5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour

5 Days

Experience the wild heart of Uganda on this captivating 5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour, a perfect blend of rare bird encounters and classic savannah adventure. Your journey begins with an unforgettable search for the elusive shoebill at the tranquil Mabamba Swamp, where you glide through papyrus channels in a traditional canoe, guided by expert local trackers.

Continue to the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exhilarating on-foot rhino tracking experience—the only place in Uganda where you can see these magnificent creatures in the wild. Then venture into the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most scenic national park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge at the iconic Murchison Falls.

Enjoy guided game drives across vast savannah plains teeming with wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes, alongside a relaxing boat cruise along the Nile that brings you up close to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. This short yet action-packed safari promises stunning landscapes, thrilling encounters, and unforgettable moments in the Pearl of Africa.

As you conclude this 5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour, you'll have experienced Uganda's top wildlife highlights – shoebills, rhinos, Murchison's big game, and the power of the Nile's falls. From Mabamba's papyrus to Murchison's savannahs, this tour will leave you with epic memories of Uganda's wild side.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $1750 (Mid-Range Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

 1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People
Jan-April$2350$1750$1550$1450$1350$1250
May-August$2550$1950$1750$1650$1550$1450
Sept-Dec$2450$1850$1650$1550$1450$1350

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age0-2 years old3-6 years old7-10 years old11-13 years old14+ years old
Discount Rate100%65%50%15%0%

 

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Mid-Range Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • 1-90 years old
  • January - December
  • Entebbe International Airport
  • Entebbe International Airport

Why This Tour?

5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour

Get ready for Kubwa Five Safaris' 5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour adventure in Uganda targeting the iconic shoebill and Murchison Falls' wild highlights! Our 5-day tour starts tracking shoebills – one of Africa's weirdest birds – at Mabamba Swamp. Then head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. Explore Murchison Falls National Park with guided game drives spotting elephants, lions, and more, a boat ride on the Nile, and a thrilling Top of the Falls tour. Experience Uganda's wildlife and scenic beauty in this action-packed safari.

Uganda Tours

You will visit Mabamba Wetland, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most captivating landscapes on this 5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour, where each day unfolds with a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty.

Your experience begins with an early morning transfer to the serene wetlands of Mabamba Swamp, a birding paradise along the shores of Lake Victoria. As the sun rises, you set out in a traditional wooden canoe, gliding quietly through narrow channels lined with papyrus. Here, anticipation builds as expert local guides help you track the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill. The moment you spot this elusive giant standing motionless in the marsh is nothing short of magical, complemented by sightings of other wetland bird species that make this a truly rewarding start to your safari.

From the wetlands, your journey continues northwards to the remarkable Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam. After a briefing, you head out on foot with experienced rangers for a guided rhino tracking adventure. Walking safely through the bush and coming face-to-face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is both thrilling and humbling—an experience that reconnects you deeply with nature and conservation efforts in Uganda.

The adventure intensifies as you proceed to the vast wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Upon arrival, you are greeted by sweeping savannah plains dotted with acacia trees and an abundance of wildlife. One of the highlights here is the visit to the top of the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging powerfully below. The thunderous roar, misty spray, and breathtaking views create a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

Your days in the park are filled with exhilarating guided game drives across the northern sector, where wildlife sightings are rich and diverse. Keep your camera ready as you traverse the golden plains in search of elephants, lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Each drive offers a new perspective of the park’s beauty, with changing light and landscapes enhancing every moment.

A boat safari along the Nile River adds yet another dimension to your adventure. As you cruise upstream toward the base of the falls, you encounter large pods of hippos basking in the water, Nile crocodiles sunning themselves along the banks, and an array of birdlife including kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles. The boat ride not only provides incredible wildlife viewing but also offers a unique vantage point of the falls from below, completing the circle of this remarkable natural wonder.

As your journey draws to a close, you carry with you vivid memories of Uganda’s rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and rare wildlife encounters. This 5-Day Mid-Range Shoebill & Murchison Thrilling Tour experience is more than just a safari—it is a deeply immersive exploration of the Pearl of Africa, blending tranquility, excitement, and unforgettable moments into one seamless adventure.

Highlights

  • Shoebill Watching
  • Rhino Tracking
  • Birding
  • Game Drives
  • Boat Cruise

Tour Plan

  • Day
    01

    Arrival In Uganda | Transfer To Hotel In Entebbe

    On arrival in Uganda, you will be welcomed and picked up by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Entebbe International Airport.

    You will then be transferred to your hotel where you will check in and do some relaxing for the rest of the day to wear off the jet lag.

    Meals and overnight at The Boma Entebbe/ Papyrus Guest House/ Karibu Entebbe.

  • Day
    02

    Transfer To Mabamba Swamp | Shoebill Watching | Transfer Back To The Hotel

    After breakfast, you will check out and take to Mabamba Island for shoebill watching.

    A marshy bay on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp provides refuge to more than 300 bird species, most famously a rare population of the enigmatic shoebill.

    The only way to explore this Ramsar wetland is on a guided boat trip offered by the well organized community project based on its edge.

    After shoebill watching, you will be driven back to your hotel.

    Meals and overnight at The Boma Entebbe/ Papyrus Guest House/ Karibu Entebbe.

