Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari and Murchison Falls National Park

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari and Murchison Falls National Park, This exciting tour takes travelers to two incredible destinations in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park, the largest protected area in the country, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where white rhinos are being conserved. This safari offers the rare opportunity to see all of Africa’s Big Five animals lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos in one trip.

Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 mammal species, 13 primate species, and more than 451 bird species. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in Nakasongola District, protects 26 mammal species and around 350 bird species. This combination tour can be organized to start at either destination, depending on the traveler’s itinerary and preferences.

White Rhino Tracking

Key Activities on This Tour

White Rhino Tracking

White rhino tracking is done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This unique experience lets visitors track the rhinos on foot while guided by trained and armed rangers. The rangers provide educational insights about the rhinos, their behaviors, and conservation efforts. Tourists can get as close as 6 meters to the rhinos and observe them feeding, playing, or resting in their natural habitat. Rhino tracking can be done either before or after visiting Murchison Falls, depending on your route.

Game Drives

Game drives take place in Murchison Falls National Park, mainly in the northern sector, where most of the wildlife is found. Visitors can opt for morning, afternoon, or night game drives. These drives offer a chance to see lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, baboons, and much more. With beautiful savannah landscapes and the River Nile cutting through the park, game drives here are both scenic and exciting.

Bird Watching

Bird lovers will enjoy spotting many bird species throughout the tour. While Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has several bird species visible during rhino tracking, Murchison Falls National Park is a premier birding destination in Uganda. The park features riverine, woodland, and savannah habitats ideal for birdlife. Common sightings include the shoebill stork, Senegal thick-knee, red-throated bee-eater, marabou stork, African jacana, giant kingfisher, and many others.

Boat Cruise

A boat cruise along the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the top highlights of this safari. The cruise typically begins at Paraa ferry and takes tourists either to the base of Murchison Falls or downriver to the Nile Delta. The trip provides up-close views of crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds. The bottom-of-the-falls cruise is especially popular, as it offers views of the thunderous waterfalls crashing through the narrow gorge.

Hike to the Top of the Falls

Adventurous travelers can hike to the top of Murchison Falls. This 45-minute guided walk provides incredible panoramic views of the Nile River forcing itself through a 7-meter-wide gorge before plunging down. It’s a breathtaking experience, and your guides will share fascinating facts about the waterfall and the surrounding environment along the way.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is another exciting activity offered as part of this tour, and it takes place in Budongo Forest, located close to Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest is home to habituated chimpanzees that can be visited during morning or evening treks. After a short briefing, tourists are led by armed ranger guides into the forest to track the chimps. The trek can take 1 to 4 hours, and once located, you spend one full hour observing the chimpanzees in their natural environment.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

These destinations are open to tourists all year, but the best time to go is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, there is little or no rainfall, making roads easier to navigate and offering clearer views of wildlife thanks to shorter and thinner vegetation.

Although the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November can still be good times to visit, they come with certain challenges. Heavy rains can make roads muddy and slippery, and thick vegetation can limit visibility of animals. However, this is also the best time for budget travelers, as accommodations are often discounted and the parks are less crowded.

How to Access Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The most convenient way to access these destinations is by road. From Kampala, it takes about 2 hours to reach Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary by driving through Luwero to Nakasongola, then branching off to the sanctuary.

Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed from Kampala through Luwero, Nakasongola, and either Masindi or Pakwach, depending on the chosen gate entry.

The roads are generally in good condition, especially during the dry season, and the drive is scenic with opportunities to see rural landscapes, small towns, and local markets. Travelers can either use private vehicles, tour company vans, or public transport followed by hired vehicles to reach the park.