Embark on an adventurous journey across Western Uganda, discovering crater lakes, tea plantations, wildlife trails, rhino tracking, powerful waterfalls, cultural interactions, mountain viewpoints and the healing Kitagata Hot Springs. This guided itinerary blends nature, adventure, culture and relaxation.
DAY 1: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
Travel Time: 6 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
07:00 AM: Your guide picks you up from Kampala and the journey begins along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, passing local trading centers and scenic rural communities.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience. Your ranger explains rhino behaviors, conservation efforts and the sanctuary’s vital role in reintroducing rhinos to Uganda.
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at the sanctuary restaurant.
01:30 PM: Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, driving through Nakasongola’s dry savannahs that slowly transition into lush riverine landscapes.
04:30 PM: Visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating the most powerful waterfall in the world The guide narrates the geology and myths behind this natural wonder.
06:00 PM: Proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive – Boat Cruise – Transfer to Fort Portal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
06:30 AM: Begin your early morning game drive across the northern savannah. The guide helps you spot elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hartebeests, Uganda kobs and a host of bird species as the sunrise lights up the plains.
10:00 AM: Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
02:00 PM: Enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile, drifting along the riverbanks filled with hippos, sunbathing crocodiles and abundant birdlife like the African fisheagle, african skimmers, whitethroatedbeeraters, kingfishers and nore. The guide interprets each sighting and the river’s ecological importance.
04:00 PM: Start your adventurous transfer to Fort Portal through Hoima and Kagadi, enjoying views of Albertine landscapes and endless countryside.
08:00 PM: Arrive in Fort Portal for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Fort Portal – Crater Lakes – Rwenzori Mountains – Kasese – Bushenyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
08:00 AM: After breakfast, begin a guided exploration of the crater lake region, where the guide explains the volcanic history that shaped the beautiful lakes such as Lake Nyinambuga, Lake Nyamirima and Lake Kigere.
11:00 AM: Continue toward the Rwenzori Mountains, stopping at major viewpoints to admire the snowcapped peaks on a clear day while the guide tells stories of the mountain communities.
01:00 PM: Have lunch in Kasese.
02:30 PM: Explore the Nyamwamba Valley or the Rwenzori Sculpture Park, discovering the culture and artistry of the Bakonzo people.
04:00 PM: Drive toward Bushenyi through tea estates and rolling hills.
05:30 PM: Check in at your Bushenyi hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Bushenyi – Kitagata Hot Springs – Mbarara City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner**
08:30 AM: Depart Bushenyi for the natural healing Kitagata Hot Springs.
09:30 AM: Arrive and enjoy a cultural and wellness experience as your guide explains the significance of “Mulago” and “Ekyomugabe” springs. You may relax by the streams or soak your feet as locals enjoy the therapeutic waters.
12:00 PM: Have lunch in Kitagata town.
01:00 PM: Drive to Mbarara through the adventurous valleys and wetlands, enriched by storytelling about Ankole culture.
03:00 PM: Arrive in Mbarara for a guided city tour through the Ankole Cultural Centre, Independence Park and local craft markets.
06:00 PM: Check in for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Mbarara – Lake Mburo Sightseeing – Equator – Return to Kampala
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
07:30 AM: Depart Mbarara toward the Lake Mburo region. As you pass near the park, the guide interprets the savannah plains, wildlife habitats and aquatic ecosystems supported by Lake Mburo’s calm waters.
10:30 AM: Continue to the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for a science demonstration, cultural shopping and memorable photo moments.
01:00 PM: Lunch at Kayabwe.
02:00 PM: Proceed to Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon with drop-off at your preferred location.
All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Accommodation for 4 nights
Park entry fees (Murchison Falls NP & other sites)
Rhino tracking fees at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Boat cruise on the Nile River
Daily meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
All activity fees mentioned in the itinerary
Government taxes and service charges
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, drinks, phone bills)
Medical expenses
Laundry services
Visa fees (if applicable)
Murchison Falls National Park:
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Murchison River Lodge
Sambiya River Lodge
Red Chilli
Fort Portal:
Nyaika Hotel
Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Kasese / Bushenyi:
Uhuru 50 Hotel
Enganzi Game Lodge
Valley of Apes Lodge
Mbarara:
Lake View Resort Hotel
Igongo Country Hotel
Western Meridian Hotel
Minimum age: 5 years
Rhino tracking minimum age: 6–12 years (depending on sanctuary guidelines)
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Always follow your guide’s instructions during all activities
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife at all times
Rhino tracking requires walking behind the ranger for protection
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and closed shoes
Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat
Avoid stepping into hot spring pools without guidance
Secure personal items during boat cruises
Do not feed or provoke animals
Follow all road safety guidelines and use seatbelts while driving