  • Day
    03

    Travel To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Rhino Tracking | Travel To Murchison Falls National Park | Top Of Falls | Hiking | Game Drive

    After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide and transferred to Murchison Falls National Park.

    On your way to Murchison Falls National Park, you will branch off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking; this activity is truly one of a kind in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.

    After the rhino tracking, you will be driven to Murchison Falls National Park.

    Your first tourist attraction in the park is the top of the falls, which are the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world . It is a breathtaking experience that brings you very close to these magnificent falls, where the Nile forces its way through a gorge in the rocks and tumbles 43m below flowing westwards into Lake Albert.  The resulting mist from the turbulence often produces rainbows.

    Murchison, Top of the falls

    After seeing the top of the falls, if time allows, you will enjoy a hiking experience from the top to the bottom of the falls and thereafter en-route to your lodge, go for a short evening game drive.

    Meals and overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Fort Murchison/ Sambiya River Lodge.

  • Day
    04

    Morning Game Drive | Boat Cruise | Birding | Evening Game Drive

    After breakfast, you will set off very early in the morning for a morning game drive. You will be able to see various animals like lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, elephants among others.
    Other activities in this game drive include bird watching and sightseeing across the open savannah, dotted woodland, and riverine vegetation along the Nile and Albert deltas.

    32 Day Thrilling African Mid-Range Safari

    After the morning game drive, you will go to the lodge to relax and have lunch.

    After lunch, you will embark (between 2pm and 4pm) on a three-hour boat cruise on the Nile. This boat cruise offers an amazing view of the falls from the bottom. Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and aquatic birds can be seen along the shores of the river.

    Boat ride in Akagera National Park

    In the evening, you will head out for an evening game drive.

    Meals and overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Fort Murchison/ Sambiya River Lodge.

  • Day
    05

    The Last Day With Us | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

    After having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

    All good things must come to an end, and your time with us on safari in Uganda will now draw to a close. We're sure that you've had a wonderful time.

Inclusions

  • Services of an expert guide
  • Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
  • Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
  • Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Accommodation

Throughout this exciting journey, you will be accommodated in a variety of accommodations.

The accommodation is appropriate and will be determined by your budget. Kubwa Five Safaris offers the best service at every level. Kubwa Five Safaris reserves the right to substitute comparable or superior accommodations. If an equivalent standard hotel is not available, Kubwa Five Safaris may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest a superior for an additional fee. Hotels and lodges provide free Wi-Fi.

Please see the list below for more information on the safari lodges in each national park/destination included in this tour package.

How to Get There

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Entebbe International Airport.

Kubwa Five Safaris will cater for your Airport/Hotel transfers i.e pick-ups and drop-offs provided they are to happen within your safari days with us.

Visa Applications

Please write to us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

2. What should I pack for this 5-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

3. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes, it is.

4. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

5. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

6. How physically demanding is the safari?

This safari requires moderate physical fitness.

7. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

8. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

9. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

10. Why You Should Visit Uganda?

  • Uganda

Uganda is known as "The Pearl of Africa" with good cause. It is one of the few places in the world where you may enjoy safaris, mountains, forests, rivers, and rich culture all in one trip.

It is one of just three nations where you can journey to observe wild mountain gorillas, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meeting these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.

The Nile River's source is in Uganda! Jinja, Africa's adventure capital, offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and relaxing sunset cruises.

11. Frequently Asked Question about Uganda

  1. When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Uganda is accessible at any time of year. Mountain gorilla trekking is on most tourists’ bucket lists, and permits are available all year.

Uganda is a tropical country that receives a lot of rain. The wettest months are March to May, which can make travel difficult. During the Wet Season some roads become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate.

The dry season months of June to August and December to February provide the best travel conditions, and are also ideal for Ugandan gorilla trekking. The dry season months are also ideal for general wildlife viewing in savannah reserves because animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making spotting easier.

2. How are the wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda?

Uganda is home to some of the best wilderness areas on the African continent. Uganda unquestionably has some of the best and most beautiful wildlife in the world.

Uganda has a diverse wildlife population and is home to the big five game animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are the best places in Uganda to see wildlife.

A wildlife viewing experience in Uganda is well worth your time and money, and it will leave you with lasting memories. Uganda, unspoiled and raw, offers a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Uganda is endowed with numerous natural and cultural wonders that are largely unknown to the general public. Uganda is still relatively unknown, with the majority of tourists interviewed stating that this was their first visit and promising to return with their friends. With an astounding number of hippos, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, gorillas, chimps, giraffes, buffalos, and other animals thriving in Uganda’s national parks, Uganda is undeniably endowed.

Uganda is home to over 350 different species of mammals of various sizes. They include large mammals such as gorillas, rhinos, hippos, chimps, buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs, as well as small mammals such as bats, moles, and shrews. These mammals are classified into three groups: primates (gorillas, chimps, monkeys, and others), carnivores (leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, and others), and herbivores (Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes and more).

3. Is Uganda safe for tourists?

When traveling to urban areas, travelers should take the usual precautions for their safety and try to avoid traveling at night. Petty crime is a problem in urban areas, just as it is in all poor countries. Each national park is equipped with security personnel in order to guarantee the tourists’ well-being.