Adventure, wildlife, birding, and culture with Openbill Safaris Uganda
Tour Overview
This 6-day safari offers a perfect mix of birding, adventure, culture, and wildlife. Track the Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp, enjoy white-water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja, explore Kampala’s cultural highlights, track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and experience Murchison Falls National Park with game drives, boat cruises, and a hike to the top of the falls.
Tour Highlights
- Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Swamp
- White water rafting & Source of the Nile in Jinja
- Full-day Kampala city tour: Kasubi Tombs, Baha’i Temple, Kabaka’s Palace, Gaddafi Mosque, cathedrals, markets
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Two days in Murchison Falls NP with game drives, boat cruise, and hike to top of falls
- Wildlife sightings: elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, hippos, crocodiles
- Bird watching and photography opportunities
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp
- Last guest arrives at Entebbe International Airport.
- Transfer to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill tracking on a motorized canoe. Spot the elusive shoebill and other wetland birds.
- Return to Entebbe for dinner & overnight.
Day 2: White Water Rafting & Source of the Nile – Jinja
- After breakfast, transfer to Jinja – East Africa’s adventure capital.
- Enjoy white water rafting on the Nile. Suitable for beginners and experienced rafters.
- Visit the Source of the Nile, enjoy a boat ride, and explore the scenic area.
- Optional evening activities: tubing, ziplining, or waterfalls visit.
- Dinner & overnight in Jinja.
Day 3: Kampala City Tour
- Drive to Kampala after breakfast.
- Visit major cultural and historical sites: Kasubi Tombs, Baha’i Temple, Kabaka’s Palace.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Gaddafi Mosque (panoramic views), Namirembe & Rubaga Cathedrals, Independence Monument, Owino & Nakasero Markets, walking tour of taxi parks.
- Dinner & overnight in Kampala.
Day 4: Ziwa Rhino Tracking – Transfer to Murchison Falls NP
- Early breakfast and drive north to Murchison Falls.
- Stop en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot, spotting Uganda’s only wild rhinos.
- Continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
- Dinner & first overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Game Drives, Boat Cruise & Hike
- Early morning game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and other wildlife.
- Lunch at lodge.
- Afternoon boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls; see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
- Short hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views.
- Dinner & second overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Entebbe – Departure
- Early morning game drive for last wildlife sightings.
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Drive back to Entebbe for departure via Entebbe International Airport.
Inclusions
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
✔ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
✔ Park entry fees
✔ Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Swamp
✔ White-water rafting in Jinja
✔ Kampala city tour & entry fees
✔ Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
✔ Game drives & boat cruise in Murchison Falls
✔ Bottled drinking water
Exclusions
✘ International flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Uganda entry visa
✘ Optional activities (ziplining, tubing, cultural shows)
✘ Tips, laundry, and personal expenses
