Walking sticks will also be provided when going for Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees to those who may need them
- Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packaging into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into vehicles.
- Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.
- Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/straighteners, expensive jewelry, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.
- If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry – on luggage, wallet and money belt just in case something happens to one of those carried items.
- Leave some space in your luggage for all the important souvenirs that you will probably buy. There are places where you can send packages home via DHL etc, however this can sometimes be an expensive option.
- Keep your voice down or be quiet & do not mimic.
- Don’t point or wave your arms because it can be a threat.
- If approached by gorillas, move backwards slowly to keep a 5m distance.
- Do not use the flash on the camera as this can cause gorillas to charge.
- Create with us your tailor-made travel experience & design your tour according to your individual needs! We’ll offer you the experience you are looking for & a trip that fits perfect with your requirements.
- Do you want to explore Uganda? You are right with us! Enjoy remarkable tours all over the pearl of Africa (Uganda). From wildlife safaris, conservation safaris & outdoor safaris adventures to community-based cultural experiences & city-tours.
- Find all our tour packages on www.ecovictours.com or https://www.africanconservation.org!
- Book now one of our most loved safari adventures or design your customized journey!
- Our goal is to make you happy with an adventure of a life time!
The following terms & conditions, which are subject to change without notice, apply to safari packages & touristic activities offered by & rates issued by Ecovic Tours & Travel Uganda. The given terms and accepted in full while making a reservation with the company.
Rates are;
Subject to change without prior notice.
Quoted in US dollars ($).
Subject to availability.
Quoted per person on double room or single room basis.
Inclusive of accommodation, stated activities, full board meal plan & all levies.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We have the following cancellation conditions:
Mountain Gorilla permits & Chimpanzees permits in Uganda (rules by Wildlife Authority!)
91 days before tracking/trekking
70% refund
90-46 days before tracking/trekking
50% refund
45- 9 days before tracking/trekking
25% refund
8-0 days before tracking/trekking
no refund
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda (rules by ORTPN Rwanda!)
30 days before tracking/trekking
80% refund
30 – 1 days before tracking/trekking
no refund
Our company cancellation conditions
- Cancellations more than 91 days and above to the safari date:
75% of the deposit will be refunded to the client & 25% retained by the company.
- Cancellations 46-90 days to the safari date:
50% of the deposit will be refunded to the client & 50% retained by the company.
- Cancellations between 8-45 days to the safari date:
25% of the deposit will be refunded to the client & 75% retained by the company.
- Cancellations between 0 – 8 days to the safari date:
No-Refund will be made to the client & 100% of the deposit retained by the company.
- Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Golden Monkeys Tracking Permits are refunded according to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) terms and conditions.
To reserve this wonderful safari with us, we kindly request you to make a deposit payment of only 20% of your total safari tour amount through bank wire transfer. The remaining balance of 80% is paid through bank wire transfer within 03 working days prior to arrival to Uganda to start your safari so that by the time you arrive, the money will already be credited to the bank account. OR alternatively, you can carry the remaining balance and pay in cash on arrival or on the day you will start your safari.
